Sing along to Rhymetime at The Arc

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? The Arc is home to Winchester's library, two art galleries, a café, a gift shop and spaces for events like stand-up gigs, live music concerts, community meet ups and Rhymetime, which is on in the Performance Space every Thursday morning. It's half an hour of songs and fun for little ones - and it's totally free.

Price: Rhymetime at The Arc is free, as is use of the library spaces and some other events. Some events and exhibitions at The Gallery are ticketed.

Suitable for: under 5s and their grown ups. The children's library welcomes kids of any ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: The Arc Café. Alternatively, head over the road afterwards to visit (pram-friendly) Josie's.

Spot wildlife in Winnall Moors 

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? Winnall Moors is a nature reserve right in Winchester city centre. A chalk stream wetland where the River Itchen flows, it's a haven for wildlife and makes for a peaceful place to wander, thanks to paths, boardwalks and bridges. Look out for wildflowers, kingfishers, swans and deer.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages! It can get muddy, but it's pushchair friendly.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Grab takeaways (remember your reusable cup!) from Open House Deli before you head towards Winnall Moors.

See a play at Theatre Royal Winchester 

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? Theatre Royal Winchester is a buzzy theatre on Winchester's Jewry Street which hosts touring productions of family-faves like 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' and 'The Gruffalo'. You'll also catch films here as well as family-friendly tribute acts.

Price: Ticket prices vary.

Suitable for: All ages. Check the listings for each individual show.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Order from the in-house café, or pop over the road afterwards to visit Cabinet Rooms or Josie's.

Get interactive at The Nutshell 

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? One of Winchester's intimate arts venues, The Nutshell puts on some great programming for little ones, from jazz for toddlers to 'Bring Your Own Baby' stand-up comedy. Look out for sweet touring theatre shows for kids, which are often interactive and include stay and play time at the end for introducing even the tiniest ones to theatre and music.

Price: Ticket prices vary.

Suitable for: All ages. Check the listings for each individual show.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Open House Deli and South Downs Social are right next door.

Climb to the top of Winchester Cathedral 

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? Winchester Cathedral is the ancient cathedral at the heart of our historic city centre. Check out events taking place inside the cathedral, from baby opera to silent discos. There are often family-friendly trails to follow and activities to do. Older children can join Tower Tours, where you are guided high inside the cathedral and out onto the roof for exhilarating views.

Price: Standard entry is £14 for an adult (£13 if you book online) and accompanying under 11s go free. Entry for 12-16-year-olds is £6. Tower Tours are £17.50 per person.

Suitable for: Tour Towers are for children aged 11+. Entry to the cathedral and the family-friendly trails are suitable for all ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: The Cathedral Café is a great place to pause with kids of all ages.

Picnic and play in Abbey Gardens 

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? At the bottom of Winchester High Street, by the city's famous King Alfred statue, you'll find Abbey Gardens. The grounds of Abbey House, the official residence of the Mayor of Winchester, Abbey Gardens is a pretty spot with blooming gardens and the river Itchen following through. A great picnic spot, there are toilets, a drinking-water fountain for filling up bottles and an ice-cream stand in summer. There's also a great playground and plenty of space for running around.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages. The park has accessible play equipment and activities to suit different ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Bring takeaways (remember your reusable cup!) from Flat Whites truck or hot chocolates from Chococo. Abbey Mill also has an alfresco coffee hut open right by the park on select sunny days.

Go stargazing at Winchester Science Centre

📍Winchester city 

What is it? Just outside Winchester city centre in the South Downs National Park, Winchester Science Centre is the south of England's leading science and discovery centre. It's home to a planetarium dome, hands-on interactive exhibits and live science demonstrations, and is also a great place to learn more about the South Downs. Take your little scientist there by day during weekends and school holidays, or visit after dark for special family stargazing evenings. You can also sometimes watch family-friendly movies in the planetarium after hours.

Price: Entry from £14 per person. Under 3s go free.

Suitable for: children from three to 12 years old and their families.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Visit the on-site Hub Café or Space Café.

