23 indoor and outdoor days out for under 7s

If you’re looking for activities and days out for under 7’s then you’ve come to the right place! There’s lots on offer with family days out in Hampshire that kids of all ages can enjoy, plus plenty for those energetic little ones! Below, you can find our absolute favourite days out for under 7s in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Fun and fresh air for under 7s

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.

Wear them out with activities and days out in the fresh air! They 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, they’ll negotiate three loops of crossings and finish on a high with two awesome Zip Wires.

Even the little ones can get involved in the fun at New Forest Activities. Jump in a boat together and enjoy a Family Canoeing tour on the beautiful Beaulieu River. Or perhaps Archery is more your thing? Great for those aged 6+ your little ones will be shown how to handle a bow and arrow before taking part in a range of exciting Archery games and challenges. See their website for available session times, open all year round!

Become and explorer for a day at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway! Take part in adventure trails, discover nature in the woods, climb our play area. And if your little one is more engineer than explorer, then perhaps the miniature steam railway will spark their imagination?

There is lots of room to enjoy more than just a train ride at the Watercress Line, with the large picnic area at Ropley station that gives you all space to stretch your legs and a climbing frame for the children to enjoy, as well as the new brass rubbing Children’s Trail.

Hop aboard Professor Blast’s Expedition Express and enjoy a mini train trek through a world of critters and strange experiments! See if you can spot mixed up critters like the wood-mouse and the fly-ger! Visit Beastie Burrow, an emporium filled with fascinating and unusual insects, fish and lizards only at Paultons Park.

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 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!

Let the kids loose around Staunton Country Park‘s farm and let them interact with the furry and feathery residents of Staunton. They can get closer to the animals with animal feed from the shop or take part in the daily animal encounters. George’s Play barn has a climbing frame with slides, rope bridges and cargo nets that are perfect for older, more energetic children.

There are also some fantastic play areas at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, and for children aged under 8 years there is a range of animal themed play equipment in the Tots Play Area close to the Visitor Centre.

At 180 acres, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens have miles of winding pathways to run along and explore. Find the hidden Tree House, with climbing wall and slide. Play on the super snake rope swing, try out the bamboo maze and the balancing logs.

Animals attractions for under 7s in Hampshire

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.

For a truly “fawn-tastic” day out with the little ones, head over to Sky Park Farm near Petersfield. It’s a dream come true for under 7s, who can get hands-on and feed four different species of friendly deer! Once they’ve met the herds, let them loose in the adventure playground, which features a dedicated under-5s area complete with a sandpit and water station for sensory play. With 70 acres of farmland to explore, including themed puzzle trails and idyllic picnic spots by the river, it’s the perfect place for tiny explorers to burn off some energy in the beautiful South Downs.

For little ones who love animals, Birdworld is a must. Under 7s will be mesmerised by the colourful parrots and the cheeky penguins at Penguin Beach. Don’t forget to visit Jenny Wren Farm, where they can get up close to fluffy farmyard friends. it’s the perfect size for smaller legs to explore without getting too tired! Plus three outdoor play areas to entertain all ages, and a brand new indoor softplay!

Perfect for a gentle stroll through the trees, the New Forest Wildlife Park allows under 7s to see otters, owls, and deer. The “Go Wild” adventure playgrounds are fantastic, with a specific section designed for younger children to build their confidence on smaller climbing frames and swings.

For a bit of “hands-on” history, Butser Ancient Farm is wonderful for curious little minds. They can explore thatched Iron Age roundhouses, see rare breed sheep, and often take part in ancient skills activities like chalk carving or wattling.It’s an open, safe space where they can really get stuck into the past.

A fun-filled day out for kids and adults

There are also plenty of activities for children to enjoy at Manor Farm. They can milk the cows, meet the animals, experience a lesson in the Victorian classroom and have fun climbing and swinging in one of their play areas.

Dive beneath the water at Penguin Cove, drive the safari truck at Wild Explorers & pick up an Explorer’s Trail from Marwell Zoo‘s information cabin. Top Tip: From Spring – October, head for the rail train ride early in the day to get close up views of the animals.

Let off steam on Beaulieu’s Mini Motor Play Area! Follow the fun quiz trail around the attraction and take a ride on Wheels – the family-friendly ride which takes you on a journey through motoring history.

Follow the fun family trail around the historic shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard. You can even get ‘hands-on’ with knot tying or have a go at caulking (making the seams in wooden ships watertight).

Indoor and active attractions for under 7s

If you’re looking for something fun and active to do Indoors, how about the children’s interactive trail at Bursledon Brickworks? Dressing up, hands on puzzles and activities, lashings of Lego, full sized playboat plus activities throughout the museum. Outside they also have a small playground and a fairy trail.

Spark 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; chatterbox shows are perfect for younger children who may want to voice their excitement.

The view from the Spinnaker Tower inspires young imaginations, they can watch the ships coming and going and spot people on the ground, as tiny as ants beneath them as they brave the glass Sky Walk.

Step back in time at Milestones. This is a brilliant indoor option for under 7s, as the cobbled streets are completely undercover. They can “purchase” a ration of sweets from the old-fashioned sweet shop, play on the vintage penny arcade machines, and explore the toy collection. It’s an immersive sensory experience that really brings history to life for youngsters.

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Article updated: March 2026. Please note: Attraction features, facilities and offers or pricing are subject to change. Please always check their individual websites before visiting.