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Family on a trail at Mottisfont. A young boy reading a trail booklet is leading his family along a garden footpath.
A family enjoying an activity trail through the gardens | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

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.

Hampshire family fun in May and June

You don’t need to wait until May half term to find new, free, family adventures at our places in Hampshire. Scroll down for inspirational outdoor fun in May and June. We’ve added recommended age ranges for each, to help you plan.

I'm Going on a Bear Hunt at The Vyne 

16 May to 28 June: ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ comes to The Vyne. The award-winning animation, based on the much-loved picture book will be brought to life through a series of interactive installations. Get ready to swish, splash and squelch your way through this new sensory trail as you search for the bear. Suitable for all ages.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

'I Spot a Cow' trail at Hinton Ampner 

2 May to 28 June: To celebrate the launch of new book I Spot a Cow by Kay Vincent, published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust, we've created a brand new family trail. In Hinton Ampner’s flower-filled gardens search for the book’s farm animals and discover lots of fun games they’ve left behind for you to try. For ages 3-5 years.

NTHA_Nosy Crow

Family-friendly Mottisfont 

23 to 31 May: Mottisfont’s the place to be for classic outdoor games that the whole family can enjoy this half term. Get giggly in the sack race, wobble your way across the stepping logs, and try our bean bag target practice. There’s hobby horse racing too; who’ll be the winning jockey? For ages 3-8 years.

Three children in hessian sacks racing each other as two adults watch.

Top places to play in Hampshire

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.

A family walking beside the river in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire

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.

A boy and a girl building a den in woodland

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.

Two small Asian children in coats walking in parkland with tree in background

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.

A child takes part in a milling demonstration at Winchester City Mill, Hampshire

Uppark 

Uppark House and Garden, perched high on the South Downs, is one of our top spots for kite flying. There’s lots of space to run and play here. Try our meadow walk, roll down the garden’s little hill, and hunt out the Gothic Seat.

A child explores the outdoors with their family in autumn
Chalk path through undulating open heathland in summer, New Forest, Hampshire

Discover more in Hampshire

Centuries-old mansions, a working watermill and wildlife-rich heathland await you in Hampshire.

Explore Hampshire

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