Top Things to Do This May Half-Term
If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family this half-term, look no further. Whether you live nearby or are on holiday at one of our parks, we’ve got you covered with a selection of exciting ideas to keep everyone entertained this half-term.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your half-term break!
Local Events
Christchurch Food Festival - From live cooking demos and tastings to street food, live music and kids’ activities, Christchurch Food Festival is a vibrant celebration of the South Coast’s rich culinary heritage. There's something for all the family.
Swanage Pirate Festival - A free festival for pirates, mermaids and anyone else who wants to join in! Stalls, living history, re-enactments, pirate parade, pub crawl and a children's area.
Purbeck Arts Week Festival - Prepare to be immersed in artistic wonder as painters, sculptors, textile artists, metalworkers, glass artists, woodworkers, ceramicists and more eagerly throw open their studio doors to welcome you.
Half-term at Monkey World - The activity centre will be open throughout the holidays with extra fun crafts, competitions and trails for children to get involved in! Check the website for all details.
May Half Term at Hurst Castle - Throughout the May half term school holiday enjoy family fun over at Hurst Castle. Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with our family trail with a reward on completion and activities to enjoy.
Magical May Half Term at Highcliffe Castle - Visit Highcliffe Castle this May Half Term for themed activities and crafts, included in the Castle admission. Plus enjoy 50% off family entry on 28th May.
Swanage Fairy Festival - Swanage Fairy Festival will be making a huge splash in the stunning seaside town of Swanage in Dorset. You will be mesmerized with the spectacular live mermaid show and spellbound by the enchanting fairies.
Family Fest Wimborne - Set within 12 acres of working farmland, in the stunning countryside of Wimborne, Dorset, 2025 welcomes you to unforgettable moments for the whole family taking place at The Meadow.
Dogstival - It’s a day out dedicated to our four-legged friends and packed full of canine approved entertainment. With paw-dropping arena displays, heaps of ‘have a go’ activities for your pooch, live music and treats for everyone.
Staying with us? Our parks have packed schedules that promise unforgettable experiences. We’ve rounded up some of the best activities on offer and headline acts you won’t want to miss!
Woof’s Workshop 🐾 Every day from 10am at Shorefield Country Park & Oakdene Forest Park - Unleash your creativity with family-friendly activities like Slime School, Stuff-a-Bear, and Tie Dye! These interactive workshops are perfect for kids (and kids at heart). Pre-booking is essential, so secure your spot today. Click here to book your Shorefield activities, or here to book activities at Oakdene.
Squirrel Squad Time 🐿️ Every day at 6:30pm at Shorefield Country Park & Oakdene Forest Park - Kids, get ready to join a member of the Squirrel Squad for an adventure packed with laughter, surprises, and fun! A perfect way to wind down after an action-filled day.
Let’s Go Nuts 🎉 Every day at 7pm at Shorefield Country Park & Oakdene Forest Park - Get your dancing shoes on for party dances, exciting games, and contagious energy! This is your chance to bond with family and friends over good vibes and endless giggles.
Exclusive events at Shorefield Country Park
Let’s Go Live! 🎤 Every day from 9pm - Shorefield lights up with spectacular evening shows, from dazzling cabarets to live music acts. Here's what’s lined up:
23rd May – Impromptu - the perfect act for any venue and fun for the whole family!
24th May - Big Nite Out - Get ready to dance and sing along as Big Nite Out brings the energy!
27th May – 90’s Rewind - Time to blast back to the 90s!
28th May - Shorefield Has Talent - It's time to shine—the stars are ready; the judges are set! Who will be crowned our winners tonight?
30th May – Boyzstreet Duo – let them take you on a nostalgic journey through the greatest hits of the 90s!
31st May – Herbie Adams - Herbie Adams is a comedy sensation, mixing sharp one-liners, hilarious observations, and musical flair.
1st June – Shorefield Big Fat Quiz - Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test in this fun, interactive quiz night!
Acts are subject to change, for our most up to date information visit Shorefield Country Park entertainment calendar.
Exclusive Events at Oakdene Forest Park
Let’s Go Live! 🎤 Every day from 9pm - Oakdene lights up with spectacular evening shows, from dazzling cabarets to live music acts. Here's what’s lined up:
23rd May – Dance With Me Tonight! - UK Top Olly Murs tribute is guaranteed to get you to dance with him tonight!
24th May – Jump! - The excitement soars as the Jump! Party Showband takes the stage, delivering a high-energy performance packed with party hits to get everyone dancing!
27th May – At The Movies - Hanna is going to take you on a musical journey through a wide variety of songs from the movies, featuring some party anthems and showstoppers!
28th May - Shorefield Has Talent - It's time to shine—the stars are ready; the judges are set! Who will be crowned our winners tonight?
30th May - Big Nite Out - Get ready to dance and sing along as Big Nite Out brings the energy!
31st May - Family Interactive Gameshow - Join us for our fun interactive gameshow for all the family.
Acts are subject to change, for our most up to date information visit Oakdene Forest Park entertainment calendar.
Plan your half-term adventure
With so many places to visit, and endless activities and events to choose from over half-term, you’re sure to find something that everyone will love. Just remember if you are staying on park, be sure to book your preferred activities early to avoid disappointment and get ready for a half-term full of unforgettable memories!
Visit the link below to reserve your spots and explore the full schedule at our parks.
