The New Forest is one of the UK's best destinations for family adventures. With miles of traffic-free cycling routes, family-friendly walking trails, exciting outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities to get close to nature, it's a place where children can run, explore and discover something new around every corner.
Whether you're planning a family holiday, a weekend break or a day trip, here are some of the best family adventures to enjoy in the New Forest.
Best family walks in the New Forest
Walking is one of the best ways to experience the New Forest as a family. With miles of waymarked trails, wide gravel tracks and plenty of shorter circular routes, there's something for every age and ability. Whether you're exploring ancient woodland, spotting wildlife or following a trail packed with interactive activities, these family walks make it easy to enjoy the New Forest together.
1.1 miles
A firm family favourite, this short trail is full of fun, sensory activities to do along the way, making walking in the New Forest even better. Have a look and see what you can see through the ancient woodland, lay down and look up at the trees and see how well you can balance on the wobbly log.
1.4 miles
Children will feel tiny beneath the towering Giant Sequoias and Douglas firs on this accessible woodland trail. It's one of the most impressive family walks in the New Forest and offers plenty of shade on warmer days.
Beaulieu to Buckler's Hard Walk
2 miles
Combining woodland, riverside scenery and history, this route links the picturesque village of Beaulieu with the historic shipbuilding village of Buckler's Hard.
Top tip: If you'd rather leave the navigation to someone else, join a family-friendly guided walk with Wild New Forest Guided Walks and discover stories, wildlife and hidden corners you might otherwise miss.
Family-friendly cycle routes in the New Forest
The New Forest is one of the UK's best places for family cycling. With over 100 miles of off-road gravel tracks, traffic-free routes and gentle woodland trails, it's easy for children to build confidence on two wheels. Many rides begin directly from Forest car parks, making them ideal for a morning adventure or a full day out.
Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst Loop
This gentle route links two of the New Forest's most popular villages and is ideal for families wanting a longer ride with plenty of places to stop for refreshments.
A fantastic route for adventurous families, taking in beautiful New Forest scenery and one of the area's historic landmarks.
Following a former railway line, this easy-going trail is perfect for younger riders and families looking for a relaxed cycling adventure.
Many local bike hire businesses offer children's bikes, trailers and child-seat adapters. The Woods Cyclery in Lyndhurst even offers a stylish e-cargo bike with children's seating, allowing the whole family to enjoy a ride together.
Image - Exbury Gardens
Family days out at the New Forest's beautiful gardens
Looking for a slower-paced family day out? The New Forest's gardens are full of colour, nature and opportunities for little explorers. From woodland trails and fairy doors to steam trains and picnic spots, these beautiful gardens are perfect for families wanting to spend time outdoors together.
World-famous for its spectacular seasonal displays, Exbury Gardens offers miles of pathways to explore, a steam railway, family-friendly trails and plenty of places to stop for lunch or a picnic.
This enchanting woodland garden is packed with winding paths, hidden fairy doors and bright colours. Children will love exploring while adults enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Family beach days on the New Forest coast
Many people don't realise the New Forest is also home to more than 40 miles of coastline. Whether you're building pebble towers, paddling in the sea, enjoying an ice cream or watching boats sail across the Solent, our beaches offers some of the best family days out in the New Forest.
Pack a bucket and spade, enjoy an ice cream, paddle in the shallow waters at Lepe or Milford on Sea, walk along the beach at Barton on Sea or simply find a spot for a family picnic overlooking the Solent.
Image - Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
Outdoor adventure activities for families
If your family enjoys trying something new, the New Forest is packed with outdoor adventure activities. From kayaking and paddleboarding to zip wires, bushcraft and giant inflatable water parks, there are experiences for every age and confidence level.
Based in Beaulieu, New Forest Activities offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, archery, bushcraft and more.
Set within beautiful grounds near Bransgore, Avon Tyrrell offers climbing, canoeing, zip wires, bushcraft and outdoor learning experiences.
Based near Fordingbridge, Insight Activities specialises in outdoor challenges including archery, axe throwing and bushcraft experiences.
For older children and teenagers, New Forest Water Park offers one of the UK's largest inflatable aqua parks, along with cableboarding and paddleboarding.
Image - Longdown Activity Farm
Animals attractions in and around the New Forest
From bottle-feeding friendly farm animals to spotting wolves, otters and birds of prey, there are plenty of opportunities for animal lovers. Whether you're introducing little ones to farm life or spending the day discovering incredible wildlife, these animal attractions are always popular with families.
Meet friendly farm animals, bottle-feed calves and enjoy hands-on experiences throughout the day.
Home to otters, wolves, owls and many other native and international species, this much-loved attraction combines conservation with family fun.
A fantastic family-friendly farm attraction featuring animals, play areas and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.
Meet magnificent heavy horses and learn about Britain's agricultural heritage.
Located just beyond the New Forest boundary, Marwell remains one of the South's most popular family attractions.
Image - Hurst Castle
Unique family experiences in the New Forest
Looking for something a little different? These unforgettable experiences help families discover a different side of the New Forest, from walking alongside donkeys to getting creative in nature and exploring centuries of history on the coast.
Turn a family walk into an adventure by exploring this historic coastal fortress. The walk along Hurst Spit feels like a real expedition, with sea views on both sides before arriving at one of England's most impressive coastal castles. Once there, children can climb the battlements, explore hidden passageways and imagine life defending the Solent hundreds of years ago.
If you're looking for something truly memorable, Little Goats at Brockenhurst offers families the chance to meet, feed and spend time with an adorable herd of friendly miniature goats. It's a hands-on experience that's perfect for younger children and a lovely way to slow down and enjoy the gentler side of the New Forest.
Take a gentle stroll through the New Forest accompanied by some wonderfully friendly donkeys. These relaxed guided walks offer a unique way to experience the landscape while learning more about the donkeys' personalities and enjoying plenty of opportunities for photos along the way. It's a peaceful experience that's loved by both children and adults.
Tilefield Nature - Creative Countryside Days
For families who enjoy getting creative outdoors, Tilefield Nature's Creative Countryside Days combine nature, crafts and hands-on learning in the heart of the New Forest. Activities vary throughout the year but often include natural art, woodland crafts, wildlife discovery and seasonal outdoor experiences, encouraging children to connect with nature through creativity and play.
Image - Beaulieu
Big family days out in the New Forest
Sometimes only a full day of excitement adventure will do. Whether you're riding rollercoasters, exploring historic houses or stepping aboard a traditional shipbuilding village, these attractions offer enough to keep the whole family entertained from morning until home time.
Home to Peppa Pig World and a huge range of rides and attractions, Paultons Park is one of the UK's favourite family theme parks.
Explore the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Little Beaulieu adventure play area and beautiful grounds.
Discover the fascinating story of this historic shipbuilding village and enjoy riverside walks, boat trips and family-friendly exhibitions.
Image - New Park Manor Hotel
Stay longer and make a family holiday of it
With so much to see and do, many families choose to stay a little longer. The New Forest offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodation, from holiday parks and campsites to hotels, self-catering cottages and glamping sites.
You'll also find plenty of family-friendly places to eat, including cafés, pubs and restaurants across the New Forest, making it easy to refuel between adventures.
Image - New Forest Activities
Start planning your family adventure
Whether you're cycling through ancient woodland, meeting animals, splashing at the coast or tackling an outdoor challenge, the New Forest is packed with opportunities for family adventures.
The hardest part is deciding where to start. Find all the inspiration you need on our website.
