Toddler enjoying Emirates Spinnaker TowerWhether 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.
Things to explore and learn for toddlers
At Whitchurch Silk Mill children can explore with the silk worm trail, hunting for the cuddlycritters hiding around the site.
Discover the wonderful world of ‘Scales and Tales’ in the Art of Artillery Gallery at Fort Nelson. The Scales and Tales treasure box contains dragon and tiger themed books, soft toys and musical instruments to help you and your children bring history to life.
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. New for 2019, children under 5 years go FREE (standard travel only).
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.
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!
Under 3s go free at Staunton Country Park. They will love meeting the animals on the farm like the rabbits, goats and geese. There is plenty of space for little ones to run around and explore too, including George’s Play Barn with soft play area indoors that is perfect for the younger ones.
Little Squirrels is a hands-on nature club for children aged 2 and a half years and above during school term time every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. There is always a craft, healthy snack with a story, nature walk and outdoor play.
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.
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
Under 3s go free at Manor Farm. They will love meeting the more cute and cuddly animals like the rabbits and ducklings and feeding our 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.
Longdown Activity FarmGreat news: under 3s 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.
Family fun on the Isle of Wight
Let your imagination run wild at Blackgang Chine. Venture on a journey of discovery, fighting pirates on-board your own ship, discovering life size moving dinosaurs and escaping from danger, being sheriff of your own cowboy town, rounding up the outlaws and locking ’em up – or experience the magic of being fairy princess in your own castle!
Set in 88 acres of beautiful countryside, Robin Hill boasts a whole day of entertainment and more. With amazing falconry displays from one of the UK’s most experienced falconry teams, and adventure play for fun loving families and children.
That should give you lots of great days out for 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.