Climb St Catherine's Hill 

📍Winchester city 

What is it? An iron age hill fort at the heart of an chalk downland nature reserve on the edge of Winchester city centre. Climb 220ft up the hill via 300+ wooden stairs (this one is not pushchair or wheelchair friendly) to secure mega views of the city and the surrounding countryside. As well as the vista, you'll find the earthworks of the fort, a copse of trees, a historic mizmaze and countless spots for a picnic. It's also a great place to spot local wildlife,.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages. Little ones might need to be carried up the steps.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Cadence Clubhouse is at the foot of the hill.

Step back in time at The Great Hall 

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? A perfectly-preserved medieval hall, The Great Hall is all that remains of William the Conqueror's Winchester Castle. Step inside to explore the stunning architecture, to see Winchester's iconic Round Table, which is linked to Arthurian legend, and to play dress up in costumes of the era. The Westgate Museum right next door also gives a fascinating insight into Winchester's past. Look out for family-friendly events taking place here, like Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall during the festive season.

Price: £9 adult, £6.50 child, under 5s go free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: The Round Table Café is on site.

Book baby and toddler-friendly cinema screenings

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? Family-friendly film screenings at Everyman Winchester, where breastfeeding, crying and running around (if you're a toddler) is welcomed. Baby Cinema is new releases, but screened at a lower volume and in slightly lighter auditorium, while at Toddler Cinema your pre-schooler might enjoy an old classic, a small screen favourite or a new release.

Price: £15.45 for you and your child.

Suitable for: Baby Cinema is for little ones 12 months and under. 1-5 year olds and their grown ups are welcome at Toddler Cinema.

☕Nearby coffee stop: No need. You get a hot drink and a slice of cake included in the price of your ticket.

Run around River Park

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? Little ones need to let off some steam? This is the idea spot. Just a few minutes' walk from Winchester High Street, River Park (sometimes also known as North Walls Recreation Ground) is a big wide green space with room for scooting, cycling, picnics and kicking a ball around. There's also plenty of ducks to feed, a popular skate park and a great play ground. There are also toilets near the playground.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Grab a takeaway (remember your reusable cup!) from the city centre before heading to the park. Projects, Open House Deli, South Downs Social or Ohco are all nearby.

Follow a family-friendly trail around the city

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? Pick up a free trail sheet and head off around Winchester city centre. There are different trails running throughout the year, like the Spooky Winch trail during October half-term and the Bunny Hop around Easter. All year round you can also follow the City Walk, which takes you to all the city centre's must-see spots. Our Accessible Trail is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. All are available from Winchester's Visitor Information Centre or for free online.

Price: Spooky Winch and Bunny Hop trails are free. City Walk and Accessible Trail are free to download online, but there is a small charge for physical copies from the Visitor Information Centre.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: The trails will take you all over the city centre past the city's indie coffee shops and cafés, so just keep your eye out for a one that takes your fancy!

Go climbing at Winchester Leisure Centre

📍Winchester city 

What is it? If you've got a climber, head to Winchester Leisure Centre. Under 5s can join Active Antz, a relaxed soft play session with gynmastics equipment, bikes, balls and bouncy castles. Bigger kids aged 5+ can be booked onto Top Rock climbing wall for a fun session led by a qualified climbing instructor. Family climbing sessions are available. There's also a great swimming pool here with family-friendly splash pad.

Price: from £2.

Suitable for: Active Antz are for under 5s. Climbing sessions are mainly for those aged 5+.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There is a café at Winchester Leisure Centre.

Take a history lesson at Winchester City Museum

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? Three floors of history, featuring real artefacts. Look out for family-friendly events and workshops taking place at the museum, as well as themed trails during school holidays.

Price: £8 adult, £5.50 child, under 5s go free

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: The General Store, The Orangery, The Square and Café Monde are right outside.

Get messy at BellaCrafts

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? A creative space and shop in Winchester city centre, BellaCrafts offers daily crafting sessions for families. Some activities need to be booked in advance but Bella Doodles Pre-School classes are drop-in every weekday, including during the school holidays.

Price: Craft project prices vary. Bella Doodles Pre-School is £5.95 per child or £9.95 for two siblings.

Suitable for: There are crafting projects for all ages here, while the Bella Doodles Pre-School is for those aged 1-4.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There is an on-site café.

