There are loads of things to do in Hampshire for kids. Some free and some super spendy, but all fun. Here’s the best guide to places to visit in Hampshire from someone who lives there (me).
There are so many family days out in Hampshire. We have three cities, many, many towns and some beautiful villages to explore. I might be biased as I’ve called Hampshire my adoptive home for the last seven years, but I would say it’s one of England’s richest counties when it comes to things to do.
If you’re looking for the top days out in Hampshire for families, you need to get outside. We have the green of the New Forest, the beauty of the coast and the heights of the South Downs too.
Free kids days out in Hampshire
1. Play in Southsea by Canoe Lake and on the beach
Let’s start with my current home, shall we?
Southsea is known for its beach, its coffee shop culture and its artistic vibes. It’s pretty cool down here and if you’re looking for a fun day out in Hampshire for kids and adults, then I can’t recommend it enough.
Don’t expect a million things to do in this Hampshire hot spot, but that’s the beauty. My three-year-old son loves running in and out the fountains at Southsea Castle, playing at Canoe Lake and paddling at the shingle beach.
You could also try the Butterfly Museum, Southsea splash park and Southsea skate park too. Don’t be persuaded by the Blue Reef Aquarium – it wins the award for the biggest rip off attraction in the UK for me, never mind Hampshire. You’ve been warned.
There’s free parking around Canoe Lake. If you need a lunch on your way out from the beach, check out Albert Road.
2. Walk and eat your way round Brockenhurst in the New Forest
Brockenhurst is one of the New Forest’s most popular villages – easy to reach, packed with things to do, and brimming with Hampshire charm. You can wander the forest trails, hop on a bike, or cool off in the Balmer Lawn waters at ‘Brockenhurst Beach’.
If you’re on a budget there are plenty of open spaces for a picnic. Or, I’d recommend The Huntsman or The Pig for lunch if you’re not.
With its village vibe, and great links to other New Forest spots, Brockenhurst makes a brilliant day out for kids in Hampshire. And there are some great campsites to check out if you’re staying longer. I’d recommend Hollands Wood thanks to its off-grid feel and central location.
3. Cycle the New Forest from Lyndhurst
There’s a great bike rental place in Lyndhurst called The Woods Cyclery. Pick up a bike from here and go and explore the New Forest with your little one riding pillion, or in a carriage attached.
Lepe has a great beach – super popular with dog walkers and kids. And a nice coffee shop if you just want to sit and chill. Expect queues on sunny days though. Walking along the edge of the New Forest makes for one of the best coastal walks in Hampshire.
4. Relax on Hayling Island
If your idea of a great day out in Hampshire with the kids is to retreat from other people, be on a sandy beach – without the pressure of lots of things to do – then I think Hayling Island is the one for you.
There’s not really that much to do here that costs, which means it’s also one of the best cheap days out in Hampshire too. The beauty is in the nature.
You can get to Hayling Island on a little boat from Southsea in Portsmouth, or you can drive round and through. Bring a picnic and enjoy the Billy Trail, a cycle ride, a wander on the seafront and a dip in the sea. The best beach is at the sailing club but you’ll have to sneak in on foot.
5. Visit Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Petersfield
Easily accessible from the A3, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a haven near Petersfield. There are pretty woodlands for the walkers among us, or cycling and horse trails if you like your country ambles on the adventurous side. They’ve just had a new skate park installed which I’m keen to try.
The park is free and open throughout the day, with a cafe and toilets on site. The park is a great introduction to the beauty of the South Downs, as you can pass right through them. There’s lots to do in here, but the best thing to do in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park might just be to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
6. Chill at Hill Head Beach in Fareham
This shingle dog friendly beach is one of the most ‘wanted’ in the county. If you’re looking for a fun day out in Hampshire, that’s pretty easy, breezy, then this could be the one for you.
The views from Hill Head Beach are pretty spectacular, and the shoreline overlooks the Solent. If you’re into watching boats come in and out, you’ll love it here.
Thanks to the relatively windy weather here, it’s a popular spot for watersports enthusiasts. If you like paddleboarding and kayaking, you’ll love it here. And birdwatchers love the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve.
The colourful beach huts here just add to the pretty seaside vibe.
