Activities to suit all the family at Hampshire’s Top Attractions!

Here at Hampshire’s Top Attractions, enjoy a variety of attractions for the whole family to enjoy an exciting day out.  Whether you’re looking for action and adventure, walks in nature, or picnic places. You’ll find something to love here. Keep reading for activities to suit all the family at Hampshire’s Top Attractions… build up a family adventure itinerary that is full of fun!

For the thrill-seekers

Whether you’re meeting Peppa Pig, braving the Storm Chaser rollercoaster, or taking on a family jeep expedition at the Dinosaur Tour Co. Paultons Park guarantees fun for the whole family with over 70 rides and attractions included in the admission price! All tickets must be pre-booked.

With three locations across Hampshire, a Treetop Adventure for the whole family is never far away at Go Ape! Swing through the trees and tackle challenging crossings, before taking on a zip wire finale. New for 2021- try the new Treetop Adventure Plus, for older and bolder kids! 

Head over to New Forest Activities for your family’s great outdoor adventures. Start your day with a canoeing tour along the Beaulieu River. Or why swing from the trees during a Woodland Adventure Day? Or join their fun archery sessions and test your skills with a bow and arrow. Whichever adventures you choose, give your family the coolest family day ever!

Clarence Pier has something for all the family from thrilling rides for the older ones to gentle fun for the younger ones and remember there are arcades and the pirates and princesses indoor play area.

Historic Days Out

Take a trip to Winchester Cathedral to explore 1000 years of English history. Once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal power, this historic site has played host to King’s and Queens for centuries. From the 17th of May, there will be several free children’s trails on offer which provide families with a fun and informative look at the Cathedral, introducing them to its fascinating past and the characters associated with it. 

Discover history on the hill at Fort Nelson – home to the Royal Armouries and the national museum of arms and armour. There’s a chance to explore its barracks, guardroom, tunnels, and ramparts and uncover the story of the fort in its fascinating galleries – all set on 19 acres on top of Portsdown Hill. Admission free!

Southampton’s heritage steamship SS Shieldhall offers an ideal way for families to explore the water, offering short 2 hr or 3 1/2 hr cruises in addition to longer trips. Children can explore all parts of the ship with a passport booklet, collecting stickers from the engineers, deck crew, and captain!

Treat your family to a fun day out at The Watercress Line: ride on a steam train, play in the NEW playground, visit the footbridge used in Harry Potter films and explore the locomotive yard to get up close to the huge engines. Children under 5 years go FREE (non-events travel only).

Situated in Portsmouth, The D-Day Story is a fantastic day out that the whole family will love. A day out here tells the story of this momentous moment in World War Two, told in three distinct parts and ensures something for all ages.

Live Shows

Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths)! Explore interactive exhibits, and watch awe-inspiring live science shows and demos. Become immersed in nature, and experience spectacular shows in the UK’s largest standalone Planetarium at Winchester Science Centre.

Did you know that there are a variety of theatres to head to in Hampshire to enjoy a family show? Head to MAST Mayflower Studios, Mayflower Theatre or New Theatre Royal for an evening the whole family will love!

Animal Days Out

Head to Birdworld and see over 1200 birds and other animals during a fun and informative day out. From penguins to parrots and owls to emus there really is so much to see. And don’t forget the Jenny Wren Farm for lots more feathered and furry friends! 

Step back in time at Butser Ancient Farm. Explore their timeline of reconstructed ancient homes spanning the Stone Age to the Saxon periods. With hands-on activities, demonstrations, and living history displays, rare-breed goats & sheep, there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy. 

There is farming fun for everyone at Longdown Activity Farm! Fabulous daily schedule of animal activities including bottle-feeding kid goats and calves, small animal experience, and duck feeding. There’s plenty of outdoor playtime equipment too. Don’t miss the bumpy tractor ride (ground conditions permitting).

From the massive Eurasian Bison to the tiny Harvest Mouse there is something at New Forest Wildlife Park for everyone. Enjoy the Nature Trail that winds its way through the wooded grounds. Discover otters, wolves, lynx, wallabies, owls, Scottish wildcats, pine martens, and more! Playgrounds for all ages!

Get your family outside and enjoy the best of nature at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Kids can burn off steam as they complete the giant Top Trumps Activity Trail and in the playground! The family will delight in the spectacular flying displays that take place daily, a real nature adrenaline rush! 

Get Outdoors

You’ll find something for the whole family to love at all the beautiful country parks that Hampshire is home to. From a day playing outside at Lepe Country Park, to the great outdoors at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, explore the Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park, race along a trail at Staunton Country Park, or enjoy a family walk at Itchen Valley Country Park.

Have you heard? You can explore the River Hamble’s scenic shoreline from land or on the water at River Hamble Country Park!

The Isle of Wight has a host of fantastic fun activities for all the family that will help you to get outdoors! Learn how to sail a boat, paddleboard, or kayak in the beautiful blue waters. Try your hand at horse-riding, or explore cycling routes, from easy terrain to something more challenging! 

Download our discount vouchers and check out our other day-out idea blogs for more day-out ideas!

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