Natalie SmithHampshire is bursting with family-friendly attractions – it’s the perfect destination for a fun holiday with the kids as there are so many fabulous things to see and do. From exploring wild woodlands and meeting animals on farms, to thrill-seeking at theme parks and learning about the past, there’s something for everyone. Make sure you check out my article on the best family-friendly holiday parks near the New Forest too – there are some fantastic places to stay!
What are the best things to do in Hampshire with kids?
1. Thrill-seek at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World
One of the most popular things to do in Hampshire with the kids is a visit to Paultons Park. It has a fabulous theme park area with rollercoasters for older kids, as well as the infamous Peppa Pig World area for toddlers and younger children. It’s clean, well run and family-focused – and we’ve always found the queues to be a lot shorter than many other theme parks. Tickets aren’t cheap but parking is free and you can bring a picnic to avoid any extra costs. It’s an ideal treat day and with nature on your doorstep you can balance the cost with other free days out during your trip – check out my Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World Guide for more info.
2. Blast into Space at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Perfect for curious minds, Winchester Science Centre offers a brilliant hands-on day out for kids of all ages. The interactive exhibits are fun and educational – think water experiments, sound tunnels and a giant guitar you can walk through! The planetarium shows are a big hit and this one is ideal if you’re looking for things to do with the kids in Hampshire on a rainy day. Frugal Mum Tip: Online tickets are often cheaper and look out for events as they run extra activities over the school holidays.
3. Wander the New Forest National Park
If you’re after a free and nature-filled day out, the New Forest National Park is a lovely place for a walk or a bike ride with the kids. With ancient woodlands, open heathland and ponies roaming wild it’s like stepping into another world. There are loads of flat, family-friendly walking and cycling routes, and little ones will love spotting deer, donkeys and birds along the way. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary has a fantastic (and free) viewing platform, and places like Blackwater and Wilverley are perfect for picnics and a woodland stomp.
4. Feed the animals at Longdown Activity Farm
For little animal lovers, Longdown Activity Farm offers a fun and interactive experience. Located near Ashurst, this working farm gives kids the chance to bottle-feed lambs, hold fluffy chicks and pet friendly goats and donkeys. There’s also crazy golf, an adventure playground, ride on go karts, trampolines and all sorts of children’s activities to entertain the kids. It’s a lovely place to introduce little ones to farm life while giving them a hands-on experience with the animals. Frugal Mum Tip: Under threes can visit for free!
5. Let off steam at Moors Valley Country Park
Located on the Dorset/Hampshire border, Moors Valley Country Park is a fantastic place to spend a day with the kids – there’s so much to do! The park boasts adventure play areas suitable for all ages, a tree-top walkway and it’s home to Go Ape with a ‘Net Adventure’ and high ropes course. Families can enjoy cycling and walking trails through the forest, with bike hire available on-site. The Moors Valley Railway offers delightful steam train rides through the park and, with picnic spots and a café, it’s easy to spend an entire day there. We had a fantastic time – check out my Moors Valley Country Park Guide.
6. Spend a day at Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo near Winchester is a brilliant family day out in Hampshire, with hundreds of animals spread across 140 acres of parkland. Kids can spot everything from giraffes and rhinos to penguins, snow leopards and red pandas as you make your way around the zoo. There are also loads of adventure playgrounds dotted around the park, including areas for younger children and bigger kids, so there are plenty of opportunities to stop and play along the way. Pack a picnic and you can easily make a full day of it!
7. Learn a lot at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
We loved our trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – it’s one of the most interesting things to do with older kids and teens in Hampshire. The site is home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the fascinating Mary Rose Museum, plus you can also hop on a boat tour of the harbour and get stuck into the interactive exhibits. Tickets aren’t the cheapest but the full attraction pass covers all 9 attractions and the water bus – it’s valid for a year too so you can make multiple visits. Check out my Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Guide for all the details. Frugal Mum Tip: Children can visit for free with their Blue Peter Badges.
8. Get soaked at New Forest Water Park
If you’re visiting Hampshire over the summer months, a trip to New Forest Water Park is probably one of the most fun things to do with the kids! The highlight is the inflatable Aqua Park – a floating obstacle course featuring trampolines, monkey bars, slides and even a giant iceberg – providing endless fun for kids aged 6 and up. (If you’re trying to occupy older kids and teens, this sort of thing always goes down a treat!) For those seeking a more relaxed experience, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding is available too, offering a more peaceful way to explore the lake.
9. Relax at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
A visit to Exbury Gardens is a lovely way to spend a relaxed day in nature. The beautiful gardens stretch over 200 acres with winding paths, ponds and open spaces for children to run around and explore. One of the highlights for the little ones is the Exbury Steam Railway, a miniature train that takes visitors on a scenic ride through the estate. There’s also a brilliant adventure playground and the gardens are particularly stunning when the flowers are in full bloom.
