Including free family days out in Hampshire
If you are looking for family days out in Hampshire for all ages then this is for you. It covers family attractions throughout Hampshire. There’s no need to be bored when you have these top attractions to visit.
We have listed a mix of outdoor activities and indoor places to visit. Some are free and some are paid for activities.
Enjoy the warm weather and really explore what Hampshire has to offer with kids.
If you are looking for more days out ideas then have a look at:
The Ultimate List of Unusual Things to do in Hampshire – This is our biggest list of unusual things to do in Hampshire for the whole family. We’ve included everything you need to have a fun day out.
The Biggest List of Things to do in Hampshire – This is our biggest list of things to do in Hampshire for the whole family, regardless of everyones ages.
52 Things to do in Hampshire this Weekend – Looking for something to do this weekend? Then use our huge list here to find something to do.
Things to do in Hampshire Guide
Wondering what to do today? Then our guide for ALL things Hampshire is for you!
If you are looking for things to do in Hampshire with kids then this guide is for you. We have over 200+ ideas that you can use to keep your whole family amused while exploring everything Hampshire has to offer!
This is an up to date spreadsheet, in activity order, that you can use when you have no clue what to do. We’ve included everything from country parks, to splash pools, lakes, castles, days out, playgrounds and walks. You get lifetime access to this spreadsheet, so any updates we do, you get them, all included in the price!
Find out more about our Things to do in Hampshire Guide here.
Family days out in Hampshire
These family days out are perfect for the whole family regardless of your children’s ages. There’s a huge mix of museums, theme parks, and zoos.
North Hampshire
Ranging from Winchester right up to Farnborough, these family days out ideas are perfect for toddlers right up to teenagers. If you are looking for more things to do in North Hampshire then have a look at:
The Biggest List of Things to do in Basingstoke With Kids
The Best Things to do in Andover with Kids
17 Things to do in Alton
The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Winchester
Things to do in Whitchurch Hampshire
Have a look at these The Top 11 Free Things to do in Basingstoke here.
1.Alice Holt Forest Country Park
This is a family favourite of ours. There are different walking trails depending on the terrain. You can bring your bikes and dogs on leads.
There’s a great playground and why not see how many of the Gruffalo sculptures you can spot too?
You can find Alice Holt Forest Country Park at Farnham GU10 4LS.
Winchester Science Centre is a great attraction for the whole family. It’s an interactive indoor museum that teaches the kids all things science. Nothing is off bounds and they can touch everything. For younger kids, there is a small soft play area and for older kids, they offer creative workshops and the planetarium.
They also have a playground outside with benches if you’d prefer to bring your own picnic.
You can find Winchester Science Centre at Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ
3. Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is a huge zoo for the whole family. Make sure you have your walking shoes on as this huge area takes you through different continents through animals. They have playgrounds scattered throughout the park and plenty of benches for picnics.
You can find Marwell Zoo at Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH.
This small 8 acres of country park is pretty unknown unless you know where to look. Just off Boxalls Lane, this pretty area has pathways throughout the country park that are perfect for visitors with limited mobility and prams. Bring the kid’s bikes for a ride, have a picnic in the fields, and enjoy this little-known park.
You can find Brickfields Country Park at Boxalls Ln, Aldershot GU11 3QJ.
Set within 22 acres, Hawk Conservancy Trust is a family attraction for all ages. Really get up and close to the birds of prey and watch their amazing flying displays.
They offer loads of other activities throughout the day and have playgrounds and a restaurant if you’d prefer not to take a picnic.
You can find Hawk Conservancy Trust at Andover SP11 8DY.
6. Odiham Castle and Basingstoke Canal
Also known as “King John’s Castle”, this is located right by the Basingstoke canal.
It’s a great place steeped in local history that the whole family can enjoy together. It’s free to visit too! Make sure you visit the canal afterward for an amazing walk and boat-watching.
You can find Odiham Castle at North Warnborough, Hook RG29 1HG.
7. Eastrop Park
Just a short walk away from Festival Place, this park has everything a family could need including a huge play park, woods, splash park, flat paths, and a pond for the whole family to enjoy.
You can find Eastrop Park at Eastrop Lane, Basingstoke RG21 4QB.
This farm is like none you’ve been to before. You can feed the farm animals while enjoying the huge playground and indoor soft play.
You can find Finkley Down Farm at North Way, Andover SP11 6NF.
There is so much to do at Winchester Cathedral. This 900-year-old cathedral is set among beautiful green land and the old city itself.
You can find Winchester Cathedral at 9 The Cl, Winchester SO23 9LS.
