The best things to do in Portsmouth with kids

If you’ve only passed through Portsmouth on the way to catch a ferry, you’re missing out – from history to beaches and family attractions, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Portsmouth with kids.

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I’ve been visiting since I was a child myself, wowed by the chance to see a genuine Tudor shipwreck, as well as visits to walk the decks of HMS Victory, explore Southsea and the south coast forts – not to mention more than a few stops on the way to the Isle of Wight.

There’s been so much development over the years (although it still surprised me to realise the Spinnaker Tower is nearly 20 years old!) with ever more places to go in Portsmouth with kids, as well as traditional favourites including two piers. Here’s my pick of the best.

Mary Rose Museum

I vividly remember visiting this Tudor ship when I was a child, not long after it was raised from the seabed in 1982 – centuries after Henry VIII’s flagship sank during the Battle of the Solent off Portsmouth, where she was built.

Since then, the museum has had a multi-million pound revamp to show off some of the 19,000 artefacts which were excavated along with the wreck – including nit combs complete with nits and a skeleton of a small dog – and some of the information archaeologists have learned.

With interactive displays to keep kids engaged, it’s a fascinating family day out, as well as being great if you’re visiting Portsmouth in the rain with kids.

Buy tickets to the Mary Rose Museum with free cancellation, included in Ultimate Explorer tickets along with access to other attractions at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Check out my review of the Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with kids

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The Hampshire coast is defined by its naval history, from fortresses protecting against invasion to ships in the harbour – so a day out at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the perfect introduction.

The HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, is perhaps the best known ship here but it’s only one of the historic vessels you can discover, alongside HMS Warrior, the world’s first iron-hulled warship, plus others from the First and Second World Wars, not least a submarine.

There’s also a museum and other family activities on the site, including the Horrible Histories Pirates exhibition – two sites, in fact, with some across the water in Gosport. A waterbus can take you from the exhibits in Portsmouth harbour, or try a harbour tour.

You can also buy Ultimate Explorer tickets for access to multiple attractions including the Dockyard and Mary Rose, with free cancellation.

Read my full review of a day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with kids here

Spinnaker Tower

At 170m high, the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth is taller than Blackpool Tower or the London Eye – and on a clear day, you can see for 23 miles.

Head up to gaze out from one of three viewing decks, with information on just what you’re looking at, and a great panorama including the ships sailing in and out of port.

The highest, the Sky Garden, has a mesh ceiling so you can feel the breeze. Or look down to the harbour through the glass floor of the Sky Walk – only 6cm deep, it can hold the equivalent of two black rhinos. For the most extreme adrenaline thrills, teens aged 14 and over can abseil down the side (accompanied by an adult!).

Check out my review of the Spinnaker Tower with kids

If that doesn’t appeal, there’s also also a virtual reality experience and The Sail of the Solent animated film.

And if the weather takes a turn for the worse and the tower is lost in the mist? If you can’t see all three Solent forts on the day of your visit, you can get a free ticket to return another day (within three months, speak to the duty manager on the day).

You’ve also got all the shops and restaurants of Gunwharf Quays on the doorstep, plus other family fun including bowling and a cinema

Portchester Castle

First built in the late 3rd century, Portchester Castle is the best-preserved of the Roman forts on the Saxon Shore, as this stretch of the South East has become known.

There’s an exhibition in the Keep about the castle’s history, from its earliest Roman days to Saxon settlement, Norman castle, medieval royal palace and beyond – as well as a free audio tour to listen to as you explore.

Henry V launched his invasion of France from here, but then for hundreds of years its role was a prisoner of war camp, including for a group brought from the Caribbean in the 18th century and thousands held within the walls during the Napoleonic wars.

If you can’t get enough of historic artillery, head to Fort Nelson as well, which houses the Royal Armouries’ national collection of history cannon and artillery – free to visit but prebooking tickets is recommended

Southsea Castle

Step back in time at Southsea Castle, a historic fortification built by King Henry VIII as part of a series of coastal defences against French invasion in the 16th century – in fact it’s here that he watched the Mary Rose sink under the waves.

