15 Best Things to Do in Southampton With Kids

You’ll discover Southampton’s family treasures at Solent Sky Museum, where kids can explore 18 aircraft including a climbable WWII flying boat. Visit New Forest Wildlife Park’s 50 acres housing 260+ animals, then head to Manor Farm for hands-on animal encounters. Adventure seekers will love Go Ape’s treetop challenges, while culture enthusiasts can explore SeaCity Museum’s Titanic exhibits and Southampton City Art Gallery‘s interactive trails. Ocean Village Marina offers scenic boat trips, and Tudor House provides medieval history exploration. Continue below for complete details on each attraction’s costs, hours, and insider tips.

Solent Sky Museum

Where else can your kids climb aboard a genuine WWII flying boat and explore the cockpit of a Spitfire? The Solent Sky Museum celebrates Southampton’s aviation heritage with 18-20 complete aircraft from the golden age of flight. You’ll discover why Southampton was nicknamed “Spitfire City” while exploring interactive displays that keep children engaged for hours.

The star attraction is the Short Sandringham flying boat, which kids can actually board and explore. The museum also houses the record-breaking Supermarine S.6A seaplane and multiple aircraft cockpits your family can examine up close. The museum regularly hosts special events and temporary exhibitions that add fresh excitement to repeat visits.

The Hampshire Police & Fire Heritage Trust museum shares the same building, adding emergency vehicles to your adventure.

Located near Ocean Village, it’s perfect for a 2-3 hour family visit costing around £25 for families.

SeaCity Museum

Since Southampton played a pivotal role in the Titanic’s tragic story, there’s no better place to explore this maritime history than SeaCity Museum. You’ll find interactive exhibits featuring a detailed 1:25 scale Titanic model, recorded passenger messages, and original artifacts that’ll captivate kids of all ages.

The museum offers much more than Titanic history. Your family can explore 250,000 years of Southampton’s past through the “Gateway to the World” exhibition, discovering everything from Roman traders to modern docks. Plan for 2-3 hours to fully experience the interactive displays, though many families stay longer.

Located conveniently beneath the historic clock tower on Havelock Road, it’s just a five-minute walk from Southampton Central Station. The museum also features an on-site café that offers refreshments for families needing a break during their visit.

At £9.50 for children, your ticket includes annual re-entry, making return visits excellent value.

New Forest Wildlife Park

Just 15 minutes from Southampton’s city center, New Forest Wildlife Park offers your family an unforgettable day among 50 acres of ancient woodland where you’ll encounter over 260 animals from around the world.

You’ll find the park easily accessible off the A35 between Southampton and Lyndhurst, with clear brown signage directing you to Deerleap Lane.

Plan your visit during spring and summer when the park stays open until 5:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore adventure playgrounds and enjoy keeper talks. The park features specialized facilities for different age groups, including a dedicated under 6s area and challenging high ropes activities for older children.

Adult tickets cost £15.95, children (3-15) pay £12.50, and family passes offer excellent value at £51.

Book in advance for the cheapest rates, and consider timing your visit with the New Forest Tour Bus for additional entry discounts during summer months.

Manor Farm Country Park

Manor Farm Country Park delivers an authentic farm experience where your children can step back in time while enjoying hands-on encounters with traditional farm animals. Located within the historic Manor Farm on the River Hamble’s banks, you’ll explore 15th-century farmhouses and Victorian schoolrooms complete with dunce caps and period desks.

Your kids will love meeting pigs, sheep, alpacas, and goats while participating in daily feeding sessions and seasonal encounters with lambs and piglets.

The indoor Play Barn provides all-weather entertainment with slides and climbing equipment, while outdoor areas feature pedal tractor circuits and climbing frames. The park is conveniently located on Pylands Lane in Bursledon, making it easily accessible from Southampton and surrounding areas.

Don’t miss the wildlife pond for nature spotting and the seasonal Maize Maze.

Admission costs around £8.50 for adults and £5.50 for children, with family tickets available from £27.

Go Ape Itchen Valley

For high-octane family adventure just minutes from Southampton, Go Ape Itchen Valley delivers treetop thrills within the stunning 440-acre Itchen Valley Country Park.

You’ll find three high-ropes experiences plus axe throwing, catering to ages from four upwards.

The Treetop Adventure offers a gentler one-hour introduction for younger climbers at around £20, while the Treetop Challenge provides bigger thrills with high platforms and some of the south’s fastest zip lines for £35.

Kids over 1.4 metres can tackle the full 2-3 hour challenge featuring Tarzan swings and sky-high crossings.

