How to book

You need to email leisure@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to book places in advance. You need to state your:

  • name
  • address
  • telephone number
  • chosen workshop/s
  • number of spaces
  • child name/s

Bookings close on Wednesday 7 May and allocation will take place on Thursday 8 May 2025. 

After allocation, any remaining spare places will be advertised on our Artz + Sportz+ Facebook page.

Due to high demand for places, you may not always get all the activities you request. We will offer all children at least one activity per holiday. This will be more in the 6-week holidays. We will confirm places by email after we have places for each child.

Unless otherwise stated, events cost £7.65 per child for 2/3 hours, £10.20 for 4 hours and £12.85 for 5 hours or more. There is a 20% subsidy for those on income-based benefits.

Advertised Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) events are free to families with a HAF code. 

Any HAF activities where a hot meal will be available, families who are not eligible for a HAF code the hot meal will cost £5. You will be given an order form and a choice to opt out of the hot meal.

We will refund you if:

  • you cancel more than 2 weeks before an event
  • if we have to cancel an event

Parents need 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. You will be allocated a support worker at this first session.

Trampolining, mini-athletics and games with Action Van


Tuesday 29 October
From 10am to 1pm
Age: 7 to 18 years
Wheelchair accessible

Sturfit
Sports Hall
3 Honeymead Lane
Sturminster Newton
DT10 1EW

Practice your trampoline skills with coach Andrea Dabbs. Challenge yourself on our fun mini athletics course, parachute games and other favourite games with the Action Van team.

a girl juming on a trampoline.

Den building, nature activities and campfire

Thursday 31 October
From 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to16 years

Leeson House
Field Studies Centre
Langton Matravers
Swanage
BH19 3EU

Explore the natural world in the lovely grounds of Leeson House with Dorset Council Tutor Matthew Smith. You will be able to have a go at making a den, pond dipping, orienteering creating some natural art and to join in around the campfire where you will learn fire lighting.

Children outdoor activities.

All-Dayer


Friday 1 November

Book for full day (bring lunch) or half day only
All day: 10am from 3pm
Half day: 10am to 12:30pm

Age: 5 to 16 years
Wheelchair accessible

Bridport Youth and Community Centre
Gundry Lane
Bridport
DT6 3RL

Dancing puppets

From 10am to 12:30pm.
 

Design and make your own mouth moving puppet with artist Holly Miller. Our team will be on hand to give you any help you need.

Bouncy castle and target games

From 1pm to 3pm. 
 

Enjoy an active afternoon having a go at boccia and indoor archery as well as having fun on the bouncy castle with Action Van.

A boy holding a bow and arrow.
Children playing in the bouncy castle.

Child in the Wild, ‘The Great Eggscape!’


Date: Monday 7 April 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Not wheelchair accessible

Back due to demand. Join the Forest School Leaders for some Easter themed fun. With our support workers you will play in a woodland setting, working with tools and building dens. Take part in an Easter Scavenger hunt, enjoy a snack and hot cross buns toasted on the campfire and enjoy some outdoor Springtime nature crafts and activities. Come dressed for the outdoors and bring lunch.

Child in the Wild Forest School
Owermoigne
Dorset
DT2 8HY
What 3 Words: Vitamins riverbank overnight
child partaking in activities in the woods

Mexico Mission with Brave Bold Theatre

Date: Tuesday 8 April 2025
Arrival time: 1pm
Show time: 1:15pm to 3pm with interval 2pm to 2:15pm
Workshop time: 3:10pm to 4pm
Age: 7 to 18 years
Cost: Show only is £4.65 per child. Special offer, bring a sibling for free to the show. Booking essential.
Show and workshop is £7.65 per child.
Wheelchair accessible

Join us for fun live interactive theatre full of adventure, intrigue, and mind-bending plot twists. It will be a very relaxed performance catering for children with SEND with 1:1 support available with the Artz+ team and you can bring a sibling for free to the show. For parents who would like to stay they are welcome to stay and enjoy the show at no cost. 

After the show there will be an additional workshop, where we have 16 places available, so booking is essential. In the workshop you will be invited to get involved and investigate an art forgery case and try to crack the case. 