Not far from Winchester, the Watercress Line’s Day Out with Thomas is a must-see for all train fans. The Watercress Line is a 10-mile track that takes around 40 mins to travel. You can do this on a range of different steam and diesel trains that stop at different stations – Alresford, Ropley, Medstead, and Four Marks and Alton.
You can find The Watercress Line at The Railway Station, Station Road, New Alresford SO24 9JG.
With it’s vast landscape and stunning views, St Catherine’s Hill in Winchester is a great day out for the whole family. You don’t have to walk to the top of the hill either to get the best views of Winchester. This stunning land is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the general public who want to enjoy everything this beautiful chalk downland has to offer.
You can find St Catherine’s Hill at Bull Drove, Winchester SO23 9PA.
We love Milestones Museum. Based in Basingstoke, this is an interactive museum that is great for the whole family to enjoy, whatever the weather.
Run by Hampshire Cultural Trust, the Milestones Museum walks you through our history on cobbled streets and through the vehicles we’ve used and the shops we used to visit. This is really is a living history museum that lets you explore and interact with the past.
You can find Milestones Museum at Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG.
South Hampshire
All these are within 20 minutes of Southampton city centre. They range from theme parks to country parks that are perfect for a full and fun family day out. If you are looking for more things to do in South Hampshire then have a look at:
The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids
11 Fun Things to do in Eastleigh for the Whole Family
Things to do in Romsey with Kids
13. Paultons Park
Paulton’s Park is the home of Peppa Pig World and is a family theme park based in Romsey in Hampshire and is close to the New Forest National Park. Paultons Park has over 70 fun rides and attractions that are perfect for the whole family right down to babies right up to adults. Even older children will love this amusement park.
You can find Paultons Park at Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL.
14. Royal Victoria Country Park
Royal Victoria Country Park is steeped in local heritage with its old military hospital, open fields, woodland, beach, and an amazing playground.
Royal Victoria Country Park can be found at Netley Abbey, Southampton, SO31 5GA
Run by Hampshire County Council, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is a huge arboretum that is over 70 hectares. This is the best and most beautiful garden you’ve ever seen! Started by plantsman Sir Harold Hillier in 1953, this is an outstanding attraction that is perfect for the whole family. Hilliers is open all year round and is known for its natural beauty whatever the weather and its quest for children to explore.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens address is Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0QA.
16. Manor Farm
Based on the other side of Southampton, Manor Farm isn’t just a country park but a working farm as well. This is a great rural family day out that shows the inner workings a Victorian farm.
There is a charge to visit the farm but you get to learn how the farm is run including how the Victorians lived by visiting the on-site school, cottage, and forge.
The country park surrounding the farm is just as fun too. Park up and walk one of the many paths and see how much wildlife we really do have in Southampton.
You can find Manor Farm at Pyland’s Ln, Southampton SO31 1BH.
17. Itchen Valley Country Park
A start drive from the center of town, Itchen Valley Country Park has everything you need for a great day out. Bring a picnic and park in one of the five car parks (parking charges apply.)
Walk-in one direction and enjoy the huge field that also hosts a playground and woods that are waiting to be explored. The other way hosts a smaller park with a cafe and toilets.
You can find Itchen Valley Country Park at Allington Ln, Southampton SO30 3HQ.
Just off of the M27 junction 8, River Hamble Country Park is a great place to visit for the whole family. Run by Hampshire County Council, River Hamble Country Park is set in acres of land that you are free to explore and enjoy.
You can find River Hamble Country Park at Pyland’s Ln, Southampton SO31 1BH.
Lepe Country Park has so much to offer the whole family. Lepe Country Park is right on the seafront and has amazing views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent. From kite flying to surfing, Lepe Country Park has something for everyone, including dog walkers, fishermen, beachgoers, and birdwatchers.
You can find Lepe Country Park at Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD.
Based right in the center of Southampton City and designated “Site of Special Scientific Interest” by Southampton City council, Southampton Common is a large open space that is home to The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre, a lake, a play park, and a large flat field.
You can find Southampton Common at The Avenue, Southampton SO15 7NN.
21. The Outdoor Sports Centre
Based near Bassett in Southampton, this huge outdoor space has big fields and small hills that are perfect for running around.
Parking is at the top of the hill but it’s free to use. All the paths are paved as via the huge hill at the start, the rest is flat and perfect for bikes and scooters or anyone with mobility issues. There’s toilets by the tennis courts, plenty of space for a picnic or games and if your kids are older, have a look at the Active Nation website as they offer a range of sports during the summer months including dry skiing.
Keep walking to the back of the park and you’ll come across The Pleasure Park, which hosts small kids rides for very low prices. Our favourite is the huge wavy slide. There’s a playground by The Pleasure Park too which is gated.
