Keeping the kids entertained can be a hard task while you’re away from home, but we want to give you some ideas to get out and about in Fareham come rain or shine. From outdoor days out to see the lion, tigers and bears, to ideas for indoor attractions in case the British weather lives up to its rainy reputation. We have something for all ages and group sizes, so leave the planning up to us and keep all the small members of the family entertained. All our ideas are less than 20 miles from the Lodge meaning not much time for the kids to ask ‘are we there yet?’
Here are 10 of the top things to do in and around Fareham with the kids.
- Rock Up – Whiteley – 0.8 Miles
14 Bluebell Way, Whiteley, Fareham PO15 7FF
Rock Up is an indoor climbing centre where the whole family can get active and experience the fun of climbing together. Rock Up holds 26 multi-coloured climbing walls for you to explore and an indoor soft play area for the little ones in the family. Try out the Twister, the Sky Scraper or see if you are brave enough to attempt the Leap of Faith, an 18ft platform to courageously launch yourself off. It isn’t called the Leap of Faith for no reason, go on we dare you!
- Marwell Zoo – 12 miles
Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JY
Celebrating its 45th anniversary last year, Marwell Zoo has 140 acres of park to explore. There are lots of animals to see including some of the kid’s favourites like the giraffes, penguins, tigers and zebras. Marwell Zoo prides itself on its conservation work and the relaxed family atmosphere. We recommend 4 hours to explore the park and all it has to offer, including adventure playgrounds, talks and animal feeds every day.
- Go Ape – Itchen Valley – 8 miles
Country Park Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 3HQ
Itchen Valley is the highest Go Ape in the South and is surrounded by 440 acres of woodland with a 250 meter zip wire, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles to spend hour’s tackling. The treetop junior gives the younger explores in the family time in the canopy, getting over obstacles in the forest, a walk the plank and ending with a flying zip line. Let the kids be kids and enjoy everything Go Ape has to offer.
- Sea City Titanic Museum – 9 miles
Havelock Rd, Southampton, SO14 7FY
SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city of Southampton and their interesting lives. Find out more about the historical connections between Titanic and the sea. Discover the maritime history and see it come to life through an interactive experience designed for all the family. Visit the ‘Gateway to the World’ gallery and learn about the history of the people who have passed through Southampton throughout history as well as lots of different exhibition throughout the year to entertain the little ones.
- Manor Farm – 14 miles
Pylands Lane, Bursledon, Nr Southampton, SO31 1BH
With over 100 years of farming, Manor farm gives you and your family a chance to meet some of the farms friendliest residents. The kids can feed the chickens, geese and ducks, watch the cows being milked and play on the outdoor play area. Stop for some lunch in the farm café before heading off into the country park for a woodland walk. You may even spot some wildlife while on your walk, including some deer.
- Paultons Theme Park – Home of Peppa Pig World – 18 miles
Ower, Romsey, the New Forest, Hampshire, SO51 6AL
Paultons Park is the perfect place to spend a summer day with the family. The park is home to Peppa Pig World, where you can enjoy all the rides and meet Peppa and her friends. With more than 70 rides in the park set in the 140 acres just on the edge of the new forest, there is an attraction for all ages. This year’s sees new rides and attractions being introduced to the park including the ALIVE! Dinosaur Encounter, where every day there will be an opportunity to meet walking realistic dinosaurs.
- Royal Navy Submarine Museum – 12 miles.
Haslar Rd, Gosport PO12 2AS
The Royal Navy Submarine Museum at Gosport is a museum looking back at the international history of submarines. The museum holds a huge collection of submarines, including the Holland 1, the Royal Navy’s first submarine and HMS Alliance. There are also thousands of photographs, documents, ship plans and artefacts to see. A complimentary waterbus takes visitors across the harbour from Portsmouth Dockyard.
- Blue Reef Aquarium – 13 miles
Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, PO5 3PB
Explore the reef in an underwater safari and learn all about our oceans residents. At the aquarium’s heart is the giant ocean tank where an underwater tunnel allows you to get up close and personal with the puffer fish, triggerfish and hundreds of other tropical fish. There are over 40 other living displays, from sharks and stingrays to giant lobsters, seahorses and otters. You can even see the fish get their lunch at 12 every day in the tunnel and even be a fish keeper for the day!
- Nuffield Southampton Theatres – 10.5 miles
University Rd, Southampton SO17 1TR
The Nuffield Southampton Theatre is open all year round showcasing a range of different acts. You can find comedy, dance, drama as well as children’s entertainment at the theatre including Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox and Babe the Pig Sheep. The theatre won ‘Regional Theatre of the Year’ at The Stage Awards back in 2015.Earlier this year; the NST opened Studio 144, a new city centre arts complex that holds the 450 seater NST City theatre.
- Emirates Spinnaker Tower – 12 miles
Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TT
Ride the high-speed lift and reach 100 metres up the 170-metre tall tower, there you’ll be able to view the breathtaking South Coast at its best. If you feel brave enough, walk across the skywalk, a glass walkway 100 meters up. The tower is open daily from 10 am and guided tours are available at 11 am and 3 pm daily. You can even enjoy an afternoon tea in The Clouds at 105 meters.
There is something for all ages in this great part of the country and we hope that this has given you some great ideas. Make memories with a fun packed day out with the family whatever the weather. With the best of both worlds with the sea on your doorstep and the new forest on the other, you might be spoilt for choice of how to spend your break away.
