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Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer: Local New Forest Activities They’ll Love!

  • Writer: What's On New Forest
    What's On New Forest
  • Jul 1, 2024
  • 9 min read

Updated: Jul 2, 2024

As the summer holidays approach, finding ways to keep your children entertained and active can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are lots of exciting activities around the New Forest that not only promise endless fun for your kids but also support our wonderful local businesses.


Check out our list of top summer activities by location and discover how you can make this summer unforgettable for your kids while giving back to our vibrant community.



Beaulieu


Active for All at Beaulieu Village Primary

With different venues across Hampshire, Active for All deliver fun and engaging holiday camps for children aged 4-11.


They offer a huge variety of activities from sport competitions to arts and crafts, Lego, and much more. All of their clubs are Ofsted registered.



Brockenhurst


New Forest Adenture Camp by Educamps

Your children will have adventures based from our woodland cabins in the heart of the New Forest complete with bunk beds, kitchen facilities, chill out areas and team leaders on site 24/7. They will also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and trips that vary throughout the two weeks.


More info: Educamps website


Calshot


Action Adventure Holidays at Calshot Activities Centre

Get your children active with a jam-packed adventure stay at Calshot. Explore the water of the Solent or hit the ground running on land for a holiday your children will never forget. Residential and non-residential options available.


  • Location: Calshot Activities Centre, Calshot Rd, Southampton SO45 1BR

  • Ages: Children aged 10 to 14

  • Price: 5 days from £320

  • Contact : calshot.ac@hants.gov.uk or phone 02380 892077



Dibden Purlieu


Deep Sea Divers Holiday Club at St Andrew's Church

Join us at St Andrew's for 3 fun-filled mornings of messy challenges, crafts and sports activities, all with the theme of sea-based Bible stories.


  • Date: August 27th - August 29th

  • Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm

  • Age: Current Year R to current Year 5

  • Price: £20 per child and £10 for an additional child.

  • Booking link: https://bit.ly/3UZ7HYJ


Contact: If you have any questions please email James Willett at youth@dibdenchurches.org


Holiday Discovery Club All Day by New Forest Outreach Support

Check Out Our Holiday Discovery Club Adventure, with thrilling games to creative activities, every moment is filled with fun and excitement.


  • Place: Dibden Purlieu Community Hall, Lunedale Road, Dibden Purlieu

  • Age: Children ages 5 to 12.

  • Price: Check their website. Purchase a Ticket Passport and receive £45 off for 5 full days



Netball Camp by Waterside Sports Camp

Multi sport activity camp in the school holidays for year 4-8.




Youth Football Camp by Waterside Sports Camp

Check out the youth football camp being put on by Waterside Sports Camp at Noadswood! A great way to stay active in the sunshine and meet new friends.


  • Location: Noadswood School, Dibden Purlieu SO45 4ZF

  • Date: 29th July - 2nd August from 9:00am to 3:00pm

  • Price: £25.00


To book and to check availability, visit Waterside Sports Camp Booking Site


Fawley


Fawley Summer Workshops by PDAS - Platinum Dance and Acrobatics School

We are a multi award winning, family run dance, acrobatics and aerial school, running in fawley Hampshire, and Portland, Weymouth and Dorchester, Dorset.


Fawley Summer Workshops

  • Dates: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th August

  • Time: 4-5pm acrobatics, 5-6pm aerial silks



Fordingbridge


Summer Fun at Educamps

EDUCAMPS offer a full day of fun including outdoor activities, lunch, snacks and on some days excursions. We aim to provide engaging activities designed to take kids “back to basics” in the fresh air.


Activities may be physically challenging, others more of a brain teaser and some simply entertaining! Most importantly your child will have fun in the fresh air along with tasty tucker. All this within the heart of the New Forest in the capable hands of our experienced team leaders.



Insight Activities

Book your summer activities with Insight Activities by 15th July and save 10% using the code Summerfun at the checkout.


Come and spend time outside, learning new skills, great fun for young and old.


Book your activities today at our New Forest centre (Featherdown Farm, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 3DA)


Holbury


Waterside Tennis Club

Summer Junior Tennis Coaching for Juniors during the Summer Holidays is available at Waterside Tennis Club for 2024.