You can find The Outdoor Sports Centre at Thornhill Rd, Bassett, Southampton SO16 7AY.
This farm is great for all ages. It has all the farm animals you’d expect from a working farm that you can feed and help look after.
They have great indoor activities as well for rainy days like soft play and smaller handheld animals.
You can find Longdown Activity Farm at Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH.
Just down the road from Longdown is New Forest, Wildlife Park. It offers loads of parks and animals right in the middle of the New Forest.
See how many otters you can spot, howl with the wolves and try and find the lynx. There are plenty of places for a picnic and the car park is huge. It’s great for a family day out for all ages.
You can find New Forest Wildlife Park at Deerleap Lane, Southampton SO40 4UH.
24. Deerleep
Just down the road from Longdown and right opposite New Forest Wildlife Park is Deerleep.
The entrance is a dirt road and isn’t signposted and as you drive down it feels like you are on someone’s property but you really aren’t. The short stone road leads to a car park and a green flat landscape as far as you can see. There’s a small cluster of trees by the car park for shade that the local ponies love to hide in and a stone path that leads all the way to Lyndhurst (it is quite a walk though!) Take the bikes as the ground is quite flat and great for fun garden games too.
You can find Deerleep at Deerleap Lane, Southampton SO40 4UH.
East Hampshire
There’s so much to do in East Hampshire that ranges from free to paid day out trips for the whole family. If you are looking for more to do in East Hampshire then have a look at:
21 Portsmouth Attractions for the Whole Family
The Best 31 Things to do in Fareham
What to do at Southsea Sea Front
The Full Guide to Things to do in Portsmouth
Things To Do In Petersfield With Kids
If you are looking for a family day out that is packed with fun walks and greenery then have a look at Holly Hill Woodland Park. Holly Hill is based in Fareham just off the A27. It’s really easy to find as it’s directly opposite Fareham Leisure Center. The woodland has an on-site car park straight off the road that is free.
There are toilets at the main entrance before you go down the hill.
You can find Holly Hill Woodland Park at 123 Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton SO31 7BH.
Portchester Castle is a great place to visit for the whole family regardless of the weather. Sat right on the South East Coast, Portchester Castle offers you views and history like no other place. First built in the last 3rd century, Portchester Castle is one of the most amazing buildings still standing. Once a Saxon fort, the castle itself used to defend the country and has done so for hundreds of years.
You can find Portchester Castle at Church Ln, Portchester, Fareham PO16 9QW.
27. Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson is a huge navel museum not far from Porchester Castle. It’s free to enter but they do ask for donations.The museum is full of navel history and tunnels that the whole family can enjoy. This is the perfect place for all ages as there’s loads of history while places to run around for the little ones.
You can find Fort Nelson at Portsdown Hill Road, Portchester, Portsmouth, Fareham PO17 6AN.
28. Spinnaker Tower
The Spinnaker Tower is a huge tower in Gunwalf that overlooks the sea. While you are there, make sure you walk around Gunwalf and the old city as it has loads of offer older kids.
You can find Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth PO1 3TT.
29. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
This dockyard is a full day out for the whole family. It’s interactive and really digs deep into navel history. You can walk on The Victory, explore the Mary Rose and all it’s history.
You can find Portsmouth Historic Dockyard at Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ.
30. Beachlands
This pebble beach is eight kilometers long on the western end of the seafront. With everything Hayling Island has to offer, Beachlands also includes a fairground and amusement arcades close by. During the summer months dogs are restricted so please see the council website for updates.
You can find Beachlands at Hayling Island PO11 0AG.
31. Lee-On-Solent
There are always loads on at Lee-On-Solent. This is a shingle beach with a grassy area great for games and picnics. There’s a tarmac walkway right by the beach, perfect for bikes and scooters. When the tide is out you can go crabbing among the many rock pools. If it’s raining, have a look at the Hovercraft Museum which is open to the public on Saturdays. Food-wise; the beach is only a small road away from the town center so there’s plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or get ice cream.
You can find Lee-On-Solent at Solent Beach Path, Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9LR.
Take a deep dive into our oceans and enjoy what they have to offer. See the sharks swimming over your head, see the rays and enjoy their stunning view of the seafront. Take a picnic to eat outside then walk the huge length of the seafront as you can get back into the aquarium as many times as you like that day.
You can find Blue Reef Aquarium at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3PB.
33. Queen Elizabeth Country Park
This country park lies within the South Downs National Park. It offers loads of family fun with loads of walks, cycle paths, and playgrounds. Car parking charges do apply but it’s a great day out for the whole family.
You can find Queen Elizabeth Country Park at Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE.
