October Half Term in Hampshire 2026
*This article is in the process of being updated – many attractions haven’t announced their activities for this year yet so I’ve kept last year’s events on for some attractions until I can update them.
Prices correct at the time of writing. Click through to each venue for up to date pricing and information.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may receive commission if you visit a link and buy something. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust.
October half term is one of our favourite school holidays as a family. The start of the school year always takes some getting used to, it’s exhausting being back in such a strict routine after the summer, and so, by October half term, we’re all in need of a break. Plus, it’s autumn, the perfect time to snuggle up at home, make hot chocolate and play board games together.
It’s also lovely to get outside, go for a walk and make memories surrounded by all the signs of autumn. So I thought I’d put together some ideas of things to do across Hampshire this October half term.
When is October half term in Hampshire?
October half term in Hampshire runs from 26 October to 30 October 2026. Some schools will have an inset day or two attached to the start of end of the half term, making it a little longer.
So here we have ideas of things to do this autumn half term. I hope it’s helpful and if there’s anything that I’ve missed please do get in touch and let me know.
Days Out in Hampshire
If you’re just looking for a day out to enjoy over the October half term holiday dates then we have a lot of inspiration for you and these posts should be helpful:
If you’re happy to go a little further afield then these posts may be helpful too:
- Family Days Out in the South East
- Educational Days Out in the South East
- Educational Days Out in London
- Things to Do on a Family Trip to London
- Things to do in London on a Rainy Day
Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
If you fancy going for afternoon tea as a half term treat there are plenty of places to choose from and these guides may help you find somewhere perfect!
- The Best Places to Have Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
- 14 Options for Children’s Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
Fireworks in Hampshire
Half term is when all the fireworks displays start to happen and there are so many across Hampshire this year. This post has all the information you need to add fireworks to your half term plans:
National Trust Trails
National Trust sites often have fantastic trails to keep children entertained. Here are the ones on this half term in Hampshire:
The Vyne – Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL
Who’s in Your Book? – 3 October to 8 November 2026 – Included with admission
In The Vyne’s gardens, set off on a fun-filled interactive trail through the magical world of Tom Fletcher’s Who’s In Your Book? series. Search for your favourite characters, solve playful challenges, and discover how every page can become an unforgettable adventure.
You can read about our time at The Vyne here
Mottisfont – Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0LP
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt Halloween Adventure – 3 October to 1 November 2026 – Included with admission
Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Mottisfont with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way. Pick your bunny name, play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick, and watch out for the warty toads as you cross the stepping stones, before joining the celebration party and collecting your sticker.
You can read about our trip to Mottisfont here
Hinton Ampner – Alresford SO24 0LA
Halloween Family fun at Hinton Ampner – 17th October to 1st November 2026
Double, double, toil and trouble… stir the cauldron and watch it bubble! Head into the spooky corners of Hinton Ampner’s gardens and discover a Halloween adventure packed with games and challenges for the whole family.
Race your broomstick, toss eyeballs into the bubbling cauldron, see if you can land a ring on the shooting star and take on plenty more spellbinding challenges along the way. So grab your little witches and wizards and get ready for some seriously spooky fun this half term… if you dare!
Pumpkin Galore at Hinton Ampner – 17th October to 1st November 2026
Jump into autumn with a splash of colour and marvel at the beautiful pumpkin displays around the grounds. There will be over 500 perfect pumpkins to discover, with photo opportunities across the property.
West Green House Gardens – Thackham’s Lane, near Hartley Wintney,
Hook, Hampshire RG27 8JB
The Halloween Pumpkin Patch – 25th October to 1st November 2026
In the garden and field follow the Halloween trail to the sunflower enclosed pumpkin patch full of weird and wonderful pumpkins, strange gourds and creeping flowers.
Halloween Musicals – 18th October 2026
In the greenhouse, with wicked wit and fine voices leaving us trembling through the music of the ‘spooky’ musicals, with favourite songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Little Shop of Horrors, Wicked and many more, this will be the most joyous way to celebrate this season. It is always a treat to have such a renowned chef as Jon Kohout in the kitchen, so expect good food and excellent music.
