Get ready for a summer filled with family adventures and thrills as we guide you through the best experiences this county has to offer. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping outdoor activities or looking to immerse yourselves in the world of arts and culture, Hampshire has it all. Join us as we uncover interactive days out, captivating events, and a myriad of opportunities for unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Let’s make this summer one to remember and find out What’s on this August in Hampshire.
Interactive Family Days Out
Discover real history, real people at Milestones, Hampshire’s museum of living history. Roam the immersive townscape and learn about Victorian life through to post-WWII. Browse the wares of the Victorian shopkeeper, scrub up nicely for the laundress and be sure to be on your best behaviour – the air raid warden might be on patrol! Pick up a living history trail during your visit, too!
Winchester Science CentreThere’s a summer spectacular at Winchester Science Centre. During the day, join the outdoor mini children’s festival of curiosity, Fiesta. And when the sun goes down, Starlight Cinema will start rolling, with movies in the Planetarium and an Encanto sing-along outside under the stars of the South Downs.
This summer sees the launch of Side Quests at 878 AD, an exciting and interactive new addition to the immersive experience in the heart of Winchester. Embark on an Anglo-Saxon adventure and discover life of the past like never before with live actors, fascinating artefacts and engaging games for all.
Enjoy a summer of unexpected experiences at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard! From ‘Hands On History’ activities at The Mary Rose to ‘STEM in Action’ at Action Stations, or why not find out ‘What’s Eating Victory?’ in Victory Gallery. Running all 6 weeks of the summer holidays and included within the price of your ticket!
Get crafty at Marwell Zoo this summer! Explore the 140-acre park, take part in their tree trail then stop along the way for pebble painting and colouring. Plus, keep an eye on Marwell’s website to find out who’s visiting the park for their special “Thursday fun-days” throughout the summer holidays!
Throughout August, a family-friendly exhibition at Mottisfont explores the classic children’s books created by Allan and Janet Ahlberg, featuring original artwork from The Jolly Postman, Happy Families and more. Adventure around the gardens with an activity trail of games and challenges inspired by the Ahlbergs’ imagination.
From Saturday 22 July – Sunday 3 September, visitors to Tapnell Farm Park can enjoy a bonanza of summer fun with even more all-weather family entertainment than ever before! With falconry displays, Tapnell Olympics, craft workshops, Farm Fun & Film nights and The Island’s Biggest Kids’ Party, you will be entertained all summer long on the Isle of Wight!
Enjoy model-making at the Army Flying Museum on Tuesday 22nd and Saturday 26th August from 10am to 3.30pm. Learn how to make and paint plastic models with guidance and resources from Models for Heroes and take home a model to be proud of. Open to all ages. Included with admission.
Family Adventure & Thrills
Have the BEST. DAY. EVER at Paultons Park this summer with daily penguin and meerkat feeding talks, meet and greets with Peppa Pig and George, family fun at A Magical Pirate Adventure Show and over 70 rides and attractions to enjoy! New for Summer 2023- Ciao Bella, a gelato kiosk serving delicious sweet treats!
New Forest ActivitiesDiscover the wonders of the great outdoors this August with New Forest Activities’ thrilling archery and bushcraft experience in the heart of the New Forest. You will step into the shoes of skilled archers as you aim for the bullseye, then immerse yourselves in the world of bushcraft and learn essential survival skills. Get ready for an action-packed day on this Woodland Adventure!
This August 11-13th, the Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns to the UK’s fastest circuit, Thruxton, for three days of unmissable action-packed bike racing. The adrenaline-pumping two-wheeled heroes of the BSB will be supported by a bumper bill support package sure to provide fast-flowing entertainment. There is plenty to see and do off-track too, perfect for the whole family.
Hampshire Family Events
Have a go at Pond Dipping at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens! Using nets, find diving beetles, nimble pond skaters and slimy snails. Don’t miss the Family Big Butterfly Hunt on 1 August, spotting and identifying butterflies. The family ‘flutter-by’ trail runs throughout the summer holidays, with games and summer scavenger hunt.
