Looking for something to keep the whole family entertained this weekend? or just simply fancy doing something you've never done before? then we have lots of ideas for you!

The weather won't be as hot and sunny as we've enjoyed this week but it will still feel pleasant with temperatures hitting 21C on Saturday and 18C on Sunday. 

Here's our pick of just some of the events going on across Dorset and Ringwood over the next two days.

1. Get in the party spirit at Ringwood Carnival

On Saturday, Ringwood's biggest event in the calendar year takes place when the 85th carnival hits the streets. Attractions running from noon will include street entertainers, fire performers, stilt walkers, circus skills, processions, live music and an evening funfair. The two big highlights will be the parades at 2pm and 7.15pm. To find out more about the individual acts, timings and other details visit http://www.ringwoodcarnival.org/home.html.

2. Get your running shoes on

Whether sporting or not, everyone can make a difference and get fit in the 5th annual charity run for the Dorset Blind Association this Sunday. Choosing between 2k, 5k or 10k runners, will join the blind and partially sighted to raise money for this organisation so that it can continue its crucial work. Runners can take on an added challenge by being blindfolded for a mile of the run and be guided by a team mate, with later switching for the next mile. This experience will give a sense of the difficulties that the blind and partially sighted have to overcome. Entry fee is £10/35 in advance. For more information, details on the run and donation pages visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dba-charity-run-2014-tickets-11095203051 .

3. Have a ball at the Christchurch Family Fun Day

With a climbing wall, penalty shootout, bucking bronco and face painting to just mention a few the children will be spoilt for choice. Zumba, fitness and belly dance’s will also be performed throughout the day, with representatives from martial arts training and healthy eating the family can learn more about other activities they can take part in throughout the year. The event takes place on Saturday between 11.00 and 4pm. Most of the activities are free but some like the face painting do cost, for a small charge of £2 visitors can get a wrist band giving them unlimited access. More information can be found at http://www.visitchristchurch.info/whats-on/fit-christchurch-2014-p932143.

4. Meet Paddington Bear  

Paddington bear will be visiting Harman’s cross station this weekend and the public are invited to go along and meet their favourite character. Paddington bear will be meeting guests throughout both days at intervals 10.50, 11.40, 12.50, 14.20, 15.40 and 16.30. Guests will be able to have their picture with Paddington, buy merchandise, see the steam trains at the station and have drinks with cake from the lunch cart. For information visit http://www.pooletourism.com/news/rss/ref:N54196B205B530

5. Do some shopping at Cherry Tree Nursery

For plant lovers and families, this is a great way to spend the weekend. Cherry Tree Nursery have organised an event selling potted plants or hosting a range of extra features. The plants are sold in two litre pots and will be sold alongside fresh organic produce from around the world. As well as the stalls there will be live music, Latin American crafts, Mexican jewellery, books, CDS and DVDS and even a barbecue on the go selling food. So whether you love plants and want a bargain, or just a day out shopping then head down there this Saturday and grab yourself a great deal.

6. Check out some incredible guitar playing

A talented trio of musicians are performing together on Sunday at the Bournemouth folk club. Guitarists Will McNicol and Chris Woods Groove are together with lead singer, and guitarist Elliott Morris to bring their talent and blend of folk, pop and rock to Bournemouth. The band’s reputation has been growing quickly and with Elliott supporting other artists such as Ed Sheeran, frank Turner and Seth Lakeman and Will winning UK’s acoustic guitarist of the year it’s easy to see why they are so popular. More information can be found on the band's website or through the Bournemouth Folk Club website http://www.bournemouthfolkclub.com/index.php/all-artists/91-91.

7. Head to Dorset Dub Fest

More family entertainment is taking place over the weekend with the Dorset Dub Fest running from Friday through to Sunday. Complete with kids activities, jumble sales, trade stalls, live music, a van pull competition and dog show. Tribute band Abba Angles will playing on Saturday night, with 70s, fancy dress and a school disco also set up. More details at http://www.dorsetdubfest.co.uk/index.php.

8. Join the recovery walk from Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth Pier

Everyone loves a trip to the beach, especially children, and this weekend Bournemouth and Boscombe beaches are the route of the recovery walk which is set up for former drug addicts to come together and celebrate their break from addiction. Visitors are urged to dress bright, make banners and as much noise as possible as the walk moves from one beach to another. The walk begins at 11am and between 12.00pm and 3pm there will be live music, drama and open mic performances. For more information visit http://www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on/search-results/recovery-festival-and-walk-p1760203 .

9. Find out all about bats

The Friends of Kinson Common are hosting a nature walk to see bats in their natural habitat to reduce the negative opinion many people have about them. Meeting at play area at 7pm on Saturday, those taking part will get as close as possible to the interesting animals to discover more about them. This adventure is free and more details can be found on their Facebook page or by contacting this email email-friendsofkc@supanet.com.

10. Take in some local art

Dive into Dorset culture and art with this exhibition of work all from local artists at the Verwood Heathland Heritage Centre. This Saturday is the last time to view the work so if you love your art or just want to see some amazing pieces by local people make sure you visit the centre between 10am and 4pm. Everyone is welcome and admission is free, and whilst your their more pottery exhibitions can be visited in additional to the extended space for the art work. Details on their website http://verwood.org/attractions.htm.

11. Get creative at the Bournemouth Flower Festival

St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, on Richmond Hill, plays host once again to Bournemouth’s flower festival. Residents are encouraged to create their own flower displays to bring to the festival which can be enjoyed by everyone with games, creative activities, bible stories and readings. The readings will be followed by refreshments and homemade cake with families and children of all ages welcome. The festival will be opened by Radio Solent regular Rev Tim Daykin and will run until Saturday 10am to 6pm with free admission. The theme this year is all at sea. For more details call 01202 290161.