Days Out with Half Term Activities in Hampshire
* Winchester Science Centre – Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HZ
October Half Term – 24th October to 3rd November 2025 – Weekends and school holidays
As well as all the usual Science Centre fun, there’ll be even more on offer this October half term to excite all ages – all included with admission.
Paulton’s Park – Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL
Halloween Spooktacular – 9th October to 2nd November 2026
Guests can enjoy exciting Halloween shows on selected dates, journey to the American Midwest for Halloween at Tornado Springs and have some spooky fun with Peppa and George.
Read our Paultons Park review here
Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line – Station Road, New Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG
Witches of Watercress Woods – 29th to 31st October 2026
An immersive round trip over the hill and into the woods where the witches wait! Your journey begins at Alresford, where the Sweet Sellers greet you with tempting smiles and the promise of goodie bags for every child. But beware, nothing in Watercress Woods is ever quite what it seems.
Once onboard, the train chuffs into the trees and you’ll meet Hansel & Gretel, all grown up after years of being trapped in the woods with the witches. They need your help, and fast. The witches have been spotted near the line, and only the bravery of young passengers can keep the train safe.
Halloween Horror Train – 29th to 31st October 2026
Something new is stirring on The Watercress Line. Your evening opens at Alresford, where the mysterious Professor of the Spirit World unveils his latest and most dangerous invention: the Séance Train – a moving vessel designed to pierce the veil between worlds.
Once aboard, the Professor begins his ritual. His aim is simple: to use the power of steam, speed and science to reach the Spirit World, taking every passenger along for the ride. But as the train pulls away from Alresford, something pushes back. The lights flicker. A breath of cold air sweeps the carriage. A whisper curls through the dark… or was that someone behind you?
Read about our Day Out With Thomas here and about the Wizard Week event here
* Itchen Valley Country Park – Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 3HQ
Haunted Forest Halloween Trail – 25th October to 2nd November 2025
Step into the shadows of the Haunted Forest this Halloween… if you dare!
Itchen Valley also have some craft workshops on over half term:
- Bat Craft, Monday 27 October 2025
- Spooky Spider Craft, Wednesday 29 October 2025
- Halloween Lantern Craft, Thursday 30 October 2025
Kendall Nurseries – Havant Rd, Horndean, Waterlooville PO8 0UU
Halloween Walk – 1st October 2026 to 1st November 2026
* Staunton Country Park – Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5HB
Spooky Staunton Outdoor Trail – 25 October to 2 November 2025
Visit Staunton Country Park for all things spooky this Halloween for the outdoor family trail. Solve the clues, discover interesting facts and try not to get spooked along the way!
Pumpkin Carving – 29 October 2025
Visit Staunton Country Park to carve and decorate your very own spooky pumpkin. Staunton will provide the pumpkins and carving equipment as well as bits and bobs for decorating – you just provide the creativity!
Read about our time at Staunton Country Park here
* Chawton House – Chawton, Alton GU34 1SJ
Halloween Kids’ Trails: Gothic Pieces, Phantom Faces & a Cauldron Hunt – Wednesday 22nd October 2025 to Sunday 2nd November 2025
Let your imagination run wild as you explore Chawton House dressed for Gothic, with brand new kids trails and a host of cursed creatures for you to enjoy.
Halloween Half Term Kids Craft Day – Tuesday 28th October 2025
This Halloween half term, bring the kids for a frightfully fun day at Chawton House, with pumpkin-carving workshops, broom making, and spooky trails to explore.
* Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway – Lakeside Country Park, Wide Lane, Eastleigh SO50 5PE
Hallowscream Express – 30th and 31st October 2025
Prepare for an spooktacularly frightful evening! Board the Hallowscream Express for unlimited rides round the haunted country park.
* Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Gravel Hill, Horndean, Hampshire PO8 0QE
The Magic Cauldron Halloween Trail – 25 October to 2 November 2025
Visir Queen Elizabeth Country Park for all things monstrous this Halloween for our outdoor family trail. Find the creatures, solve the clues and try not to get spooked along the way!
Pumpkin Carving – 30 October 2025
Visit Staunton Country Park to carve and decorate your very own spooky pumpkin. Staunton will provide the pumpkins and carving equipment as well as bits and bobs for decorating – you just provide the creativity!
