Family-Friendly Places Open This Spring
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
Struggling to think of things to do in the spring with your family? This list has got you covered:
Paultons Park - Website
Paultons Park is rated the UK’s number one theme park for families on Google! With over 70 exhilarating rides and attractions, as well as a plethora of beautifully themed restaurants, visiting this theme park serves as an unforgettable day out for everyone! Be the first to immersive yourself in the Nordic *land* of Valgard: Realm Of The Vikings - home to Paulton’s first ever inversion coaster - coming on 16th May 2026!
Marwell Zoo - Website
This breathtaking 140 acre landscape houses over 500 animals across 145 diverse species, and has an abundance of exciting activities - such as daily animal talks to ignite your passion for wildlife, and the ‘Wild Explorers Trail’ - with numerous picnicking sites and snacks, making it an amazing experience for the whole family.
Romsey Rapids - Website
Romsey Rapids Sports Complex has a plethora of fantastic ways to foster healthy physical and mental wellbeing; including a large swimming pool - featuring lazy river, jacuzzi area and flume - sports classes, and multiple fitness classes for the whole family to engage with.
The Point - Website
From tribute bands to phenomenal musicals, The Point Theatre in Eastleigh has it all! Don’t forget to bring out your competitive side in the monthly ‘Board Game Café’ - an event featuring a host of both classic and new family board games, as well as some delicious drinks!
Vue Cinema - Website
With the nearest ones located in the heart of Eastleigh and Southampton, there’s something for everyone to get immersed in at Vue. From comedies, to romance, to heart-tugging narratives, Vue Cinemas guarantees a huge variety of amazing films at great prices!
Manor Farm - Website
There’s so much to discover at Manor Farm! Visit the Wildlife Pond - a “sustainable watery habitat for all sorts of critters” to catch a glimpse of some of the diverse 400 varieties of native wetland plants, find hybrid hens in Hen Haven, and learn about the rich history of their farmhouse - dating back all the way to the 1400s, and have a taste of what life was like during World War II in the wartime cottage.
These are just a few of the multitude of things you can see and do locally; there’s so much more to explore!