7. Royal Victoria Country Park
Royal Victoria Country Park is a kid’s dream day out in Hampshire. There’s a huge playground for climbing, sliding, and running wild, plus a miniature railway that chugs through the park.
Families can explore the woodland trails, hunt for mini-beasts, and there’s plenty of space for ball games and kite flying. The café is handy for ice creams and snacks – those sausage rolls are pretty good!
Top attractions in Hampshire
8. Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park
Young families love Peppa Pig World, nestled within Paultons Park in Hampshire. Enjoy rides like George’s Dinosaur Adventure and Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, as well as meet and greets, soft plays and playgrounds.
Surrounded by vibrant landscapes straight out of the show, Peppa Pig World not only offers fun rides but also an opportunity to step into Peppa’s delightful universe. If you’re planning a trip, check out my guide to Peppa Pig World to make sure you get the most from your day.
9. Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is one of the highest rated activities to do in Hampshire, maybe even the UK.
Here you’ll find the actual Mary Rose, or at least the remnants of it in a temperature controlled room. There’s also the HMS Victory and the HMS Warrior and you can do tours to wander around them all.
You’ll love the boathouse with a restaurant, a cafe, and little kiddie boats you can drive yourself. Reggie loves a visit here every so often – pretending to fire the cannons and exploring the ships. It’s one of the best days out for kids in Hampshire, of all ages.
10. Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quays
If you’re looking for family days out, Hampshire has a lot to offer.
While you’re down that end of Portsmouth you could also check out the Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quays. Reggie loves the view from the top, but mostly going up in the super fast lift.
While you’re there see if you can get away with a bit of time looking round Gunwharf Quays. It’s a discount outlet centre, with some fantastic bargains. My favourite brands and shops here include The White Company, Vans, Animal and French Connection. For kids at Gunwharf Quays there’s a Cadbury’s shop, and usually some sort of event going on with fairground rides but it depends on the time of year.
You could also do the Gunwharf Quays mini train for a few minutes entertainment.
11. National Motor Museum in Beaulieu
The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu is packed with family fun. Kids can spot famous film and TV cars, climb aboard the monorail for a bird’s-eye view, and whizz around the vintage bus. The Little Beaulieu adventure play area is perfect for burning off energy.
There’s also loads of space for picnics, gardens to explore, and seasonal family trails. It’s a great mix of hands-on fun, quirky discoveries, and plenty to keep young visitors entertained.
Cities in Hampshire for kids
12. Go for a day out in Winchester
Winchester is home to the Winchester Cathedral, which might not provide much entertainment for kids in Hampshire but it’s worth a look. It’s also set in pretty gardens, and has a wonderful Christmas Market.
Shopping in Winchester city is popular of course, but the best thing to do in Winchester for kids is the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium.
It’s hands-on and packed with interactive exhibits, perfect for curious minds of all ages. Think building challenges, sound experiments, and mind-bending optical illusions. The real star is the UK’s largest standalone planetarium, where you can journey through the stars without leaving your seat. With regular themed events and activities, it’s an ideal spot for rainy days in Hampshire that’s both fun and secretly educational.
13. Day out in Southampton for families
Southampton makes for a great day out for kids in Hampshire thanks to the many playgrounds, cinemas and soft plays in the city.
If you want something slightly active to do on a rainy day in Hampshire, then I can totally recommend Houdini Escape Rooms – they get you to dress up and everything. Also, 1st Base indoor baseball is pretty fun too. You stand up to bat and smack the ball as hard as you can against the wall, and you’ll get points.
14. Day out in Portsmouth for children
Portsmouth has loads for kids to enjoy. Let them run wild at Victoria Park, where there are huge enclosures for birds and a new-ish playground. My son loves the little train climbing frame there. He also enjoys Portsmouth Museum – especially its new nightclub exhibition, weirdly.
Families can take a breezy walk along the seafront cycle paths here, which have all recently been redone. You can also go crabbing from the harbour walls and there are plenty of indoor play cafés and climbing centres for rainy-day fun – look up Exploria if your kid likes to climb!
Unusual things to do in Hampshire
15. New Forest Lavender Farm
One of the most popular places to visit in Hampshire is the New Forest Lavender Farm (in season). Come in season and you’ll find all the photographers laying down for the greatest shots in amongst the purple shoots. You can get some great pics of your little ones as they run through the flowers here, and there’s always the onsite cafe to keep everyone satiated.