Little Adventures Halloween Forest School – 28 October 2025
Visit Queen Elizabeth Country Park this Halloween in the woodland where you’ll learn about creepy crawlies, make muddy magical potions, build dens and spooky crafts. There will be a tasty treat to toast around the fire to enjoy out in the woods. Drinks and treats are included for the adults too.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway – Havenstreet Station, Isle of Wight Steam, Main Road, Havenstreet, Ryde PO33 4DS
Wizard Week – 18 October to 31 October 2026
There’s wickedly, wonderful fun this half term as witches, wizards and other ghouls take over Havenstreet. It wouldn’t be Halloween without a little magic and there will be a real life magician conjuring up a few tricks plus you can meet the friendly witches of Havenstreet, hear some terrible tales and see some amazing illusions. There’s also free magic shows, a terrifying treasure hunt trail and a chance to explore the grounds before boarding the steam train!
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway – Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ
Gruesome Garden Trail – 25 October to 31 October 2026
Head to the Rock Garden this Halloween for our spooky trail. But beware, the garden is home to ghosts and ghouls, and not to mention the spiders! Complete your trail sheet for a chance to win a Friends of Exbury family membership.
Halloween Ghost Train – 25 October to 31 October 2026
It won’t be long now until Halloween is upon us, and once again the gardens will be filled with the screams of unsuspecting victims aboard the infamous Ghost Train.
Halloween Pumpkin Carving – 25 October to 31 October 2026
It just wouldn’t be Halloween without a spooky pumpkin and you can make yours at Exbury this halloween.
Creepy Crafts Family Workshops – 25 October to 31 October 2026
Join one of the fabulous Creepy Crafts Family workshops, where you will have a choice of two different fun activities. Create a wonderful keepsake to take home with a little help from the Exbury team.
Aldershot Military Museum – Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2LG
Medieval Monster Hunt – 24th October to 1st November 2026
Step into a world of myths, legends and monstrous creatures with our Medieval Monster Hunt! Search the museum for four hidden beasts inspired by medieval stories and folklore, from fearsome dragons and cunning goblins to strange creatures that once haunted the imaginations of people hundreds of years ago.
Read our review of Aldershot Military Museum here
Finkley Down Farm Park – North Way, Andover, Hampshire SP11 6NF
Finkley Halloween Happenings – 17th to 31st October 2026
Enjoy a frightfully freaky Halloween at Finkley, filled with so many special spooky sensations! Head to Halloween at Finkley and enjoy a frightfully freaky time. All the special spooky Halloween activities are included in the all-day entry to Finkley Down Farm. There’s so much to see and do.
You can read about our day at Finkley Down Farm here
Longdown Activity Farm – Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton, Hampshire SO40 7EH
Frightful Fun at the Farm – 24th October to 1st November 2026
Enter the Haunted Barn at your peril for a howlingly good time. Encounter real-life barn owls and creeeepy creatures with The Creature Teachers, take on the Pumpkin Quest which promises to be fun for all the family.
You can read about our trip to Longdown Activity Farm here
Shanklin Chine – 3 Chine Hill, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6BW
Shanklin Chine Halloween Spooktacular – 9 October to 1 November 2026
Dare to be scared this year at the Halloween Spooktacular at Shanklin Chine! Visit for a month-long event filled with eerie decorations, animatronics, live actors and spine-chilling surprises. Be prepared to come face to face with anything from werewolves to wyverns!
Wander through the haunted trails, enjoy themed activities and discover all the secrets held within the Chine’s winding pathways! There’ll also be live music during the weekends, where you can expect to hear an assortment of your favourite monstrous melodies.
Butser Ancient Farm – Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 0BG
Dark Fairy Tales for the Season of Mists – Storytelling with Jason Buck – 16th October 2026
As the fruitful year begins to die and fallen leaves blanket the earth, while the mists of Samhain rise from field and forest, join award-winning performance storyteller Jason Buck for an evening of shadow‑soaked folklore and haunting imagination.
You can read about our time at Butser Farm here and a more recent review of Butser Ancient Farm here
Milestones Museum – Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 6PG
The Strange Science of Jekyll & Hyde – 24th October to 1st November 2026
Explore The Strange Science of Jekyll & Hyde at an extraordinary Science Fair at Milestones this October half term!
