How to book
You need to email leisureWDWP@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to book places in advance. You need to state your name, address, telephone number, chosen workshop/s, number of spaces and child name/s. Bookings close on Wednesday 12 March and allocation will take place on Thursday 13 March 2025.
After allocation, any remaining spare places will be advertised on www.facebook.com/ArtzSportz
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 £7.50 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poole Forest School
Old Wareham Rd
Beacon Hill
Corfe Mullen
BH21 3RZ
Mexico Mission with Brave Bold Theatre
Date: Tuesday 8 April 2025Arrival 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
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
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
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
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.
Weymouth College
Cranford Avenue
Weymouth
DT4 7LQ
Credit Brent Jones photos and Jayne Jackson
Sensory day
Date: Wednesday 16 AprilTime: 10am to 1pm
Age: 5 to 17 years
Cost: £7.65
Wheelchair accessible
Join us for three hours of non-stop fun with the Artz+ and Action Van team. Children can enjoy a bouncy castle, swimming in the therapy pool, games, music, and soft play. This activity is perfect for kids who love unstructured play and want to explore a variety of activities. Bring a packed lunch and mid-morning snack.
Stour Connect
Stour View Close
Sturminster Newton
DT10 1JF
Sensory day at Prince of Wales School
Date: Thursday 17 AprilTime: 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
Save the date
Short breaks live
Bank holiday Monday, 26 MayIn partnership with Diverse Abilities and Dorset Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), we will be holding an amazing family fun day at the Treehouse, with Indoor Play, DJ Workshop, Artist’s Workshop, Outdoor Play area, Go Carts, and Action Van activities.
Bring a picnic, refreshments available.
Free entry, just turn up, no pre-booking necessary.
Family Fun Day at The Treehouse
Merrytown Lane
Hurn
Christchurch
BH23 6DT
Other Short Breaks opportunities in Dorset
REMIX Easter Workshop
Get Ready to Shine at Street in the Park.
The date is set, the stage is waiting, and we’re calling all performers ready to show off their skills.
This Easter, Activate Performing Arts is hosting electrifying workshops in Street dance, DJing, and visuals, and guess what? Everyone who takes part gets the chance to perform live at the Street in the Park event on 10 May.
Workshop Details:
Location: Weymouth College
Dates: 15, 16, & 17 April
Session Times:
Junior crew, Primary School ages: 9:30am to 12:45pm. Cost: £10 per day.
Senior crew, Secondary School ages: 1:30pm to 5pm. Cost: £10 per day.
You can access these sessions for free if you have a valid Dorset HAF code.
Whether you’re busting moves, spinning tracks, or creating jaw-dropping visuals, this is your chance to shine. Don’t miss out as spots will fill fast.
Ready to take the stage? Join us, level up your skills, and be part of something unforgettable.
Book your place now or for more information email remix@activateperformingarts.org.uk.
Diverse Abilities Short Breaks
Coping with CHAOS
Coping with CHAOS provides school holiday and weekend activities for children with disabilities and their siblings across Dorset. We support the whole family, so all children and young people have equal access to play sessions and suitable activities to have fun together.
If you are interested in registering your family please email us at chaos@diverseabilities.org.uk.
Project My Time
Project My Time provides holiday activities for children and young people aged 8 to 18 with disabilities across Dorset and the idea is for them to have lots of fun. Parents/ carers are not required to stay as our team provide the 1:1 support throughout the sessions, which take place every week in the school holidays.If you are interested in registering your young person please email us at project@diverseabilities.org.uk.
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 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.
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.
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.
All indoor and some outdoor venues are accessible.
We provide support for children, including 1:1. We ask you to stay on site for your child’s first session whilst we get to know you both. A member of our support team will be allocated to you. At future sessions your child may be left in the care of our team, where we can meet his/her needs. For sessions that include swimming we may ask you to attend if your child cannot change in/out of swimwear without assistance.
Dorset Short Breaks Care Passports: Please complete a Care Passport here.
Our Team Leaders are Safeguarding Level 3 trained, and we have a team of Designated Safeguarding Leads. Staff trained in emergency first aid are present at all events. Parents/carers must be available on an emergency telephone number. We also have staff trained in buccal midazolam to support children with epilepsy and in the use of Epipens/adrenalin auto-injectors in the management of anaphylaxis. If you would like to find out more, or discuss any concerns, please email leisureWDWP@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
Join the Artz+ Sportz+ steering group
What’s the Steering Group?
We need you.
Location: Dorchester
Interested? For more information, email Tracy Cooper at tracy.cooper@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.