Summer in Dorset – Come join the fun!

Dorset Council is helping children and young people to enjoy a happy and healthy summer, with a programme of exciting things to do and nutritious meals. Summer in Dorset is an initiative designed to bring high-quality, accessible and affordable holiday activities to families in Dorset. Find out more

A big part of Summer in Dorset is the funding from the Department of Education’s Holiday Activity and Food programme . This funding allows us to provide free activities for children who receive benefit-related free school meals. All sessions that are part of the programme will include a nutritious and tasty meal.

More than 50 locations are offering a total 18,000 funded places and thousands of families who receive free school meals have already signed up. If you, or someone you know, are eligible: sign up now.

Summer in Dorset benefits the wider community as it encourages activity providers to offer more events,  the majority of which are also available for fee-paying families. We’re working with providers so that sessions are suitable for a wide variety of abilities, ages and that they cater where possible for children who are disabled or have additional needs. Click here to find activities

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help said: ‘Yet again I’m delighted that we are able to offer such a fun and vibrant collection of activities to our children & young people. These events & clubs will be a great way to enjoy the summer break, maybe try some new activities and a chance to make new friends.  It will also take some of the pressure off many parents and carers, who are juggling childcare with work and other commitments, so everyone can make the most of the summer holidays.’

How can you help?

Would you like the opportunity to help others in the community, and gain experience working with children and young people?

Volunteers are needed to help out with Summer in Dorset activities. You could join our team of amazing volunteers that will be helping children to get stuck in with arts and crafts, paddle boarding, den making and much more! Find out about summer volunteering opportunities.