An extraordinary Science Fair is underway – but it’s missing one thing… it needs judges! Meet the scientists competing for the chance to work alongside Dr Jekyll himself. Each has their own field of expertise, their own extraordinary ideas and their own demonstrations to impress you. Watch them in action, get hands-on with experiments and decide for yourself who deserves to win.
But the scientists aren’t the only ones with something to say. A cast of curious characters await around the museum, each with their own opinions on the scientists and their claims. Question them, challenge them, and see who you believe
You can read about our trip to Milestones here
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3LJ
Meet the Tudor Crew – Selected dates between 26th and 30th October 2026
Continuing the Portsmouth 100 centennial celebrations, this October half term come and meet the Tudor crew on board the Mary Rose and find out what life was like onboard Henry VIII’s favourite ship! Learn all about the myths and superstitions that our sailors lived by.
Come and meet the Tudor sailors and discover which mythical creatures terrified them, and how they warded off the dark spirits of the sea! Why was it forbidden to whistle on board and why was there a ships dog and no cat to catch the rats and mice scurrying the murky decks of the Mary Rose?
Make Your Own Dragon Linstock – Selected dates between 26th and 30th October 2026
Make your own linstock (lighting stick) and decorate it with a fiery dragon’s head to shine a light at Halloween!
Linstocks were decorated wooden poles, used to ignite the fuse on a cannon while keeping your distance. Each gun captain would decorate his own linstock, often with a dragon’s head, so make your own cardboard version in our learning centre to brighten the autumn days as winter gloom descends on Portsmouth!
You can read about our time at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard here
Carisbrooke Castle – Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XY
Halloween Half Term at Carisbrooke Castle – 17th October to 1st November 2026
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Carisbrooke Castle this half term. Follow the quest to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories.
Blackgang Chine – Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 2HN
Fiesta of the Dead – 23rd October to 29th October 2026
For the final time, step into the Land of the Dead for a vibrant after-dark celebration inspired by Mexico’s famous Día de los Muertos. Expect an unforgettable evening packed with colour, live entertainment, fiery spectacles, delicious street food and plenty of Halloween fun for the whole family.
Whether you’re looking for a unique family night out, a fun evening with friends, or a memorable date night on the Isle of Wight, Fiesta of the Dead has something for everyone – and even your four-legged friends can join in the fun!
Half Term Activities in Hampshire
Wherever you are in Hampshire, there’s bound to be somewhere nearby with organised family activities or events to keep your children entertained over the holidays. Here are a few suggestions of things to do in October half term in Hampshire:
The Arc – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
The Arc have activities on offer throughout half term:
- Family Story Build Workshop – 26th October 2026
- Monsters, Myths and Motion! – 29th October 2026
The Brickworks Museum – Swanwick Lane, Lower Swanwick, Hampshire SO31 7HB
Halloween and Autumn Steam Up – 25th October 2026
The Autumn steam up welcomes the Traction engines back from their summer show season to join in one last celebration of brickmaking before the Museum closes for the winter months. As the nights darken and the season draws in, don’t miss the chance to explore the genuinely haunted museum at Halloween.
Ghostly Goings-On – 28th and 29th October 2026
Two ghostly days planned at The Brickworks. Go along if you dare, and join in with the ghostly goings on! More information to follow.
SeaCity Museum – Havelock Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 7FY
Southampton Culture Club for Kids October Half Term – 26th October to 28th October 2026
A day of investigation, imagination and discovery for children aged 6.5 to 12yrs who love being creative and learning through fun activities. Led by the experienced cultural services learning team, at Kids’ Club children will explore the past, experience the museum and gallery and make really cool things!
* D Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery – Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO5 3NT
Operation Spies and Lies – 27th and 28th October 2025
Your mission is to work together to complete challenges, crack codes, and answer questions to find a mystery object hidden in the museum. The challenge will take you around the museum, learning more about the objects and people involved in D-Day. Complete all the puzzles to receive your sticker and get an exclusive free D-Day backpack to take home.
Whitchurch Silk Mill – 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7AL
Halloween Trick, Treat and Create Trail – 27 and 29th October 2026
Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family. Take part in the Halloween-themed activities around the site and collect your Bag of Treats at the end.