You can walk along the historic ramparts, take some fun photos with the cannons, and enjoy amazing views over the Solent.

The castle sits at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, so you can get a great view of ships passing by, including some of the impressive Royal Navy fleet – Portsmouth Naval Base is home to almost two-thirds of the Navy’s surface ships, including aircraft carriers and destroyers.

Or head underground and join one of the guided tours of the tunnels (small groups only, so do book), as well as seeing items recovered from the wreck of the Mary Rose and learning about local history.

The castle is open on Tuesdays and Sundays between April and October each year and is completely free to visit, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Portsmouth when you’re on a budget.

Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery

For one of the most fun and educational things to do in Portsmouth with kids, head to the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery.

From the Roman invasion to the present day, Portsmouth Museum introduces visitors to the city’s rich history, with plenty of interactive exhibits and fun family trails that will keep visitors of all ages engaged.

The museum also houses the world’s largest Sherlock Holmes exhibition, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote his first two books while living in the city. Little detectives will also enjoy investigating the special Sherlock trail around the museum’s grounds. 

And for young football fans, the museum’s Football in the City exhibition explores the history of Portsmouth FC and its players.

Cumberland House Natural History Museum

Discover the wonders of the natural world at Cumberland House Natural History Museum. The museum has a wide range of exhibits that are perfect for children, including displays on dinosaurs, sea life, and local wildlife.

One of the highlights of the museum is the many interactive exhibits. Little ones can touch and explore various specimens, including fossils, insects, and animal skeletons.

From May to September, you can also walk through the museum’s butterfly house too, spotting the beautiful newly hatched butterflies.

The staff at the museum are friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to answer any questions that kids may have. There are also regular events for families, such as workshops, craft sessions, and educational talks. Sadly it’s no longer free to visit, although it’s only £2 for kids and no charge for under 5s.

Blue Reef Aquarium Southsea

We’ve visited a few of the Blue Reef Aquariums around the country – including Hastings just along the coast and Newquay in Cornwall – and they’re a lovely option if you’re visiting Portsmouth in the rain with kids (or year-round, if you happen to have a small Octonauts fan).

With rays, sharks, jellyfish and turtles, as well as the otters, there’s plenty to discover beyond the fish as well at Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth, just outside the city centre in Southsea.

Time your visit for one of the talks or feeding times, find Nemo among the clownfish or peer at the piranhas, as well as finding out more about the marine life in rockpools… ideal if you’re also planning to hit the beach later.

Clarence Pier Amusement Park

What’s a British seaside town without a pier!? And Portsmouth is lucky enough to have two; Clarence Pier and South Parade Pier, both located on the Southsea seafront.

Clarence Pier is home to the largest amusement park on the south coast, making it one of the best family days out in Portsmouth.

There are plenty of rides and attractions for children of all ages, from bumper cars, mini-golf and a merry-go-round to larger rides for older children like the thrilling Tornado and stomach-churning Twister. Plus, don’t forget your 2ps for the classic indoor arcade machines.

The amusement park also has a variety of family friendly food on the pier, including traditional fish and chips, candy floss, ice cream, and lots more – and a chance to mess with your senses in the Upside Down House.

South Parade Pier

South Parade Pier is another Victorian pier on the Southsea coast – with a turbulent history! The pier has burnt down three times during its lifetime… but happily each time, it’s been rebuilt and restored to its former glory.

Despite its most recent renovation being only in 2017, South Parade Pier feels more like a traditional British seaside pier than Clarence Pier. 

It has an amusement arcade and a family fairground with a few small rides that are best suited for younger children. There are also several shops, restaurants, bars, and a live music venue along the pier.

And don’t miss the chance to take a stroll along the pier’s promenade, spotting the many fishermen along the way and enjoying the views out over the Isle of Wight and down the Portsmouth coastline.

Canoe Lake

In the heart of Southsea, Canoe Lake and its surrounding parkland make the perfect spot for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll on a sunny day in the city.