Play an escape game as a family at ClueCapers 

📍Winchester city centre 

What is it? ClueCapers is Winchester's escape game spot. Sign the whole family up and attempt to solve one of seven escape games, some of which are played outside around Winchester city.

Price: from £24 per person

Suitable for: One for older kids and teens, children aged 9+ are encouraged to contribute to the solving of the escape games.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Playing an in-house game? You're near Chococo for hot chocolates. Flat Whites, Ohco, South Downs Social and Open House Deli are your closest coffee spots.

Get gelato at Hampshire Pantry

📍Winchester city 

What is it? A smallholding, farm shop and café on the outskirts of Winchester city, Hampshire Pantry is a great place to head to give little legs a run around outside. Throughout the year you'll find seasonal things to do, like pumpkin picking in October. There's also an on-site gelatery for sunny days and a great café with indoor and outdoor seating.

Price: Prices vary.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Hampshire Pantry serves and is home to Blue Hour coffee roastery.

Balance on logs in West Wood 

📍near Winchester city 

What is it? Find the natural play area in West Wood, just outside Winchester city. Wander down from the road to the woods through Pitt Down, where you might spot grazing ponies. The play area is made of natural stepping stones, balance beam logs and dens made from fallen branches. There are also small rope swings.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There are no facilities at West Wood - this place is made for BYO woodland picnics - or stop off at Beechcroft Farm Shop and Tea Barn on the way back to town.

Tire everyone out at Thrive & Wild

📍near Winchester city 

What is it? Winchester's newest soft play centre, Thrive & Wild is an aesthetically-pleasing space for little ones to roam and for parents to catch up over coffee. There's a baby area, squishy sofas for feeding, books for downtime and two soft play areas, one for under 5s and another for under 11s.

Price: Adults from £1, children from £3.25.

Suitable for: 0-11 year olds.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Thrive & Wild has a café run by Winchester faves Flat Whites, serving hot drinks and food throughout the day.

Love soft play? Try Qube, Arlebury Soft Play, Marwell Adventure Barn, Active Antz and Tiny Treasuretown.

Spot baby farm animals at Beechcroft Tea Barn

📍near Winchester city 

What is it? Beechcroft is a shop and tea barn on a farm on the outskirts of Winchester city. You can swing by on Thursdays - Sundays year round to pick up locally made treats or to enjoy the café. If you're visiting with kids, the best time to go is on a sunny day in spring, when you can grab an alfresco table in the grassy garden, right next to the resident lambs and piglets!

Price: Prices vary.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: You've already got a coffee in hand!

Spot amazing animals at Marwell Zoo 

📍near Winchester city 

What is it? A world-class zoo near Winchester city. Marwell is an 140-acre park home to hundreds of animals from giraffes, snow leopards and rhinos to meerkats, penguins and lemurs. They also have 7 adventure play areas. Expect extra activities and things to do during the school holidays.

Price: Adult from £19, child from £15.50, under 2s go free

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: The Keepers Kitchen and Café Graze are open year round at Marwell.

Enjoy alfresco pizza at The Tichborne Arms

📍near Alresford

What is it? A relaxed rural pub with a pretty garden. The Tichborne Arms has a small play area and cows to watch in the neighbouring field. During the warmer months, they serve pizzas up from their outdoor kitchen. Grab a picnic bench and let the littles play before enjoying an easy tea.

Price: Prices vary.

Suitable for: The play area suits pre- and  primary- school aged children. Children are welcomed in the pub and play area until 7pm.

☕Nearby coffee stop: The pub serves coffee as well as something stronger to go with your pizzas.

Ride on vintage steam trains at The Watercress Line 

📍Alresford

What is it? The Watercress Line is a stretch of heritage trainline, home to vintage steam trains and visiting favourites like Thomas the Tank Engine. You can book standard tickets to get up close to the steam trains and ride through the Hampshire countryside, hopping on and off at the heritage stations along the route, or get involved with one of the themed days which run throughout the year. There's Wizard Week for Halloween, The Father Christmas Express and more.

Price: Day tickets start at £24 for adults and £12 for children. Under 5s go free. Prices vary for events and specials.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: West Country Buffet at Alresford Station or pick up a takeaway (remember your reusable cup!) from Josie's, which is right by the station in Alresford.

