With half-term holidays coinciding with the Queen's Jubilee, the week is set to be crammed with fun things to do.
Here is our selection of the best family-friendly activities to keep your kids amused this holiday.
1. May half-term at Mottisfont – Get ready to celebrate the platinum Jubilee at Mottisfont.
Mottisfont is hosting a special Jubilee-themed event over the half-term holidays. Pick up a trail map at the visitor reception and explore around the grounds of National Trust run Mottisfont, taking part in fun activities as well as learn more about the historic royal connections of the house.
The May half-term activities take place from May 28 to June 5. It costs £1 per trail, further info can be at nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/features/may-half-term-fun-at-mottisfont
2. Corgis Aboard! – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is hosting a special storytelling event during the May half-term.
Take part and have fun with your children as they let their imagination run wild. This event is free with a valid ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
More information can be found on their website page. https://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/whats-on/corgis-aboard-p2029461
3. Eastleigh Music Festival – Celebrate your love of music with the music festival.
The yearly festival is taking place at 4pm on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4. You can book your tickets at the Eventbrite websites. Tickets cost £20 for Friday, £25 for Saturday and a £40 for a weekend pass. Children tickets are £5
Further info can be found here: eventbrite.co.uk/e/eastleigh-music-festival-tickets-250564724837
4. Meet Henry the VIII – another Portsmouth Historic Dockyard event, with collaboration with the Mary Rose. This time, an audience with the King of the Tudors, Henry VIII!
Henry VIII will be found making his way around the Historic Dockyard, checking his beloved Mary Rose ship inside the museum and even joining in with the Jubilee festivities.
His majesty will only be onsite at the May 30 to 31, and June 3 to 4. Further information can be found on their Facebook page here: https://fb.me/e/2wlFroqCM
5. Wizard School – For the Harry Potter fans, there is a special holiday wizard school taking place at Tudor House and Garden, in Bugle Street, Southampton.
Wander around the magical Tudor House and garden and get a chance to craft your own magical wand and be witness first-hand the magical dealings in the house! There is even a museum for those who wish to see the history of the Tudors.
The sessions are taking place on June 1, at 10.30am, midday and 1.30pm. Tickets are free for children and £6 for adults, including admission to the museum. Further information can be found at visitsouthampton.co.uk/events/wizard-school-6yrs
6. Airsoft and Paintball at Southampton – Craving for a little bit of action with the kids over the May half term? Then this event is it!
In Southampton, Ambush Activities is offering a half day experience (3 hours) of adrenaline pumping and exciting paintballing and airsoft event.
The sessions run from 9am until midday and 1pm until 4pm for the afternoons.
Tickets are £37.50 per person. Each member must be a minimum of 11 years or older to participate in high impact paintballing or airsoft. 8-11 years are able to play low-impact paintballing.
Further information go to experiencehampshire.uk/experience/airsoft--paintball-southampton---voucher-154?from=2022-05-30&to=2022-06-05&page=4
7. Day out with Thomas & Friend on the Watercress Line – A special occasion to meet the childhood icon, Thomas the Tank Engine on an historic railway line.
Get the opportunity to meet Thomas, the Fat Controller, Dusty, Rusty, Diesel, Toad and Duck! You can even ride on Thomas. There will be various more activities and entertainment shows performed by the loveable childhood characters.
The railway is open from May 28 to June 5. Tickets cost £21 per adult, £15 childn with udner twos free.
Go to watercressline.co.uk/
8. The Big Eat at Royal Victoria Country Park – Looking to have a night out to eat local Hampshire Street foods?
This event is perfect for families who will have a wonderful time eating out with some fantastic local Hampshire Street foods. The event isn’t just to test out every food possible, it’s also a competition! Join to vote and see who wins as the best street food in Hampshire!
The Big Eat Festival is taking part on June 4, more info about the festival can be found at hampshirestreetfoodawards.co.uk/
9. Oldilocks and the three bears – Fans of puppet shows?
Bring yourself and the family at The Arc in Winchester for a special theatre performance of a re-telling of the classical fairy tale told millions of times. This time starring a familiar old woman…
Tickets admission is £9 per person with £34 for a family of four, and can be booked on The Arc website. More information can be found at arcwinchester.org.uk/event/oldilocks-and-three-bears
10. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Basingstoke – For those who live in Basingstoke or visiting it, don’t miss out on the special celebration hosted by Brighton Hill Club for the Queen’s Jubilee!
Various fun activities and festivities such as face painting, bouncy castles, barbecues, party games and more. Members of Brighton Club are able to enter for free and a £2 admission fee for non-members.
More information can be found at allevents.in/basingstoke/queens-platinum-jubilee/200022329565322
11. Street party at Andover for Queen’s Jubilee – Another Jubilee themed party celebration with the family!
There will be a variety of food, music, arts and culture from residents to collaboration from local organisations to show what it means to be a resident of Andover. Expect lots of exciting stuff for the whole family!
More information can be found at testvalley.gov.uk/Events/9216/2553/queen-s-platinum-jubilee-street-festival
12. Half-term family fun in Sky Park Farm Petersfield – Looking for a full family outing over the half term with the kids?
Sky Park Farm is hosting a full week of family fun over the half term. Visitors can enjoy the adventure playground and a farm trail. Enjoy a picnic by the Dew Pond or the River Rother.
The farm experience is open every day over the half-term.
Under threes go for free, otherwise children ticket cost £3.50 and adult tickets cost £6.50. More information at skyparkfarm.com/
13. Flip Out at Basingstoke! – Enjoy an experience of jumping and climbing around at Flip Out!
The indoor trampoline park provides a variety of indoor fun activities including a brand-new Laser Quest Arena. There are various offers, from a normal 1-hour experience, price ranging from £14 to £9, a 2-hour experience, price ranging from £19 to £14 and a midweek experience which is £13.50.
More information at flipout.co.uk/view/flip-out-basingstoke
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