Activities for families in and near Hampshire

Spending time at the park can be really beneficial for children. Being active outdoors helps keep their bodies healthy, supports their heart and fitness, and can help them sleep better. Fresh air and green spaces can also help children feel calmer, reduce stress, and boost their mood.

Parks are great places for children to use their imagination and creativity, whether they are climbing, exploring or making up games. Playing with other children also helps them learn important social skills like sharing, taking turns and working together.

Outdoor play gives children the chance to try new things and take safe risks, which can build their confidence and independence over time. Being outside in daylight can also help their body produce vitamin D, which is important for their overall health.

In Hampshire there are over 150 parks, playgrounds, and smaller recreation grounds across the county.

Find a local children's playgrounds

Spending time at the park can be really beneficial for children. Being active outdoors helps keep their bodies healthy, supports their heart and fitness, and can help them sleep better. Fresh air and green spaces can also help children feel calmer, reduce stress, and boost their mood.

Parks are great places for children to use their imagination and creativity, whether they are climbing, exploring or making up games. Playing with other children also helps them learn important social skills like sharing, taking turns and working together.

Outdoor play gives children the chance to try new things and take safe risks, which can build their confidence and independence over time. Being outside in daylight can also help their body produce vitamin D, which is important for their overall health.

In Hampshire there are over 150 parks, playgrounds, and smaller recreation grounds across the county.

Find a local children's playgrounds

Visit Hampshire have some great ideas of places to visit in and around Hampshire for families.

It includes information on places to visit such as country parks, gardens, outdoor centres, nature reserves, museums, farms, stately homes and other family friendly local attractions as well as suggestions for walks, cycling and enjoying the countryside.

You can also find details about events and activities happening locally, including options for children and families, making it easier to plan fun, affordable days out together.

Visit Hampshire- Things to do

Visit Hampshire have some great ideas of places to visit in and around Hampshire for families.

It includes information on places to visit such as country parks, gardens, outdoor centres, nature reserves, museums, farms, stately homes and other family friendly local attractions as well as suggestions for walks, cycling and enjoying the countryside.

You can also find details about events and activities happening locally, including options for children and families, making it easier to plan fun, affordable days out together.

Visit Hampshire- Things to do

Country Parks are public green spaces often at the edge of town or cities which provide places to enjoy the outdoors and experience nature in an informal setting. Hampshire has 5 main Country Parks which offer access to nature and often amenities such as toilets, cafes and adventure play parks.

The 5 main Country Parks in Hampshire are:

More information on Hampshire Country Parks and Farms

In addition to the 5 main County Parks, there are also some other beautiful Country Parks.

Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton

Nestled on the outskirts of Southampton, Itchen Valley Country Park is set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows situated beside the River Itchen.

Itchen Valley is home to 6 free play areas for children to enjoy. All of our play areas encourage exploration, risk taking, imaginative play and team building!

Children running happily

Alver Valley Country Park, Lee-on-the-Solent

Nestled between Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent, Alver Valley Country Park is a captivating 200-hectare green sanctuary rich in natural and historical charm. The landscape has been carefully restored into a dynamic mosaic of habitats—from reedbeds, wetlands, and meadows to heathland and woodland. The park offers something for everyone.

A playground with slides and a slide

Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh

Lakeside Country Park is the perfect space to escape the hustle of urban living. Find some peace and calm amongst 22 hectares of lakes, wet meadow and woodland. The Park is thriving with a diverse range of wildlife from birds, insects and small mammals to deer, foxes and even species of bat. You can also watch the trains at the miniature railway.

A body of water with trees around it

Yateley Common Country Park, Yateley

With heathland, woodland and ponds, Yateley Common offers a variety of experiences to visitors. You can walk or cycle through 193 hectares of varied and wildlife rich surroundings. The Common also offers visitors the opportunity to fish, birdwatch, and get involved in practical conservation through volunteering.

A pond with lily pads and trees in the background

Bramshot Farm Country Park, Fleet

Nestled in the heart of the countryside, this park offers something for everyone. With free parking, it’s easy to start your adventure. Bring your furry friends along—we’re proudly dog friendly—and enjoy our buggy and wheelchair accessible paths, making the park open to all.

Explore signposted walks through tranquil woodlands, vibrant wildflower meadows, and serene wetlands teeming with wildlife. Take a break in our picnic area, or discover the beauty of our community orchard, a space for relaxation and connection.

A path with a fence and trees

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