A fun-filled programme of outdoor activities
Get ready for a summer packed with creativity, exploration, and unforgettable moments – because adventure awaits on Brownsea Island! 🌿🦋
As part of the National Trust’s Summer of Play, Brownsea Island is hosting a fun-filled programme of outdoor activities designed to spark young imaginations and bring families closer to nature. Whether you’re crafting, discovering wildlife, or simply enjoying the views, this is one summer experience you won’t want to miss.
🌳 Daily Activity Trail – Summer of Play
Open daily: 24 July – 31 August
The adventure begins with the popular Summer of Play Trail, where families can enjoy:
- Crayon rubbing fun
- Animal-themed games
- A final stop at the natural play area for climbing, balancing and exploring!
It’s the perfect way to start your visit—and a great warm-up for even more outdoor adventure.
🐾 Weekly Wild Fun – What’s On
🪲 Mondays – Minibeast Adventures
Little explorers can set out on a bug hunt, then make their very own clay minibeast to take home. It’s a gentle introduction to the wonders of the natural world.
🎨 Tuesdays in August – Botanical Art with Hapa Zome
Try the ancient Japanese technique of Hapa Zome – hammering leaves and flowers onto fabric to create beautiful natural prints. Take home your own botanical artwork!
🧶 Wednesdays (30 July – 27 August) – Wild Creativity
Drop in between 11am and 3pm for crafting with Dorset Rewilding. Activities include:
- Potion making
- Wild weaving
- Natural musical instruments
- Kite building
Perfect for imaginative adventurers!
🔥 Fridays & Saturdays – Bushcraft & Survival Skills
Join outdoor expert Joe Peartree for Bushcraft taster sessions and Survival Saturdays, where kids (and grown-ups!) can learn shelter building, fire lighting, and other wild skills. Sessions begin 25 July and run every weekend through August.
🏴☠️ Treasure Island Pirate Day – Grand Finale
30 August | 11am – 3pm
Dress up, hunt for treasure, and learn sailor skills in a swashbuckling finale to the summer season. Whether you’re a young pirate or an old sea dog, adventure awaits on Brownsea Island!
🧺 Fun for the Whole Family
Dawn Clark, Visitor Experience Officer, says:
“We’re so excited to welcome families back for another year of free Summer of Play events. Brownsea is a place where imaginations can run wild. This year, it’s all about giving children the freedom to explore, create and enjoy the great outdoors.”
From den building and nature walks to picnics with stunning views, adventure awaits on Brownsea Island at every turn.
🎟 Need-to-Know Info:
- All activities are FREE (included with entry)
- Standard ferry and admission charges apply
- No booking required – just turn up and play!
- Sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sport England
👉 For full event details, visit the National Trust Brownsea Island website
Find more local events on out Visit Purbeck Dorset What’s On Guide.
