The long awaited school summer holidays are fast approaching and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to 6 weeks of entertaining the little delights 😉 If this thought fills you with dread, don’t panic as we’ve come up with a list of child friendly low cost activities.
We’ve started with some events below that run throughout the holidays and then added events week by week.
Junior Assault course, Royal Armories, Fort Nelson – Portsdown Hill Rd, Fareham
Kids are sure to burn off some energy on the mini army style assault course.
10-5 every day. Free entry to the museum.
https://www.royalarmouries.org/events/calendar/2016-07-21/assault-course
Thumbs up Thursdays – Performance podium, West St, Fareham
11am – 2pm Thursdays (Not running in week 6).
Thursday 21 July – Bungee Trampolines
Thursday 28 July – Arts & Crafts, Make your own jellyfish!
Thursday 4 August – Inflatable Slide
Thursday 11 August – Crazy Golf
Thursday 18 August – Bouncy Castle
Thursday 25 August – Mucky Bucket Farm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1697646193820668/
Summer Holiday Nature Trail – Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Waterlooville
Sounds like a great activity for budding explorers, follow a puzzle trail and collect a prize at the end, what child doesn’t like a prize?!
Every Week until 29th August from 10am.
£2 per child, no need to book.
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-countryside/qecp/qecp-eventdetails?id=311531
Port Solent Kids Club – Port Solent
Free – Every Tuesday and Thursday during the holidays. We went along last summer for Silly Scott’s magical show, it was very engaging for my then 2 and 4 year olds. There will also be The Creation Station, a petting farm and birds of prey show.
http://www.portsolent.com/whats-on/
Summer Pool Party at Avon Tyrell Outdoor Activity Centre, Bransgore, Christchurch
23rd July and 20th August.
This sounds fun with music games and water fights in the outdoor pool. You can even camp overnight if you fancy making a weekend of it.
1pm – 6pm, £5 per person. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.
https://www.avontyrrell.org.uk/index.html
Summer Trail – Sports Personalities, Royal Victoria Country park, Netley
Running throughout the summer holidays, 10am – 4pm.
£2 per trail sheet with a prize.
https://www.facebook.com/events/970574026397141/
Road Dahl Writing Workshop – Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry St, Winchester
Create and illustrate poems to make mum gargle!
Friday 22nd July 2:00pm – 3:30pm and Wednesday 27th July 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages 7-11 £5
Portsmouth, Commercial Rd precinct
Come and join in the fun at Portsmouth City Centre during the school summer holidays this year.
Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the school summer holidays (29th July – 26th August) there will be activities and workshops plus free face painting in the precinct. New Theatre Royal are taking over on Fridays with Acrobatics, Circus skills, puppetry and even a Cajun fiddle player. The bungee trampolines will be here every day too (weather permitting).
10am – 4pm, most activities are free.
Summer Holiday Activities at Winchester Cathedral
Explore the Cathedral’s royal connections through this simple family trail, suitable for children aged 4+. This trail is part of a wider programme of activities taking place across the county for the Hampshire Cultural Trust’s 2016 Big Theme: Royal Blood. Cathedral admission fees apply.
1-31st August.
http://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/events/childrens-summer-holiday-trail-royal-blood/
Den Building Day, Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood
Make a stick house or den with rope and ponchos, come suitably dressed with closed toe shoes. Follow signs from visitor centre for den building area. No need to book.
2nd and 16th August.
10.30am -3pm
£3 per child
http://www.moors-valley.co.uk/event/den-building-day-16-aug-16/
Fun on the Beach on Hayling Island
Meet by the RNLI Lifeboat Station, Bracklesham rd, Hayling Island. Free parking at lifeboat station.
Creative beach activities on Sandy Point.
10th and 24th August, 10am -12pm.
£3 for adults, £2 for children.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Wildlife Watch – Swanwick Lakes, Sopwith Way, Swanwick Lane, Swanwick 21st July – 6.30-8pm.
£4 per person
Wildlife Watch events are for families and children aged 5-15years that want to get out and about and more involved with nature, under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. The activities are based mostly outdoors, in natural surroundings. Please make sure you come prepared with warm clothes, a waterproof coat and some wellies.
Blashfords Big Birthday Bonanza, Ellingham Drove, Ringwood
22nd July 10.30am-3.30pm
Donations welcome.
Explore Blashford Lakes with staff and volunteers for a wildlife discovery extravaganza! Drop in anytime for pond and river dipping, bug hunting and bird watching.
Image credit – http://www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/countryside-service/country-parks/lepe/lepe-seeanddo/lepe-loop.htm
Week 1 – 25/7
Sandy Toes Story Walk, Lepe Country Park, Lepe.
25 July 2pm -approx 3pm
26 July 10am -approx 11am
Short Walk with stories and activities along the way, ideal for kids under 6.
£3.50 per child.
Seashore discovery Trail
Amble along the beach to find sea creatures and create your own.
28 July 10-12pm.
£4 per child.
