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If the six weeks of the summer holidays have you pondering (or panicking) about what to do to keep the children entertained, fear not! We’ve done the summer research for you and pulled together our top family things to do this summer holidays in Hampshire.
From outdoor theatre to summer trails, there’s a whole host of summer events happening in Hampshire with plenty of things to do to fill that summer calendar.
Follow a summer trail
Burn off some of the children’s energy and learn a few things along the way – a summer trail makes for a great day outdoors.
The National Trust trails are always a firm family favourite, and this summer’s selection includes appetising fun with The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail at Hinton Ampner from 19 July to 7 September, a Summer of Play with family games and challenges at The Vyne near Basingstoke from 19 July to 31 August, and a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang trail at Mottisfont celebrating the story’s 60th anniversary from 19 July right through to 2 November.
Little ones will also love following the storybook characters of Alice in Wonderland with A Natural History of Wonderland Trail at Gilbert White's House and Garden from 19 July to 7 September.
Catch an outdoor theatre performance
Pack your picnic and roll out your blanket for a summer’s evening of al fresco entertainment with some seasonal outdoor theatre suitable for all ages.
On 8 and 15 August the White Rabbit will be hopping into Hinton Ampner with Alice Through the Looking Glass family outdoor theatre, and find out what really happened to Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs with The Plandits’ production of the Big Bad Wolf at Itchen Valley Country Park on 15 August.
New Forest Open Air Theatre presents their version of the comic classic The Rivals at Furzey Gardens from 2 to 25 August, and Hampshire’s very own Jane Austen will be celebrated in her 250th year with the dynamic Illyria Theatre’s fun take on Pride & Prejudice at The Vyne on 30 August.
Watch a movie under the stars
Popcorn at the ready – sit back for a night at the movies under the stars in Hampshire this summer.
Adventure Cinema brings the movie magic to Stansted Park near Havant from 11 to 13 July and The Vyne near Basingstoke from 31 July to 3 August, screening film classics including The Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing.
Experience the cinematic exhilarance of Top Gun: Maverick and other box office hits with private jets landing and taking off as the backdrop with Screen on the Lawn at the Aviator hotel in Farnborough from 25 to 27 July.
Outdoor Cinema Nights at Lainston House near Winchester will be showing favourites including Mamma Mia and Grease from 8 to 29 August, and Houghton Lodge Gardens celebrates the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen with a special outdoor screening of Pride & Prejudice on 15 August.
Find out more about outdoor cinema nights in Hampshire
Soak up some summer music
Tune into a summer of outdoor music with family-friendly festivals and concerts throughout the summer hols.
For headliners check out Chris Evans’ family-friendly CarFest South from 22 to 24 August with Rita Ora, Madness, Travis, and Tom Walker, or Victorious Festival on Southsea seafront from 22 to 24 August with Kings of Leon, Vampire Weekend, and Queens of the Stone Age.
Winchester Foodies Festival brings together the nation’s top chefs and music artists from 18 to 20 July where kids can join in the fun at The Kids Cookery Theatre, and family favourite the Wickham Festival will be held this year from 31 July to 3 August with live music on four stages plus a host of other entertainment.
Pack your picnic for some gigs in the gardens at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey with Summer Soul Concerts on 11 and 12 July, an ABBA tribute on 9 August, and the classical Last Night of the Proms on 6 September, and the stately home of Stansted House provides a grand backdrop for the summer concerts of Proms in the Park on 9 August and Tea Jazz in the Park on 10 August.
Find out more about summer music events in Hampshire
Ride into the summer hols at Paultons Park
There’s a new attraction on the block at Paultons Park with Ghostly Manor bringing chills and thrills to those who enter the haunted house to help capture the ghosts.
Little ones will squeal with delight at Peppa Pig World (where there’s a chance to meet Peppa’s new baby sister Evie) and bigger kids will love hair-raising rollercoasters like the spinning Storm Chaser and leg-dangling Flight of the Pterosaur, all ready to be enjoyed this summer at the UK’s Number 1 Family Theme Park.
Awesome auto adventures at Beaulieu
A day out at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum is always an action-packed motor-themed experience, and during the summer holidays this terrific New Forest attraction goes up a gear with things to see and do.
There will be motoring parades with magnificent displays of vehicles from various eras as well as appearances from some of TV and film’s most iconic cars including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mr Toad’s Car from Wind in the Willows.
Look out for Icons of Formula 1 at Beaulieu celebrating 75 years of the World Drivers' Championship by displaying iconic Formula 1 racing cars, and the regular Simply events are brilliant for family weekends including Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on 2 and 3 August.
Summer Fun at Fort Nelson
Summer fun at Fort Nelson is back from 24 July to 3 September where kids can explore the 19-acre site with a free interactive 'Fun at the Fort' trail and try the junior assault course challenge.
Children can also search for and learn about heroic animals that were awarded special medals for their service in conflicts and war.
Bubbly fun at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Little ones will be bursting with excitement for the new bubble-themed event at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium this summer with the floaty fun including giant bubble play, The Bubble Show, a Science Live bubble party, bubble wand making, and the chance to take a photo of yourself inside a giant bubble from 19 July to 3 September.
Extinction at Marwell
A new exhibition is arriving at Marwell Zoo for the summer, recreating lost species with a world-exclusive showcase of more than 20 awe-inspiring creatures crafted from over 2 million toy bricks.
Discover lost species, including a gigantic woolly mammoth, a hissing Titanoboa, and a giant ground sloth from 19 July to 7 September.
Summer of Sport at Milestones Museum
A great choice for a rainy (or stifling heatwave) summer day, head for the welcoming shelter of Milestones Museum’s Summer of Sport from 23 July to 2 September, bringing sport to life with a season of activity, exploration and hands-on fun for all ages.
Inside the museum, discover the stories behind some of the county's most popular sports through interactive exhibits and playful challenges, and outside on the green there will be plenty of taster sessions and activities.
Days out with Thomas on the Watercress Line
The nation’s favourite tank engine celebrates 80 years in 2025! Meet Thomas & Friends™ at the Watercress Line to celebrate with rides with Thomas; party celebrations; and Rusty & Dusty outdoor entertainment shows with Sir Topham Hatt, Percy, Diesel and Toad during special Days out with Thomas on the Watercress Line from 5 to 10 August.
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