With plenty of energy and active minds under 12’s need both their bodies and minds exercised. Great days out in Hampshire can do just that! Below we’ve compiled our favourite 27 exciting days out for under 12s in Hampshire! Keep reading to discover more.
Days out for active minds under 12
Queen Elizabeth Country ParkSpark their curiosity in science by letting them get hands-on with two floors of interactive exhibits at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, including the immersive Explorer: Space zone. And be sure to experience an unforgettable planetarium show in the UK’s largest standalone planetarium; there are a variety of 360°fulldome films and presenter-led shows on offer.
Let them get hands-on and discover fascinating stories in the view from 100 metres up at the Spinnaker Tower – with interactive information touch screens, child-friendly audio guides, a fun rib boat simulator, an amazing glass Sky Walk and more.
Indoors at The Brickworks Museum, they have a children’s interactive trail, hands-on puzzles and activities, lashings of Lego, full sized playboat plus activities throughout the museum. Outside they have a fairy trail and a really difficult ‘brickyard trail’.
Fire your imagination; learn about past heroes and how artillery has shaped history in Fort Nelson‘s fun family trails that guide you around the fort. Look out for their junior events and special gun firings available throughout the year.
Looking for some after-school fun? Why not take the children up to Riverside Activity Zone to enjoy their Pin Pals or Golf Buddies offer at an affordable price. Enjoy 1 game of bowling or a round of golf, finishing with a children’s meal of your choice.
Engage young minds with a pivotal moment in history at The D-Day Story. This museum brings the past to life through interactive exhibits, personal stories, and real artifacts from the D-Day landings. Children can learn about the bravery and strategy involved in this historic event, making it an educational and moving experience for the whole family
For explorers under 12
Kids can enjoy following in some famous footsteps by crossing the newly opened Kings Cross footbridge that featured in the Harry PotterTM films at the Watercress Line. They can explore the new viewing galleries in the engineering workshops at Ropley station and get a unique view of the current restoration projects.
There’s plenty of space to run, jump and play around Mottisfont, and always something for families to do. Test your limits in Mottisfont’s Wild Play areas, explore the grounds with seasonal trails in school holidays, and enjoy a family-focused exhibition every summer.
Let them be curious and follow seasonal trails around Sir Harold Hillier Gardens; spotting plants, animals, insects and the changes in the season. Play eye-spy, view the giant willow sculptures and visit the Education Garden. During the school holidays, they can also take part in fun activities such as Pond Dipping, Climb a Tree and Bushcraft.
Take to the Beaulieu River in stable touring kayaks on a paddling tour with New Forest Activities.They’ll be provided with all the kit and kick-ass guide to take them on an exciting tour of the rivers nature reserve. They’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of the river, whilst learning a new skill. All under 18s must take part with an adult. See their website for available session times, open all year round!
Ever wondered how to tie a bowline? Come along to the historic shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard and have a go! You can even have a go at traditional ‘caulking’, which is the process of making the seams in a ship watertight.
Meeting the animals and exploring the farm at Staunton Country Park and experiencing farm life through the years at Manor Farm will keep children entertained for hours! Events and activities designed especially for younger ages will give them a new and fresh experience each visit. The mini rangers club encourages children to explore the parks and engage with their environment; ideal for those who love to explore the great outdoors.
For a fantastic day out with the under-12s, The Vyne is a historical playground waiting to be discovered! Younger children can let their imaginations soar in the dedicated natural play area, while older kids can get stuck into self-led geocaching, orienteering, and den building in the sprawling ancient woodlands. During school holidays, the estate comes alive with seasonal trails and interactive activities designed to keep little explorers busy. With under-fives entering for free, lakeside picnic spots for a mid-day refuel, and a bird hide for spotting local wildlife, it’s a brilliant spot to burn off some energy and dive into a Hampshire adventure.
For Adventurers under 12
Thruxton Race CircuitThere’s nothing like starting young! At Thruxton, any budding racing drivers from 8 years old can go karting on our 365-metre Club Circuit and experience motor racing for themselves.
