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Join in the holiday fun by taking part in one of our fun filled events.
Our activities give your child and their brothers or sisters the opportunity to try something new. They can make new friends, be creative, or be active learning new skills from sports coaches and artists. Children can take part at their own pace and own skill level. There are quiet spaces provided for those who need it during the sessions.
Places must be booked in advance. Unless otherwise stated, events cost £7.50 per child for 2/3 hours, £10 for 4 hours and £12.60 for 5 hours or more. There is a 20% subsidy for those on income-based benefits. Refunds can only be made if you cancel more than two weeks before an event, or if we have to cancel an event.
Artz+ Sportz+ 20th Birthday Party
Monday 19 AugustFrom 10am to 3pm
Wheelchair accessible
The Orangery Suite, Merley House Lane, Wimborne, BH21 3AA
Join us in this beautiful walled garden to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Indoor and marquee space too.
There will be:
- drop-in craft with Houseworks
- carnival crafts with Sarah Butterworth
- music and a disco
- storytelling
- music activities
- giant garden games
- sports activities
- refreshments
- delicious free pizzas from Dorset Pizza Kitchen
See a Show: Myths & Monsters
Friday 26 July
From 1:45pm to 3:15pm, the show starts at 2pm
5 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Broadmayne Village Hall, Cowleaze Road, Broadmayne, DT2 8EW
Where can you find a creature that is half eagle and half lion? Or one that is half horse and half fish? Wait, that is impossible, or is it? Not in the crazy, magical world of ancient Greek stories, it's not! We are taking a group to see Squashbox Theatre's summer show; a quirky and ingenious blend of puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy. Children will be supported by our team. This is an Artsreach performance and part of their summer programme (artsreach.co.uk).
Bounce & Sportz Sensory
Monday 29 July
9:30am to 12 noon OR 12:30pm to 3pm (please state preference)
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
YMCA, Sawmills Lane, Dorchester, DT1 2RZ
Join us for games and sports activities in the centre’s gymnastics hall. You’ll love the floor trampoline and the opportunity to practise new skills with coach Andrea Dabbs, who many will know from our team.
On the ropes
Tuesday 30 July
From 10am to 1pm
7 to 18 years
Brenscombe Outdoor Centre Ropes Course, opposite entrance to Burnbake Campsite, Rempstone, Corfe Castle, BH20 5JH
This amazing high and low ropes course has something for everyone. Our two instructors will ensure that everyone, no matter their ability or confidence level, has exactly the right challenge. Climb, clamber and swing in this lovely forest setting. Bring lunch.
Into the Woods
Wednesday 31 JulyFrom 1:30pm to 4:30pm
5 to 16 years
Poole Forest School, Old Wareham Road, Beacon Hill, Corfe Mullen, BH21 3RZ
Join us in the woods for an afternoon of nature craft activities, tool work, den building and woodland play. Enjoy a campfire snack too.
Swim & Sportz
Friday 2 August
12 noon to 3pm, pool session 2pm to 3pm
7 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Bridport Leisure Centre, Brewery Fields, Bridport, DT6 5LN
Enjoy an active afternoon of bouncy castle and games. After a break, head to the pool for some splish splash fun with floats, woggles and balls.
Day at Carey: Dens, Low Ropes & Tunnels
Monday 5 August
From 10am to 3pm
5 to 16 years
Carey Outdoor Education Centre, Carey Road, Wareham, BH20 7PB
Build dens, create pictures and sculptures using natural materials and learn how to light and extinguish a campfire safely. Traverse the centre’s low ropes course and puzzle your way through the tunnels too.
Lunch available at £9.70 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
Woodland Wonders
Tuesday 6 August
From 10am to 1pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Bryanston Prep, Durweston, DT11 0PY
Join Forest School leader Dawn the Dove for a morning of craft activities, games, exploration and woodland play at this lovely site. Learn how to light and extinguish a fire safely and enjoy cooking a campfire snack. Bring lunch.
