Family Things to Do in Sandbanks

Sandbanks is famous for its stunning blue flag beaches and the kids will love building sandcastles and splashing in the sea, but the peninsula also offers lots of exciting things to do and see for families. They will experience a holiday filled with adventures, learn new skills and knowledge which will ensure that they will be taking home some wonderful memories….. 

Go crabbing

Crabbing is an easy way to have fun with the family and introduce children to the wonders of marine ecology. Poole harbour is the perfect safe spot for little ones to get started as the water within the harbour is shallow with a gentle tide. Pick up a bucket, crab line, fishing net and bait from the Haven Ferry shop and you are all set for a fun and inexpensive way to spend the afternoon. The kids will love collecting their catches in their buckets and study them close up. After they are done they can release them near the waters edge and watch their little critters scurry sideways back into the water.

Hire a boat

You can take the kids on an adventure boat ride to explore our magnificent harbour with its stunning waterways, hidden islands and sandy beaches. The wildlife in the harbour is plentiful with different birds and fish, you may even spot a seal or a dolphin on your travels. The Red Boat Hire company is just next door to our office and hires out boats that hold up to six passengers, and no boating experience is necessary. For as little as £50 per hour, the hire includes the boat, fuel, buoyancy aids, operating and safety briefing and insurance. Bring along a picnic and compass and you will be all set for an exciting day out with your little Christopher Columbuses!

Try a spot of watersports

Kids love nothing better than a day on the water and the Watersports Academy here on Sandbanks is one of the best centres for watersports on the south coast. They offer a fun mix of kids water sports and they will have an awesome time enjoying multi-activity sessions including paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. They also offer tailored sessions specific to each sport such as Windsurf Club, or RYA Youth Courses in windsurfing, sailing and powerboating and even BKSA youth kitesurfing. They are well equipped with changing facilities, lockers, hot showers, classroom, café and shop all on-site. A great way to spend the day and the kids will have a fun time learning new skills.

Take a ferry trip to Brownsea Island

The perfect day’s adventure, this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to by a little yellow ferry from the tip of Sandbanks peninsula but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. Brownsea Island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour, with dramatic views to the Purbeck Hills. Thriving natural habitats have created a haven for wildlife, and is famous for its colony of red squirrels.

The island is rich in history too, kids can learn about daffodil farming, the old pottery works or explore the village of Maryland. Or head to the Outdoor Centre to find out more about the birthplace of the Scouting and Guiding movement. They can also enjoy activities including tree-climbing trails, Tracker Packs and a natural play area.

After a big day of exploring and squirrel spotting, you can enjoy an ice cream or a bite to eat at the Villano Cafe and mooch in the visitors shop to buy a souvenir before catching the ferry back to Sandbanks.

The fun doesn’t stop there, you can try a round of golf at the Sandbanks Crazy Golf, hire a bike from The Watersports Academy or hire a beach hut from the Sandbanks Beach Office and decorate it with bunting and pictures!

Many of our visitors holidayed here as children, returned as parents with their own children and now enjoy the delights of Sandbanks with their grandchildren. It’s the perfect place for having fun and creating those happy memories that will last a lifetime and carry on through to the generations to come…

Search our holiday homes in Sandbanks and start planning your next family adventure.