Mini Beast Adventure – Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley
26 July, 10am – 12pm.
£6 Per child, booking and prepayment essential. A drink and biscuit is included.
Please call 02380 455157 to book.
Mini Play Morning at Fareham Leisure Centre
26th July.
A variety of free activities will be on offer including soft play, a bouncy castle, as well as lots of other games and activities with Fareham’s Active Antz.
Must be booked, please call 01329 824593.
BFG Storytime special – Gosport Discovery Centre, High St Gosport
27 July 11am-12pm
Stories about big and giant creatures and make BFG ears craft.
12.30 Watch the children’s film BFG (U)
Suitable for children ages 3-10, children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE no need to book but places are limited.
https://www.facebook.com/events/498629743678338/
Blashford Buggy Walks, Ellingham Drove, Ringwood
29th July, 10.30-12pm. £2 per person
Fortnightly guided walks for parents (or grandparents) with little ones. Join us for a buggy walk around Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve. Get outside, get fit and discover the wonderful wildlife living on your doorstep!
Big Butterfly Count Family fun day, Magdelen Down Hill Reserve, Alresford rd, Winchester
30 July, 10.30am-2.30pm.
Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Branch at this Big Butterfly Count Family Fun Day near Winchester.
This is a free day for children and families! Suitable for all ages, please come and help us to count butterflies at this beautiful reserve.
A range of activities will be available, including face-painting and badge-making.
If you would like to attend, events will be running from 10.30am – 2.30pm and people are being asked to park in the gravel car park opposite Magadalen Hill Down Cemetery and then walk to the meeting point down the track running past the cemetery.
http://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/whats-on/big-butterfly-count-family-fun-day-p1184151
Image credit – http://www.greenspanuk.co.uk/royal-victoria-country-park-design-build-play-area/
Week 2 – 1/8
Bird of Prey, Owl and Raptor Day – Southsea Model Village
1st August 10.30am -4.30pm
Birds will be set up on Castle Hill for visitors to have a closer look and 20 minute flying displays will be held at 12 and 2.30pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1703983626486129/
Robin Hood Family Session – Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley
2nd August, 10am – 12pm
£6 Per child, booking and prepayment essential. A drink and biscuit is included.
Please call 02380 455157 to book
Robin Hood Pre school session – Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley
4th August, 10am -11.30am
£4 Per child, booking and prepayment essential. A drink and biscuit is included.
Please call 02380 455157 to book
Silly Scott at Fareham Shopping Centre
2nd August 11am -3pm
FREE Entertainment with Magic Shows & Balloon Modeling Workshop
https://www.facebook.com/events/800411440060091/
Forest School taster session, Testwood Lakes Centre, Brunel Rd, Totton
2nd August, 10.30-12pm. £4 per child.
Bring your 3-5 year olds for some exploring, discovering, creating, constructing, playing and learning in the woods. This is a taster session to see if you might like to book onto our 6 week Forest School programme, starting in September. Each session is flexible, going on the interests of the children. Booking essential.
Esio Trot Storytime special – Gosport Discovery Centre, High St Gosport
3rd August 11am-12pm
Animal stories and make a paper plate tortoise craft.
12.30 Watch the children’s film Finding Nemo (U)
Suitable for children ages 3-10, children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE no need to book but places are limited.
https://www.facebook.com/events/498629743678338/
Robin Hood at Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon
3rd August, sessions at 10am and 2pm. Booking essential, £6 per child (one free adult per child).
Become a real-life Robin Hood for the afternoon!
‘Ride’ through the glen on a secret trail searching for the Merry Men. Have a go at archery, make your own bow & arrow & Robin Hood hat. Please wear old clothes.
Meet at the Barnfield Kiosk.
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm
Week 3 – 8/8
Pirates Family Session – Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley
9th August, 10am – 12pm.
£6 per child, booking and prepayment essential. A drink and biscuit is included.
Please call 02380 455157 to book.
Revolting Rhymes – Gosport Discovery Centre, High St Gosport
10 August 11am-12pm
Revolting stories and decorate Mr Twit’s disgusting beard craft
12.30 Watch the children’s film Monsters Inc. (U)
Suitable for children ages 3-10, children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE no need to book but places are limited.
https://www.facebook.com/events/498629743678338/
Marine Wonders at Lepe Country Park, Lepe
9th and 10th August 10am – 4pm.
Come to Lepe for two days of marine themed fun. The ever popular seashore safaris, arts and crafts, storytelling and much more. No need to book, just turn up.
Free event – donations for craft activities
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust-
Pond Dipping, Testwood Lakes Centre, Brunel Rd, Totton
10th August, 10am -3pm. £4 per family.
With nets and magnifiers, come and find what lives in the pond at Testwood Lakes. Suitable for all ages, drop in any time, stay as long as you like! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meadow Bug hunting, Testwood Lakes Centre, Brunel Rd, Totton
11th August, 10am – 3pm. £4 per family.
