Things to Do With Kids in Hampshire

For a great day out in Hampshire, visiting one of our family attractions is a must! There are a number of top family attractions in Hampshire offering a wide range of things to do for the whole family to enjoy.

Find out about creepy crawlies, big cats, sea creatures or birds of prey at some of Hampshire's animal attractions or explore the county’s country parks and nature reserves which offer exciting outdoor activities for children of all ages. Hampshire's coastline offers a number of family friendly beaches and resorts that will provide hours of seaside fun.

For an adventurous day out, Hampshire has a number of attractions offering you and your family the chance to fly through the trees on a zip wire, bounce your way across a huge floating inflatable or reach new levels  with indoor sky diving. 

Many of Hampshire's museums and historic sites offer children the opportunity to step back in time by taking part in trials, quizzes and interactive displays. Explore a real life historic ship, marvel at the size of Europe’s longest nave at Winchester Cathedral, take a trip on a steam train or explore the ruins of historic castles and palaces. 

Hampshire’s theme parks and adventure parks offer a fantastic kids days out. Face your fears and take on dinosaurs, ride the county’s biggest roller coasters or meet your favourite Peppa Pig character at Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World.   

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Things to do with kids in Portsmouth

Famous for its maritime history the vibrant city of Portsmouth is home to the famous Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and The Mary Rose Museum, both top attractions offering a superb family day out. 

The Blue Reef Aquarium on the seafront gives children the chance to get up close with sea creatures whilst Spinnaker Tower offers an adventure into the sky with panoramic views of the Solent.

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Things to do with kids in the New Forest

The stunning New Forest National Park offers fantastic days out with the kids. For a day out with teenagers, head to Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum, where they can explore a collection of 250 vehicles and experience World of Top Gear.  

The whole family will enjoy a day at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway discovering the beautiful gardens and a ride on the miniature Steam Railway. Young Children will love a day out on the farm at Longdown Activity Farm. See cows, pigs and goats, plus tractor rides and outdoor and indoor play areas. 

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Things to do with kids in Winchester and east Hampshire

Nestled on the outskirts of the South Downs National Park is the historic city of Winchester, witness your children marvel at the size of Winchester Cathedral or learn to make bread and meet the local resident otters at Winchester City Mill. Discover all things science and be blasted into space at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium.  

For a top family day out jump on-board a steam train and travel through scenic countryside with the Watercress Line, only a short 15 minute drive from Winchester. 

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Things to do with kids in north Hampshire

Family attractions in north Hampshire offer great days out for children of all ages. 

Head to The Vyne a National Trust  property on the outskirts of Basingstoke, take a picnic and explore the house and gardens. 

Basingstoke indoor sky diving is a fantastic attraction for teenagers whilst Birdworld, near Farnham, offers a great day out for all the whole family. 

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Test Valley family attractions

There is a diverse range of attractions from high octane action at Thruxton Motorsport Centre, animal adventures at the Hawk Conservancy Trust and glorious selection of gardens including Mottisfont, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Houghton Lodge Gardens.  Museum buffs should also visit the Army Flying Museum.

How to get to Hampshire

By Road
Hampshire is home to a number of top family attractions and is  easy to get here by road with M3, M27 and A3 for quick access.

New Forest: 1hr 45 from London
Winchester: 1hr 30 from London
South Downs: 1hr 30 from London
North Hampshire: 1hr from London

By Rail
With an extensive rail network across Hampshire makes it easy to get here by train. Family attractions in Hampshire are located all over the county. In quieter areas of the county not all are served by train stations, but may only be a short taxi ride away or why not hire car. 

Best trains stations for New Forest
Brockenhurst: 1hr 30 from London Waterloo
New Milton: 1hr 40 from London Waterloo
Beaulieu Road: 1hr 40 from London Waterloo

Best train stations for Winchester and East Hampshire
Winchester: 1hr from London Waterloo
Alton: 1hr 10 from London Waterloo
Petersfield: 1 hr from London Waterloo

Best train stations for North Hampshire
Basingstoke: 1hr from London Waterloo
Farnborough: 40 minutes from London Waterloo

Start planning your family day out in Hampshire and find out what's going on in Hampshire, or stay a little longer with a short break in Hampshire.  

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