Whether you fancy heading out on the water or sticking to dry land, there are a variety of activities to try as you explore the park and lake – from feeding the ducks with little ones, to playing in the children’s playground with its sand pit and zipwires, and enjoying a ride on the swan pedal boats.

Visit in spring and summer and you can often see cygnets here as it’s a favourite place for swans and their young.

There is also a splash pool, which is ideal for cooling off on a hot day, as well as a beautiful rose garden and the Southsea Model Village. All in all, a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon with the family in Portsmouth.

Hit the beach

If you’re looking for beaches in Hampshire with kids, they may not be as well-known as some of the other stretches of England’s south coast, but there are still plenty of options for a few sandcastles and paddling.

The mainland coast has long stretches of shingle – lovely Southsea beach has sand at low tide and joins up to Eastney beach as you get closer to Portsmouth. 

Or Hayling Island has sheltered stretches for swimming as well as great windsurfing for older kids at West Hayling. You’re only around 30 minutes from some of the best sandy beaches in Sussex for kids too, including West Wittering.

For more great sandy beaches near Portsmouth, hop on the Wightlink ferry to Fishbourne for a string of lovely beaches on the Isle of Wight.

The D-Day Story Museum

If your kids are interested in military history, they’ll love Portsmouth’s The D-Day Story Museum.

The fascinating museum is a great place to learn about the D-Day landings in 1944 and the role that Portsmouth played during the Second World War.

There are audio-visual presentations, touch-screen games, and amazing real-life artefacts, from tanks to military uniforms, which help to bring history to life for younger visitors.

And to really keep little ones entertained, the family-friendly “Resist! Trail” will have your whole family working together as a team to find clues and solve puzzles around the museum to assist the French Resistance.

Don’t forget to check the museum’s event schedule to see if any family events are coming up, such as craft workshops and demonstrations.

Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum

Portsmouth’s Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is the perfect place to introduce youngsters to the works of one of the most famous authors in history.

The museum is set inside the house where Charles Dickens was born and raised, and it has been restored to look just as it might have done when he lived there in the mid-1800s. Kids will love exploring the rooms and seeing the Regency-style furniture, toys, and other objects from the Victorian era. 

The museum also has a small collection of memorabilia, including Dickens’ snuff box, inkwell, paper knife, and character illustrations.

Self-Guided Dickens Trail

If the Birthplace Museum wasn’t enough Dickens for one day, you can also take the family on a self-guided Dickens walking tour around Portsmouth. 

The trail – which you can download here for free – takes you around 14 different sites linked to the famous British author and his life in the coastal city. 

You’ll pass by better-known landmarks such as the museum and the statue of Dickens on Guildhall Square, as well as some more hidden spots, such as several buildings that served as inspirations for his work.

Family activities in Portsmouth

As well as the family attractions, there are plenty of places to get active with kids in Portsmouth. If a trampoline park tops your family’s list, Flip Out Portsmouth has trampolines and airbags as well as soft play, plus sessions suitable for little ones.

If you’re looking for more play areas and soft play in Plymouth, you’re spoiled for choice though. PlayZone is the biggest indoor play area and entertainment centre on the south coast – there are gentler options for toddlers, as well as teens here, and it’s only around a short drive from the city centre.

Or Exploria sits right between the D-Day Story and South Parade Pier, if you want to fit some child friendly fun in between sightseeing. There’s a baby and toddler zone, as well as a bounce activity zone, and another play zone with ball pits and climbing.

It’s worth knowing that the Pirates and Princesses soft play on Clarence Pier is now closed.

If the sun is shining, there are also a string of splash pads in Portsmouth which are perfect for cooling off during the summer.

Days out near Portsmouth for kids

It’s not hard to fill a weekend in Portsmouth with kids (or longer) but the city also makes a good base for exploring in Hampshire, including these fun days out near Portsmouth for families.

The New Forest

One of the loveliest spots in England, the New Forest is packed with pretty villages, picturesque walks and most excitingly for younger kids, ponies which roam freely – not to mention a few donkeys.

