Family-Friendly Pubs and Restaurants with Play Areas in Hampshire

Keep your children entertained when you go out for a meal with some great family-friendly places to eat which feature indoor or outdoor play areas.

Whether you are looking for somewhere to eat with a pub garden and play area or an indoor area where the children can burn off steam, there are various pubs, restaurants and cafes across Hampshire which offer facilities for children.

Take a look at some of our top picks...

Family-friendly places to eat in and around the New Forest

The Rising Sun, Bashley, New Forest National Park

Located right next to New Forest common, The Rising Sun is a popular choice with families owing to its outdoor play area and proximity to the New Forest National Park. 

Take your pick from a range of pub classics, with a children’s menu also available.

Find out more about The Rising Sun

The Drift Inn, New Forest

Both child and dog-friendly, The Drift Inn sits in the New Forest National Park and has a large garden with play area. Not far from Beaulieu, this pub makes a great pit-stop on a family day out.

Find out more about The Drift Inn

The Alice Lisle, near Ringwood

Situated beside Rockford Lake, New Forest, the Alice Lisle offers a large outdoor play area. This dog-friendly pub is a great location for pre- or post-meal explorations, with the Bashley Lakes nature reserve just a short distance away. 

Find out more about The Alice Lisle

Family-friendly spots near Basingstoke

The Portsmouth Arms, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke

This gorgeous, thatched pub is another family favourite. Its large beer garden is a great sunspot during the summer months and you little ones will enjoy the climbing frame here. You can easily combine a meal here with a trip to The Vyne or Basingstoke Leisure Park. 

Find out more about The Portsmouth Arms

Family-friendly places to eat near Southampton and Portsmouth area

The Cricketers Inn, near Southampton

Sitting on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just 8 miles from Southampton, The Cricketers Inn is an award-winning community pub. 

In front of the pub is the large, grass area with picnic benches and children’s play area. Enjoy some great, local fare whilst letting your little ones work up an appetite. 

Find out more about The Cricketers Inn

The Spotted Cow, Waterlooville

Not far from Portsmouth, The Spotted Cow serves up a great menu, some local ales and for younger guests, an outdoor play area. 

Find out more about The Spotted Cow

Family-friendly places to eat near Romsey and Winchester

Kimbridge Barn, near Romsey

Featuring a small sand pit area, obstacle course and trampoline, the gardens at Kimbridge Barn are ideal for breakfasts, brunches, lunches and afternoon teas. 

Added to this, you are right on hand to explore the stunning Test Valley, with the National Trust’s Mottisfont under a mile away. 

Find out more about Kimbridge Barn

The Hunters Inn, Romsey

This community pub features a huge garden and an outdoor play area for children. A children’s menu is in place and look out for the arrival of a bouncy castle at certain points in the year.

Find out more about The Hunters Inn

The Hinton Arms, Cheriton, near Winchester

With plenty of walking routes nearby, The Hinton Arms makes a great stop-off point after a family stroll. Let your children relax in the colourful pub garden whilst you enjoy the game and fish dishes from the seasonal menus.

Find out more about The Hinton Arms

The White Horse, Otterbourne

Part of the Ideal Collection (which also owns Kimbridge Barn), this family-friendly pub has an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Little ones will love burning off some energy on the pub's outdoor play area. Join The White Horse for one of its popular summer pizza nights. 

Find out more about The White Horse

Make a day of it in Hampshire

Many of Hampshire's family-friendly pubs and restaurants are perfectly placed to round off a day exploring the county. Whether you've spent the morning at Paultons Park, discovered the history of Beaulieu, enjoyed woodland adventures in the New Forest or explored River Hamble Country Park, there's no shortage of welcoming places where children can continue to play while adults relax over a well-earned meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions about family-friendly pubs and restaurants with play areas in Hampshire

Which pubs in Hampshire have outdoor play areas?

Hampshire has a great selection of family-friendly pubs with outdoor play areas, particularly in rural locations and around the New Forest, Test Valley and South Downs. Many offer climbing frames, swings and open spaces where children can play while adults enjoy a meal. It's always worth checking individual venues before you travel, as play facilities can vary.

Are there family-friendly restaurants with play areas in Hampshire?

Yes, alongside traditional country pubs, Hampshire is home to cafes and restaurants with indoor and outdoor play areas, making them ideal for family lunches, weekend treats and school holiday outings.

Where can I eat after visiting Hampshire's family attractions?

Many family attractions are within easy reach of pubs and restaurants with children's play areas. Whether you've spent the day at Paultons Park, Beaulieu, River Hamble Country Park or exploring the New Forest, you'll find plenty of family-friendly places to eat nearby where children can continue to play while everyone refuels.

Are there pubs with play areas near the New Forest?

Yes, the New Forest has several family-friendly pubs with outdoor play areas, making them a great place to stop after walking, cycling or visiting attractions such as Beaulieu or the New Forest Wildlife Park.

Which Hampshire pubs are best for toddlers?

Many Hampshire pubs offer enclosed outdoor play areas suitable for younger children, along with children's menus, highchairs and baby-changing facilities. Before visiting, it's worth checking the pub's website or contacting them directly to make sure the facilities meet your family's needs.

Are there dog-friendly pubs with play areas in Hampshire?

Yes, several Hampshire pubs welcome both children and dogs, making them a great option for the whole family. Many have spacious gardens where dogs are welcome on leads while children enjoy the play area. Individual policies vary, so it's always worth checking ahead.

Do I need to book family-friendly pubs during the school holidays?

Popular family-friendly pubs and restaurants can become very busy during weekends, bank holidays and the school holidays, particularly if the weather is good. Booking in advance is recommended if you're visiting with a larger group or planning to eat at peak times.

What should I look for when choosing a family-friendly pub?

A good family-friendly pub offers more than just a children's menu. Look for features such as a safe outdoor play area, baby-changing facilities, highchairs, spacious seating, outdoor gardens and plenty of room for children to move around. If you're visiting after a family day out, it's also worth choosing somewhere close to Hampshire's attractions, parks or walking routes to make the most of your time together.