Sportz & Music Sensory
Wednesday 7 August
From 10am to 1pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Mountjoy School, Tunnel Road, Beaminster, DT8 3HB
Those talented musicians from Babigloo will deftly draw out your musical talent in a uniquely flexible and interactive way. Dip in and out of soft play, sports activities and games too. Lots of space to explore including the sensory room. Bring lunch.
Visit to Echo Fest: Art & Music Festival
Thursday 8 August
From 1pm to 5pm
11 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Carey Outdoor Education Centre, Carey Road, Wareham, BH20 7PB
It's festival time and this one will be a highlight of the summer! We will be meeting you there and attending as a group supported by our team.
The festival will feature art and music workshops, performances, local bands, sport activities and street food. It is part of Dorset Council's Summer in Dorset programme and there will be lots of young people there who access this project. Expect a busy, lively atmosphere but we will have our own yurt to use as our base.
Free event for all participants. Please tell us your HAF code if you have one.
Street Art: Junk Modelling & Games
Friday 9 August
From 10am to 12:30pm
5 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Wyke Regis Village Hall, All Saints' Road, Weymouth, DT4 9EZ
Help create a street of dreams by designing and making your own unique and colourful house from recycled materials. Dream big with artist Jo Burlington from Oops Wow Messy Art. There are sports activities and games too.
Artz & Bounce Sensory
Friday 9 August
From 1pm to 3:30pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Wyke Regis Village Hall, All Saints' Road, Weymouth, DT4 9EZ
Bouncy castle, soft play, games and craft activities with Jo Burlington from Oops Wow Messy Art.
Wild in the Woods
Monday 12 August
From 10am to 2pm
5 to 16 years
Child in the Wild Forest School, Owermoigne (Drop off/meet location supplied on booking)
Join us in this lovely woodland setting for den building, exploration, and nature-inspired games and craft. End the session with a campfire snack. The site has a very smart composting loo. Bring lunch.
Trampolining, Indoor Archery & Boccia
Wheelchair accessible - please ask about arrangements
Tuesday 13 August
From 10am to 1pm
5 to 16 years
Sturfit, Honeymead Lane, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1EW
Pick up some new moves with some expert coaching on the trampoline and practice accuracy and co-ordination in archery, boccia and other target games. Bring lunch.
Climbing & Tunnels
Wed 14 August
9.30am to 12.30pm
7 to 16 years
Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, Knightsdale Road, Weymouth, DT4 OHS
Tackle the centre's climbing wall with the help of the centre's instructors and squish, wriggle and slide through the caving tunnels.
Let's Get Loud: Sportz, Crafts & Games
Thursday 15 August
From 10am to 2pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
The Hamworthy Club. Magna Road. Canford Magna, BH21 3AL
Those fun-loving leaders from Let's Get Loud have a fantastic day planned for us. There will be sports activities, such as handball, dodgeball, tug of war and racquet sports. Time to relax too with craft activities, as well as lego.
Lunch available at £6 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
Swim & Yoga Chill Sensory
Friday 16 August
From 10am to 2pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Prince of Wales School, Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, DT1 2HH
Enjoy swimming, soft play and the sensory room in this safe and fun environment. Chill with Hollie Barber from Rainbeau Kids who will lead us in some yoga-based movement and relaxation.
Lunch available at £7 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
Paddleboarding & Giant SUP
Tuesday 20 August
From 9:30am to 12.30pm OR 1:30pm to 4:30pm (please state preference)
7 to 16 years
Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, Knightsdale Road, Weymouth DT4 OHS
Head to the beach to practise balancing on your own paddle board. Friendly coaching for all, including complete beginners. There will be alternative centre-based activities including climbing if weather is unsuitable. Wetsuits and safety helmets provided.
Bounce & Sportz Sensory
Wednesday 21 August
From 1:30pm to 4:30pm
5 to 16 years
Sturminster Marshall Hall, Churchill Close,
Sturminster Marshall, Wimborne, BH21 4BQ
Bouncy castle fun with soft play and games. An active morning with the chance to dip in and out of activities and with plenty of space to explore.
