We’re absolutely obsessed with the New Forest and think it’s such a brilliant place to holiday with kids. Over the past five years, we’ve visited three times, and as our children have gotten older, we’ve found more and more things to do with kids in the New Forest.
From my daughter’s first pony ride as a toddler, to Peppa Pig World and crabbing at the seaside, this really is an area of the UK that’s made for family travel. We always come away feeling like we’ve had a trip that catered to not only our children’s needs but our own too. Away from crazy crowds, and with plenty of sleepy villages and cosy pubs to explore, this is a destination in the UK that parents will enjoy just as much as the kids.
If you’re considering a family break to the New Forest, therefore, below are 11 best things to do in the New Forest with kids.
1. New Forest Wildlife Park
First up on our list of things to do in the New Forest with kids is the brilliant New Forest Wildlife Park.
We’ve visited the New Forest Wildlife Park twice now, and it’s easily one of our favourite family days out in the area. Situated just outside of Ashurst, it’s small enough to feel manageable with kids, but still packed with enough animals and space to keep everyone entertained for a few hours.
The absolute highlight for us (and our kids) are the otters at the Park – we could have stayed watching their cute little faces all day. Their enclosure gives brilliant viewing opportunities, and if you time it right for otter feeding, it’s even better.
Beyond the otters, the park is home to wolves, lynx, wild boar and deer, giving it a slightly wilder feel than your typical farm park. It’s well laid out, with wide paths that are buggy-friendly and easy to navigate with younger children.
Another big win for us are the playgrounds. There’s a large adventure-style play area that’s perfect for burning off energy, plus space to picnic nearby so you can actually sit down for five minutes while the kids climb. On both of our visits, the play areas extended our stay by at least an hour, which is always the sign of a good family attraction.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, outdoorsy day out in the New Forest that mixes wildlife with space to play, the New Forest Wildlife Park is a brilliant option – especially for primary-school-aged children.
2. National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
We’ve visited the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu more than once over the years, and it’s one of those attractions in the New Forest that genuinely surprises you with how much there is to do. It’s far more than just a car museum (which I won’t lie, sounded very boring initially) and has so much to offer families.
Of course, the cars are the star of the show. From vintage classics to modern icons (and the always-popular James Bond vehicles), there’s so much to see, even if they’re not usually “into” cars.
There’s also an area, just outside the main building, where you can sit inside retro cars from the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s, which we loved and our 5 years olds found so much fun. Although, admittedly, sitting inside a car we remembered very clearly was a little jarring as our kids discussed how “old” they seemed with their cassette players and bouncy foam seats.
What really makes Beaulieu stand out for families is everything beyond the museum hall. The monorail is a real highlight with kids, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the grounds. There’s also an amazing playground called Little Beaulieu, which was probably the highlight for our kids.
To get to the other side of the grounds, where the Palace and old Abbey is, you can catch a vintage double decker bus that takes around 5 minutes. Olive and Henry loved this, collecting their ticket before making their way to the top deck to enjoy the ride.
Palace House and the grounds are also included in your ticket (note the ticket is an annual one), so you can wander the gardens, explore the abbey ruins, and let children run off steam in the open space. You could definitely spend a whole day here if you wanted but if you’re pushed for time, a morning or afternoon is perfectly fine.
3. Paultons Park
Next on the list of best things to do in the New Forest with kids is the well-known Paultons Park.
We’ve visited Paultons Park three times over the years – when my daughter was 2, 3 and 5 – and it’s been so lovely seeing how the park grows with her. It’s one of the few family attractions where each visit has felt completely different because there’s more she can do every time.
At 2 and 3, it was all about Peppa Pig World (obviously!). The rides are perfectly designed for pre-schoolers: gentle, colourful, and just the right length for little attention spans.
Now that she’s five, a whole new side of the park has opened up. She’s tall enough and confident enough to explore some of the bigger rides and different themed “lands” – from dinosaurs in Lost Kingdom to the retro Americana feel of Tornado Springs. It’s shifted from being a toddler day out to a full-scale theme park adventure, without losing that family-friendly feel.
Another reason we rate Paultons so highly is how well it’s laid out. It’s clean, easy to navigate, and manageable in size and you don’t feel overwhelmed trying to cover everything in a day. There are plenty of places to stop for snacks, refuel, and take a breather when needed, although we often bring picnics to avoid the over priced food there.
Excitingly, there’s also a brand-new Viking-themed land opening in May 2026, which will add even more for older children and thrill-seekers.
If you’re looking for one of the very best family attractions in the New Forest area, Paultons Park is hard to beat, especially if you want somewhere that will keep working for you as your children grow. Just mentally prepare beforehand for the Peppa Pig theme tune on repeat and the giant souvenir shop, which will stretch your wallets to its limit.
Read our full guide to 9 Reasons Why Paultons Park is the Best Theme Park for Toddlers
4. Crabbing in Lymington
During our most recent trip to the New Forest, we based ourselves in the lovely coastal town of Lymington. Although it’s not strictly in the New Forest, it’s just a 10 minute drive away and offers a very different stay to the forest, with a sea breeze and traditional seaside activities, like crabbing.
