Whether you are looking for an action-packed adventure for the May half term or some low-cost ways to entertain the children, there’s plenty happening here in the New Forest! Choose from days out with the little ones at the ever-popular Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park – with the thrills and rides for the older around the theme park too or more sedate activities such as building sandcastles on the beach at Lepe. We’ve got lots of ideas to help get you started on your May half term fun here in the New Forest…

Step into the past at some of our museums

Get set for fun-filled May half-term at Beaulieu with family fun for everyone, including the launch of a brand-new exhibition, Motopia? Past Future Visions, taking centre stage in the National Motor Museum. Take a trip through time, with over 800 years of history to explore as you meet living history characters around and younger visitors will love burning off steam at Little Beaulieu, the attraction’s adventure play area.

Image - National Motor Museum Beaulieu

Purchase a family ticket to the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum (with under 7s free) and join in with the famous Teddy Bear Hunt and museum quiz will be available for all our junior visitors for no extra charge. Plus, anyone with a love for motorcycles will be in awe at the great selection on display here.

Book an adventurous holiday camp

For children aged 8-16, Foxlease Activity Centre, near Lyndhurst, will be opening its doors for its Skoolz Out programme in May half term.

Activities on offer across the week may include zip wiring, archery, kayaking, climbing and bushcraft. Your child can attend the entire week, or just selected days of your choosing (pre-booking is required).


Image - Foxlease Activity Centre

Plan some action-packed activities

The New Forest is perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you love winding along our gravel tracks on two wheels or you enjoy the thrill of trying something new, there are lots of options for all ages and abilities.

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre has a lot on this May half-term for you and your family to enjoy! From 60 and 90-minute Go Adventure sessions, you can choose the activity you want to do and experience the adventure together - from as little as £10 per person. Activities include climbing, archery, canoeing and paddle boarding. Not sure what to try? Their new ‘Have a Go Days’ on the 29 May and 2 June are the perfect way to experience slices of adventure and work out what you enjoy most! Plus, if you haven’t sorted anywhere to stay yet, their new tented village opens up in May for lots of camping fun!


Image - Avon Tyrell Outdoor Centre

Create long lasting memories this half term with Cyclexperience. Explore the New Forest by bike and discover hidden gems along the way. Chances are the famous New Forest ponies will be out enjoying the spring air too!

Get outdoors with Insight Activities, take aim and shoot for gold with Woodland Archery suitable for ages 6+ or unleash your inner Viking with their Throwing Axes activity for ages 12+. Pre-booking is essential.

Image - Insight Activities

For another thrilling day out, join a New Forest Activities’ BattleZone session, perfect for families and groups. With a range of guns, explosive sound effects, and vibrating haptic feedback, you’ll be immersed in the action!

If you love water sports, then why not book onto a taster session or lesson with the New Forest Paddle Sport Company for a paddle along the Solent? Or navigate your way through the inflatables at the New Forest Water Park?

Image - New Forest Water Park

Find out more about outdoor adventures in the New Forest.

Join in with some family-friendly events

On Saturday 3 June, Brockenhurst College will be hosting its annual Brockfest event. There will be lots happening including live music, fairground rides, face-painting and sporting activities.

If your family includes a four-legged friend, then be sure to plan a visit to Dogstival as part of your May half term fun. Running 3-4 June, so just before the Hampshire schools go back, there will be lots of dog-related displays, shows and stalls. For the human visitors, expect street performers, a vintage funfair and live music. Tickets are on sale now.

Image - Dogstival

More family fun

This is just a taster of what you can do here in the New Forest. Be sure to take a look at our family days out, where you can get a taste of the different attractions in and around the New Forest, from farm parks to gardens.

Plus, if you are looking for family friendly places to stay, you’ll find a selection of options from glamping, holiday camps, holiday cottages and much more!