If you’re exploring the New Forest, the chances are you’ll see some along the way but a good place to spot them is near Brockenhurst, around Beachern Wood. And it’s always a good motivator to head out on a walk, a cycle ride on one of the off-road trails or even canoeing.

Check out our day cycling from nearby Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard and canoeing in the New Forest.

There are also some lovely animal attractions, from the New Forest Wildlife Park which specialises in British wildlife to the toddler-friendly Longdown Activity Farm.

For more things to do in the New Forest with kids, check out my top picks

Southampton

The UK’s biggest cruise port isn’t just somewhere to hop on a ship and sail off into the sunset, with a whole string of things to do in Southampton with kids.

And Portsmouth’s neighbouring city is just half an hour away, so it’s possible to squeeze both into a short break. There’s more fantastic history to discover, from the Mayflower to the Titanic, plus wartime aircraft and medieval walls.

Not to mention plenty of chance to get outdoors and lots of attractions for families, including snowsports and an indoor adventure park.

Find more things to do in Southampton with kids here

The Isle of Wight

As well as a string of ferries crossing over the Solent to the Isle of Wight, you can also hop onto a hovercraft to whisk you from Southsea to Ryde in just 10 minutes.

With its own little microclimate which means the sun seems to shine more here than on the mainland, you can also hunt for dinosaurs and visit a string of animal attractions and theme parks, as well as discovering to natural landmarks and castles.

Plus beaches galore of course, including some beaches close to Ryde.

For more ideas of the best things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids, check out my top picks

Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World

If you’re a parent, chances are you’ll already know of Hampshire’s top theme park – as Paulton’s Park is the home of Peppa Pig World. But as well as the gentle rides and chance for toddlers and preschoolers to meet Peppa and George, there’s plenty more heart-racing fun.

There are over 70 rides, acres of grounds and animals to spot, as well as several themed areas: Lost Kingdom is all about dinosaurs, while Critter Creek is great for younger ones, so there’s something for older and taller kids who want some adrenaline thrills as well as less scary options.

Check out my tips for visiting Peppa Pig World and Paultons Park.

Butser Ancient Farm

It’s tricky to know quite how to categorise Butser Ancient Farm apart from being a fantastic day out in Hampshire with kids – part outdoor museum, part historic site, part animal attraction, it’s a unique blend of all three.

Set in the South Downs National Park near Petersfield, this experimental archaeology site features reconstructions of ancient buildings from the Stone Age and Iron Age through Roman Britain and into the Anglo Saxon era.

There are also prehistoric crops, as well as rare animal breeds such as goats and sheep which the original inhabitants on these homes would have recognised.

Kids can also try the family trails and quizzes, as well as some activities with a difference, including mosaic making and wattling fences, plus some special events during holidays.

Fishbourne Roman Palace, Fishbourne, West Sussex

Fishbourne Roman Palace is one of the oldest and most complete Roman palaces in all of Britain, complete with some amazing mosaics and gardens.

It isn’t known who the luxurious palace belonged to but that doesn’t take away from the fun at all.

For the kids, there are some activities to complete as you visit too, including Mosaic Bingo and Palace Puzzles.

If one Roman home isn’t enough, Bignor Roman villa is around half an hour away, with more mosaics to see, while Brading Roman Villa on the Isle of Wight is a great place to explore if your kids love history too

Marwell Zoo

The 140-acre Marwell Zoo just outside Winchester has over 1,200 animals to discover, as well as a stamp trail for kids to follow along the way.

There are often extra family attractions and exhibitions if you need an added reason to visit (or return) – such as Brickosaurs at Marwell Zoo, a string Lego dinosaurs amongst the real-life inhabitants.

The zoo is also home to four adventure playgrounds, little road and rail trains, as well as the animals themselves – from amur tigers to zebras, not to mention cheetah, red pandas, penguins and more.

For more ideas of things to do in Hampshire with kids, check out my pick of the best

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Spinnaker Tower/Isle of Wight beach/Marwell Zoo copyright MummyTravels, all other images courtesy of Depositphotos

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