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Kids Activities in the New Forest

Whether you have a young family, older children, or simply want the entire family to spend a day together, you will find the perfect option in the stunning New Forest National Park and surrounding district.

From world-class museums to top visitor attractions, to a 40-mile ‘secret coast’ and 193,000 acres of forest and heathland to explore, there’s more than enough to keep the young ones entertained for a day or a week - or two!

Animal attractions

Feed some adorable animals, enjoy a tractor ride or cuddle a baby rabbit at Longdown Activity Farm. See if you and your family can spot the native reptiles that can be found at the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst and get close to a big variety of species at the New Forest Wildlife Park including otters, deer, wildcats and owls.

Spot birds of prey and other animals at Liberty’s Raptor, Owl and Reptile Centre in Ringwood and meet some of the Shire horses at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, near Verwood.

Slightly further afield but within easy reach of the New Forest is Marwell Zoo, set in 140 acres of Hampshire parkland, near Winchester. The zoo is home to zebra, penguins, snakes and many more species of animal.

Theme parks and show-stopping days out

Visit the world-famous National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Find Mr Bean’s famous green mini, ride the monorail and take a spin on 'Wheels'; a pod ride journey taking you through 100 years of motoring and make sure you also check out the World of Top Gear. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits. Look out for family events taking place in the school holidays and themed car days, including the popular Supercars weekends.

And of course any family, just has to make a visit to Paulton’s Park, which is also home of the ever popular Peppa Pig World! Enjoy over sixty rides and attractions, including a fantastic 4D Cinema, meet and greet with Peppa and Friends, ride the thrilling edge, or how about go back millions of years to when dinosaurs were around in the new Lost Kingdom! There are also some animals and birds that you can discover including the popular penguins. New rides are often added each year so even if you’ve visited before, it’s well-worth returning to discover what’s new.

At nearby Bournemouth you will also come across Adventure Wonderland, another popular day out with the family, with lots of rides and attractions staring all your favourite Alice in Wonderland characters..

Discover our fascinating history

Go back in time and visit Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum where you can learn all about the history of this fascinating ship-building village. Look out for family events and trails during the school holidays and book onto one of the Beaulieu River cruises that leave from the village’s jetty.

Head to the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst with loads of interactive and fun games and activities in the great museum explaining all how about the amazing New Forest works and the locals that live here. Equally, at the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in Lymington, families can take part in a wide-range of events and activities in the school holidays, focussing on the New Forest’s maritime heritage and coastline.

Discover Hurst Castle, built by King Henry VIII to protect the south coast from invasion. Here you can also find out about the castle’s use as a prison and also during WW2. There are lots of events and activities for all the family and Hurst Point is a great place to watch passing ships and boats. It’s well worth taking the Hurst Castle Ferry from Keyhaven as well for some great views and a bit of bird spotting along the way. Children will also no doubt enjoy playing on the pebbly beach which leads from Milford on Sea, to Hurst Castle (along Hurst spit).

Enjoy the great outdoors

How about taking a walk through the beautiful gardens at Exbury Gardens? Keep your eyes peeled for wonderful wildlife, and enjoy the spectacular wealth of beautiful flowers and plants. Make sure you take a trip aboard the Exbury Steam Railway, a 20 minute 12 ¼ inch gauge journey through the gardens, a popular addition for both younger and older visitors!

Look for fairy doors and have fun in the children’s play area at Furzey Gardens in Minstead and explore the hidden secrets in this enchanting informal woodland garden. Take to the forest for some outdoor fun at Moors Valley Country Park on a Family Fun Trail with the Highway Rat!

Make a trip to Lepe Country Park with its family-friendly beach. Embark on some of their nature activities or simply have fun building sandcastles! Other beaches can also be found along the New Forest coastline, making great places for a day out.

Hire bikes from Burley, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and other places within the New Forest and explore our extensive cycle paths, there are over 100 miles of great off-road and traffic-free routes that the whole family can enjoy.

