Top 10 Toddler Days out in Hampshire

Take the stress out of planning what do with your toddler by discovering our top days out which are geared up for preschoolers. 

Whether it’s outdoor adventures or places to escape the wind and rain, there are lots of great ideas for your perfect toddler day out. 

Paultons Theme Park with Peppa Pig World, near Southampton

That familiar theme tune will echo through your ears as you make your way through Paultons Park’s Peppa Pig World. Your toddler will love the various Peppa Pig-themed rides including Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip and George’s Dinosaur Adventure.

In addition to this, there’s plenty to see and do in the rest of Paultons Park including other rides (height restrictions apply), a splash zone and animals and birds to spot. 

Find out more about Paultons Theme Park with Peppa Pig World

Manor Farm, Southampton

Meet a variety of farm animals as you explore Manor Farm and get hands on with the daily activities. There’s a large farm-themed play area including play tractors as well as a play barn that features both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Find out more about Manor Farm

Birdworld, Farnham

Discover a wealth of species of bird from around the world on a visit to Birdworld including flamingos, penguins, owls and much more. Other animals such as goats and rabbits, can be found at the Jenny Wren Farm. Look out for seasonal visitors to Birdworld, with the likes of the Hungry Caterpillar and Bluey being some of the guests in the past.

Find out more about Birdworld

The Watercress Line, Alton

Feel the magic of the steam trains aboard the Watercress Line. On various dates throughout the year, the Watercress Line hosts ‘Days out with Thomas’ for your chance to hop aboard Thomas the Tank Engine and his railway pals. The Steam Illuminations event at Christmas is another magical event for the calendar.

Find out more about The Watercress Line

Marwell Zoo, near Winchester

Marwell Zoo is home to a large variety of animals including tigers, zebras and pigmy hippos. Find out more about some of these exotic species and journey into the Tropic Zone for a glimpse of a colourful array of tropical birds. There are also a couple of play areas, a land train (extra charge applies) and underwater viewing area in the penguin enclosure.

Find out more about Marwell Zoo

Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth

A perfect place to go on a rainy day! Blue Reef Aquarium offers lots of opportunities to see colourful fish and other aquatic species. 

During the summer, an outside play area and splash pool is also opened up.

Find out more about Blue Reef Aquarium

Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest

Try your hand at bottle feeding young calves, feeding the kid goats and meeting some of the other farmyard animals at Longdown Activity Farm.

There’s an extensive play area, small role play zone and lots of opportunities to get hands-on at this working farm.

Find out more about Longdown Activity Farm

Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop

Predominantly indoors, the Army Flying Museum is filled with helicopters, aircraft and other aviation related exhibits. Toddlers will love being able to climb aboard some of the helicopters and will have great fun letting off steam in the indoor soft play or on the outdoor helicopter-themed play area. From the cafe you can watch the comings and goings of the live airfield and if you are lucky may get to spot helicopters and other aircraft taking off and landing.

Find out more about the Army Flying Museum

Alice Holt Forest, near Farnham

Take your toddler to the forest for some woodland adventures. Go in search of some of the Gruffalo sculptures, have fun in the play areas and test out trikes, balance bikes or push bikes on the off-road trails. It’s a great spot for a family picnic or BBQ too (BBQs can be hired).

Find out more about Alice Holt Forest

Furzey Gardens, New Forest

Step into these magical gardens and seek out the hidden fairy doors in nooks and crannies. There are over 40 fairy doors to be found here. Your toddler will also love the outdoor play area and meeting the gardens’ resident alpacas.

Find out more about Furzey Gardens

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