Things To Do In Poole - Including Bonus 5 Free Activities

Things To Do In Poole - Top 5 Activities

1. Take a trip out to Brownsea Island

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The Brownsea Island Scout camp is recognised as being the world's first Scout camp, the event being regarded as the real origin of the worldwide Scout movement.

Described by presenter, Bill Oddie as "the best place for seeing wildlife in Dorset". You can see Sika deer, wading birds and the elusive red squirrel. There is lots for the kids with 'wildlife tracker packs', trails, and a range of exciting events and activities. Find out more on the National Trust Brownsea Island webpage

Escape the hustle and bustle of Poole & Bournemouth, wandering through the woodland, heathland, wetland and shoreline of Brownsea Island. Many special events are on offer throughout the year including the popular Open Air Theatre, activity weekends and guided walks.

Boat Services are available from Poole Quay and Sandbanks Jetty, boat trips also run from Bournemouth Pier. The Island is open daily to the public from 24th March - 4th November 2012.

2. Find something for everyone at the Tower Park Complex

For those days where the whole family just needs a bit of entertainment, Tower Parkhas it all. Attractions include a 10 screen multiplex cinema to bingo, bowling and a water park with 12 of the UK's craziest indoor and outdoor rides.

3. Stroll through Compton Acres - the South's Finest Privately Owned Historic Gardens

Built in 1924, Compton Acres is a wonderful example of a historic garden in the UK. It is of late Victorian Mixed Style design with seven distinct gardens to wander around and enjoy, including the famous Italian and Japanese Gardens. Having undergone extensive refurbishment over the past 8 years, Compton Acres is now highly regarded as one of the most important historic gardens in England.

As well as its beautiful ten acres of gardens, there are two cafes, shops and a specialist Plant Centre. Special events such as pony rides and an Easter egg hunt are also held throughout the year.

Incorporate some or all of the following free Poole tourist activities and you can justify one or two of the great paid for experiences, such as windsurfing lessons at the Poole Windsurfing School.

4. Take Windsurfing Lessons at UK's No1 Spot with the Poole Windsurfing School

When looking for activities, holiday makers and locals often forget that they can take windsurfing lessons at the UK's No1 spot, Poole Harbour. It is just around the corner from the popular tourist destination of Bournemouth and being the second largest natural harbour in the world, with a designated area for watersports, it really is the UK's No1 Spot to take windsurfing lessons.

5. Hire a traditional beach hut

Take to the beach in style by hiring a beach hut in Poole and be a part of a great British tradition. You can't get a more traditional seaside activity!

The latest news is that Poole Borough Council have recently built 22 brand new beach huts at Branksome Chine. They have stunning views across Poole's award winning beaches and are available to hire on a weekly basis between April and September.

Top 5 Free Things To Do In Poole

1. Walk around the famous Sandbanks Peninsular

Walk around Poole Harbour and the world famous Sandbanks peninsular, taking in both the natural scenery and a sneaky peak at the 4th most expensive property in the world. Many of the rich and famous have houses on the Sandbanks peninsular and a leisurely walk is the best way to get a glimpse of how the other half live!

You can stop off at Sandbanks beach for on-route refreshments and a dip in the sea to cool your feet.

2. Spend a day or an evening at Poole Quay

Spending some time at Poole Quay is a great free activity to do during your visit to Poole. You can sit in one of the many restaurants or bars and watch the yachts come and go in the marina and Poole Harbour. Poole Quay is also home to the most famous super yacht manufacturer in the world, Sunseeker. You can see the latest luxury and performance super yachts been fitted out and prepared for delivery around the world!

Every Thursday in July on Poole Quay from 7pm check out the 'Summer Breeze with Fireworks on the Quay' where you can enjoy live music, street entertainment, family activities, special themed nights and a fantastic fireworks finale at 10 pm. In August Summer Breeze on the Beach then takes place at Shore Road Beach, Sandbanks every Thursday. If you are visiting Poole between the months of May and August, Friday evenings herald the return of "Quay for my Car" on Poole Quay, kicking off at 6pm. There are shows for everything from VW Beetles to Porsches. The Poole View website has a list of 'Quay for my Car' dates and the type of carsthat will be shown.

3. Cycle the famous 7 mile stretch of Poole & Bournemouth beaches

If you want to see the famous 7 miles of golden sand beaches then taking to 2 wheels is a smart way to get around. Cruise along the promenade towards the famous Sandbanks beach and if you are feeling adventurous, over the chain ferry and into the Purbecks. In the other direction you can go all the way to Hengistbury Head and even take a land train from there to Christchurch Harbour.

4. Browse Poole's Weekly Farmers Market and Street Market

Every Thursday between 9am and 2pm Poole's Farmers Market is held in Falkland Square. You will find the best local and free range products brought to you by the Farmers, Nurserymen, Bakers and Pie Makers who breed, grow and make their own produce. The Farmers Market is held in Falkland Square, outside the Dolphin Centre.