Feed the ducks in Alresford

📍Alresford

What is it? A prime duck-feeding spot along the River Alre in Alresford. Please the local ducks, swans and ducklings (if you're lucky!) and your little ones with a morning spent feeding the ducks. Visit Amy's Duck Food Table, an honesty box full of duck food by the side of the river. Complete the loop along the river path when you're done spotting wildlife and the town's pretty houses.

Price: Free. Duck food bags cost £1.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Tiffin Tea Rooms, Caracoli, The Town House and Josie's are all nearby. You can also visit nearby Arlebury Café for refreshments and bookable soft play sessions for under 5s.

Take a trail around Hinton Ampner

📍near Alresford

What is it? A National Trust house with pretty gardens, a huge estate for exploring and loads of picnic spots to choose from. Look out for family-friendly trails throughout the year, with activities and games dotted around the gardens for little ones to enjoy.

Price: Adult from £10, child from £5, under 5s go free. There's sometimes an additional charge for trails.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There's a National Trust café at this site.

Have a picnic at The Grange at Northington

📍near Alresford

What is it? An English Heritage site near Alresford, The Grange at Northington is a grand Greek Revival building saved from demolition in the 1970s. The building itself, which now plays host to The Grange Opera Festival during the summer, is closed and just the grounds of the house are open to the public. It's an atmospheric place for a run around and a picnic on a sunny day.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Grab a takeaway from nearby Alresford (don't forget your reusable cup!) or visit The Yard afterwards.

Spot tractors at The Yard

📍near Alresford

What is it? A café on a working farm in rural Hampshire serving a seasonal menu and farm-made gelato in the summer. Look out for family-friendly days and tractor rides on certain days. There are also walks you can head off on into the surrounding farmland. The Yard also run evening events and play host to Wild Sauna if you get a chance to come back without the little ones in tow.

Price: Prices vary.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: The Yard is also home to Moonroast Coffee, so expect a good cup of coffee right here.

Get lost in Micheldever Woods 

📍near Winchester city 

What is it? A stretch of ancient beech woodland with a number of easy walking routes, iron age burial mounds to find and a pretty picnic area. Lovely to explore all year round, the woods are known for putting on an impressive display of bluebells each May,

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: You're pretty rural here but The Northbrook Arms in East Stratton is the closest.

Explore ancient palace ruins in Bishop's Waltham

📍Bishop's Waltham 

What is it? Bishop's Waltham Palace is the atmospheric ruins of a grand moated residence. 12th and 14th century ruins remain, with a three-storey tower and impressive windows. The grassy grounds are fun to explore and there are a handful of picnic benches too.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Grab takeaway (remember your reusable cup!) from Josie's or Hoxton Bakehouse in the town centre for a palace picnic.

Make a den in West Walk 

📍near Wickham 

What is it? One of the last remaining sections of the ancient Forest of Bere, West Walk is 350 hectares of historic woodland. There are waymarked walking trails and natural paths to lead you through the forest, as well as picnic areas and a playground. Head to the den making area to create your own woodland hideaway.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: You might find a coffee truck near the carpark. If not, grab takeaways (remember your reusable coffee cup!) from one of the cafés in nearby Wickham.

Walk along an old railway line

📍Bishop's Waltham 

What is it? Pass through old wooden gates and past railway sleepers to wander into the surrounding countryside along a former railway line. The Bishop's Waltham Railway Line path follows what used to be a train line connecting Bishop's Waltham to Botley before it closed in 1962. Now it's a pretty and peaceful tunnel of trees to explore.

Price: Free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Head back into Bishop's Waltham after your walk for coffee at Josie's, Hoxton Bakehouse or Stainers Bakery.

Explore grand gardens at The Vyne

📍near Basingstoke 

What is it? A picturesque National Trust property overlooking a lake, with natural play area, picnic spots, a bird hide for watching wildlife and woods to explore. There are family trails, games and activities in the grounds throughout the year, as well as open air theatre and cinema nights in the summer.

Price: Adults from £18, children from £9, under 5s go free

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There's a café on site.