Crabbing in Lymington is a simple, low-cost family activity that kids absolutely love. Head down to the harbour or quay with a bucket and set up camp for a couple of hours (we were told a bit of bacon helps attract the crabs!) If you don’t have a bucket, the local souvenir shop by the waterfront sells plenty.
If it’s a sunny day, it’s the perfect way to entertain the kids while you sit back with a cup of tea in the sunshine.
5. Day Trip to the Isle of Wight
One of the best bonus adventures when staying in the New Forest is a quick hop over to the Isle of Wight for the day.
From Lymington, you can catch the ferry across to Yarmouth in just 40 minutes, which in itself feels like part of the adventure for kids. Once you arrive, you’ve got sandy beaches, colourful seaside towns, coastal walks and family attractions, all within easy reach.
The ferry crossing from Lymington to Yarmouth is run by Wightlink . It’s a car ferry, so you can either drive on (super convenient if you want to explore more of the island), or travel as a foot passenger.
It’s a simple way to add a mini island escape to your New Forest holiday, without needing to change accommodation. We haven’t done this yet as we’ve only visited in autumn and winter but plan on doing this day trip in the summer months – we’ll report back!
6. Horse riding
One of the reasons I was so excited to take my daughter to the New Forest when she was two was for the horse riding. I loved horse riding growing up and was really keen to give Olive her first experience of riding a pony while we were in the New Forest. There’s a number of stables dotted around the area, which cater for different ages and abilities of riders.
I took Olive to Brockenhurst Stables that offer one-hour hacks through the New Forest for riders of all abilities. It was such a lovely experience and Olive adored plodding along on her little pony called Sausage – she even made it to a gentle trot which was so exciting. Please note that Brockenhurst Stables are closed during winter.
Other riding stables in the New Forest for children:
Burley Villa offers children’s riding experiences, including a ‘Kidz Brush n Ride, where children get to learn how to brush off and groom a pony, put a saddle and bridle on before heading out on a hack. The stables caters for riders aged 4-14 years.
7. Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Gardens open from 7 March 2026
We visited Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway during Halloween with the kids and absolutely loved it. As well as 200-acres to explore of woodland paths, flowers and bubbling rivers, there’s also a miniature steam railway, (which is always a hit with kids) and a playground.
When we visited, the railway had been transformed into a ghost train, which I must admit, was unexpectedly terrifying and I did have to cover the face of my (then) toddler for the majority of the ride. Just a word of warning if you’re planning on visiting during Halloween!
As well as the grounds, there’s always activities and events going on at Exbury Gardens, so it’s worth checking the website for what’s coming up over school holidays. In the summer months, it’s the perfect place to bring a picnic, so you can make the most of a long lazy day here.
8. Spot Wild Ponies in the New Forest
An obvious and free activity to do in the New Forest with kids is to spot wild ponies! For some reason, during our first visit to the New Forest, I was so surprised at just how many wild ponies and donkeys there were roaming about the villages and forest. It was just as exciting for me as it was for Olive when we first spotted the ponies and the novelty hasn’t worn off.
During our first visit, we stayed just outside of Brockenhurst in Emery Down and woke up to donkeys peering through our kitchen windows on a number of occasions. This was wildly exciting for the kids and a special memory for us during our first stay.
Please note that these are wild ponies and you should not feed them or try to pet them. Feeding them is now a fineable offence, after a number of injuries to the public, and some ponies dying after being fed human food.
9. Moors Valley Country Park, Dorset
On our latest trip to the New Forest, we asked our Instagram community on suggestions of places to visit. We had so many responses suggesting Moors Valley Country Park – which although is not strictly in the New Forest – I felt I had to mention.
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is one of the best family days out near the New Forest, offering a brilliant mix of adventure, nature and space to roam. There’s a one-mile woodland Play Trail packed with giant wooden sculptures, climbing frames and interactive features, plus the main playground, complete with sand pits.
There’s also a popular narrow-gauge steam railway looping through the forest, miles of walking and cycling trails, scenic picnic spots by the lake, and optional paid activities like Go Ape high ropes, mini golf and seasonal adventures.
Although technically just over the Dorset border, Moors Valley sits right next to Ringwood and is incredibly easy to reach from the New Forest. From Ringwood it’s around 10–15 minutes by car, while from popular New Forest bases such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst or Burley you’re typically looking at 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.
10. New Forest Bus Tour
The New Forest Bus Tour season runs July – September 2026.
The New Forest Tour is a seasonal open-top, hop-on hop-off bus that runs through the New Forest National Park each summer, offering an easy and scenic way to explore without the car.
With three circular routes covering picturesque villages, coastline and pony-dotted heathland, you can hop off to explore places like Lyndhurst, Burley or Lymington and rejoin later on the same ticket. Onboard audio commentary shares local history and wildlife facts, making it a relaxed and family-friendly way to see the Forest.
As we’ve always driven to the New Forest, we’ve never tried the open top bus but I think this would be a really fun thing to do in the summer with the kids, while we can relax and enjoy the scenery without having to drive.