There is also Poole's Weekly Street Market every Thursday & Saturday between approximately 9am and 5pm along Poole High Street from Lagland Street/North Street to Old Orchard. The market offers something for everyone at great prices!

5. Swim in the Sea at Sandbanks

Make the most of Poole's natural wonderland by enjoying a relaxing swim at one of the five gently sheltered beaches, including Sandbanks - winner of more Blue Flags than any UK resort - with soft golden sands, raked and cleaned all year round.

"Under a blazing sun, Sandbanks, on it's gradually sloping peninsula, felt more like Miami's South Beach" Daily Express

Enjoy your stay - you certainly won't run out of things to do in Poole!

Things To Do In Poole - Including Bonus 5 Free Activities

Terril Winters runs Poole Windsurfing, a product of 15 years teaching experience. He posts regularly to the FREE Top Windsurfing Tips & News where you can find all you need to know about windsurfing. Claim your special offers for windsurfing lessons, windsurfing hire and other hot deals on their Special Offers Page.

Sensory Diet Activities For Children With Sensory Processing Disorder

Many activities can provide needed vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive (body awareness) sensory input for children with sensory processing disorder. A sensory smart pediatric occupational therapist can design a unique sensory diet for your child that incorporates such activities, which will help keep a child's sensory needs met throughout the day and, over time, actually retrain his system to function more typically. Alas, parents often find themselves frustrated by their child's unwillingness to participate in activities that would seem perfect for meeting the child's sensory needs. This makes it difficult to carry through the sensory diet at home and at school when the OT isn't there coaxing and coaching the child.

It can be a challenge to find activities that provide movement (vestibular input) and compression and pulling apart of joints (proprioceptive input) that the child with sensory issues will willingly engage in. In part, this is due to the increased anxiety kids with SPD and/or autism experience (remember, children with autism almost always have sensory processing issues but a child can have sensory processing disorder without having autism). Often, individualized sports and private lessons, such as bowling or swimming, where the child doesn't feel she has to compete with others who are more coordinated than she is, are a good bet. Physical activities that incorporate other interests, such as dancing to music she likes, can be excellent choices because the child's natural attraction to some aspect of the activity may help get her past her anxiety about her lack of body awareness and coordination. Martial arts and yoga work well for many kids with SPD, in part because they can be individualized and involve body awareness and minimal stimulation (for instance, there isn't a lot of noise or children moving about quickly when they practice).

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At school, the child with SPD (sensory processing disorder) may need an adaptive gym class at school in order to be able to get the sensory input she needs without going into sensory overload, withdrawing, or becoming upset and even aggressive.

Whether at school, at home, or away, always consider the environment in which your child with sensory issues is exercising. Is it echoey, with the squeak of sneakers against a hardwood floor? Can she stand the smell of chlorine at the pool? Think about ways to alter the environment so she can better tolerate it. Perhaps your child would be better off with a dance class that involves quieter music, no mirrors, and a smaller group. Pools that are kept clean without chlorine and activities in an open field, large room with few echoes, or on a nearly empty playground may be less distressing for her.

If the child is verbal, ask him what is making him reluctant to engage in the activity. It may be that his system needs to be perked up with energizing music or a little super sour candy because he is in a state of low arousal. Or, it may be that he is feeling hypersensitive and uncomfortable in his body, and needs some calming, focusing activities before engaging in something more active and stimulating.

Planning for the activity, giving concrete information and details about what is involved and the sequence of activities, and working with the coach or teacher to accommodate your child's reluctance can all make it easier for your child with sensory processing issues to push himself to get the sensory input his system needs. Whenever possible, work with a sensory smart OT who can observe your child, analyze what is holding him back, and help you to strategize ways to get him moving. You might be surprised at how much your OT is able to get your child to do in the low-pressure, inviting environment of a sensory gym where he is free from the eyes of curious onlookers and is receiving support for working through his anxiety as he tries new activities. Once past his initial fear of, say, a swing, he may be willing to try it out in a different environment, such as on the playground.

Every child's sensory needs are different. The more you and your OT know about your child and ways to accommodate his needs with clever strategies, activities, and toys and equipment that make movement fun, the easier it will be to meet his sensory needs. Over time, these activities will increase his comfort in his body and environment. Develop sensory smarts and you can help your child to do so as well.

Copyright © 2012 Nancy Peske

The information contained in this article is provided as a public service. It is for informational and educational purposes only. This information should not be construed as personal medical advice. Because each person's health needs are different, a health care professional should be consulted before acting on any information provided in these materials. Although every effort is made to ensure that this material is accurate and up-to-date, it is provided for the convenience of the user and should not be considered definitive.

Sensory Diet Activities For Children With Sensory Processing Disorder

Nancy Peske is an author and editor and the parent of a child who at age 2 was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and multiple developmental delays. Coauthor of the award-winning Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, available from Penguin Books, Nancy offers information and support on her blog and website at http://www.sensorysmartparent.com. She has been active in the SPD community since 2002.