10. Spend a day at New Forest Wildlife Park
New Forest Wildlife Park is home to over 260 animals across 40 species including otters, wolves, lynx and deer. Kids will love the ‘Go Wild’ and ‘Mini Go Wild’ adventure playgrounds, featuring climbing frames, sandpits and swings to burn off some energy. For a more immersive experience you can also book the Keeper Experience, where you can get up close with animals like otters and wallabies. Bring a picnic to keep costs down and check for seasonal events to enhance your visit. Frugal Mum Tip: Save money with a family ticket, or use the kids’ Blue Peter Badges to get the children in for free!
11. Step back in time at Beaulieu Motor Museum
One of Finn’s favourite places, Beaulieu is a great choice for families who love cars and history. The National Motor Museum is home to over 280 vehicles, including vintage cars, racing cars and famous film vehicles like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There’s also an adventure play area for younger children, as well as the historic Beaulieu Abbey where kids can learn about medieval life. Families can take a ride on the vintage monorail, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the grounds, and events run regularly.
12. Get stuck in at Finkley Down Farm
Finkley Down Farm near Andover is a brilliant day out for younger kids, combining farm animals with loads of indoor and outdoor play. Children can get involved with animal handling and feeding throughout the day, before heading off to explore the huge indoor play barn, outdoor adventure areas and Little Farmers Driving School. There’s plenty to keep them entertained whatever the weather, making it a great option for a full family day out in Hampshire.
13. Have fun at the New Forest BattleZone
One of the most fun things to do in Hampshire with older kids, The BattleZone is a fantastic action‑packed outdoor laser combat experience in the heart of the New Forest. BattleZone at Bailey’s Hard delivers two hours of thrilling, high‑energy gameplay using safe, infra‑red, wireless laser tag equipment – this one is perfect for the kids! Look out for special themed events too – they offer a fabulous Zombie themed experience for Halloween! Frugal Mum Tip: Check the ‘Love to Visit’ website for discounted rates.
14. Go canoeing or kayaking in the New Forest
For something a little more adventurous, why not take to the water and try canoeing or kayaking with the New Forest Activities company? There are family-friendly sessions available on the Beaulieu River, giving you the chance to paddle through some beautiful and peaceful surroundings while keeping an eye out for local wildlife. It’s a fun way to explore a different side of the New Forest and a great activity for older kids and teens.
15. Explore the countryside on The Watercress Line
The Watercress Line is a fantastic day out for little train lovers, taking you on a nostalgic journey through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside. Stop off at Ropley where kids can burn off some energy in the locomotive playground and see the impressive steam engines up close. There are also children’s activity sheets, a miniature railway on selected days and lots of special family events. Frugal Mum Tip: You can hop on the Vintage Bus for free on certain dates throughout the year.
Where are the best places to stay in Hampshire with kids?
If you’re looking for the best places to stay with the kids in Hampshire, here are 5 great family-friendly holiday park options:
- Hoburne Holidays: Hoburne Bashley: Located inside the New Forest, this lovely holiday park boasts woodland trails, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, play areas, soft play, mini golf, an arcade, nature activities, a spa, sports and a 9 hole golf course.
- Away Resorts: Sandy Balls Holiday Village: This family-friendly holiday park offers on-site amenities like indoor and outdoor swimming pools, soft play, bike hire, mini rovers, archery, arts & crafts, a playground, entertainment and even alpaca walks. Check out my Sandy Balls Review for all the details.
- Shorefield Holidays: Shorefield Country Park: Ideal for families, this one has indoor and outdoor pools, playgrounds, kids’ activities and evening entertainment. The accommodation ranges from caravans, to tree houses and luxury hot tub lodges.
- Hoburne Holidays: Hoburne Naish: This one offers direct beach access for coastal family holidays just 10 minutes from the New Forest. Plus, it boasts indoor and outdoor swimming pools, play areas, indoor soft play, mini golf, an arcade, sports and family-friendly entertainment.
- Away Resorts: Mill Rythe: Located on on Hayling Island, this holiday park is a lovely choice for families looking for a coastal break. The resort boasts an indoor pool as well as a children’s splash play area, a playground, soft play, craft activities and mini-archery.
Is Hampshire worth a visit with kids?
I hope this article has given you loads of ideas for fun things to do with the kids in Hampshire – it’s absolutely worth a visit! You’ve got everything from theme parks and zoos to beaches, country parks and farms, as well as plenty of cheaper days out exploring the New Forest or heading to the coast. There’s a good mix for toddlers, older kids and teenagers too, so you could easily spend a week in Hampshire and have plenty to do. Have a great trip! 😊
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Natalie Smith