New Forest Bus Tour Route
11. New Forest Kid-Friendly Walks
Exploring the New Forest National Park with children is so easy thanks to its network of gentle trails, open heathland and magical woodland clearings.
Our favourite is Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where short, manageable paths lead to a deer-viewing platform and wide picnic areas.
There’s also the Tall Trees Trail at Blackwater, which offers flat, easy terrain. Another suggestion for kid friendly walks in the New Forest is Wilverley Inclosure, which combines shady woodland with open spaces where children can spot the famous New Forest ponies grazing freely.
These routes are ideal for little legs, with plenty of opportunities to pause, explore and play along the way.
Staying with Kids in the New Forest FAQs
Where to stay in the New Forest with Kids
Self-catering cottages in the New Forest
We absolutely love staying with New Forest Cottages when we visit the area and have had two great stays with them now. During our first stay, we enjoyed The Old Post Office in Emery Down (which was the most perfect setting).
The house was huge, with lots of space for a family, as well as being set in a beautiful New Forest Cottage, complete with wandering ponies and a cosy pub down the road.
Camellia Cottage in Lymington was where we based ourselves for our most recent stay (just outside of the New Forest). This was also such a lovely, family-friendly stay and ideal if you’re visiting this seaside town in the summer months.
Browse cottages in the New Forest
Family-friendly hotels in the New Forest
Although there are plenty of holiday cottages in the New Forest, there’s also some really special, family-friendly hotels in the area too. Below I’ve listed just a few of some of the best family-friendly hotels in the area.
New Park Manor
We’ve wanted to stay at New Park Manor for years now. Part of the Luxury Family Hotels, this is a hotel designed around families, while still offering a luxury stay.
Nestled in Brockenhurst, this is a beautifully refurbished family-friendly country hotel in the heart of the New Forest. It has indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with adults-only areas, an Ofsted-registered kids’ club that offers complimentary sessions each day, a cinema and games room, a playground and extensive woodland grounds where families can spot ponies and enjoy nature trails.
Children are catered for with flexible mealtimes and menus, equipment provided for babies and toddlers, and fun touches like bedtime cookies, while parents can unwind with spa treatments or quiet meals.
Limewood Hotel
We’ve passed this hotel countless times during our visits to the New Forest and I always lust after it from a distance.
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood Hotel is a beautifully restored Regency country house that blends laid-back luxury with rustic charm
Surrounded by ancient woodland and roaming ponies, Limewood Hotel offers individually designed rooms and forest-view suites. You can unwind at the Herb House Spa, known for its holistic treatments and rooftop herb garden, or enjoy seasonal, locally sourced food in its lovely dining spaces.
Families are welcome at the hotel and there are family-friendly rooms and suites including cottages and cabins with space for cots and extra beds. There’s also children’s menus and high chairs in the restaurants, and bikes or trikes to explore the grounds or nearby forest trails.
The Pig, Brockenhurst
If you’re after a real treat, check-in to The Pig. We’ve stayed at lots of Pigs over the years but the original Pig at Brockenhurst is our absolute favourite. We’ve visited without kids and with Olive when she was 8 months old and it was one of my most memorable (in the best way) trips!
Although, I must admit to truly enjoy all that The Pig has to offer, I would suggest you stay kid-free. That way, you can really soak up lazy afternoons in one of the many lounges, with a good book and endless hot drinks and a roaring fire.
Read our review of A Baby Friendly Stay at The Pig Hotel, Brockenhurst
Do you need a car to visit the New Forest?
I think this answer depends on who you’re visiting the New Forest with. Personally, I think if you’re visiting with kids, it’s a lot easier to have a car but it’s definitely not absolutely necessary if staying in the summer months as you can use the New Forest Bus Tour. The area is also well connected by public transport – and cycling is also an option – but note the buses are more geared towards locals than tourists. Just for ease with kids, and all the accessories that comes with them, I do think a car makes it much easier to get around.
If, however, you’re just visiting as an adult group then getting around is fairly achievable – especially from London where you can catch the train into Brockenhurst. If you base yourself centrally here, then it’ll be easier to pick up public transport or cycle between villages.
When’s the best time to visit the New Forest?
I think the New Forest is enjoyable all year round but having recently visited in February, I can confirm that winter is not as enjoyable as spring, summer and autumn. It’s also not looking its best without the leaves of the forest and some attractions are closed – such as Exbury Gardens.
I would recommend, therefore, visiting from April – October, when there’s leaves on the trees (although autumn is so gorgeous with the golden colours), and more activities and sights are open.
How many days do you need in the New Forest with kids?
The New Forest is a destination that you could holiday in for a week at a time, or visit for just a few nights.
We’ve always visited for three nights, to make it a nice long weekend trip but I can definitely see the merit in staying for longer during the summer months. You can then make the most of the nearby beaches, head to the Isle of Wight, as well as enjoy all that the Forest has to offer during long summer days.
Pin for later: 11 BEST Things to do in the New Forest with Kids (2026)
