10 must-see days out in New Forest with the kids
Updated: Sep 23
We love spending days out with our kids (aged 6 and 3), and although most of our trips are low-cost or free, here are 10 places we’ve loved visiting repeatedly. All of these are near the New Forest and within an hour’s drive from Hampshire.
This zoo, located just outside Winchester, about 25 minutes from the New Forest, is a brilliant day out. It boasts giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and big cats. The zoo is easy to navigate, with loads of open spaces and play areas for the kids. We always lose hours here and feel confident letting the kids explore. There’s currently a family ticket for £85 (family of 5), and under-3s go free. The tropical house and sloth are always highlights. The coffee is about a 6/10, pretty good for a zoo, and they offer discounts if you bring your cup. There are plenty of picnic spots, and the whole place is very buggy-friendly. If little legs get tired, there’s a tractor train for £2 each.
Top Tip: Go around twice—you always spot something new the second time, and don’t miss the snow leopard!
Finkley Down Farm is about 40 minutes from the New Forest and perfect for little animal lovers. It’s a hands-on experience, so get ready to buy some feed (£1 a pot) and interact with the animals. There’s also loads to do indoors, including a huge soft play area, which makes it ideal for rainy days. The goat racing is a crowd-pleaser, and the bouncy pillows, park, and trampolines keep the kids entertained for hours. A family ticket is £56 for four people—well worth it!
Top Tip: Grab some water balloons from reception and hit the battle arena! Ozzie didn’t manage to hit Joss, but he had a blast trying.
Previously known as Intech, this museum is just 20 minutes from the New Forest. It’s packed with mind-blowing, interactive science exhibits, and there’s something for everyone. The kids love experimenting and learning hands-on, and it’s surprisingly spacious, so it never feels overcrowded. The space section is a favourite, and there’s also a planetarium with amazing shows. A family ticket is £55, and it’s worth every penny for the lifelong memories you’ll create.
Top Tip: Check out the planetarium—especially at Christmas for a magical show.
This wildlife park, located in the heart of the New Forest, holds a special place in my heart as I used to visit with my Grandma. It’s more of a nature reserve than a zoo, with lots of animals like otters and deer. You can get up close in the deer enclosures and explore the wallaby area. Buggies can struggle in muddy months, but it’s worth a visit for a family ticket price of £51. Great café and picnic spots too.
Top Tip: Use the playgrounds to break up your visit, they’re excellent!
Also located in the New Forest, this farm offers plenty of interactive experiences for kids, including animal feeding and tractor rides. There’s a massive car park and lots to do from the moment you arrive. We loved the trampolines and the ride-on tractors. It’s £50 for a family of 4, and under-3s go free.
Top Tip: Stay until the end of the day to catch the last calf feeding—each calf gets fed twice!
These beautiful gardens in the New Forest offer a fantastic space for kids to explore. Although it might seem like a place for adults at first, the winding paths and hidden play areas make it perfect for little adventurers. There’s also a miniature steam railway, and the staff are great at answering curious kids’ questions. A family ticket is £37, and under-3s are free.
Top Tip: Make the day even more exciting by taking the open-top bus from Lyndhurst to the gardens.
Located just 10 minutes outside the New Forest, Moors Valley is a favourite for us. Entry is free, though parking costs £16.50 for the day. With a lake, steam railway, play trails, and more, it’s impossible to do everything in one visit. The park is clean and well-maintained, with endless play options for all ages.
Top Tip: Head straight into the woods to start the play trail. The activities along the trail will keep the kids moving for hours!
Located in Eastleigh, about 20 minutes from the New Forest, this smaller day out is perfect for young children. Hop on the steam train and head to the park for some playtime before walking back around the lake. Tickets are £32 for a return journey, and there’s a lovely café at the station.
Top Tip: Save money and walk back around the lake instead of taking the return train!
We’ve had an annual pass for the past five years, and it’s a staple day out for us. Located in Romsey, about 20 minutes from the New Forest, the gardens are beautifully landscaped, with hidden musical instruments, a park, and a treehouse. No dogs are allowed, so it feels safe for kids to roam freely. The family ticket is £32.50, and under-5s are free. It’s lovely all year round!
Top Tip: Don’t miss the wobbly bridge in the bamboo forest—hours of fun!
Tucked away in Minstead, this is a real hidden gem. There are 40 fairy doors to find, which can keep the kids entertained for ages. Entry is by donation, so it’s a low-cost option. We love searching for the fairy doors, and they often update them, so no visit is the same.
Top Tip: After exploring the gardens, head into the woods behind the car park for some den-building fun.
That’s it! What a list—these are all easy days out with kids. I would recommend taking a picnic to make things cheaper, but we are never organised enough and always end up buying food out. All of these places have always had something veggie, and more often than not now, they also have something gluten-free.
If you have any great days out, leave a comment below! I’ll be sharing more days out soon. If you want to read about our trip to Aladdin, you can do so here.
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