Take a walk on the wild side and see some of our fascinating wildlife. New Forest ponies roam freely across the open moorland, how many can you spot? Embark on one of the family-friendly trails at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and check out the deer viewing platform. You may even be lucky enough to see one of the Forestry Commission rangers feeding the deer if you visit at the right time.

Hone your riding skills whether you are an advanced horse rider or have never been on the back of a horse at one of our equestrian centres, such as Burley Villa School of Riding. Seasoned riders can also have the opportunity to go on a countryside hack.

If water sports are your thing then be sure to check out the New Forest Water Park with its kayaking, wake boarding and inflatable fun or New Forest Activities for their family-friendly kayaking (as well as many other outdoor activities!).

Insight Activities have loads of brilliant activities for families at their stunning woodland location, including archery, crossbow shooting and axe-throwing! Get that adrenaline running and have tonnes of fun.

Whatever you decide to do whilst you’re here, the whole family are guaranteed to have a fantastic, fun time in the New Forest. Take a look at all our family attractions below to discover more!

Saving money on family days out in the New Forest

A great way to save money off days out, activities, accommodation and places to eat and drink is to purchase one of our Go New Forest cards for just £10. These cards give you some great money-saving discounts which will help make your money go further.

Number of results:

Number of results: 38

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
8933 reviews
Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World

Location:

Romsey
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Paultons Park, home to the UK's only Peppa Pig World, has more than 70 wonderful rides and attractions included in the admission price.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
6972 reviews
National Motor Museum Beaulieu
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Beaulieu featuring the world-famous National Motor Museum, Palace House home of the Montagu family and Abbey Ruins containing an exhibition of monastic life.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1282 reviews
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Location:

Southampton
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is now open!
More than 100 years in the making, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location. Exbury…
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
856 reviews
New Forest Activities

Location:

Beaulieu
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Create memories to last a lifetime and make the most of your time with loved ones in the great outdoors. From Canoeing and Kayaking on the stunning Beaulieu River, to Archery and BattleZone, tucked away in the beautiful New Forest woodland; there…
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
475 reviews
Forest Leisure Cycling

Location:

Burley

Located close to the trails, Cycle routes for all ages and abilities. Open 7 days, All Year Round with Free Parking nearby and online booking.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
479 reviews
Furzey Gardens

Location:

Minstead
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Furzey Gardens and tea rooms are open seven days a week. All visitors, including members, must book online in advance. The tea rooms are open 10am -5pm offering a takeaway menu.
Furzey Gardens is an informal woodland garden nestled in a tranquil…
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Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

Location:

Bashley Cross Road, New Milton
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Apart from the Museum itself, the Museum Complex contains the Bashley Manor Tearooms, three craft & gift shops: Krafty Korner, Gifts With A Smile and Seahorse Yarns, FREE parking and many animals to pet and enjoy. Our new 10,000 sq ft two storey…
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
604 reviews
Fairweather's Garden Centre

Location:

Beaulieu

Using passion and expertise Fairweather’s have created a unique Plant and Garden Centre in the heart of Beaulieu.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
937 reviews
Cyclexperience Bike Hire

Location:

Brockenhurst

Cyclexperience is an award-winning bike hire company based in Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest with more than 25 years of experience!
Explore over 100 miles of family friendly cycling through tranquil forests with breathtaking views…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
85 reviews
Calshot Activities Centre

Location:

Southampton
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
In a prime location on the shores of the Solent, Calshot Activities Centre is one of the largest outdoor adventure centres in Britain.
We offer a wide range of exciting water and land based activities, for all abilities and ages throughout the…
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
925 reviews
Woodland Archery in the New Forest - Axe Throwing & Crosbows too!

