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Best things to do with kids in Hampshire during the summer holidays (2026 Guide)
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Hampshire during the summer holidays?
Whether you're searching for exciting family days out, outdoor adventures, beautiful beaches or reliable school holiday childcare, Hampshire offers an incredible range of activities to keep children active, entertained and engaged throughout the six-week summer break.
From national parks and wildlife attractions to historic dockyards, theme parks and activity camps, there's something for every family to enjoy across Hampshire this summer.
Explore Hampshire's Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Hampshire is home to some of the South Coast's most beautiful countryside, making it perfect for family adventures.
Popular choices include:
New Forest National Park, near Southampton
Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean
Staunton Country Park, Havant
Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton
Alice Holt Forest, Farnham
Lepe Country Park, Southampton
These locations offer woodland trails, cycling routes, adventure playgrounds, picnic areas and opportunities for children to explore nature throughout the school holidays.
Family Attractions and Adventure Days Out in Hampshire
If you're looking for memorable family days out, Hampshire has no shortage of attractions.
Popular family attractions include:
Marwell Zoo, near Winchester
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Winchester
Beaulieu National Motor Museum
The Watercress Line, Arlesford
Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover
These attractions combine education, adventure, wildlife encounters and interactive experiences that children of all ages can enjoy.
Beaches and Coastal Activities in Hampshire
Hampshire's coastline provides plenty of opportunities for summer family fun.
Families frequently search for:
Hampshire beaches for families
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Popular coastal destinations include:
Whether you're building sandcastles, enjoying a picnic or trying watersports, Hampshire's coastline is ideal for summer adventures.
Water Activities and Outdoor Summer Fun
When temperatures rise, families often look for ways to cool down.
Popular options include:
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Outdoor swimming
Sailing
Water sports centres
Splash parks
Top family-friendly locations include:
Calshot Activities Centre, Southampton
Lakeside Country Park water activities, Eastleigh
Water-based experiences remain among the most searched-for summer holiday activities in Hampshire.
Free Things To Do With Kids in Hampshire
Summer fun doesn't need to come with a high price tag.
Some excellent free family activities include:
Woodland walks in the New Forest
Wildlife spotting
Coastal walks
Cycling trails
Playground adventures
Community festivals and events
Family treasure hunts
Hampshire's mix of countryside, coastline and parks makes it easy to enjoy affordable family days out throughout the summer holidays.
Looking for Summer Holiday Childcare in Hampshire?
While family days out are fantastic, many parents also need flexible childcare during the six-week summer break.
That's where Barracudas summer camps can help.
Barracudas Summer Camps in Hampshire
Barracudas provides action-packed summer holiday camps for children aged 4–14 years, offering over 80 activities and six sessions every day. With a full day of day of fun from 8.30am to 5.30pm (and extended hours available to add from 8am to 6pm), our camps offer the perfect solution for busy families. Children stay active, build confidence, make new friends and try exciting activities in safe, high-quality school facilities.
Barracudas Camp Locations in Hampshire
Families can book Barracudas summer camps in Hampshire at:
Winchester – The Westgate School
The Winchester camp offers extensive indoor and outdoor facilities, including sports areas, woodland spaces, archery, motorsports activities and summer water-based activities. The camp caters for children aged 4–14 years throughout the summer holidays.
Families in Hampshire may also find nearby Barracudas camps convenient at:
These neighbouring locations can provide additional flexibility depending on where you live within Hampshire.
Activities Children Love
With premium activities such as motor sports, archery and bouncy castles at every locations, children can enjoy a winning combination of activities including:
Archery
Sports and team games
Dance and drama
Arts and crafts
Water activities
Adventure games
Motorsports activities
Team challenges
Barracudas offers more than 80 activities, allowing children to choose different experiences throughout the day and build confidence while having fun.
Why Hampshire Parents Choose Barracudas
Parents often search for:
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Barracudas combines childcare, adventure and personal development in one location. Camps offer flexible booking and payment options, extended hours and a wide variety of activities designed to keep children active, engaged and having fun throughout the summer holidays.
Community feedback on holiday camps frequently highlights the value of structured activities, opportunities to make friends and varied programmes that keep children engaged throughout the school holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best family days out in Hampshire?
A: Popular attractions include Paultons Park, Marwell Zoo, Beaulieu, Winchester Science Centre, the New Forest National Park and Hampshire's many beaches and country parks.
Q: What can children do during the Hampshire summer holidays?
A: Children can enjoy wildlife parks, theme parks, outdoor adventures, cycling, beach days, water sports, creative workshops and organised activity camps.
Q: Are there summer camps in Hampshire?
A: Yes. Barracudas operates a summer activity camp in Winchester for children aged 4–14 years, offering more than 80 activities and flexible childcare options.
Q: What are the best free things to do with kids in Hampshire?
A: Country parks, New Forest walks, beaches, cycling routes, playgrounds, nature reserves and community events provide excellent free family activities throughout the summer holidays.