Lose yourself in spell-binding world of light and colour at Red Funnel Presents: The Dodecalis Luminarium. The colossal walk-through art installation, curated by Architects of Air, has toured the globe and between 3-6 August will visit the Isle of Wight for the very first time, landing on the lawn of Northwood House in Cowes. Make the most of Red Funnel’s Red Jet Priority Package to beat the queues and sail over in under 30 minutes!
A glorious selection of Ferraris will be taking pride of place on the lawns of Beaulieu’s Palace House, as part of the stunning Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on 5th and 6th August, which will gather hundreds of jaw-dropping supercars at the home of the National Motor Museum for a packed weekend show. With demonstration runs and even more amazing displays, you won’t want to miss it!
Join English Heritage to step back in time at Carisbrooke Castle this summer for an epic day out. Whether you’re interested in their Pirates! Event (8-10 August), or want to get close to the action as swords clash and knights compete at the annual Knights’ Tournament (15-17 August), there’s something for everyone this August. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves and hear the roar of the crowd as reputations are won and lost at the Legendary Joust (22-24 August). Book now and save 10%.
Hawk Conservancy TrustHead to the Hawk Conservancy Trust this August for their brand new spectacular evening event, Sunset at the Trust! Explore the Trust grounds after-hours. Take your seat and set your sights to the sky to enjoy two flying displays as the sun sets. An evening out like no other!
The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny is coming to Gilbert White’s House & Gardens, August 8th, produced by Quantum Theatre! This afternoon of magic is followed by an open-air concert on August 13th with 21st Century Queen & 21st Century Elton bringing timeless music to the beautiful grounds.
Peep, peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at The Watercress Line (12 – 20 August). Take a train ride with Thomas! Meet some of your favourite characters, and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement!
Wheels at the ‘Works comes back to The Brickworks Museum this summer on Sunday August 20th. PLUS hands-on family Meccano comes to the Museum on August 16th AND LEGO thanks to The Brick People on August 23rd and 24th.
Arts & Culture
See Fred The Cat’s Magical Monthly Story Club on 3 August at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. An interactive storytelling session for curious children who love playing make-believe. Watch Fred the cat and Amanda from Merry-go-Round Storytelling bring to life the classic tale of Handa’s Surprise.
Staunton Country Park Sense and Sensibility on 6 August. Love the theatre and outdoors? Back by popular demand, Heartbreak Productions are here to showcase their open-air adaption of Sense and Sensibility. Pack a picnic, grab a chair or blanket, and enjoy Jane Austen’s witty satire with a twist. Watch Bad Dad – 25 August. Heartbreak Productions brings to life the laugh-out-loud children’s book, Bad Dad. Written by David Walliams, follow the heart-warming story of a father and son as they navigate a world of crime. Don’t forget your picnic and blankets!
Head to Theatre Royal Winchester for London’s longest-running theatre magic show, West End Magic is a family-friendly show suitable for all ages – with award-winning magic, mind-reading mystery, hilarious comedy and crazy stunts. The Bubble Show combines magic, storytelling, science and bubble art of all shapes and sizes with actor and Guinness World Record holder, The Highland Joker (aka Mr Bubbles)!
Enjoy a social well-being session on 7th August at Lepe Country Park, designed to awaken the artist in you. Fill up a sketchbook, discover ideas, meet new people, and take in the gorgeous scenery at Lepe Country Park. Just make sure to bring the medium you like to work in and wear sturdy shoes! Free of charge and no booking required.
Plan your days out
August is the perfect time for families to embark on exciting adventures and create lasting memories in Hampshire. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make the most of your summer. Check out our voucher, events, and things to do pages. Plan your August itinerary now and get ready for an unforgettable month of fun-filled family moments.