Fab things to do with kids in Southampton and Hampshire

Southampton is the county town of Hampshire, and is a major port with a rich maritime history.

It’s well known as the port from where the Titanic set sail, and it’s still a departure point for many transatlantic cruise liners.

Southampton’s Old Town is full of landmarks, including Arundel Tower and Catchcold Tower on the old city walls and the 800-year-old Bargate: the entrance to the Mediaeval city.

There’s no shortage of things to do with kids in Southampton and Hampshire, including some brilliant hands-on museums. SeaCity focuses on Southampton’s seafaring past and its links with the Titanic, while the Solent Sky Museum is devoted to the area’s aviation history.

Nearby, you’ll find Buckler’s Hard – an 18th-century shipbuilding village – and the famous Beaulieu Motor Museum.

If you're looking for things to do with younger children, there's plenty to choose from in Southampton, from drop-in parent and child groups where you can meet other mums and dads in your local community, to structured baby activities like music classes and sensory sessions that'll give your little one's development a boost - and help you fill those long days of maternity leave.

There are tons of things to do with older kids, too, such as animal parks, sporting activities and soft play centres. Many of these offer brilliant children's parties, so if your child's birthday is coming up and you don't know where to start, use our listings to find everything from halls for hire to entertainers for every age group.

Hampshire is the home of the New Forest, with its stunning countryside and free roaming ponies, and some world-class beaches, such as Bournemouth, Sandbanks and West Wittering. The area also hosts several popular car boot sales, so whether you're buying or selling, use our directory to find out what's on near you.