During the interval and before the workshop our Artz+ staff will organise some fun outdoor games to run off energy. Free parking and drop off. 

Dorchester Youth Association
Lubbecke Way
Dorchester
DT1 1QL
art workshop taking place with children

Felt bunnies, basketweaving, bouncy castle, and soft play fun with Houseworks

Date: Wednesday 9 April 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Cost: £10.20
Wheelchair accessible

Unleash your creativity and make some amazing crafts to take home. Jump, bounce and have a blast on our bouncy castle and enjoy a safe and fun soft play area designed just for you.

This event is part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for children with SEND, ensuring a day full of joy and laughter where you can be arty, play and make new friends. Hot meal available. 

Littlemoor Youth and Community Centre
Louviers Rd
Weymouth
DT3 6AY

image of needlefelt in the shape of bunnies

Mini farmer for a day at Flowerdew Farm

Date: Thursday 10 April 
Time: 10am to 1pm 
Age: 5 to 17 years
Cost: £7.65
Wheelchair accessible

Be a mini farmer today where you will meet and greet the animals, learning about the alpacas and goats. The farm staff will show you how to feed them and together in groups you will feed and water the animals. Make a scarecrow and have a go at ‘Welly Wanging’. Bring a packed lunch and we will picnic around a log fire with marshmallows on sticks and picnic games.

Flowerdew Farm
Hazel Lane
Puncknowle
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 9BU

children with an alpaca

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Musical presented by WOW

Matinee performance

Date: Saturday 12 April 
Time: arrive at 1:30pm for 2pm performance, until 4pm with pick up at 4:15pm
Age: 5 to 18 years 
Cost: £10.50 which includes cost of ice cream
2 Wheelchair spaces available

We have 16 subsidised tickets available for children to be supported by Artz+ Staff to step into the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as WOW brings Roald Dahl’s classic tale to life on the Weymouth Pavilion stage.

During the interval, staff will support our children as they enjoy an ice cream and drink.

Featuring a fantastic mix of original songs like “The Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” and “Pure Imagination”, this show will be great fun for all ages and a magical Easter treat.

WOW is an award-winning youth theatre company based in Weymouth. 

Weymouth Pavilion
Esplanade
Weymouth
DT4 8ED 

charlie and chocolate factory poster
cast of charlie and chocolate factory

Street Arts, Street Dance and DJing event


Date: Monday 14 April
Morning session: Junior crew
Time: 9:30am to 12:45pm
Age: 5 to 11 years
Afternoon Session: Senior crew
Time: 1:30pm to 5pm
Age: 12 to 17 years
Price: £10.20 per child for those not on Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme plus £5 for a hot meal.
Siblings are welcome to join in the fun.
Wheelchair accessible

Do you dream of being a Street Dancer, DJ, or Street Artist? Now’s your chance to make it happen. Artz+ Sportz+ is teaming up with the Activate Performing Arts Remix Crew to bring you action-packed taster sessions with three different Artists this Easter holiday.

Get ready to Spin the decks with Dorchester’s very own Vinyl Van, bust epic dance moves with award-winning choreographer Isaac Farmer and create a street art masterpiece in hands on street art sessions. Your support worker will be there to ensure you have all the help you require. 

What to bring: A drink, some lunch, and a bag full of energy. 

You can read more about Activate’s Remix and Premix by visiting The Remix & The Premix - Activate.
 
Bay Studios
Weymouth College
Cranford Avenue
Weymouth
DT4 7LQ

Credit Brent Jones photos and Jayne Jackson
dj session taking place
Street dance session taking place

Sensory day at Prince of Wales School

Date: Thursday 17 April 
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to 17 years 
Cost: £7.65
Wheelchair accessible

Experience three hours of fun with our Artz+ team at our sensory day. Children can enjoy a range of activities including free play, engaging games, soft play area, a sensory room, and swimming. It is the perfect opportunity for children to explore and have a great time. Bring packed lunch.

Prince of Wales School
Maiden Castle Rd
Dorchester
DT1 2HH 
Image of a sensory session taking place

Family activity day

Date: Monday 26 May
Time: 10am to 2pm
Free and no booking required. 