West Hampshire
With the New Forest pretty much on all our doorsteps, West Hampshire has everything you need for your whole family. Take a picnic and explore everything the forest has to offer or try one of their many museums on a wet or cold day. If you are looking for more things to do in West Hampshire then have a look at:
A Huge Guide to Things to do in New Forest
Things to do in Lymington With Kids
19 Things to do in Brockenhurst in Hampshire
The Best List of Things to do in Ringwood Hampshire
Things To Do In Fordingbridge With Kids
The Best Things to do in Barton on Sea
Things to do at Calshot Beach in Hampshire
Forget soft and fluffy, come enjoy scaly and slithery! The New Forest Reptile Centre has the best reptiles Britain has to offer all under one roof, including adders, grass snakes, smooth snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads. Free to enter and with the New Forest National Park right on its doorstep, The New Forest Reptile Centre is a great activity to pair with a walk or cycle through the forest and some fun in Brockenhurst.
You can find New Forest Reptile Centre at A35 Bournemouth Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7GR.
If you are looking for a way to enjoy the New Forest without your car then the New Forest tour by bus is the way to do it. It is completely family-friendly and a great way to explore the New Forest National Park. The New Forest is the perfect place to find hidden gems in Hampshire. Finding things to do in Brockenhurst and Lymington with the kids can be hard, especially if you don’t know the area very well. The bus tour is the best way to find things to do! Take a picnic with you and hop on and off as much as you like. Make sure you sit on the top deck and get the wonderful open views of the New Forest.
You can pick up the New Forest Bus Tour at The Pier, Prospect Pl, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AU.
36. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Bolderwood Arboretum is on Ornamental Drive which leads from the A35. It’s got a huge car park and toilets close by. If you go through the gate and follow the path it leads you down to viewing around where you should be able to see some wild deer roaming throughout the forest. Keep walking down and you come across a light stream and a few small ponds. The path is a bit hilly and if it’s been raining you may need wellies. Saying that though, it’s fine for pushchairs and bikes.
You can find Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary at Ornamental Dr, Lyndhurst SO43 7GQ.
37. Furzey Gardens
Find the fairies while walking around this tranquil garden. It’s got everything you need from bridges to climbing frames. It’s surrounded by beautiful woods and loads of different walks. There’s plenty of places to have a picnic and really explore the surrounding wildlife.
You can find Furzey Gardens at School Ln, Minstead, Lyndhurst SO43 7GL.
38. Hatchet Pond
Hatchet Pond is in the New Forest and is perfect if the kids need to let off some steam. There’s plenty of parking and it’s a great place to put your wellies on and really explore. The ground is mostly flat so great for bike riding.
You can find Hatchet Pond at B3055, East Boldre, Brockenhurst SO42 7WB.
Related Posts:
- The Best Funfairs and Theme Parks in Hampshire
- The Best Castles in Hampshire
- The Ultimate List of Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly
39. Hurst Spit Beach
With lovely views of the Isle of Wright, this beach is lovely to watch the world go by. The cafe is limited so bringing lunch is a good idea. Parking is hard to come by too so visit early to make sure you get a spot.
You can find Hurst Spit Beach at Milford on Sea, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 0TP.
40. Knightwood Oak
Knightwood Oak is along the Ornamental Drive. It has a gravel track which is great for bikes. It’s covered by large trees so if it’s raining it’s still a great place to visit.
You can find Knightwood Oak at Knightwood Oak Car Park, Brockenhurst.
41. Blackwater
Park at Blackwater car park and walk this mile route with the whole family. It’s through huge trees that take you around the heart of this area of the New Forest. You are walking through trees so this isn’t very buggy friendly.
You can find Blackwater at Blackwater Car Park, Rhinefield Ornamental Dr, Brockenhurst SO42 7QB.
42. Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
This museum is packed full of racing bikes over the years. This is a really interactive museum where the kids can touch and feel as they go through.
You can find Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum at Bashley Cross Rd, Roads BH25 5SZ.
43. Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Whatever age your kids are, the Beaulieu National Motor Museum is a perfect place for a day out. It’s interactive and has a stunning garden to run around too.
You can find Beaulieu National Motor Museum at John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN.
Laura x If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.
What the * means
If a link has an * by it, then this means it is an affiliate link and helps S4SM stay free for all. If you use the link, it may mean that we receive a very small payment. It will not cost you anymore that it would normally.
You shouldn’t notice any difference and the link will never negatively impact the product. The items we write about are NEVER dictated by these links. We aim to look at all products on the market. If it isn’t possible to get an affiliate link, then the link, or product is still included in the same way, just with a non-paying links.
