Our favourite things to do in Hampshire for kids

It can be tough keeping kids entertained, hence the popularity of television babysitters! But while you are on holiday in Hampshire, you will find plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy. Read on for our list of the best fun, educational, and active things to do in Hampshire for kids during your camping trip.

Manor Farm and Country Park

Manor Farm has been a traditional working farm for 600 years. There are costumed characters demonstrating how everyday life would have functioned in Victorian times. Have fun checking out the old farm equipment or really get the kids giggling by taking a sneaky peek at the old privy! There are plenty of seriously cute animals to meet and greet, hungry ducks and chickens to feed and you can even have a go at milking the cows. But the fun doesn’t stop there! You can also enjoy horse rides and walks with the family dog as the farm welcomes pets. If the kids still aren’t worn out, take them to the Barnfield playfield to run off some steam and then round of the day with an ice cream from the kiosk. Tickets are £7 for adults, £6 for seniors, £4 for kids and under 3’s are free.

Paultons Family Theme Park & Hayling Island’s Funland

Got a bunch of mini thrill seekers? There are two fantastic adventure parks in Hampshire to help achieve those adrenaline highs. Paultons has all kinds of rides along with the chance for kiddies to meet some their favour characters such as Fireman Sam, Hello Kitty and Peppa Pig. Book your tickets online to save at least 10% or use a variety of family discounts. Adult tickets cost £22.50, seniors are £20 and kids under a metre tall go free. Entrance to Hayling Island’s Funland is free and there is the option to pay as you ride or buy an access wristband with the most expensive one only costing £10. There is a great selection of rides and the park has a fantastic traditional family fun feel to it.

Blue Reef Aquarium

It is amazing to think that we still know more about space than we do the sea, so no wonder Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth is so fascinating! Sharks, tropical fish and sting rays will have the kids pressed up against the glass of the viewing tunnel for ages. It is worth visiting the Aquarium’s website before a visit as the special events page has updates on the newly born or recently rescued inhabitants at the centre. One of the best times to visit is around feeding time during the summer months when all the inhabitants of the aquarium are at liveliest and there are talks about the different species. To enter, adult tickets cost £9.75, concessions are £8.75 and 3 to 12 year olds are £7.50 while a family of four ticket is £32.50.

Marwell Wildlife

For all things furry, feathered, and scaled, the 140 acres of parkland at Marwell Wildlife is the place to be! It is home to over 170 different species of exotic and endangered species. Save 5% by purchasing tickets online. Standard tickets cost £16.35 for adults, £12.72 for kids, £14.08 for concession, under 3’s go free, and it is £54.50 for families. Off peak times are a few pounds per head cheaper, and there is also an option to make a donation. Visitors can marvel at the magnificent creatures whilst feeling good about contributing towards Marwell’s conservation efforts.

New Forest Activities Booking Centre

Situated near Beaulieu in the New Forest National Park, this centre offers canoeing, kayaking, walking, cycling, archery and battlefield re-enactments, as well as bush craft and forging activities that will keep the kids active for hours. It is a great way to see the New Forest while the whole family will bond over team building activities. The centre also provides canoes with specially designed seats for disabled people. Dogs are welcome in Canadian canoes if they are well behaved, but remember to bring a blanket or towel for them to sit on. Kayak hire costs £13 per hour, bikes rentals are £12 for a half day and £20 for a full day, while archery is £22 for adults, £17 for kids or £68 for the family.

All of these activities are great for the kids as it gets them out and active in the fresh air! They will have a whale of a time and be thoroughly worn out, leaving you to enjoy a quiet evening back at the campsite. As for campsites options, all of the attractions listed are located in the coastal half of Hampshire where the majority of campsites are located. There are also a number of sites to choose from in the New Forest, plus convenient locations in Southsea and Hayling Island for family’s who would like to visit Blue Reef and Funland.