Book your places early:


  • Place: Waterside Tennis Club, Long Lane, Holbury

  • Dates: From the 29th July to the 29th August

  • Time: 9.30am-12pm

  • Age: From 5 to 9+ years

  • Price: From £6 to £9 depending on children's age

Contact Vanessa for more information or to book: vpoucher@hotmail.com


Facebook Page: Waterside Tennis Club


Holiday club at Cadland Primary School by New Forest Child Care

New Forest Child Care is a Community Interest Company (CIC) which is a not for Profit Organisation. All their money is invested back into the Company to increase their training, purchase new equipment and toys and play experiences that they can offer the children, such as Cricket & Tennis coaches, Bouncy Castle fun days in the School Holidays, Visits from Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hampshire Ambulance and Hampshire Fire & Rescue.


For more info about their holiday clubs, check www.newforestchildcare.co.uk 


Hythe


Active for All at Hythe Primary

With different venues across Hampshire, Active for All deliver fun and engaging holiday camps for children aged 4-11. All of their clubs are Ofsted registered. They offer a huge variety of activities from sport competitions to arts and crafts, Lego, and much more.



Diddi Dance Hythe - Funky Preschool Dance Classes

Pop these dates in your diary and join us for some sunshine fun as we explore HULA!

All our summertime classes are offered on a PAYG basis and are available to BOOK NOW!


  • Place & Time: St John's Church Hall in Hythe at 9.30am

  • Dates: Wednesday 24th July, 31st July, 7th August &14th August


Older siblings are more than welcome to attend; when booking their space, apply the 20% off discount code SOUSIB at the check-out.


Pop over to DiddiDance website to book a class


Free Holiday Club by The Handy Trust

We are back this summer with a full timetable of FREE holiday clubs with visitors coming to join us including Solent Mind, offering free Youth days in partnership with CMfoundation and trips out! We plan to be back with the water slide and water fights every Thursday!


Check their website to see their summer activities at Hythe Youth Club.


Get in touch if you need any more details or to register interest for any of the trips:

Facebook: TheHandyTrust

Instagram: @thehandytrust



Lymington


Swish Theatre School in Lymington

If you’re looking for Performing Arts classes in Lymington, check Swish Theatre School! They have over 30 years of experience delivering carefully structured classes, captivating shows and locally tailored opportunities. They are passionate about guiding children and young people along an exciting journey where they can fulfil their dreams. These are the summer camps they have for summer 2024:


  • Little Mermaid Summer Camp for children aged 4 to 7: 12th-16th August,10am-3pm at Walhampton School

  • Matilda Summer Camp for children ages 7 to 14: 12th-16th August, 9.30am-3.30pm at Walhampton School




St Barbe's Summer Bash (HAF)

A multi activity holiday programme offering activities such as arts and craft, theatre, dance, music, fun and games and so much more. Free spaces available for benefit-related FSM eligible children, those with SEND needs and vulnerable children.


Please contact Joanne Ainslie (joanne.ainslie@stbarbe-museum.org.uk) for more information or check out their website St Barbe's Museum.


Marchwood


The Stacey T. White School of Dance

Summer Theatre Workshop: Shrek the Musical

  • Location: Marchwood Scout Hall Recreation Ground

  • Price: £70 for the Week

  • Age: Children ages 5 to 14.

  • Dates: Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August

  • Times: Monday to Friday 9am-12pm


Acrobatics

  • Location: Marchwood Scout Hall Recreation Ground

  • Price: £12.50

  • Age: Children aged 7 to 12.

  • Dates: Friday 2nd August

  • Times: 11.45am-1pm



Summer Holiday Club by Planet Kids

We have so much fun planned for our Summer Holiday Club: trip days, visitors, and long sunny days packed full of amazing activities.


  • Location: Marchwood Infant School

  • Age: From Year R to Year 6

  • Dates: From 26th July - 30th August


For more information - email planet_kids@hotmail.co.uk or check PlanetKidsCIC Facebook page


Free Holiday Club by The Handy Trust

We are back this summer with a full timetable of FREE holiday clubs with visitors coming to join us including Solent Mind, offering free Youth days in partnership with CMfoundation and trips out! We plan to be back with the water slide and water fights every Thursday!


Check their website to see their summer activities at Marchwood Youth Club.