Between activities, you’ll enjoy the woodland café and various trails throughout this Green Flag award-winning park, making it perfect for extended family days out. The location also makes an excellent choice for team building events and birthday celebrations.

Children’s Pleasure Park

Children’s Pleasure Park transforms a corner of Southampton Sports Centre into a miniature wonderland where over 20 attractions await young adventurers. You’ll find everything from trampolines and swing boats to a charming helter-skelter and mini train that delights children of all ages.

The snake slides and aqua blaster provide splashing excitement, while ride-on motorbikes let kids feel like speedway champions.

This indoor mini fun fair creates a safe, relaxed environment where families can enjoy quality time together without breaking the bank. The diverse range of attractions means toddlers and older children can play side by side. When weather conditions turn unfavorable, this venue serves as an ideal indoor entertainment option alongside other weather-dependent activities throughout Southampton.

Located conveniently within the sports centre, you’ll appreciate the friendly atmosphere and excellent value. Tripadvisor reviews consistently praise this hidden gem for delivering affordable family entertainment.

Southampton Common

Southampton Common stretches across 327 acres of diverse landscapes, creating the city’s largest green sanctuary where families can explore woodland trails, splash in seasonal paddling pools, and discover wildlife around tranquil ponds.

You’ll find everything needed for a perfect family day out. The large adventure playground keeps kids entertained with modern climbing structures, while the stone paddling pool offers invigorating summer fun. Your children can try pond-dipping around the wildlife ponds or watch model boats sail across the yachting pond.

The waymarked nature trails guide you through different habitats, perfect for spotting birds and “mini beasts.” During school holidays, funfairs and festivals add extra excitement to the open fields. At the western end, you can explore Hill Lane’s historic cemetery with its unusual plants and diverse birdlife.

With free admission, pushchair-friendly paths, and convenient parking near the playground, it’s an ideal budget-friendly destination.

Mayflower Theatre

When rain threatens your outdoor plans, head to Commercial Road where the magnificent Mayflower Theatre awaits with world-class entertainment for the whole family.

As the South Coast’s largest theatre with 2,300 seats, this Grade II listed venue hosts spectacular West End touring productions, from large-scale musicals to family-friendly pantomimes that consistently draw massive crowds.

You’ll find something for every age group, whether it’s ballet, comedy shows, or special youth productions.

The theatre’s Christmas pantomimes are particularly popular, with past shows attracting over 126,000 visitors. The venue also operates Mayflower Studios in the city center, which opened in May 2021 and serves as an additional cultural hub for family shows and community events.

Located near Southampton Central station, it’s perfectly positioned for a complete family day out in the city centre.

The Mayflower operates as a charitable trust, supporting community engagement and arts education throughout Southampton.

WestQuay Shopping Centre

While Southampton’s historic attractions tell stories of the past, WestQuay Shopping Centre delivers modern family entertainment across three bustling levels packed with over 100 shops. You’ll find major draws like LEGO, Apple, Zara, and John Lewis & Partners, perfect for back-to-school shopping or rainy-day browsing.

The LEGO Store’s hands-on displays often captivate children, while department stores offer extensive toy and clothing sections.

Beyond shopping, you can catch family films at Showcase Cinema de Lux or try ten-pin bowling at Hollywood Bowl. The outdoor Esplanade hosts seasonal events like “Westquay on Ice” and themed escape rooms. The popular Wallace & Gromit Escape Room offers a themed adventure where families solve puzzles to find a workshop code.

With over 50 dining options, buggy-friendly layouts, and ticketless parking, it’s designed for family convenience. The location’s five-minute walk from Southampton Central station makes access effortless.

Itchen Valley Country Park

Where can families find 440 acres of pristine nature just minutes from Southampton’s bustling center? Itchen Valley Country Park delivers exceptional outdoor adventures with its 16 Green Flag Awards recognizing quality management.

You’ll discover six thoughtfully designed play areas including The Den for under-8s, The Warren’s zip wire and climbing structures, and The Drey’s den-building opportunities connected by Andy Frost’s wooden animal sculptures.

Choose from accessible Family Trails, the 2-mile Totem Trail, or Meadows Nature Trail through historically significant grounds.

Adventure seekers can tackle Go Ape’s treetop courses, orienteering challenges, or axe throwing for teens.

Join the free Saturday 5km parkrun or seasonal events like alpaca walking. The park encompasses water meadows, woodland, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest that provide unique educational opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems.

The modern visitor center houses nature exhibits while Woodland Café provides refreshments.

Dogs run off-lead in designated areas.

