Days out for under 3s and toddlers in Hampshire

Whether you’re looking for fun that even the youngest family member can enjoy, or somewhere to take the youngest whilst the oldest are at school, there are plenty of things to do for kids days out in Hampshire. We’ve scoured the county to find the best days out for toddlers in Hampshire. Keep reading to discover 20 days out for under 3s and toddlers in Hampshire.

Burn off some energy at these fun attractions for under 3s

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is an amazing place to visit, with exciting play features such as the wobbly bridge, bamboo tunnels and swings. Look out for the fish in the Pond, make music with bamboo chimes and run along the all ability pathways (which are perfect for buggies too). Admission to the Gardens is free for under 5s. Why not pack a lunch, bring your favourite teddy and enjoy a teddy bears picnic!

Fly high on Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride or join us on George’s Dinosaur Adventure at Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World. Mr. Potato’s Playground is a favourite with the youngsters, why not follow the rainbow path then climb and swing, slide and jump in is fully themed outdoor play area.

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. PLUS, under 5s go free!

Toddlers will have a magical adventure at Furzey Gardens! With over 40 enchanting fairy doors to discover hidden in the ancient woodlands, plus a play area perfect for little climbers, and a bamboo maze for hide-and-seek fun. Your little one under 5 can enjoy free entry too!

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!

Little Squirrels is a hands-on nature club for children aged 2 and a half years and above during school term time every Tuesday morning at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. There is always a craft, healthy snack with a story, nature walk and outdoor play.

A Family Canoeing session with New Forest Activities is great for all ages from 18 months and upwards. Your family will enjoy a fun-filled, 90-minute paddle on the beautiful Beaulieu River in safe, Canadian style canoes. Make sure you keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls the river home, including a variety of birds, jellyfish and even Beaulieu’s resident seal! All equipment provided. See their website for available session times, open all year round!

Toddlers will love meeting these animals

Great news: under 2s go free to Marwell Zoo, no need to book them a ticket (buy online to jump the queue). Enjoy changing facilities all over the zoo and a microwave to warm up your food at Cafe Graze. Top Tip: don’t miss the sand pit and Penguin Cove play areas.

For a natural wildlife setting head to New Forest Wildlife Park and spot the animals, many of whom are endangered. From playful otters, to majectic wolves, be sure to see the keeper feeding talks to see some animals up a little closer. Plus toddlers under 3s go free and they will love the under 6’s dedicated play area, rope climbing and a lot of fun!

Take little ones to Staunton Farm for a day of fun, where they will receive free entry if they are under 3! They’ll love the soft play area in George’s play barn, meeting and feeding the farm animals, and exploring the beautiful grounds. Based in Staunton Country Park, you can also enjoy 1,000 acres of free-to-access Regency parkland, scenic lakeside walks, and hidden follies, perfect for a family stroll after visiting the farm.

Discover a world of colour and fun at Birdworld! Explore 26 vibrant acres, visit the charming Jenny Wren farm, and marvel at the incredible variety of birds in the Bird Garden and if your little one is under 2 they will enter for free!

Under 3s go free at Manor Farm. They will love meeting the more cute and cuddly animals like the rabbits and ducklings and feeding the chickens too. There is plenty of space for little ones to run around and explore.

Toddlers under 3 are free of charge at Longdown Activity Farm. Introduce your little ones to a wonderful world of friendly farm animals during a day full of hands-on activities at the farm.

Introduce your little ones to the wonders of farm life at Sky Park Farm. Toddlers will delight in meeting the gentle deer, exploring the scenic trails, and enjoying the dedicated play areas. With open spaces and friendly animals, Sky Park Farm provides a safe and engaging environment for toddlers to explore and discover.

Things to explore and learn for toddlers

At Spinnaker Tower under 3s also go free. Brave little visitors love crawling across the glass Sky Walk and looking at the world below in a whole new way!

Treat your little ones to a fun day out at the Watercress Line: ride on a steam train, play in the playground, visit the footbridge used in Harry Potter films, pick up a FREE activity sheet and enjoy a delicious picnic box from the buffet. Children under 4 years go FREE (standard travel only). Not forgetting hugely popular Days out With Thomas events!

Under 4s go free to the magnificent Beaulieu, where they can explore the Little Beaulieu adventure playground, featuring a magical wooden palace with secret hidden passageways. Plus, the Palace House is a fascinating place to visit and is even one of the ten Treasure Houses of England, making it an unmissable experience for all ages!

The Brickworks Museum offers a delightful experience for toddlers with its hands-on exhibits, interactive trails, and open spaces. The large play boat and Lego area are always a hit, and the outdoor fairy trail provides a charming adventure. Plus, under 5s go free!

Family fun on the Isle of Wight

Head to Robin Hill Adventure Park on the Isle of Wight to explore 88 acres of adventure. With over 35 rides and attractions, large outdoor play areas, rides, and activities designed for children of all ages. Children under 1 metre tall get free entry!

For a truly heartwarming (and budget-friendly!) experience, visit the 100+ rescued donkeys and ponies at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. It is FREE to enter and park, with flat, buggy-friendly paths perfect for a gentle stroll. The little ones will love a donkey cuddle over the fence, and there’s even a lovely cafe for a well-earned cake break!

For a touch of royal history, Osborne offers a unique glimpse into the family life of Queen Victoria. Toddlers can play where the royal children once did at the Swiss Cottage or explore Queen Victoria’s private beach to see her famous bathing machine. With plenty of space to wander in the gardens and free entry for children under 5, it is a brilliant value heritage day out.

Step into a world of imagination at Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest theme park. Younger children will be enchanted by themed lands like Fairyland and the Underwater Kingdom, or they can enjoy a sensory experience at Blackgang Beach. To help your budget go further, children under 1 metre tall get free entry, and every standard ticket includes a 7-day free return, allowing you to pay for a day and play for a week.

Getting to the Island is a breeze and budget-friendly for young families. You’ll be pleased to know that children under 5 travel for free with Wightlink, Red Funnel, and Hovertravel. Whether you are heading over as foot passengers or taking the car, these little adventurers go free of charge on all routes. It’s a fantastic way to keep travel costs down, leaving you with more to spend on making memories at the Island’s top attractions.

Tapnell Farm Park is an award-winning, all-weather attraction with farm animals, a range of outside and undercover play areas, soft play section and animal activities where visitors will have the opportunity to come up close with small furry friends.

Theatre trips with toddlers

There’s an endless list of shows that toddlers will love, from Peppa Pig to the Grufflo. See what captivating shows Theatre Royal Winchester, Mayflower Theatre, MAST, New Theatre Royal have to offer.

We hope you enjoyed reading about our days out for under 3’s and toddlers in Hampshire. If you’ve got older children, or want a romantic couple’s day out, view our full list of days out in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight.

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