Looking for fun family activities in Bridport and West Bay? Whether you’re staying for the weekend or exploring the Jurassic Coast on a longer break, this area of Dorset is packed with exciting things to do with children.
👉 Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out our Dorset Trip Planner – it’s full of handpicked places to explore with kids.
From fossil hunting to animal farms, here are 10 of the best family-friendly days out that we rate near Bridport and West Bay.
1. West Bay Beach and Adventure Playground
West Bay Beach is perfect for family fun. Kids will love skimming stones, paddling in the shallows, and exploring rock pools. Right next to the beach is a brilliant adventure playground with climbing frames, slides, and picnic benches, great for letting off steam after a seaside stroll.
2. West Bay Discovery Centre
Located in a former chapel near the harbour, the West Bay Discovery Centre is a small but engaging attraction for curious kids. There are hands-on exhibits all about local wildlife, fossils, and the Jurassic Coast. Entry is free and it’s a great place to pop into after the beach.
3. Bridport Market and Bridport Museum
Bridport’s vibrant street market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, with stalls offering everything from local produce to handmade crafts. Just around the corner, Bridport Museum is free to visit and has fascinating displays on the town’s rope-making history, with lots for kids to explore.
4. West Bay Canoes
For an outdoor adventure with a difference, book a guided canoe trip along the River Brit with West Bay Canoes. Suitable for beginners and children aged 4+, this peaceful paddle offers beautiful views and the chance to spot wildlife along the riverbanks. All equipment is provided.
5. Seal’s Cove Soft Play and Climbing
If the weather isn’t on your side, head to Seal’s Cove, an indoor play centre in Bridport. It has a large soft play area for younger children and bouldering walls for older kids aged 5+. There’s also a café with great coffee and plenty of seating for grown-ups.
6. Viking Village (Family Daytime Sessions)
The Viking Village is a fun indoor activity space with a themed twist. During the day, it’s family-friendly and offers safe axe throwing, Nerf battles, table tennis and AR darts. It’s a great option for older children and tweens looking for something a bit different.
7. West Bay Museum
This small museum is located in the old coastguard cottages near the harbour. It’s packed with stories and memorabilia about local lifeboat heroes, shipwrecks, and seaside life. It’s a quick and engaging visit, ideal to pair with a walk along the quay or an ice cream stop.
8. Jurassic Fun Centre at Freshwater Beach
Just outside West Bay, the Jurassic Fun Centre is a family-friendly waterpark open to day visitors. With swimming pools, water slides, soft play and even a hot tub, it’s a great indoor option if the beach is too chilly. Perfect for all ages.
This is only open to visitors outside of the school holidays.
9. Fossil Hunting and Coastal Walks
This part of Dorset is world-famous for fossil hunting. While Lyme Regis and Charmouth are the best-known spots, you can still find fossils near West Bay and Burton Bradstock. Bring a bucket and keep your eyes peeled for ammonites in the rocks. Always follow local safety advice when walking the cliffs.
10. Vurlands Animal Farm
Just a 10-minute drive from Bridport, Vurlands Animal Farm is a brilliant day out for little ones and we love it there! It’s home to alpacas, wallabies, donkeys, pigs, meerkats, guinea pigs and birds of prey. There’s also soft play, a willow maze, pedal carts, and a brilliant café called The Eggcup Tearoom serving home-cooked food and cakes.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, it’s one of the area’s hidden gems for families.
Whether you’re building sandcastles, meeting animals, or hunting for fossils, Bridport and West Bay are packed with memorable things to do with kids. It’s the perfect base for a family holiday in Dorset, offering a mix of seaside charm, countryside adventure, and indoor fun.
Need inspiration for your Dorset trip? Start with our easy-to-use Trip Planner.
Love Sarah x
Our Dorset Life 
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