In partnership with Diverse Abilities, Artz+ Sportz+ and Activate will be holding an amazing family day for children under 18 years old with disabilities, and their siblings, with access to:
  • indoor soft play
  • out door play area
  • water play area
  • trampolines
  • dance artist workshop
  • theatre show
  • Action Van
Bring a picnic, refreshments available.

Family Fun Day at The Treehouse
Merrytown Lane
Hurn
Christchurch
BH23 6DT
An indoor playground with a yellow slide, colorful flags, and various climbing structures.

Rock Hop at Tout Quarry

Date: Tuesday 27 May
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Age: 8 to 18 years 
Cost: £26.77 (discount for those receiving Universal Credit)

Explore Tout Quarry sculpture park in Portland, where you will climb on, under, over and through things. Guided by expert instructors, you and your group will be helped to navigate the Portland stone art installations and explore the quarry. Everyone will need to wear a climbing helmet, which will be provided. Meet at Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, the bus journey to the Quarry will be about 20 minutes.

Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre
Knightsbridge Road
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 0HS
A child wearing a blue helmet and black jacket crawls through a hole in a rock formation at a sculpture park.

TEENZ event - Coastal Explorer RIB Ride

Date: Wednesday 28 May
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Age: 13 to 18 years 
Meet at West Bay, details provided on booking

Take an exciting ride in a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with Lyme Bay RIB Charters along the coast from West Bay to Lyme Regis. Enjoy time on the beach in Lyme Regis before heading back along the Jurassic Coast, keeping a watch out for wildlife!  Social time over soft drinks/
ice creams in West Bay to finish.

Please note: This activity is subject to weather conditions
 
A group of people ride in a black inflatable boat on calm water with a rocky coastline and cliffs in the background under a clear blue sky.

Bounce, Sportz and Swim sensory 

Date: Thursday 29 May
Time: 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to 16 years 
Wheelchair accessible

Join us for games and sports fun, with trampolining, bouncy castle, soft play, sensory toys and Didi cars, followed by a fun session in the pool.

Purbeck Sports Centre
Worgret Road
Wareham
BH20 4PH
 
Young child swimming

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).

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 July
From 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.

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.

Kayaking SUP fun

Date: Friday 30 May
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Age: 6 to 18 years 

A fun-filled dual watersports session where you will be using sit on kayaks and paddle boards (SUP's) in the sheltered waters of the Sailing Academy.

During your session, you will learn and develop your paddling skills, switching between kayaks and paddle boards at the halfway point of your session. Then take a short, guided trip with our fully qualified instructors on the beautiful waters of Portland Harbour.

No previous experience is necessary, your instructors will teach you everything you need to know and guide you throughout your session. 

Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy
Portland
DT5 1SA

A group of people kayaking in the sea.
People paddleboarding near a rocky shoreline under a partly cloudy sky.

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.

Saturday camp

For children who are disabled or awaiting diagnosis. 1:1 support is available. 
Date: 7, 14 and 21 May
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Age: 5 to 18 years 
Cost: £26.77 (20% discount for those receiving Universal Credit)

Join us for:
  • soft play
  • swimming
  • chill zone
  • fun and games
Email leisure@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to book a place. The closing date for bookings is 21 May and you will receive confirmation of your place by 22 May. 

Prince of Wales School
Dorchester
Maiden Castle road
DT1 2HH
Children climbing on a climbing wall

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.

Artz+ Sportz+ is funded by Short Breaks funding and organised by Dorset Council Cultural Services.

Join the Artz+ Sportz+ steering group

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Artz+ Sportz+? We need your voice.

What’s the Steering Group?

Our quarterly Steering Group brings together Parent representatives and the Artz+ Team to brainstorm and enhance our services. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make an impact.

We need you.

We’re on the lookout for two enthusiastic parents to join our team. Your commitment? Just four meetings a year, scheduled to fit around your busy life.
 
Next Meeting: 6 June
Location: Dorchester
Interested? For more information, email Tracy Cooper at tracy.cooper@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Join us on Facebook

Keep up to date on news and events. Search for Artz+ Sportz+ and “like” the page to receive updates and to keep in touch with us. 

Stay updated

Join our mailing list by sending your name, address and email address to Artz+ Sportz+, Leisure Services, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester. DT1 1XJ, or email leisure@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.