Mayflower Theatre – 22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1GE
Family Theatre Trail Autumn 2026 – 29th October 2026
Step into the spotlight and join us for a fun-filled one and a half hour tour of Southampton’s iconic Mayflower Theatre, designed especially for families.
A mysterious time-travelling theatre director has arrived from the past, needing help to solve a mystery and save his show. Can you help solve the mystery and bring the past back to life? The show must go on, and only you can make sure it does! Along the way, you will explore backstage, complete exciting tasks, and learn fascinating facts.
Curtis Museum – High Street, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1BA
Medieval Monster Hunt – 24th to 31st October 2026
Step into a world of myths, legends and monstrous creatures with our Medieval Monster Hunt! Search the museum for four hidden beasts inspired by medieval stories and folklore, from fearsome dragons and cunning goblins to strange creatures that once haunted the imaginations of people hundreds of years ago.
As you explore, learn about the monsters that filled medieval manuscripts, church carvings and local legends. Can you find them all and complete your trail sheet before they disappear back into the shadows? Perfect for families and young adventurers, this self-guided trail offers a fun way to discover the weird and wonderful world of the Middle Ages.
The Point – Leigh Rd, Eastleigh SO50 9DE
Halloween Slime Making Workshop – Thu 29 Oct and Fri 30 Oct 2026
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck into some gruesomely slimy, frightful fun with our Halloween themed slime making workshops! We’ll provide all the materials for you to create your own unique batch of spooky slime with a range of colours and textures.
West End Centre – 48 Queens Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3JD
The West End Centre has a variety of activities available over half term:
- Mini Artists: Pop Art Pumpkins – 27th October 2026
- Family Pottery 3+ – 27th October 2026
- Children’s Pottery 8+ – 27th October 2026
And more! See the full list of events at the West End Centre here
Theatre Shows in Hampshire
Going to the theatre is a great activity that the whole family will enjoy and Hampshire has a lot of great theatres to really make the most of. Here are the family shows on during October half term:
Theatre Royal Winchester – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
- Of Mice and Men – Fri 16 to Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Man in The Mirror: A Tribute to Michael Jackson – Thu 22 Oct 2026
- Nick Sharratt’s Once Upon A Drawalong – Sat 24 Oct 2026
- Alice in Wonderland – Thu 29 Oct 2026
- Dear Zoo – Sat 31 Oct to Sun 1 Nov 2026
Princes Hall – Princes Way, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1NX
- K-Pop Dance Heroes – Sunday 18 October 2026
- There’s a Monster in Your Show – Monday 26 October 2026 and Tuesday 27 October 2026
- Play In A Day – Tuesday 27 October 2026
- Taylormania – Thursday 29 October 2026
- Ministry of Science – Friday 30 October 2026
- My First Concert – Saturday 31 October 2026
Mayflower Theatre – 22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1GE
- Flotsam – 24 October 2026
- SIX – 27 to 31 October 2026
- The Singing Mermaid – 30 to 31 October 2026
The Anvil Basingstoke – Churchill Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7QR
- K-Pop Dance Heroes – Sat 10 Oct 2026
- The Dinosaur That Pooped: A Rock Show! – Wed 28 Oct 2026
- Taylormania – Wed 28 Oct 2026
- Brainiac Live – Fri 30 Oct 2026
The Arc – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
- The Spooky Science Show! – 29 Oct 2026
Kings Theatre – 24 Albert Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 2QJ
- Fun For Little Ones: A Tribute to Ms Rachel – 25 October 2026
The Point – Leigh Rd, Eastleigh SO50 9DE
- The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town – Thu 29 Oct 2026
- Kevin Quantum: Anti Gravity – Thrilling & Beautiful Magic – Sat 31 Oct 2026
- Disney’s Frozen – Wed 4 Nov to Sat 7 Nov 2026
New Theatre Royal – 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD
- Dinosaur Adventure Live: Danger On T-Rex Mountain – Sat 24 Oct 2026
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Tue 27 Oct to Sun 1 Nov 2026
Treasure Trails
If you want to get outside but you don’t really know where, we love Treasure Trails. It’s an adventure that the whole family can get involved in for less than £10. Solve a mystery, save the day or be a spy! It’s great fun and we always really enjoy it. Here are some of the Hampshire Treasure Trails – you can see the full list here.