16. Experience Butser Ancient Farm
How about a visit to Butser Ancient Farm?
Butser Ancient Farm is an open-air museum bringing Britain’s prehistoric, Roman, and Saxon past to life. You can wander through reconstructed ancient homes, watch traditional crafts in action, and even try your hand at activities like chalk carving or wattling.
It’s a brilliant mix of history and hands-on fun, making it ideal for families in Hampshire. Look out for seasonal events and living history days for a memorable day out.
17. Get adventurous in the New Forest
Check out the New Forest Activities website and you could sign yourself up for archery or canoeing on the River Itchen in Beaulieu.
18. Go swimming at Petersfield Lido
Petersfield Lido is a charming open-air pool that’s perfect for sunny family days in Hampshire. It offers a large heated pool for confident swimmers with space around for picnics. Sometimes they even put on a BBQ.
Lifeguards keep things safe, and the relaxed, friendly vibe makes it a lovely spot to cool off, practice swimming, or simply lounge in the sunshine all afternoon.
19. Hogmoor Inclosure
Hogmoor Inclosure in Hampshire is a brilliant outdoor playground for adventurous families. Set within a large heathland nature reserve, it has one of the biggest free play areas in the south, with climbing frames, zip lines, sand pits, and natural play structures.
Kids can follow woodland trails, spot wildlife, or bring bikes and scooters to explore the open spaces. There’s a café for snacks and plenty of picnic spots, making it easy to spend a whole day enjoying fresh air, freedom, and outdoor fun.
Animal days out in Hampshire
19. Staunton Country Park in Havant
Kids will love the animal encounter sessions at the farm, and the friendly animals they’ll meet. They’ll also enjoy the Golden Jubilee Maze – filled with fun and adventure. And with over 1000 acres in the park, they’ll also enjoy a good run around. There are some beautiful gardens here too.
Staunton Country Park makes for a lovely, wholesome family activity in Hampshire.
20. Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo in Hampshire is one of the best days out in Hampshire for kids. Home to hundreds of species, from giraffes and tigers to penguins and lemurs, kids can get up close to wildlife from around the world.
There are adventure playgrounds to explore between animal enclosures, plus a road train to rest little legs. Seasonal trails and interactive talks make learning fun, and the wide open spaces are perfect for picnics.
21. Manor Farm
If you want a classic family day out in Hampshire, then there’s nowhere more wholesome than Manor Farm. It’s hands on. Kids can meet pigs, goats, cows, and more. They can help feed the animals, watch milking demonstrations, and see adorable newborns in spring.
The historic farm buildings and costumed characters bring the past to life, showing what rural life was like over 100 years ago. There are play areas to burn off energy, tractor rides for a bit of adventure, and plenty of picnic spots too.
22. New Forest Wildlife Park
New Forest Wildlife Park is a brilliant day out for families who love animals. Kids can see otters splashing, owls swooping, and deer wandering in spacious natural enclosures. The park is home to native and endangered species, from wildcats to wolves, and keeper talks make it all the more engaging.
Little ones will love the adventure playgrounds, complete with climbing frames, zip lines, and tunnels. With woodland trails, picnic areas, and plenty of wildlife to spot, it’s both an exciting and educational escape into nature.
23. Longdown Activity Centre
Longdown Activity Centre is the perfect farmyard adventure. It’s my favourite place on this animal lovers list to take him in Hampshire. Kids can bottle-feed kid goats, cuddle fluffy chicks, and meet pigs, ponies, and alpacas. There are daily animal handling sessions, tractor rides, and plenty of outdoor play areas, including trampolines and ride-on toy tractors.
Seasonal events, like Easter egg hunts and pumpkin picking, add extra fun throughout the year. With picnic spots and a café on site, it’s an ideal mix of fresh air, furry friends, and family-friendly activities.
Family days out in Hampshire
As you can see, if you’re looking for family days out, Hampshire has a lot to offer!
More about England from me…
I’ve written extensively about England and the UK for a range of publications and websites. These are three of the best!
Experience England
with Lonely Planet
Experience GB
with Lonely Planet
Day Out in England
my dedicated site!