Get in touch if you need any more details or to register interest for any of the trips:

Facebook: TheHandyTrust

Instagram: @thehandytrust




New Milton


DFJ Multisports @ New Milton Scout HQ (HAF)

Children of all abilities will get the chance to improve physical and cognitive skills through a diverse range of games and activities. The perfect place for your children to have fun, make new friends, stay safe, learn new skills and have a happy school holiday. 


Each day, there will be a focus on two different sports activities, offering your child sufficient time to get to know a sport. 


Book for as many sessions as you like, from half-days to full days, or why not the entire week to give children the perfect opportunity to enjoy activities every day. Open to ages 5-12.  Please contact Sarah Collison (info@dfj-multisports.com) for more info or check out their DFJ Multisports Facebook Page.


Sway


Little Artists Summer Workshop (7 - 10 yrs) by Creative Printmaking

Creative workshops for little artists to experiment with different media and techniques. FUN art activities with a different theme every workshop.


  • Location: Spudworks, Station Road, Sway SO41 6BA

  • Age: Children aged 7 to 10 years. Maximum spaces 12

  • Dates & Times: Different dates available, 10am – 12pm.

  • Price: £20


Contact: Please call if you have questions 07872 381706 or check the website.


Drawing and Printing Summer School 3 Day Course (Ages 11-15) by Creative Printmaking


This summer school offers students the opportunity to develop their skills in drawing and printing, experimenting with different media whilst having fun being creative. They will take inspiration from the New Forest, using natural found materials as a starting point for experimentation.


  • Location: Spudworks, Station Road, Sway SO41 6BA

  • Age: Children aged 11 to 15 years. Maximum spaces 12

  • Dates & Times: Different dates available, 10am – 4pm.

  • Price: £120, all materials included

  • Contact: Please call if you have questions 07872 381706 or check the website.



Totton


Diddi Dance Totton - Funky Preschool Dance Classes

Pop these dates in your diary and join us for some sunshine fun as we explore HULA!

All our summertime classes are offered on a PAYG basis and are available to BOOK NOW!


  • Place & Time: Totton & Eling Community Centre at 1.45pm

  • Dates: Friday 26th July, 2nd August & 9th August.


Older siblings welcome to attend; when booking their space, apply the 20% off discount code SOUSIB at the check-out.


Pop over to DiddiDance website to book a class


Holiday club by New Forest Child Care

New Forest Child Care is a Community Interest Company (CIC) which is a not for Profit Organisation. All their money is invested back into the Company to increase their training, purchase new equipment and toys and play experiences that they can offer the children, such as Cricket & Tennis coaches, Bouncy Castle fun days in the School Holidays, Visits from Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hampshire Ambulance and Hampshire Fire & Rescue.


For more info about their holiday clubs, check www.newforestchildcare.co.uk


Activities in Multiple Locations


Baby Sensory New Forest

Baby Sensory New Forest will running two Summer Specials. Suitable from birth to 13 months.


'Baby Pirates' will run:

  • 29th July - Blackfield - Qe2 Rec

  • 30th July - Ringwood - Greyfriars Activity Centre

  • 31st July - Christchurch - Mudeford Wood Community Centre

  • 1st Aug - East Boldre Village Hall


'Beach Party' will be running:

  • 19th Aug - Blackfield - Qe2 Rec

  • 20th Aug - Ringwood - Greyfriars Activity Centre

  • 21st Aug - Christchurch - Mudeford Wood Community Centre

  • 22nd Aug - East Boldre Village Hall


More info on their website www.babysensory.com/bournemouth-east or on their social media @babysensorynewforest


Lights Camera Action Summer Short Films

Lights Camera Action is an Award winning TV & Film screen acting school bases in Hampshire and Dorset. They will make two summer films again this August, that will then be shown at their annual red carpet event.


Children Short Film

Ages: Children aged 6 to 10

Dates: 8th-9th August

Time: 9am - 3pm

Location: Hampshire & New Forest


Teen Short Film

Age: Children aged 11 to 17

Dates: 19th-20th August

Time: To be continued (But will be looking a 8/9 hour day)

Location: Hampshire & Dorset



Hampshire County Council

New Forest Family Information and Services Hub with a list of activities for Primary and Secondary school aged children.

Visit this link: Hampshire County Council




If you know of any other great activities or clubs in the New Forest that we haven't mentioned, we'd love to hear about them! Please share your suggestions in the comments below or get in touch with us directly.



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