A family exploring the gardens at Christmas at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire — A mother, father and small boy in frosty gardens at Hinton Ampner | © Megan Taylor

Family-friendly places in Hampshire

Discover great places for family days out at our places around Hampshire. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find acres of space and lots of ideas to keep you and the kids entertained, from wild play areas to energetic activity trails. Takeaway snacks and kids’ lunch boxes, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths will make your visit that much easier.

Wrap up warm and get outside for some family adventures this February half term. Join our friendly rangers on the picturesque Hinton Ampner estate for family tree planting days, discover playful activity stations at Mottisfont and set off on a nature-themed spotter trail at The Vyne.

Community tree planting day on the Holnicote Estate, Exmoor, Somerset

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Family tree planting at Hinton Ampner

Join our friendly rangers on the picturesque Hinton Ampner estate for family tree planting sessions. We’ll introduce kids, parents and grandparents to the earthy delight of planting little saplings that we hope will grow into glorious native woodland, providing homes, shelter and food for thousands of species of wildlife, from bats to butterflies. On set days between 15 to 23 February

Children near the winter garden at Mottisfont, Hampshire

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Playful activity stations at Mottisfont

Test your skills on six activity stations around the gardens at Mottisfont. There’s skittles to aim for, balancing beams to wobble over, stepping stones and giant Jenga. Climb and crawl on the wooden structures in Mottisfont’s Wild Play area, or if you want to go further afield there’s our circular cycle track through Spearywell woods. 15 to 23 February

A child in wellies jumps in a muddy puddle.

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Nature-themed spotter trail at The Vyne

This February half-term, young families need to keep their eyes peeled for nature-themed trail points in The Vyne's gardens. Collect your trail sheet from Visitor Reception and complete the challenges as you move around the grounds. 15 to 23 February

Celebrate spring at some of the most beautiful gardens in Hampshire where you’ll find activity packed Easter egg adventures the whole family can enjoy. There are games, sporty fun, quizzes and crafts. Normal admission plus £3.50 per trail. Includes chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.

Three children reading a sign while doing an Easter activity trail in the grounds of Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire

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Mottisfont

Join us at Mottisfont for a delightful mix of traditional and whimsical funfair games, perfect for the whole family. Test your skills with classic favourites like coconut shy and target practice, or dive into ‘Hook a Duck’. Our version of ‘Wacky Races’ with its blend of sack racing and egg-and-spoon, and the ‘Clowning Around’ challenge will have everyone laughing.

Small child in pale pink bunny outfit, making 'wild art' in a garden, with a slate 'wild art' sign behind

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Hinton Ampner

Bounce along to Hinton Ampner to find challenges left by Bonnie the Bunny. Put on your bunny ears to find lots of fun activities in these spring gardens. Spread your arms on our measuring board to check your ‘wingspan’ against feathered friends. Test your distance jumping skills against Bonnie’s friends, then race on to try carrot toss and bunny hoopla.

Two young children with woman, wearing bunny ears at an Easter activity point with grass in background

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The Vyne

This Easter, The Vyne reveals a Regency-themed Easter trail, celebrating its close ties with famous novelist Jane Austen who was born 250 years ago. Grab your trail map to discover ten activity stations around the garden including giant dominoes and chess games, croquet, plus classic Easter fun such as bunny hoopla.

If you’re planning a family trip to the Isle of Wight this spring, pop into Mottistone Gardens for an Easter egg hunt with a traditional fairground-style theme. The gardens will be full of springtime floral delights too, including woods littered with bluebells.

Two children playing in the garden in spring at Coleton Fishacre, South Devon

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Easter egg hunt at Mottistone Gardens

Step into Mottistone Gardens’ Easter Spring Fayre on the Isle of Wight. These pretty gardens, decked out with colourful bunting and bursting with spring colour, reveal ten traditional fairground-style games on an Easter egg hunt running throughout the Bank Holiday. 17 to 21 April

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Mottisfont

With its rushing river and bridges, Mottisfont is our no.1 destination for Pooh Sticks. There’s acres of space for adventure – race across fields, test your limits on the Wild Play climbing apparatus, or play games in the Paddock.

Two small children with adult crouching down to study woodland floor in autumn

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The Vyne

This picturesque country estate has plenty of buggy-friendly routes and space to safely roam. Tiny tots can have fun in The Vyne’s natural play area, whilst older kids hunt for wildlife in the orchard. Check out the bird hide overlooking the wetlands, - and build dens in the wood.

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Hinton Ampner

Hinton’s tall hedges and footpaths are perfect for hide and seek. Say hello to the scarecrow in the kitchen garden and go on a bug safari in the wilds of the parkland close to the gardens.

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Winchester City Mill

The mill’s family activity book is packed with ideas for things to do at the mill and at home, from wildlife watching to baking shortbread. Watch the otters on the otter cam and look out for the naughty flour thief.