THE summer holidays are well under way and parents and grandparents will be wondering how to keep the children entertained over the next few weeks.

To help you out, this week we invited Daily Echo readers to tell us their top attractions across Dorset for under £10.

We compiled their responses across the Bournemouth Echo website, Twitter and Facebook and here is the shortlisted based on the attractions that received the most nominations.

The beach

It’s no secret that Dorset is blessed with miles of sandy beaches (Bournemouth has no less than seven miles of beaches alone). As the heatwave continues, who needs to spend a fortune on days out when you have sand, sea and sunshine on your doorstep? Danny Silson said on the Bournemouth Echo's Facebook page: "We've done some miserable days out to theme parks but always fun at the beach. We've all got wet suits and are in the sea in May."

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

This popular attraction is celebrating its 30th birthday this year and has enduring appeal for young and old alike. With a Gruffalo and Highway Rat activity trail, based on the characters from books by Julia Donaldson, a giant Hawkhouse sculpture, play trail, play areas and numerous picnic spots, Moors Valley came highly recommended. New for this year is the Ranger Den which is open every afternoon during the summer holidays. Lucy Deanna said: "Used to love going here as a child and still now, lovely walks and scenery, big park, cafe, train ride, places to picnic, lovely lake and open areas to play frisbee/football etc. You can go and only pay for parking, or splash out a little in the cafe, gift shop and train ride."

Avon Heath Country Park

Situated in St Leonards, Avon Heath Country Park boasts 580 acres of forest and heathland with walking trails, a play area featuring everything from a zip wire to a sand pit, an educational nature centre and toilets on site. The Heathland Discovery Centre is open everyday between 11am and 4pm, while the cafe is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Emily Taylor said: "Fantastic for a family day out of all ages, walking routes to suit all abilities/pushchair friendly. Activity trail sheets to keep the kids entertained for 50p, fabulous play park and cafe plus areas for picnics. You only need to pay for parking, tops of £5."

Christchurch

The town was praised for its many attractions, making a visit a day out in itself. The Red House Museum and Gardens (which is free to visit), Christchurch Priory, Christchurch Castle and the Quomps Splashpark on Christchurch Quay were all mentioned by readers. Amanda Buchan said: "We love Christchurch also paddling pool and play area also. Fascinating history too!"

Crabbing at Mudeford Quay

Most weekends and school holidays you'll find families lining Mudeford Quay armed with buckets, baits, nets and a crab line for a spot of (competitive) crabbing. A number of readers recommended this as a fun way to pass a few hours for all the family.