1 / 6From a purpose-built theme park for toddlers to real Tudor warships you can climb aboard, Hampshire is packed with brilliant family days out. Whether you're after rides, animals, hands-on science or a steam-train adventure, here are our confirmed favourites across the county, with tips for keeping every age group happy.
🎟️See things to do in Hampshire on GetYourGuide →Paultons Park (Home of Peppa Pig World)
Set in Ower near Romsey on the edge of the New Forest, Paultons Park is the UK's number-one family theme park, with more than 70 rides and attractions spread across 140 acres. The big draw for little ones is Peppa Pig World, a dedicated land with nine pre-schooler rides plus daily Peppa and George meet-and-greets, while older children can tackle bigger coasters such as the Farmyard Flyer and Cobra. Children under one metre tall go free, making it a great-value all-day outing for families with mixed ages.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
This maritime heritage complex in Portsmouth brings history to life with historic warships and museums including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose Museum, HMS M.33 and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Kids can clamber aboard real Tudor and Georgian warships, explore the raised Mary Rose and enjoy the Horrible Histories Pirates exhibition. The multi-attraction ticket easily keeps a whole family busy for a full day.
Spinnaker Tower
Rising 170 metres above Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, this landmark observation tower has three sky-high viewing decks and 23-mile panoramic views over Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. The Sky Walk glass floor, where you stand 100 metres above the waves, is a real thrill for kids, and there's a high-speed lift and open-air Sky Deck too. It's quick enough to pair with shopping and lunch at the neighbouring Gunwharf Quays.
Marwell Zoo
Near Winchester at Colden Common, Marwell Zoo covers 140 acres and is home to hundreds of animals including giraffes, snow leopards, rhinos, meerkats, penguins and lemurs, with daily keeper talks and feeds. Seven adventure play areas and plenty of open space mean children can burn off energy between animal encounters, and a road train helps tired little legs get around. It's a classic all-day family outing whatever the weather.
Beaulieu (National Motor Museum)
This award-winning New Forest attraction combines the world-famous National Motor Museum with Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and a Secret Army wartime exhibition, all on one inclusive ticket. Alongside the cars, children get unlimited rides on the overhead monorail, the hands-on "We Had One Of Those" exhibit and the Little Beaulieu play area for younger visitors. Under-fours go free.
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Housed in an iconic pyramid building within the South Downs National Park, this all-weather, indoor science centre has two floors of interactive STEM exhibits and the UK's largest standalone planetarium. Children are actively encouraged to touch and play with the hands-on exhibits, and immersive planetarium space shows are a highlight. With strong accessibility support including sensory backpacks, ear defenders and BSL shows, it's an ideal rainy-day choice.
New Forest Wildlife Park
At Ashurst near Lyndhurst, this family-run wildlife park is home to more than 260 animals across 40 species, including four otter species (with the world's largest collection of giant otters), wallabies, owls and native British wildlife. Two adventure playgrounds cater separately for under-sixes and over-sixes, and there are otter and wildlife feeding times plus pre-bookable keeper experiences. It's a relaxed, woodland-set day out.
Watercress Line (Mid-Hants Railway)
This 10-mile heritage steam railway runs between four beautifully restored stations from New Alresford to Alton, named for its Victorian role carrying watercress to London markets. Families get all-day unlimited steam-train travel, a locomotive playground and free miniature railway rides on selected days, plus special events such as Day Out With Thomas and Wizard Week. Under-fours travel free on standard services.
Tips for a family day out
- Book ahead where you can. Popular spots like Paultons Park and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard are busiest in school holidays, and pre-booking often saves money and queueing time.
- Match the day to the weather. Keep indoor options like Winchester Science Centre or the Portsmouth museums in mind as a rainy-day backup.
- Check age-related free entry. Several attractions let under-fours, or children under a certain height, in free, which makes a big difference for younger families.
- Arrive early. You'll get the best of the animal feeds, keeper talks and ride time before the midday crowds build.
- Pack for the outdoors. Zoos, wildlife parks and the New Forest attractions involve a lot of walking, so comfy shoes, sun cream and layers all help.
FAQs
What is the best family day out in Hampshire for young children?
Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, is purpose-built for toddlers and pre-schoolers with gentle rides and character meet-and-greets, making it a top pick for families with young children.
Are there good rainy-day options in Hampshire?
Yes. Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium is a fully indoor, all-weather attraction, and the museums and ships at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offer plenty to do under cover.
Which Hampshire attractions are good for animal-loving families?
Marwell Zoo near Winchester and the New Forest Wildlife Park at Ashurst both offer daily feeds, keeper encounters and adventure play areas alongside a wide range of animals.
🎟️ Top things to do in Hampshire
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