- Aldershot – Military Driving Trail
- Basingstoke
- Beaulieu Station to Beaulieu Village
- Brockenhurst
- Fordingbridge
- Gosport
- Historic Southampton
- Lyndhurst – Alice’s Wonderland?
- Petersfield
- Southampton Gardens
- Winchester City and Castle
You can read about one of our Treasure Trail adventures here.
Indoor Activities in Hampshire
If the weather isn’t great over half term then you may want to do something indoors that still gets you out of the house. Here are some ideas:
Libraries in Hampshire
There are many libraries across Hampshire and the vast majority of them have activities and events on for children on a regular basis but especially during school holidays. You can find your local library here and book available sessions online too.
Escape Rooms in Hampshire
Escape rooms are super popular and there are so many family friendly versions around. Here are some ideas for escape rooms in Hampshire:
Roller Skating in Hampshire
Roller skating is such a popular activity and there are so many places you can skate in Hampshire. Here are some suggestions:
Leisure Centres in Hampshire
Leisure centres can be a fantastic place to spend time as a family and they’ve come far over recent times, now having so much more than just swimming pools. Many have climbing facilities, soft play centres and even trampoline parks within them! Here are all the ones in Hampshire to choose from:
- Frogmore Leisure Centre, Yateley – Swimming – Badminton – Gymnastics
- Basingstoke Aquadrome – Swimming – Adventure Golf
- Charlton lakeside, Andover – Adventure Golf – Boating Lake – Playground
- Whitehill and Bordon Leisure Centre – Swimming – Junior Gym
- Hart Leisure Centre, Fleet – Swimming – Junior Gym – Football – Gymnastics – Badminton – Soft Play – Trampolining
- Alton Sports Centre – Swimming – Football – Basketball – Junior Gym – Climbing – Soft Play – Trampolining – Tennis – Squash
- Taro Leisure Centre, Petersfield – Swimming – Junior Gym – Basketball – Squash – Badminton – Football – Soft Play
- Winchester Sport and Leisure Park – Junior Gym – Basketball – Active Antz – Football – Swimming – Gymnastics – Football – Badminton – Climbing – Trampolining
- Romsey Rapids Sports Complex – Swimming – Soft Play – Crazy Golf
- Horizon Waterlooville Leisure Centre – Gymnastics – Trampolining – Sports – Swimming
- Horizon Havant Leisure Centre – Gymnastics – Trampolining – Sports – Swimming
- Totton health and Leisure, Southampton – Swimming – Junior Gym – Badminton
- Wildern Leisure Centre, Southampton – Swimming
- Knightwood Leisure Centre, Southampton – Junior Gym
- Andover Leisure Centre – Swimming – Soft Play – Gymnastics – Boating Lake – Adventure Golf
- Fareham Leisure Centre – Swimming – Junior Gym – Badminton – Dance – Gymnastics – Football – Climbing
- Holly Hill leisure Centre, Southampton – Junior Gym – Swimming
- Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth – Swimming – Climbing
- Gosport Leisure Centre – Swimming – Junior Gym – Trampolining – Football
- Meadowside Leisure Centre, Fareham – Football – Active Antz – Junior Gym – Badminton – Basketball
- Places Leisure Eastleigh – Swimming – Gymnastics – Soft Play – Trampolining
- Bourne Leisure Centre, Emsworth – Junior Gym – Active Antz – Basketball – Badminton – Football
- Lymington Health and Leisure – Swimming – Junior Gym – Gymnastics
- Tadley Health and Fitness – Swimming
- Ringwood Health and Leisure – Swimming – Junior Gym – Soft Play – Badminton
- New Milton Health and Leisure – Swimming – Junior Gym – Badminton
- BH Live Active Pyramids, Southsea – Climbing – Football – Soft Play – Junior Gym
Trampoline Parks in Hampshire
Trampolining is a fantastic activity that children love and it’s perfect for a wet weather day. Here are the trampoline parks in Hampshire – and many of the leisure centres above offer trampolining classes too. It’s great fun for all ages.
- Flip out Basingstoke
- Flip Out Portsmouth
- Flip Out Southampton
- Injoy Southampton
Soft Play and Indoor Play Centres in Hampshire
Soft play and other indoor play centres are fantastic for children and are great for bad weather days too. We have so many great indoor activity hubs in Hampshire from typical soft play centres to role play dressing up experiences.