Location:

Fordingbridge
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Insight Activities provide authentic woodland activities from a gorgeous private woodland in the New Forest - We specialise in fun Archery sessions, Crossbow shooting, Axe Throwing and Bushcraft skills. Everybody welcome....pre-booking essential…
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Facilities

Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
80 reviews
The New Forest Paddle Sport Company

Location:

Milford On Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Come and experience the Joys of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking on the stunning New Forest Coastline
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Burley Villa School of Riding

Location:

New Milton

Burley Villa is currently closed for all riding
Riding Lessons for novice and experienced, adults and children. Beginners welcome. BHS approved. Children over 4 can enjoy pony rides on the premises.
Special Offers
- Browse some fantastic offers below and enjoy activities and attractions in The New Forest at a discounted price. Keep checking back as more offers are added daily.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
47 reviews
Rockbourne Roman Villa

Location:

Fordingbridge

Rockbourne Roman Villa is a unique archaeological site and museum, situated in a peaceful part of Hampshire near the historic town of Fordingbridge, on the edge of the New Forest.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1808 reviews
Buckler's Hard
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
A unique 18th century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Historic 18th century cottages, riverside walk, maritime museum and seasonal river cruise.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1327 reviews
Hurst Castle & Hurst Castle Ferry

Location:

Milford on Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Come and discover this artillery fortress, built by Henry VIII in 1544, at the seaward end of a coastal spit, which was once a prison of Charles 1st. Castle takeaway is open daily. Frequent ferry service from Keyhaven Quay.
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Breamore House and Museum

Location:

Near Fordingbridge

Breamore House was completed in 1583 and looks today much as it would have done to its’ original owners. The museum shows collections of agricultural and trade tools covering 10 generations and used until early 20th Century.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
407 reviews
Escape Yachting

Location:

Kings Saltern Road
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
We specialise in creating relaxing sailing experiences. See the English coast from a different angle with our days out and weekend experiences on the Solent, from our base in Lymington.
Special Offers
- Quote "Go New Forest" for a special offer, subject to availability, on our Day Trips.
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New Forest Water Park

Location:

Fordingbridge

Learn to waterski or wakeboard. Experience the inflatable banana and tyre rides. The South's 1st WakeBoard Cable System.

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Adventure Wonderland

Location:

Hurn
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Dorset’s multi award-winning family theme park, Adventure Wonderland, is the perfect spot to unlock the fun this summer.
A wide range of outside rides and attractions are open daily including family favourites such as Jungle Falls, Battle Boats,…
Special Offers
- 'Take off' with Adventure Wonderland
  Children visiting Adventure Wonderland this season can get FREE same day entry to the Aviation Museum opposite.
  Visitors can sit in the cockpits of the aircraft and helicopters, fly a plane around Dorset on a simulator and also climb on board the big yellow bus and sit in the driver's seat or go on the top deck and enjoy the panoramic view of Bournemouth Airport.
  Aircraft at the Aviation Museum include a Vulcan bomber, a sleek black Hunter jet fighter and a supersonic Lightning fighter.
  Visitors to Adventure Wonderland just need to show their ticket receipt at the Aviation Museum and children will be admitted free of charge on the same day.
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- Kids get £5 OFF in fancy dress
  Children dressed as Alice, the Mad Hatter or any other Alice in Wonderland character will get £5.00 off entry* to Adventure Wonderland when accompanied by a full paying adult this May Bank Holiday weekend, 4th-6th May.
  Plus, there will be the chance for them to win a child's season ticket with a daily fancy dress competition, judged by the park's very own resident Alice and Mad Hatter. There will be two categories, Under 5's and 5 & overs.
  And, if that isn’t enough, Alice and Hatter will be hosting a FREE tea party every day at 4pm with Queen of Hearts jam tarts and squash.
  There's also loads of outside rides and attractions and visitors can meet some pint-sized ponies in the new Shetland World, where they’ll have the opportunity to pat and stroke them.
  Inside, the kids can let off some steam in the vast Aztec adventure play centre, Wild Thing! including the brand new interactive Jungle Zap Zone and enjoy (new show, Alice at the Musicals in the Happydrome Theatre)(storytime twice a day).
  Plus, new for 2019, children visiting Adventure Wonderland can get in for FREE at the Aviation Museum opposite!
  *Terms and Conditions apply. £5 discount applied to full price single admission only & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.
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