When it comes to holidaying with kids it can be difficult to find things to keep them busy, but if you’re staying in Hampshire you needn’t have that problem. There are numerous things to do for kids in Hampshire, including wild and exciting outdoor activities. You can find accommodation in Hampshire close to many of these attractions as well.

Go-karting

Go-karting

Beaulieu
The New Forest National Forest is definitely the best place for outdoor sports, and the Beaulieu visitor attraction is located right in the heart of it. Home to a number of museums, including the National Motor Museum, the World of Top Gear, Palace House and the James Bond Experience, as well as many others, you can also try your hand at go-karting, ride the monorail; have a go on the Dipstick’s Driving Circuit and more.

 

Shanklin Chine
A waterfall at Shanklin Chine

Shanklin Chine
Step out of the city and into the wilderness! Shanklin Chine is the perfect place to become one with nature – this unique Isle of Wight attraction is stunning, and you can go for a walk and explore the landscape to your heart’s content. Dotted with waterfalls and covered with rare plants, Shanklin Chine is great for a family outing.

Truck racing

Truck racing

Thruxton Race Circuit
If you’ve got a need for speed take a trip to Thruxton Race Circuit in Andover, where you can watch racing events for cars, trucks and motorcycles. You can also learn to race at the Motor Racing School, with passenger rides for kids, and try go-karting.

A eurasian otter

A eurasian otter

New Forest Otter Owl and Wildlife Park
You can get up close to the animals at the New Forest Otter Owl and Wildlife Park in Southampton, where you’ll find otters, wild boars, badgers, ferrets, red deer, owls and more. The park is set in 25 acres of woodland and you can go walking throughout the area as well as watching the animals.

A maize maze

A maize maze

Manydown Maize Maze
For a real adventure head to the Manydown Maize Maze in Basingstoke which, as the name would suggest, is made entirely out of maize! The maze is changed every year, with a different pattern being marked out in the maize. This attraction is perfect for younger kids – after you’ve escaped the maze take a ride on a tractor, navigate the climbing frame or play in the giant sand pit.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving

The Adventure College Dive Centre
You can explore the deep sea in Portsmouth at The Adventure College Dive Centre, which both adults and kids will enjoy. If you aren’t an experienced swimmer but you’d like to go diving you can take lessons in the specially designed swimming pool before being taken on a guided underwater tour in the ocean.

Tree climbing

Tree climbing

Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures
If you’d prefer to keep your feet dry visit Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures in Seaview. Your kids can climb trees of all shapes and sizes and then abseil down to the ground again, all under the expert supervision of trained staff. Adults can join in too, so the whole family can have a great day out!

Photo credits: Bill Boaden, Chris Downer, Tony Harrison, ‘law_keven’, Dave Smethurst, Ilse Reijs en Jan-Noud Hutten, Kristen Skiles
© 2011 Things to do in Somerset Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha