The summer weather is a chance for all of us to get out and explore. Whether it’s a walk on the beach or a visit to a National Trust garden, there’s plenty to do in Hampshire.
However, entertaining children can be a daunting task, especially during long summer vacations. With many people choosing to stay this year due to travel chaos and the rising cost of living, it might be time to visit some of the outdoor activity centers or adventure playgrounds. the most popular in the county.
From windsurfing on the shores of the Solent to ziplining in the Itchen Valley, there are plenty of activities on offer. With courses in environmental recreational tasks and team building ventures, these opportunities can be an education as well as an adventure.
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HampshireLive has compiled a list of some of the most popular locations for outdoor activities across the county. They range from water sports to Go Ape sites to school residences with abseiling.
Calshot Activity Center
Address: Calshot Spit, Calshot, Fawley, Southampton, SO45 1BR
The Calshot Activity Center offers a range of water sports and land activities for all ages. The coastal location allows access to both sheltered and more challenging waters, so it is ideal for all abilities.
Experienced instructors and high quality equipment mean everyone is in safe hands with programs tailored to individual needs. The center offers short sessions as well as week-long residential visits that can be booked for individuals as well as larger groups.
The 1200 square meters of climbing walls, 80 rope lines, huge overhangs and roofs also make Calshot an exhilarating place to climb for experienced climbers and novices alike.
Moors Valley Go Ape
Address: Go Ape Moors Valley National Park, Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET
The Go Ape facilities in the New Forest offer five adventures offering different experiences for every skill level. Toddlers can bounce through the Nets Adventure while the Treetop Adventure is described as “the perfect entry level into the treetops with wobbly traverses and over 70m of double zips”.
For older kids, Treetop Adventure Plus lets you climb through twisty traverses and tackle an even longer zipline, while the bravest can take on the Treetop Challenge, which features five ziplines.
For those of us who prefer to keep our feet on the ground, challenging forested trails through the National Park can be experienced in a new way with Forest Segways available for hire.
tile barn activity center
Address: Church Ln, Brockenhurst SO42 7UB
Combining education and adventure, Tile Barn is ideal for groups of young people who want to explore the natural environment. The center specializes in low-cost packages with an indoor dorm, poppies, and tent camping for groups.
With kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and archery just some of the activities on offer, it’s a fun center perfect for kids.
Woodmill Outdoor Activity Center
Address: Woodmill Lane, Swaythling, Southampton, SO18 2JR
Spread over 17 acres, Woodmill offers a wide range of activities for adults and youth including: kayaking, fishing, abseiling, orienteering, trapeze, bridge building and rafting. The specialist canoeing center has access to a private lake and the Itchen River, making it ideal for those taking their first paddle.
Modern facilities mean that the center can accommodate people with physical and/or learning disabilities, as well as individual and group lessons. All teaching staff are trained and qualified to national standards for water sports and land based activities.
Marwell Resort
Address: Hurst Ln, Owslebury, Winchester SO21 1EZ
The range of activities at Marwell includes archery, skeet shooting, treetop adventures and junior quads. Set in 65 acres of South Downs National Park, the site also offers accommodation, from luxury lodges to lakeside camping.
In 2021, an 18-hole adventure golf course themed around local attractions, landmarks and landmarks was added to the site. On-site entertainment, adventurous activities, and beautiful surroundings make this the perfect place to stay with kids.
Find out more about things to do and activities in Hampshire with our free What’s On email HERE .
