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Small child in orange winter coat and yellow and blue woollen hat walks in front of parents on grass path fringed by yew topiary in winter, Hinton Ampner, Hampshire
A family enjoying the gardens at Hinton Ampner in winter | © National Trust Images/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.

February half term in Hampshire

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Mottisfont 

Join us for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. Through this captivating trail, little ones can experience one of nature’s greatest transformations. Free trail. 19 January to 15 March.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™

Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers” at Hinton Ampner 

The National Trust is celebrating the release of Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers” in cinemas 6 March. Discover the “Hop into the Wild” family trail, with storytelling and outdoor play. Free trail. 14 February to 9 March.

Two small girls in winter wear on a garden path holding trail sheets

Pirate Puzzle Challenge at The Vyne 

There’s swash-buckling fun on this outdoor interactive family trail for ages 6+, devised by Escape Rooms creators Paradox Parlours. Collect your trail sheet and work together to solve the pirate-themed puzzles and find the treasure. Free trail. 14 to 22 February.

A family try to work out a puzzle in a garden trail.

Planning ahead for Easter?

The Easter holidays will be upon us before we know it, but don’t worry, we’ve got Easter family adventures across the county, and each one is different. Grab a pair of bunny ears and set out on an activity-packed Easter trail at Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner and The Vyne.

Easter egg hunt at Mottisfont 

Join us at Mottisfont for a Topsy-Turvy tea party: tea time-inspired games that will have the whole family laughing. Compete in the scone and spoon race, test your aim with toss the teabag and try a spot of plate spinning. There’s a biscuit rolling station too, and a chance to design your own fun sandwich – slug and cress anyone?

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

Easter egg hunt at Hinton Ampner 

Bounce round Hinton Ampner on this colourful Easter activity trail, with 10 energetic and fun challenges spread across these pretty gardens. There are rabbity versions of some classic games, including pin the tail on the bunny and bunny ear hoop-la. How good are your carrot throwing and egg and spoon race skills?

Two children walk down a path surrounded by daffodils doing the Easter trail at Osterley Park and House, West London

Easter egg hunt at The Vyne 

Grab your Easter trail map and bunny ears and set off on a hunt for 10 play points in the gardens. Explore the walled garden and the orchard, and race across the lakeside lawn to find fun and active games. Discover interactive music stations, plus spot the hidden bunnies and tackle super-size egg jigsaws!

Three children walk along a path doing an Easter activity trail at Rufford Old Hall Lancashire

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.

Children playing in the gardens of 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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