Riverside Park

Stretching along 2.2 kilometers of the River Itchen’s banks, Riverside Park offers families an 80-acre linear escape where pushchair-friendly paths connect three play areas, a vintage miniature railway, and expansive grasslands perfect for picnics.

You’ll find excellent facilities for active kids, including a skate park, cycle training circuit with road markings, and six football pitches creating weekend buzz.

The miniature steam railway near Cobden Bridge operates Sunday afternoons with £1.50 rides that delight young passengers.

Wildlife watching thrives here—you’ll spot swans, ducks, and possibly kingfishers along the tidal estuary. The park also features distinctive black swans among its waterfowl population.

The rewilded former pitch-and-putt course provides natural exploration space, while flat terrain guarantees accessibility for wheelchairs, buggies, and bikes throughout this traffic-free environment.

Ocean Village Marina

How about swapping green spaces for gleaming yachts and maritime magic? Ocean Village Marina delivers exactly that – a vibrant waterfront destination where your kids can experience Southampton’s nautical heritage firsthand.

You’ll find yourself strolling along the promenade, watching everything from small pleasure crafts to impressive superyachts while enjoying the sea breeze.

The marina’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for leisurely walks and waterfront picnics. Your children will love spotting different vessels and watching boat activity throughout the day. The public art installations scattered throughout the marina add an extra layer of visual interest that will capture your children’s attention as you explore.

Take advantage of boat trips departing from the marina to explore Southampton Water, or catch one of the engaging boat shows suitable for all ages.

With nearby Cineworld cinema and Hollywood Bowl, plus diverse dining options like Banana Wharf’s family roasts, you’ll have entertainment covered beyond the maritime attractions.

Southampton City Art Gallery

Why not trade maritime adventures for artistic discoveries? Southampton City Art Gallery offers free admission to over 5,000 works spanning centuries of European and British art.

Your kids will love the interactive gallery trails and hands-on workshops featuring storytelling, animation, and clay modeling.

The collection includes masterpieces by Turner, Monet, and Renoir alongside rotating temporary exhibitions that keep visits fresh.

Located in the Civic Centre on Commercial Road, it’s perfectly positioned opposite a park and near SeaCity Museum for combined outings.

The gallery provides baby-change facilities, lift access for buggies, and welcomes assistance dogs. The light and airy gallery space creates a pleasant environment for families to explore art together.

Learning sessions can be adapted for various needs, making it inclusive for all families.

Currently undergoing restoration, so check opening status before visiting.

Tudor House and Garden

Step back 500 years at Tudor House and Garden, where three medieval cottages joined together create Southampton’s most spectacular timber-framed treasure. Your kids will love the interactive displays and hands-on technology that bring 800 years of history to life.

They’ll discover graffiti from Tudor sailors etched into the walls between 1570-1620, explore the atmospheric wine cellar that served as a WWII bomb shelter, and wander through the recreated Tudor garden with over 100 period plants.

The museum’s family-friendly activities make learning engaging, from stories about wealthy merchant Sir Richard Lyster to connections with Henry VIII’s warship Mary Rose. The house remarkably survived near-demolition in the late 19th century when the surrounding area had deteriorated into slum conditions before being rescued by Victorian philanthropist William Francis Gummer Spranger.

Don’t miss the knot garden’s formal pathways and the fascinating journey through the adjacent King John’s Palace, adding another 300 years of medieval history to your visit.

Hamble River Cruise

What better way to experience Southampton’s maritime heritage than aboard a gentle cruise along the picturesque River Hamble? This relaxed sightseeing trip takes you from Southampton Water into calmer river waters, passing marinas packed with yachts and working shipyards that’ll captivate boat-loving children.

Blue Funnel Cruises offers scheduled sailings around £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for kids, while Wetwheels Hamble provides fully accessible powerboat experiences for families with mobility needs. The sheltered estuary reduces motion sickness risk compared to open-sea excursions, making it perfect for younger children.

You’ll enjoy close-up marina views and educational commentary about navigation and marine life. Many boats feature both open-air decks and sheltered seating, so you’re covered regardless of weather conditions. The cruise serves as excellent preparation for families planning to board larger vessels later, helping to reduce embarkation day chaos by familiarizing children with being on the water.

The Sum Up

You’ve got fantastic options for family adventures in Southampton, from hands-on museum experiences to wildlife encounters in the New Forest. Whether you’re exploring maritime history at SeaCity Museum, getting your adrenaline pumping at Go Ape, or enjoying peaceful river cruises, there’s something for every age. Don’t forget to mix indoor attractions like Tudor House with outdoor adventures at Manor Farm. You’ll create lasting memories while discovering Southampton’s rich heritage and natural beauty together.