Things to Do in Bournemouth: Discover Magical Role Play Adventures at Discovery Village
If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Bournemouth, Discovery Village is a must-visit destination for parents with young children. Located just a short drive from Bournemouth’s vibrant town centre, Discovery Village is a unique indoor role play centre designed for children aged 1–8 years, offering a fun, immersive experience that blends play, learning, and creativity.
Whether you’re visiting Bournemouth on holiday or looking for an exciting local activity, Discovery Village is the perfect place to enjoy imaginative play in a calm, engaging environment that children — and their grown-ups — will love.
A One-of-a-Kind Attraction for Young Families
Unlike traditional soft play centres, Discovery Village invites children to step into a mini world full of exciting, hands-on adventures. With nine beautifully themed role play zones, live performer-led play sessions, and a friendly, woodland-themed café, it’s no wonder Discovery Village is quickly becoming one of the top-rated things to do in Bournemouth with kids.
We’re all about making play meaningful. From the moment families walk through our doors, they enter a child-sized village where little ones can be anything they want to be — a firefighter, a chef, a vet, a shopkeeper, or even a stage star. Each two-hour play session is guided by a live performer, who takes children on a story-driven adventure full of songs, dancing, and imaginative role play.
What to Expect at Discovery Village
At the heart of Discovery Village is our immersive play village, designed to feel like a bustling little town made just for kids. Children can explore:
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Fire Station – Jump into a firefighter’s uniform and save the day!
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Beauty Salon – Style hair, apply pretend makeup, and run your own salon.
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Italian Restaurant – Cook pizza, serve tables, and run the kitchen.
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Farm Shop – Stock shelves, fill baskets, and scan groceries at the till.
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Vets Surgery – Care for poorly pets and give them lots of cuddles.
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Theatre – Dress up and take centre stage in your very own show.
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Construction Site – Build and dig using child-friendly tools and blocks.
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Post Office – Deliver letters around the village and sort the mail.
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Home Corner – A cosy space for family-style pretend play.
Each area is packed with wooden toys, costumes, sensory play elements, and learning-based activities to support child development through creativity.
Live-Led Role Play Adventures
What makes Discovery Village truly unique among Bournemouth attractions is that every session is led by one of our talented live performers. These engaging hosts guide willing children on a themed adventure filled with storytelling, singing, dancing, and interactive games.
Themes change regularly, with seasonal and special event storylines like jungle explorers, pirate treasure hunts, fairy tea parties, and more — making every visit different and exciting.
These adventures are designed to encourage social interaction, confidence-building, and imaginative thinking — and they’re completely optional, so children can participate as much or as little as they like.
A Woodland-Themed Café for Families
Looking for a place to relax while your children play? Discovery Village’s woodland-themed café is the perfect spot to grab a hot drink or light snack. With clear views over the play village, parents and carers can unwind while keeping an eye on the action.
The café serves a selection of family-friendly food and drinks, including barista coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and snacks for little ones. It’s cosy, calm, pram-friendly, and perfect for catch-ups with other parents.
Limited Capacity for a Calmer Experience
One of the things parents love most about Discovery Village is our limited capacity sessions. We purposely keep group sizes small to make sure every child has the space and time to explore at their own pace, without the noise and crowds often found in soft play centres.
This creates a relaxed, safe and enjoyable environment where children feel confident to play, and grown-ups can feel at ease knowing their little ones are not overwhelmed.
Perfect for Rainy Days or Sunny Adventures
Bournemouth is known for its beautiful beaches, gardens, and outdoor attractions — but when the weather turns, it’s good to have some indoor activities in Bournemouth on your list. Discovery Village is fully indoors and climate-controlled, making it ideal all year round.
Come rain or shine, we offer a consistently fun and engaging experience for families looking for something a little different.
Why Discovery Village is One of the Top Things to Do in Bournemouth with Kids
Whether you’re a local family, on holiday, or visiting friends in the area, Discovery Village offers a play experience unlike anything else in Bournemouth.
We’re proud to be more than a soft play or a rainy day fallback — we’re a creative, nurturing, and magical space that invites children to explore the world through imagination and storytelling.
Don’t just take our word for it — families who visit Discovery Village often return again and again. Many say it’s their favourite family day out in Bournemouth!
Ready to discover?
If you’re searching for fun, creative and meaningful things to do in Bournemouth with young children, Discovery Village is a must. With live performers, themed play zones, and a warm café to relax in, it’s an experience that delights both children and adults.
Explore, imagine, and make memories — we can’t wait to welcome you to the Village! 🌟
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