This summer, Brownsea Island invites families to dive into the great outdoors with its highly anticipated Summer of Play programme, brought to you by the National Trust. Running daily from July 24 to August 31, this vibrant series of activities is designed to reconnect children with nature through crafts, exploration, and playful learning.
Each day of the week brings a fresh and exciting adventure. Mondays encourage budding naturalists to search for minibeasts across the island, followed by clay sculpting sessions inspired by their discoveries. In August, Tuesdays feature Hapa Zome—an artful Japanese technique where kids create botanical prints using leaves and flowers.
Wednesdays are bursting with creativity. From July 30 through August 27, children can drop in to make potions, build kites, or craft natural musical instruments, all in partnership with Dorset Rewilding. Adventurous youngsters eager to hone their survival skills can join Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday and Saturday, guided by outdoor expert Joe Peartree throughout the summer.
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The excitement peaks on Saturday, August 30, with the Treasure Island Pirate Day. Little pirates are encouraged to dress up, embark on treasure hunts, and learn the ropes of sailor skills in a day filled with swashbuckling fun from 11 am to 3 pm.
Dawn Clark, visitor experience officer at Brownsea Island, shared: “We’re thrilled to welcome families back for this year’s free Summer of Play events. Brownsea is a place to ignite adventure and imagination, offering children the chance to explore, create, and connect with nature in a truly special setting.”
All activities are included with admission, though regular ferry and entry fees apply. This summer’s programme is proudly sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sport England.