Inspire future authors in Chawton

📍near Alton

What is it? Head to Jane Austen's House in Chawton to explore the place the author lived and wrote many of her famous novels. You'll find family-friendly activities like dressing up, regency garden games and family trails. Nearby Chawton House is also open to the public on select days and welcomes families to take part in seasonal trails and activities, from Easter hunts to winter Wassails.

Price: Adults from £10.50, children from £7, under 6s go free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Cassandra's Cup tearoom is opposite Jane Austen's House, while Chawton House has an on-site tearoom.

Spend the day with Peppa Pig

What is it? A short journey from Winchester, Paulton's Park and Peppa Pig World is a theme park full of family-friendly rides and activities. For little ones you'll find nine rides and an indoor play zone all inspired by pre-schooler's favourite pig, while bigger kids can get their thrills on full-sized rollercoasters

Price: From £46.75 per person, children under 1 metre go free

Suitable for: 1-14 year olds will find loads of things to keep them busy.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There's a coffee hut by the main entrance.

Play in The Dell's giant sandpit

📍near West Meon

What is it? A café, bar and wood-fired pizza spot in a field in the picturesque Meon Valley. There's undercover areas and trees for shade but it's a great place for eating alfresco in the great outdoors, with a huge amount of space for little ones to run around and a giant sandpit to explore. There's also a campsite if you fancy turning your adventure into an overnighter.

Price: Pizzas cost from £12.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Boycie the Bus is a refurbished double decker at The Dell where you can get coffee from Winchester Coffee Roasters.

Feed the goats at Finkley Down Farm

📍near Andover 

What is it? A children's farm complete with small farmyard where little ones can feed goats and sheep and stroke the rabbits. There are more animals to meet and a whole host of play equipment, from indoor soft play and a sand pit to adventure playgrounds and ride-on tractors.

Price: Adults and children aged 2+ from £6.50, 1-year-olds from £3, under 12 months go free.

Suitable for: Perfect for babies, toddlers and primary-school aged kids.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There's an on-site café for your caffeine fix.

Smell the roses at Mottisfont

📍near Romsey 

What is it? A grand National Trust house with huge gardens to explore. You'll find pretty gardens, the River Test running through the grounds, a natural adventure playground and walled gardens famous for their rose blooms in June. There are trails, activities and games for kids put on throughout the year.

Price: Adults from £15, children from £7.50, under 5s go free. Additional charges sometimes apply for trails.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There are three spots to get coffee on site, plus an ice cream hut in the warmer months.

Have an eco adventure at Gilbert White's House 

📍Selborne, near Alton

What is it? The home of 18th century naturalist Gilbert White, is now an intriguing museum and 25 acres of beautiful South Downs gardens to explore. There are regular activities for children here, from seasonal trails with eco angles to outdoorsy sessions for pre-schoolers. Bigger kids might also like to tackle the Zig-Zag Path nearby which takes you up high to Selborne Common.

Price: Adult from £13.50, children from £6, under 3s go free

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: White's Café on site is well placed for a pit stop.

Get muddy at Manor Farm

📍near Bishop's Waltham

What is it? A traditional farmyard with a historic farmhouse, vintage tractors and plenty of animals to meet - and feed if you're lucky! There's also outdoor and indoor play areas, plus a space for making your own natural dens and a maize maze in the summer. Expect additional family-friendly activities during the school holidays.

Price: Adults £13, children £11, under 3s go free.

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There are two places to get coffee on site.

Go on a nature hunt at Hillier Gardens

📍near Romsey

What is it? 180 acres of gardens, woodland and spaces for little ones to let off steam. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is home to beautiful seasonal displays, as well as play areas and a treehouse for exploring. There are seasonal trails and activities for families put on throughout the year.

Price: Adults £16.50, children £4.75, under 5s go free

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: There's a restaurant and café on site.

Travel back in time at Butser Ancient Farm

📍near Petersfield

What is it? A working ancient farm near Butser Hill, complete with rare breed sheep and goats, reconstructed historic buildings, open fires to sit around and heritage crafts to learn. There's a free children's trail around the site as well as activities and events throughout the year, from a Beltane festival to a family-friendly midwinter quest.

Price: Adults £15.50, children £10.50, under 3s go free

Suitable for: All ages.

☕Nearby coffee stop: Find snacks and hot drinks in the shop, or bring your own (don't forget your reusable cup!)