A family walking beside the river in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire — A family group in the gardens at Mottisfont | © 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.

Each of our Hampshire places has something new to offer families this May half term. Choose from themed activity packs full of creative inspiration at Mottisfont and a cut-out scene to decorate and keep. There’s teddy bear theatre at Hinton Ampner with puppets and songs. It’s sensory wildlife bingo time at The Vyne where families can race each other to spot nature outdoors.

Children on an activity trail in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire

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Activity packs at Mottisfont

Choose from three themed packs full of creative inspiration for kids. Each booklet includes puzzles, challenges and coloured pencils, plus a scene to cut out, decorate and keep as you discover art in the house, plants and nature outdoors. 25 March to 2 June, £2.

Audience members enjoying an open-air theatre performance in the garden at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire

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Family theatre at Hinton Ampner

Bring along your favourite bear and join us on an exciting adventure to get to the picnic on time! Rah Rah Theatre’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic production includes puppets, songs and dancing. 30 May, 11am and 2.30pm, for ages 2-6, booking essential.

A girl in a pink hat and dress holds up a daisy chain.

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Wildlife bingo at The Vyne

Pick up your free wildlife bingo sheet from our Visitor Reception team at May half term. How quickly can you spot all the creatures, sights and sounds? There are woods and nature-rich wetlands to discover too, and a natural play area in the garden for little ones. 25 May to 2 June

Family on a trail at Mottisfont. A young boy reading a trail booklet is leading his family along a garden footpath.

More family fun in Hampshire

There’s acres of garden, parkland and woods to explore at our places in Hampshire. Perfect for letting off steam and tiring out little legs. There are short walks, outdoor play areas, mini lunches, and spring nature to spot.

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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 young children run past daffodils with a lady out of focus sat behind them.

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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 wetlands – check out the big bird hide - 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.