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With the summer fast approaching, it’s got us thinking about what to do in the school holidays. With 6 or more weeks off, there’s plenty of time for making exciting memories together here in Hampshire. If you are looking for kid-friendly days out in Hampshire, read on to find out some of our recommendations.
Summer ideas for toddlers and younger children in Hampshire
- Spot the exotic animals at Marwell Zoo and hop aboard the land train for a relaxed journey around the park.
- Look out for otters, deer, wolves and many more creatures at the New Forest Wildlife Park plus have lots of fun in the park’s play areas. Why not take the New Forest Tour Bus to get there?
- See conservation in action at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Be in awe of the amazing arena displays and look out for special events taking place across the holidays.
- Come and meet the resident animals at Staunton Farm and spend time burning off steam at the indoor and outdoor play areas.
- Discover a world of colour at Birdworld; home to all kinds of exotic bird species. Plus, on selected weekends across the school summer holidays you can meet popular characters including Bluey and Paddington.
- Bottle feed lambs and calves at Longdown Activity Farm, on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
- Check out the animals at Finkley Down Farm and enjoy the extensive indoor and outdoor play areas this farm offers.
- Journey under the seas at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium to find all kinds of fish and aquatic creatures.
- Spend time as a family at some of Hampshire’s play cafes – an ideal rainy-day activity for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Explore the great outdoors at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Children will love the outdoor play areas. Nature-based activities are also offered on selected dates across the summer such as pond-dipping sessions.
Summer days out and activities for teenagers and older children
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- Book onto a session with New Forest Activities, whether kayaking, archery or laser tag – you’ll be sure of lots of fun.
- Take to the skies on one of Hampshire’s three Go Ape high ropes courses (Southampton, Moors Valley and Alice Holt)
- Explore the indoor and outdoor opportunities at Calshot Activities Centre. Skiing, sailing, rock climbing… take your pick!
- Check out the immersive history experience at 878 AD in Winchester.
- Test your aim on an archery and axe throwing session with Insight Activities in the New Forest.
Summer fun for children of all ages in Hampshire
- Head to some of Hampshire’s beaches, whether for sandcastle building, ice cream, water sports or just a paddle.
- Make a trip to Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World. Little ones will love the Peppa Pig themed rides in Peppa Pig World and older kids will have a great time on the exhilarating faster rides.
- Home of the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu offers plenty to do for all ages. Explore the motoring related exhibits and extensive cars, hop aboard the monorail, step back in time at Palace House and play to your heart’s content at Little Beaulieu, the outdoor play area.
- Spend a day at Basingstoke Leisure Park where you can try bowling, indoor skydiving, flumes at the aquapark, ice skating and exploring the fascinating Milestones Museum.
- Head to Funland, sitting beside the Solent on Hayling Island with its arcades and funfair rides.
- Explore Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – discover HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose Musuem plus much more. Why not also combine your visit to a trip up the Spinnaker Tower for spectacular views over Portsmouth and beyond?
- Hop aboard The Watercress Line for a step back in time along this beautiful railway line.
- Spend time in the great outdoors at some of Hampshire’s country parks, ideal for activities including cycling, walking, paddle boarding and geocaching.
- Play a round of crazy golf at one of the mini golf centres in Hampshire.
Further inspiration on days out with kids in Hampshire
Top things to do with teenagers in Hampshire
Top things to do with toddlers in Hampshire
Find events taking place across the school summer holidays
Discover family-friendly places to stay
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Marwell zoo is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered animals all within a beautiful 140-acre park. Take a stroll around the outdoor attraction and enjoy the fresh air while spotting animals such as Rothschild’s giraffe, white rhinos, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, red pandas, clouded leopards, snow leopards and all three species of zebra (to name a few)!
A must-visit Hampshire attraction for families, couples and anyone with a passion for wildlife conservation and natural surroundings. Nestled in the beautiful ancient New Forest National Park you can find the New Forest Wildlife Park, with something to delight all ages.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a full day out for the whole family. Come see our brilliant birds at some of the most spectacular flying displays in the UK, changing with the seasons so you’ll experience something new every time you visit! See up to 20 birds flying at once, dramatic effects and music during the shows.