Visit Lepe Country Park, with over a mile of beach is a great day out for all. Whether spending the day searching for seashore crabs and building sandcastles or enjoying the play area or a stroll around the coast to the D-Day remains or through the local nature reserve, there’s lots to do. Finish your visit at The Lookout, Lepe’s restaurant with panoramic views over the Solent – a destination for visitors whatever the weather!
From family days out to quiet wanders, days of discovery and time with friends, the beautiful Hinton Ampner offers something for everyone. The elegant country manor is nestled amongst beautiful gardens within its Hampshire state – sitting proudly with views stretching over the South Downs National Park.
For children aged eight and over there is an extensive range of equipment at Queen Elizabeth Country Park‘s Adventure Play Trail near the Juniper BBQ site. There are miles of open space to explore on foot, by bike or on horseback.
Kids can enjoy a fun-filled hour of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles on Go Ape Tree Top Junior. Perfect for anyone over 1m tall, you’ll negotiate three loops of crossings and finish on a high with two awesome Zip Wires.
Discover Calshot Activities Centre, located on the scenic shores of Hampshire, for an adrenaline-packed day of adventure. The centre is a dynamic hub for indoor, outdoor and water-based activities such as climbing, track cycling, windsurfing and indoor skiing, helping visitors to create unforgettable memories.
Tile Barn Outdoor Centre is a dream come true for younger explorers who love the great outdoors. Perfectly suited for ages 8 and up, kids can step up to the shooting line for an Archery Adventure, learning to handle a bow and arrow like a pro. The secluded meadows and woodlands offer a safe and exciting space to explore nature, while the sustainable camping pods add a touch of magic to any family stay. It’s a fantastic way for children to build confidence, try new skills like fire-lighting, and enjoy a real-life adventure in the heart of the New Forest.
For family fun days out that everyone can enjoy
Make a splash at Paultons Park and take on the Raging River Ride, an exciting log flume with two mighty drops! Head to the wave runner, and descend down a steep water coaster on fast-flowing water whilst in your own dinghy!
Nestled in the enchanting New Forest National Park, the New Forest Wildlife Park is the perfect destination for nature and animal lovers. Home to more than 30 species of animals, the park spans several acres of natural woodland with a variety of stunning habitats and enclosures.
Climb into a pod and take a ride through motoring history on Wheels at Beaulieu. Then grab a costume and pose for your photo in a historic vehicle. Plus don’t forget to follow the fun quiz trail!
Be a Wild Explorer and take part in Marwell Zoo’s popular Explorer’s Trail! Begin your expedition around the zoo to find and collect all ten stamps around the park at some of your favourite animal enclosures.
Immerse your children in nature at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Each day there is a full timetable of activities to entertain the whole family, including world-class flying displays. Children can let off steam as they complete the activity trail and on the new bird of prey-themed playground. There are also extra activities during weekends and school holidays including ferret racing, tractor rides and pond dipping.
Let imaginations run wild at Sky Park Farm, where children can connect with nature and animals in a beautiful setting. Explore the farm trails, meet friendly deer, and enjoy the adventure play areas. With stunning views and plenty of space to roam, Sky Park Farm offers a delightful day out for young explorers.
Tapnell Farm Park provides a delightful blend of animal encounters, play areas, and outdoor activities. Children can interact with farm animals, enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, and experience the beauty of the Isle of Wight countryside.
At Longdown Farm you can get closer to farm animals, bottle feed kid goats and hold a chick. Plus don’t miss the bumpy tractor ride!
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is a paradise for little ones! Under 12s will love meeting the friendly herds and participating in free seasonal trails around the site during school holidays. The sanctuary is mostly flat with easy-to-navigate tarmac paths, making it perfect for pushchairs and little legs. After a daily guided tour to meet the animals, kids can head to the café to enjoy colouring sheets and pencils while the grown-ups refuel with homemade cake. It’s a wonderful, screen-free environment where imaginations can run wild.
Article updated March 2026.