What’s On This Weekend: Family-Friendly Fun in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (July 10-12)

Looking for the perfect way to keep the kids entertained this weekend? The sun is shining across the coast, and our three towns are bursting with vibrant festivals, live music trails, and interactive arts. From horse racing on the golden sands to giant inflatable museum trails, here is your ultimate guide to family-friendly events happening from Friday 10th July to Sunday 12th July.

Friday 10th July: Cars and Coastal Action

Classic Car Night on Poole Quay

• ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Poole Quay | 💰 Free Admission Kickstart your weekend with a sunset stroll along the historic Poole Quay. Ideal for vehicle-obsessed kids and nostalgic parents alike, the quayside will close to regular traffic to host a spectacular lineup of classic cars and unique marques. Grab some traditional fish and chips by the water, soak up the lively atmosphere, and let the children admire some of the most beautiful vehicles from decades past.

The British Beach Polo Championships (Sandpolo) – Day 1

• ⏰ Daytime Action | 📍 Sandbanks Beach, Poole | 💰 Ticketed (General Admission available) The world’s largest beach polo event returns to the iconic shores of Sandbanks. If your kids love animals or fast-paced sports, they will be mesmerized watching magnificent polo horses gallop across the sand at breakneck speeds. Daytime tickets grant you access to the main arena seating where you can enjoy the thundering action right at the water's edge.

Saturday 11th July: Parades and Playlists

Bourne Free: The Bournemouth Pride Parade

• ⏰ Morning/Midday Parade | 📍 Bournemouth Square & Town Centre | 💰 Free to Watch Bourne Free brings its annual celebration of equality and diversity back to the heart of Bournemouth. The daytime parade is completely free to view and provides an incredibly joyful, inclusive, and high-energy experience for families. Expect vibrant costumes, fabulous music, and an infectious community spirit that will have the kids dancing in the streets.

SoundScape Poole: Live Music & Busking Trail

• ⏰ 11:00 AM onwards | 📍 Falkland Square & Poole High Street | 💰 Free Event Poole Town Centre is transforming into a massive, open-air stage this Saturday with over 100 live performers setting up across the town. This is an incredibly family-friendly trail with designated performance zones. Explore the Acoustic Stage at Falkland Square, enjoy beautiful harmonies in the Choir Zone at the Old Town, or catch local talent in the Busking Zones. It is a fantastic excuse to explore Poole on foot with a sweet treat in hand.

Sunday 12th July: Imagination and Industry

Exhibition Launch: "Life in Full Colour" by Jason Wilsher-Mills

• ⏰ Daily Opening Hours | 📍 Poole Museum Hub / Local Gallery | 💰 Free / Low Cost Looking for a creative escape? Launching exactly this weekend, this highly interactive exhibition is a wonderland built for young imaginations. Designed by acclaimed digital artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, "Life in Full Colour" features massive, brightly colored inflatable structures, playful sculptures, and bizarre fictional creatures like "fish with feet." It is highly tactile, wonderfully wacky, and an incredible way to introduce young children to modern art.

SoundScape: Future Music Industry Day

• ⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 📍 'GATHER' space, Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole | 💰 Free (Drop-in) If you have creative teenagers or music-loving kids, don't miss this fantastic drop-in event. Located inside the Dolphin Centre, friendly industry experts will be holding workshops on how to write songs, get local gigs, and break into the music world. Even better—they are giving away 100 free music goodie bags to early arrivals!

⚠️ Important Local Travel Tip for Sunday! Please note that SandFest (a major beach music festival) is taking over Sandbanks Beach on Sunday 12th July. This is a strictly over-18s, ticketed adult event. As a result, the Sandbanks peninsula will be exceptionally busy, loud, and congested. If you are looking for a quiet family beach day on Sunday, we highly recommend heading towards Studland, Alum Chine, or Mudeford Spit instead!