Days Out For Children
We’ve all been there - the children are getting agitated being cooped up inside, the sulking and moaning are on the increase, and temper tantrums flare up as the kids get bored. But keeping the kiddies amused is child’s play in the South East with so many child-conducive ideas on our doorstep.
Several stately homes have farms and adventure playgrounds developed with children in mind or a trip to the zoo is always popular. Or maybe throw in a special treat and take them to an exhilarating theme park. At the end of long day you’ll delight in seeing a smile back on their face.
Featured Days Out For Children
Abbotsbury Swannery, Dorset
The Abbotsbury Swannery is the only colony of swans open to the public in the world. Here you can safely walk amongst circa 600 swans and help to hand feed them en masse at 12 and 4pm every day. There’s lots more to see and do at the Swannery, explore the giant swan maze, play on the swinging nests play area, enjoy the audio visual show, and take a ride on a tractor.
Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
Why not consider Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire as something different to do with the family this year. With free entertainment away from the course including face-painting and fairground rides, and under 18’s going free, Ascot is a great day out for all the family and great value for money!
Drusillas Park, East Sussex
Drusillas Park is widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe and Tourism South East's Visitor Attraction of the Year 2010/2011, Drusillas Park offers a fun finding-out day out! Brilliant play areas including Go Wild! Go Bananas! and Amazon Adventure. Plus Thomas the Tank Engine and close encounters in Lemurland. New for 2011 walk-through Lory Landing parrot aviary.
Gosport, Hampshire
Stokes Bay seafront has a host of attractions including an Adventure Golf Course, children’s paddling pool. Stokes Bay has a rich heritage and has open areas for kite flying and football. Stanley Park is located near to the seafront and is a great summer spot for family picnics. Nearby Lee-on-the-Solent offers fantastic family friendly restaurants on the seafront, children’s play area and a skate park.
Isle of Wight with Wightlink Ferries
Packed full of action and adventure, from an 11th century castle to steam trains, dinosaurs to penguins, Wightlink’s Wight World programme showcases 18 top Isle of Wight attractions available as special day trips that include return car ferry travel from Portsmouth or Lymington. Priced from just £42 for four people travelling in a car - attraction options include Isle of Wight Zoo, Dinosaur Isle, Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens.
National Motor Museum Beaulieu, Hampshire
If your little ones are mad about cars, then The National Motor Museum Beaulieu is the place for you! See Rupert Grint’s flying Ford Anglia, as seen in Harry Potter and a replica from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Children can take to the road on Dipstick’s Driving Circuit in mini motorised vehicles or get physical on the Mini Motor Play Trail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame and swings.
Portsmouth, Hampshire
Portsmouth in Hampshire is an ideal destination for a fun family day out. Situated on the coast, it offers a great mix of history, heritage and contemporary. There are a range of activities for the family to enjoy including the Blue Reef Aquarium, Clarence Pier, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Royal Marines Museum.
River Thames
Dotted along the River Thames are some fantastic attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Beale Park Wildlife Park and Gardens near Pangbourne in Berkshire boasts an adventure playgrounds, paddling pools, meerkats, lemurs and many more animals & birds to keep the children entertained. The River and Rowing Museum in Henley, Oxfordshire, is home to a Wind in the Willows exhibition, bringing the world of Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger to life.
VisitBuckinghamshire
Whether you’re looking for a day packed with action and adventure, a captivating outing to make your children’s imaginations run wild or simply want to get them exploring beautiful countryside by foot, bike or horseback, Buckinghamshire has more than enough to ensure you have a fizzpopping time!
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire is surrounded by fantastic Victorian Gardens, famous for its Parterre, seasonal displays, shady walks and views, fountains and statuary. Follow the explorer trail around the gardens and discover all sorts of fascinating facts about animals and plants along the way. The Woodland Playground and Amphitheatre are favourites for all ages and allow your little ones to play in a beautiful and safe location.