With a rare breeds farm, the south coast’s largest ornamental glasshouses, beautiful gardens and 1,000 acres of country park to explore there’s something for everyone to see and enjoy at Staunton Farm. Children can feed the farm animals and join in with fun animal encounter sessions, then let off steam in George’s play barn, which includes a soft play toddler zone. Relax in the beautiful walled gardens, take in the sights, sounds and smells of the sensory garden or enjoy a stroll in the beautifully landscaped parkland. See the fantastic brand new outdoor play area with its fully accessible play equipment.
Get ready for an enchanting family-friendly adventure at Birdworld, where visitors of all ages can embark on a delightful journey of discovery and fun! Home to over 2,000 feathered friends eagerly waiting to introduce you to their captivating lives, this attraction nestled just outside Farnham on the Hampshire-Surrey border offers exciting experiences for everyone.
The magnificent Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is world famous for its arboretum and gardens – set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside; this garden is stunning whatever the season.
New Forest Activities offer a variety of safe and enjoyable activities for families, couples, individuals and groups of all ages and abilities led by expert outdoor instructors. For tours with a difference, take to the water with Canoeing and Kayaking on the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve.
Northwest of Southampton, close to Eastleigh, you can find us in the heart of Itchen Valley Country Park. Our Hampshire location plays host to two of our high ropes experiences plus axe throwing. We're just off Allington Lane - close to Southampton airport. Whether you're looking for things to do nearby with the kids or a day out with friends we have adventure covered. Treetop Adventure is a one-hour experience aimed at kids and young families. Treetop Challenge is for those over 1.4 metres tall and is 2-3 hours of high wire obstacles, Tarzan Swings and ziplines. Go Ape Southampton also boasts Axe Throwing - a gripping new experience. If you're looking for action packed fun on the south coast, we're one of the best attractions around.
Located 10 miles north of Bournemouth and 5 miles west of Ringwood, you can find us in Moors Valley Country Park. We're just off Horton Road - near to Ashley Heath and the New Forest. Go Ape Moors Valley hosts five action-packed adventures. Explore the forest on two wheels with our all-terrain Segways or test your nerve amongst the trees on one of three high ropes courses.
Just 4 miles south of Farnham, and close to Guildford, you can find us in Alice Holt Forest, Surrey. We're just off the A325 - at a place called Bucks Horn Oak. Go Ape at Alice Holt boasts three high ropes experiences. Whether you're looking for things to do nearby with the kids or a day out with friends we have adventure covered. Treetop Adventure and Treetop Adventure Plus are both a one-hour experience aimed at kids and young families. They're popular for birthday parties if you're after a unique celebration.
Calshot Activities Centre offer a wide range of exciting water and land-based activities for all ages and abilities. The historic hangars accommodate the tallest climbing wall in the South, an indoor velodrome, dry slope and so much more.
In this new, immersive experience, witness the sights and sounds of Anglo-Saxon Winchester and discover the stories of the people who lived there, brought to life with spectacular graphics from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla® and Discovery Tour: Viking Age.
Paultons is the UK’s Number 1 Family Theme Park — located in Hampshire with over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
Beaulieu featuring the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House home of the Montagu family, and Abbey Ruins featuring an exhibition of monastic life.
Whether you are looking to spend the day or a quick time out, Basingstoke Leisure Park is packed with activities to enjoy leisure time on your own or with family and friends.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the UK’s premier destination for exploring 500 years of naval history and a must-see for anyone visiting the South of England. A visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard allows you step on-board world-famous ships, explore heroic submarines and uncover some of the Navy’s best-kept secrets with first-hand accounts from the Royal Navy’s finest, past, and present.
Experience the golden age of steam on the Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'! Whether you are taking a trip down memory lane or making new ones, sit back, relax and travel through the heart of quintessential English countryside by steam train, looking towards stunning views of the South Downs National Park.
