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School’s Out, Summer’s In! ☀️Summer Holidays Activity Ideas from Fun Box

  • Writer: Orsolya Majoros
    Orsolya Majoros
  • 4 days ago
  • 3 min read
Colorful cartoon hippo, giraffe, zebra, and lion on blue background with clouds. "Summer Holidays! Yippie!!" text above, joyful mood.

This academic year passed quicker than a blink and now that school is out there it can a bit daunting to think ahead what to do during the six weeks of the summer holidays. But fret not, Fun Box is here to help: we gathered some summer holidays activity ideas, an excellent mix of free and paid, outdoor and indoor programmes for you that might help to occupy your little ones this summer.


🌳 Outdoor Adventures

1. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary & Arboretum Walks (Free)

Deer resting and standing on a forest floor with scattered leaves. The scene feels peaceful and natural with autumnal colors.

Enjoy gentle woodland trails leading to a deer‑viewing platform—ideal for little legs and curious eyes.

2. New Forest Wildlife Park (Paid)

Meet otters, wallabies, owls, and more in a stunning woodland setting—complete with a children’s adventure playground.

3. Longdown Activity Farm (Paid)

A boy smiles while bottle-feeding a calf in a barn. Another calf drinks in the background. He's wearing a plaid shirt.

Pet pygmy goats, bounce on trampolines, ride tractors and explore indoor play—all set within a friendly working farm environment.

4. Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World (Paid)

With more than 70 rides and attractions, soft-play zones and leafy picnic areas, it’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

5. Buckler’s Hard & Beaulieu River Cruise (Paid)

Combine riverside walking, maritime stories, and a serene cruise on the Beaulieu River—calm and scenic.

6. Bike & Scooter Hire (Paid or Free)

Set off along traffic-free forest trails from Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst or Burley—with or without a hired bike or scooter.

7. YMCA Fairthorne Manor – Treetots & Forest Babies (Paid)

Weekly, nature-themed sessions for under-5s featuring woodland play, den-building and sensory fun.


🏠 Indoor & Rainy-Day Fun

8. St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington (Low Cost)

Interactive children's exhibits and occasional drop-in workshops—plus a cosy café for grown-ups!

9. Marwell Zoo (Paid – near Winchester)

Get up close to giraffes, big cats, and farmyard friends. Educational talks and toddler play zones make it a brilliant day out.

10. National Motor Museum, Beaulieu (Paid)

People admire vintage cars in a museum, including a blue Mini and red car. Posters line the walls. The mood is educational and nostalgic.

Indoor galleries, monorail rides, interactive exhibits—and outdoor gardens to stretch little legs.

11. Indoor Soft‑Play & Leisure Centres (Paid)

From soft-play barns to rock-climbing walls, there’s plenty to keep energetic toddlers busy indoors.


🎪 Seasonal & Event Treats

12. New Forest & Hampshire County Show / Ellingham Show (Paid)

Expect traditional summer fun—farm animals, crafts, fairground rides, and children's entertainers.

13. New Forest Academy of Dance Workshops (Paid)

Seasonal dance and drama sessions for ages 2½–5—great for active, imaginative little ones.

🚣 Water & Adventure

14. New Forest Water Park, Fordingbridge (Paid)

Aerial view of New Forest Water Park. Features inflatable obstacle courses on water and a person wakeboarding against a clear blue sky.

Inflatable fun, kayaking, paddleboarding for older toddlers (3+) under close adult supervision.

15. Kayaking/Canoeing on Beaulieu River (Paid)

Family-friendly guided paddling trips—ideal for exploring the river gently together.

16. Horse-Riding & Pony Experiences (Paid)

Try short pony rides tailored for younger children—many local stables offer perfect “first pony” encounters.


💷 Money-Saving Tip

Go New Forest Card – Just £10 annually, this card offers discounts on attractions, bike hire, eateries and more.


🌞 Final Thoughts on Summer Holidays Activity Ideas

It was a truly lovely academic year at Fun Box. We are open throughout the summer, providing the same joyful and exciting activities for our children, and we hope that this collection of programmes will help you to plan some equally fun times with your little ones during this 6 weeks.

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