September events for toddlers in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

Hampshire’s Top Attractions has a fantastic variety of September events for toddlers in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight. There’s a day out for all toddlers and preschoolers to love right here. So start planning your family adventure!

Events

Encourage your children to get creative in the ‘Wild Escape Drop-in & Draw’ event at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens on August 22nd. Children will be amazed by the natural history collection and will have access to a range of art materials including pastels, charcoal, watercolour paints and sketching pencils.

For a great day out seeing a variety of animals such as the toddler favourites of meerkats, giraffes and penguins, there’s plenty of outdoor space to run around and playparks at Marwell Zoo. Bluey and her little sister Bingo, from the much-loved children’s TV show Bluey, will be visiting the zoo on 24 August.

Peppa Pig meet and greet at Spinnaker Tower on the 29th & 30th August – enjoy spectacular views whatever the weather, take part in our free fun trail & meet Peppa Pig!

Filskit Theatre returns to New Theatre Royal Portsmouth with regular dates throughout the year. Come & enjoy an uplifting 45 minutes with your little one as you listen to live musicians playing beautiful acoustic versions of well-known pop songs, all arranged to be enjoyable for both big & small ears alike. See the website for current dates.

Enjoy a family-friendly exhibition and activity trails at Mottisfont until 5th November, exploring the much-loved children’s books created by Allan and Janet Ahlberg. Discover over 70 original artworks in gallery rooms transformed into imaginative, playful spaces, with cosy reading zones, interactive experiences, and blown-up backdrops for family photos.

Does your preschooler love planes? Let them climb aboard some aircraft at Army Flying Museum and pay admission once and return all year. On the 23rd and 24th September build super flying machines out of LEGO® bricks at The Brick

If you have a train enthusiast, you must Ride the rails as autumn sets in at The Brickworks Museum at their popular Trains Day on 24th September.

Until 30th October, you can follow the Owl Sculpture Trail whilst visiting Paultons Park and having the best day at Peppa Pig World! The perfect day to make family memories.

Hands-on Activities

Toddlers will love the Little Locos Toddler Group at The Watercress Line. Toddlers enjoy music, rhymes, art and craft activities all inspired by the railway and their locomotives. Tea, coffee, squash and a biscuit are included.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens offers children the chance to discover, explore and learn in an inspiring and safe environment. Opened by Sir David Attenborough the Children’s Education Garden has exciting places to explore, herb garden, musical equipment for sound and movement and a miniature fruiting hedgerow. Don’t miss seeing the woodland pigs too!

Step back in time and visit Milestones Museum in Basingstoke for an educational and enjoyable trip for all. Fun for the whole family, meet over 260 furry friends at Mr Simpson’s Teddy Bear Museum, engage with imaginative play in the under 5s play space and enjoy interactive fun on the Milestones pier. Milestonesmuseum.org.uk.

Let your little one see how science is amazing and fun! With hands-on activities and daily science shows at Winchester Science Centre.

In the heart of the enchanting New Forest, families can create lasting memories with Cyclexperience’s exciting off-road routes suitable for the whole family. With an array of attachments catering to little ones, this day out promises endless giggles and exploration. From charming trails to meandering wildlife, the New Forest awaits your toddler’s discovery.

Isle of Wight

Treat your toddler to some all-weather fun at Tapnell Farm Park on the Isle of Wight, with indoor play barns and a whole host of animals waiting to meet them – from meerkats to miniature donkeys!

Set sail with Red Funnel and SAVE 10% with the exclusive HTA discount voucher.

Have a dinosaur-mad toddler? They will love Dinosaur Isle on the Isle of Wight, and what’s more under 3’s go free!

Farms and animals

Toddlers and preschoolers love animal adventures! Head to Staunton Farm to stroke and feed the animals. With George’s indoor play barn and an outdoor area, your little ones are sure to have fun.

Not only are there animals to see and traditional cottages to explore, but Manor Farm also offers an impressive indoor play barn with a dedicated toddler section, fun for whatever the weather.

Can you spot the lynx and hear the wolves howl? Don’t forget to meet the resident giant otter family, walk amongst the wallabies and deer and have fun in the toddler and preschooler adventure park at New Forest Wildlife Park. 

Feed the animals and get snuggly with chicks and guinea pigs at Longdown Activity Farm. Jump on the trampolines and visit the outdoor playpark with an accessible swing.

Follow the play trail, explore the woods, watch people swing through the trees at Go Ape and finish up with ice cream at Itchen Valley Country Park. 

As well as the most amazing variety of birds, Birdworld also has a lovely little farm where toddlers can see goats, rabbits, pigs and sheep!

Many of the attractions mentioned above give free entry to toddlers and preschoolers – Check out our blog here. Discover more days out, attractions, vouchers and events!