All-Dayer
Thursday 22 August
From 10am to 3pm
Book for full day (bring lunch) or half day only
5 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible
Willowbed Hall, Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth, DT3 4AJ
Animal Magic: Mask Making
10am to 12:30pm
Create a paper animal mask you can wear, or put on your wall. Artist, Sarah Butterworth will show you a range of mask making techniques, including printing, collage, colouring in and painting. Our team will be on hand to support, where needed. Dress for mess.
Indoor archery, skittles & target games
1pm to 3pm
Try your hand at archery, skittles and target games and improve your accuracy and co-ordination with the help of our expert coaches and support of our team.
Year of the Dragon
A feast of cooking, craft, storytelling, and yogaFriday 23 August
From 10 to 3pm
For ages 5 to 18 years
Walford Mill, Stone Lane, Wimborne Minster BH21 1NL
We have 10 supported spaces for Artz+ children on this fabulous fun day making clay dragons with Sarah Redmond Fareham, listening to stories of dragons and heroes with Dave Oliver from Rattlebox Theatre, making dragon food with the Chef of Little Pickle Restaurant and opportunity to relax, stretch and have calm time outside with Clary Hughes our yoga Tutor
This is a joint Artz+ and HAF event, the Artz+ children will work together throughout the day and stay in this group.
Lunch is included this will be delicious chicken of veggie fajita’s prepared by the Little Pickle Café at Walford Mill followed by Brownies and ice cream. Activities will take place inside and outside under cover.
This event will suit children who enjoy arts and crafts, the site is accessible
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code
Cost £15
Festival Fish, Bouncy Castle & Games
Tuesday 27 August
From 10am to 2pm
5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible
Littlemoor Youth and Community Centre, Louviers Road, Weymouth, DT3 6AY
Join the friendly and creative leaders from Houseworks who will show you how to make some fabulous fish and waves to celebrate Dorset's beautiful coastline. Need to let off some steam? There will be a bouncy castle and some sports activities and games too. Outdoors or indoors if weather is unsuitable.
Lunch available at £6 extra cost or bring a packed lunch.
Event and lunch free for children who book with a HAF code.
RiversMeet Day Camp: Swimming, Sports & Craft
Wednesday 28 August
From 10am to 2pm, swimming 1pm to 2pm
7 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible - please ask about arrangements
RiversMeet Leisure Centre, Hardings Lane, Gillingham SP8 4HX
Centre coaches will lead us in an exciting mix of swimming, sports activities and crafts.
Lunch available in the centre's cafe at £6 extra cost or bring a packed lunch. Event and lunch are free for those who book with a HAF code.
20th Anniversary Saturday Artz Workshops
Carnival Creatures with Emerald Ant
Saturdays:
3 August
10 August
17 August
24 August
From 10am to 12:30pm
Age 5 to 18 years
St Francis Church, Merredin Close, Littlemoor, Weymouth, DT3 6SJ
Book for one, some or all sessions
For our very first series of Saturday Artz workshops, local artist, Sarah Butterworth of Emerald Ant, will be working with you to create the most fantastical carnival creatures as well as festival style props such as hats, flags, lanterns and banners. Join one or more of the workshops and really get your creativity flowing. Support available from our team. Parents and siblings welcome to stay and get involved. Our plan is to show off our work by joining the B-Side Arts Festival parade taking place (date) in Portland.
How to book
We take bookings by email to: leisurewdwp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Please book a month in advance of the event where possible.Your places will be confirmed by email after the team have met to allocate places to each child.
Please note due to high demand for places, you may not always get all the activities you request. All children will be offered at least one activity per holiday. This will be more in the six-week holidays.
Parents are requested to stay for the child’s first session. This is so your child can get to know the team and to feel comfortable in this new environment. This also gives the staff the chance to get to know your child. It helps them to understand their needs for support in their next session.
Places must be booked in advance. Unless otherwise stated, events cost £7.50 per child for 2/3 hours, £10 for 4 hours and £12.60 for 5 hours or more. There is a 20% subsidy for those on income-based benefits. Refunds can only be made if you cancel more than two weeks before an event, or if we have to cancel an event.