With nets and magnifiers, come and find what lives in the meadow at Testwood Lakes. Suitable for all ages, drop in any time, stay as long as you like! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Milton’s Hidden Seashore Open Day, Milton Locks Nature Reserve, Portsmouth
12th August 10am – 2pm. FREE.
Drop in any time between 10am and 2pm to meet the Milton’s Hidden Seashore project team. Find out how you can get involved in the project and join in with some family activities.
Week 4 – 15/8
Reptiles and Creepy Crawlies Day – Southsea Model Village
16th August 10.30am – 4.30pm
It’s your chance to get up close and personal with……Millipedes, Spiders, Cockroaches, Stick Insects, Snakes, Lizards and Scorpions.
The price for this event will be £3 Adults £2 Children or £9 family of 4 (2 adults + 2 Children).
https://www.facebook.com/events/1703983626486129/
Soft play and mask making craft workshop, Fareham Shopping Centre
16th August 11am – 3pm
We have a soft play area in the centre by Debenhams and also have mask making in our craft workshop.
FREE
https://www.facebook.com/events/1338658306152331/
Teddy Bears Picnic, Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley
16th August 11am – 1pm.
Please bring a picnic and your teddy bear!
For all events booking and pre-payment is essential. A drink and a biscuit will be provided. Family sessions £6 per child, pre-school session £4 per child. Family sessions include a mixture of outdoor and craft activity. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Royal Victoria Country Park 02380 455157
https://www.facebook.com/events/1169284089801737/
Fantastic Mr Fox Story Time Special – Gosport Discovery Centre, High St Gosport
17 August 11am – 12pm
Fox stories and make a fox mask
12.30pm
Watch the children’s film Robin Hood (U)
Suitable for children ages 3-10, children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE no need to book but places are limited.
https://www.facebook.com/events/498629743678338/
Bursledon Bake Off at Bursledon Windmill, Windmill Lane, Bursledon
17th August, 11am – 3pm
Make your own pizza in our outdoor bread ovens. No need to book, just drop in by 2pm. Please try to park offsite
£3 per pizza
http://hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/bursledon-windmill
Family Pond Dip, Swanwick Lakes, Sopwith Way, Swanwick Lane, Swanwick
16th August 1pm – 2.30 pm. £4 per person.
Bring your family along to Swanwick Lakes to meet the amazing wildlife lurking in our pond.
All equipment will be provided. Booking essential.
Family Wild Camp, Swanwick Lakes, Sopwith Way, Swanwick Lane, Swanwick
18th August. 10am – 2pm, suggested donation £8 per person.
Enjoy a day outdoors at Swanwick Lakes learning some useful bushcraft skills. Build a shelter, light a fire safely and make something to take home.
This event is for families with children aged 6 and over.
Booking essential. Call or email 01489 570240, SwanwickLakes@hiwwt.org.uk
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk/events/2016/06/21/family-wild-camp?instance=0
Week 5 – 22/8
Potty the Pirate Show and Balloon Modelling – Fareham Shopping Centre
23rd August 11am – 3pm
Shows at 11.30 and 2pm.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1001820719933283/
The Witches Story Time Special – Gosport Discovery Centre, High St Gosport
24th August 11am – 12pm
Spooky stories and make a witches hat
12.30pm Watch the children’s film Hotel Transylvania (U)
Suitable for children ages 3-10, children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE no need to book but places are limited.
https://www.facebook.com/events/498629743678338/
Bushcraft Family Session – Royal Victoria Country Park
23rd August, 10am – 12pm
25th August, Pre school session 10am – 11.30am.
Come along and learn some outdoor survival skills. Light a fire and cook marshmallows.
Family sessions include a mixture of outdoor and craft activities. Pre school sessions include a short story trail and craft activity.
Call 02380455157 to book.
Week 6 – 29/8
James and The Giant Peach Story Time Special – Gosport Discovery Centre, High St Gosport
31st August 11am – 12pm
Food themed stories and make a giant peach craft
12.30pm Watch the children’s film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (U)
Suitable for children ages 3-10, children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE no need to book but places are limited.
https://www.facebook.com/events/498629743678338/
Manor Farm Country Park – Wildlife and Woodland Crafts
31st August 11am. Small Charge for each activity £8 for bird boxes.
Pop along to Barnfield for another summer holiday event happening between 11am & 3pm to join our ranger for a variety of nature-based crafts & activities including bird box & bird feeder making, leaf, bug & scavenger hunts, plus journey stick making.
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/manorfarm/manorfarm-eventdetails?id=308324
Rock Up – Creation Station
Rock Up have paired up with Creation Station to provide 2 sessions of ‘Climb and Create’ or ‘Play and Create’. Running on the 8th August and 30th August each session will last 2 1/2 hours and include drinks and biscuits.
Climb & Create is £16 per child (age 5 above), Play and Create is £9 (under 5). Call 01489 232324 to book.
Fabulous.
Thank you so much
Jeanie Hay