- Injoy Southampton
- The Adventure Barn at Marwell Resort, Winchester
- Kids2day Indoor Soft Play Centre, Eastleigh
- Play Shack, Southampton
- The Play Park, Romsey
- Monkey Bizness, Southampton
- Jungle Jeans, Southampton
- Wacky Warehouse Vine Inn, Romsey
- Totcity Roleplay Centre, Andover
- Monkey Bizness Gosport
- Playzone Portsmouth
- Wacky Warehouse at The Sovereigns, Portsmouth
- JR Zone, Newport
- Active Monkeys Play Centre, Fleet
- Ignition Racing Simulators, Farnborough
- 360 Play Farnborough – Read our review here
Shopping Centres in Hampshire
Shopping centres are a great place to spend time. You can wander round the shops, grab some lunch and there are often organised activities and events in to make the most of as well.
- Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
- Cascades Shopping Centre, Portsmouth
- Westquay Shopping Centre, Southampton
- Marlands Shopping Centre, Southampton
- Brooks Shopping Centre, Winchester
- Festival Place, Basingstoke
- Whiteley Shopping Centre, Fareham
- Port Solent, Portsmouth
- Westgate Retail and Leisure Park, Aldershot
- The Meads Shopping Centre, Farnborough
- The Meridian Centre, Havant
- Swan Centre, Eastleigh
- Fareham Shopping Centre
- Hart Shopping Centre, Fleet
Pottery Painting in Hampshire
Pottery painting is a fantastic activity for the whole family as well as being a calm and relaxed experience. Children of all ages will love it and it’s so nice to have something to take away with you afterwards – or pick up a few days later when it’s been fired! Here are our Hampshire pottery painting destinations.
Bowling in Hampshire
Bowling is another great activity for the whole family and perfect when the weather isn’t great. Here are the Hampshire bowling alleys to choose from.
- Hollywood Bowl Eastleigh
- Hollywood Bowl Southampton
- Hollywood Bowl Basingstoke
- Hollywood Bowl Portsmouth
- Tenpin Southampton
- Riverside Bowl, Andover
- Ryde Superbowl
You can read more about where to go bowling in Hampshire here
Laser Tag in Hampshire
Laser Tag was such a new thing when I was a child but they’ve grown massively in popularity over recent years and now laser centres are everywhere. Here are both indoor and outdoor laser tag sites across Hampshire.
- JR Zone, Newport
You can read more about where to play laser tag in Hampshire here
Climbing Centres and Aerial Adventures in Hampshire
Climbing is another great family activity and we have so many centres across the county – plus those included in the leisure centres above. Here are some more indoor and outdoor centres to give you some climbing inspiration.
- Rock Up, Whiteley
- Golden Gecko Climbing, Romsey
- QE2 Activity Centre, Burlesdon
- Boulder Shack Climbing Gym, Southampton
- Parthian Climbing Centre, Nursling
- Clip ‘N Climb Portsmouth
You can read more about climbing centres in Hampshire here
Cinemas in Hampshire
Most cinemas have reduced tickets at weekends and in school holidays, a great budget activity that the whole family can enjoy together
Vue – Mighty Mornings
At Vue’s Mini Mornings you can see the best kids and family films from only £2.49 each. Mini Mornings run every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10am plus every day in the school holidays.
Odeon – Odeon Kids
With special Odeon Kids screenings of the most spellbinding fairy tales and animated films, grown-ups pay kids’ ticket prices, making it a great value day out for the whole family.
There are many other cinemas in Hampshire – Everyman, Empire and Harlequin to name a few, but they all seem to have the same ticket prices and offerings during school holidays.
Holiday Clubs in Hampshire
If you need to work over the holidays and need childcare then holiday clubs are a really popular idea – and there are so many across Hampshire that you’re bound to find one perfect for your children that’s close to where you live or work. This post should help you find one:
I hope that’s given you some inspiration when it comes to organising your half term childcare, days out and activities. I’ll add more events as they’re announced and please do get in touch if I’ve missed your favourite event off the list.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Hampshire this October half term, these posts might help:
