WITH summer now in full swing, a family day out at one of the region’s splash facilities could be the ideal way of beating the heat. 

We’ve drawn up some of the top attractions in the area, big and small, with something for everyone to cool off across the summer months. 

So stock up on the sun cream, pack the picnic and get down to your local attraction for a day to remember.

Chineham Park Splash Pad

Address: Chineham Park, Popley, RG24 9BL

Opening hours: 10am to 7pm every day

The newly resurfaced splash pad has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, with the area now boasting a 350m splash pad and numerous fountains including a water mushroom, jet stream totem poles and water hopscotch.  Plenty of green space tops off this family friendly facility.

Water Kingdom and Muddy Puddles at Paulton’s Park

Address: Paulton's Park, Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL

Opening times: Tuesday to Thursday 10am until 5pm. Friday to Monday 10am until 5.30pm.

Perfect for the summer weather, Paulton’s Park has not one but two splash parks that are prefect for cooling off and serve as an ideal break from the rides. Both of these attractions are included in the ticket price. Water Kingdom features 8,500 sq ft of splash paradise. With over 40 different ways of getting wet. Including: water jets, giant tipping buckets and fountains. There is a seated patio nearby for parents to sit and watch as well as a kiosk which sells snacks and drinks.

It wouldn’t be a Peppa Pig themed land without Muddy Puddles. This area is aimed at children aged 0-6 years with the expectation of adults and children accompanying younger children.

For both of these areas, appropriate clothing must be worn. More information can be found on the Paulton’s Park website paultonspark.co.uk/

Southsea Splash Pool

Address: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea seafront, Southsea, PO5 3NS

Opening times: May 21 until September 4, 10.30am until 6pm 

Aimed at families with children under the age of 8, Southsea Splash Pool, located along Southsea Common, has two paddling pools and a host of other play facilities. The local café provides drinks and snacks.

Because this area is family friendly, barbecues and dogs are not allowed on the site. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited. Children must wear swimwear or swim nappies when using the swimming pools.

A fun water fountain is also a short walk away outside Southsea Castle. 

Entrance is free for everyone and there is on-street car parking nearby.

Fleming Park Splash Pool

Address: 161 Passfield Ave, Eastleigh SO50 9NF

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am until 7pm

This popular outdoor swimming pool is free for public use and includes numerous water features for children to enjoy as well as a large play area and a sandpit. There is also an ice cream van as well as onsite toilets.

Hilsea Jubilee Splash Pool 

Address: London Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth PO2 9RP

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11am until 6pm

This splash pool is the perfect way to cool down on a summer’s day. It is easy to get to and is located on all of the major bus routes. There is also free parking as well as free admission to the pool. It is incredibly popular with young children. The pool features two shallow pools as well as onsite toilets and baby changing facilities.

This is a family friendly area. Dogs, barbecues, alcohol and smoking is not allowed on the site. Children using the pool must wear suitable clothing.

Fordingbridge Park

Address: Fordingbridge, SP6 1AN

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8am until 7pm

Located on the banks of the river Avon, Fordingbridge park is a large picturesque area. This includes a playground complete with apparatus as well as a small paddling pool. There is onsite pay and display parking across the road.

Lymington Sea Water Bath

Address: Bath Road, Lymington SO41 3SE

Located in the small town of Lymington, this open-aired sea water bath provides quality entertainment as well as an incredible view of the Lymington channel. The baths include an inflatable obstacle course, sea water swimming pool and paddle boarding sessions. There are onsite changing rooms and toilets as well as first aid hut. There is also a concession kiosk which provides a number of snacks and drinks.

Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are available to hire. Tickets are required to access the baths. These can be found on the website lymingtonseawaterbaths.digitickets.co.uk/tickets/

New Forest Aqua Park

Address: Ringwood Rd, Fordingbridge SP6 2EY

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10am until 8pm although subject to change. 

Aqua park is great fun for all the family. The park features two inflatable obstacle courses. Poseidon will operate on the hour whereas Neptune will operate every half hour. Both of these courses feature: swings, climbing walls, trampolines, springboards, slides and much more. Challenge your friends and family and beat the course. Perfect family entertainment.

Tickets are required to access the water course. For more information and ticket prices visit their website: newforestwaterpark.co.uk/

Lee Splash Park

Address: Seafront, Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9LA

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10am until 7pm

Lee Splash Park is a free outdoor play facility with play apparatus all year round as well as water features which operates in the summer only. This splash park is suitable for children aged 11 and under.

Children who use the splash park must wear appropriate clothing. The splash park is a family friendly area. Smoking, alcohol, glass and dogs are not permitted. For the full list of what not to bring, see their website: https://www.gosport.gov.uk/leesplashpark

Gosport Splash Park

Address: Stokes Bay Road, Gosport, PO12 2BL

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am until 7pm

This free outdoor play facility is located on the sea front at Stokes Bay.

There are pay and display car parks located opposite as well as nearby public toilets. This splash park has both play apparatus and water features.

This splash park is appropriate for children aged 8 years and under. Because this is a family friendly area, dogs, alcohol, smoking and glass are not prohibited.

For the full list of what not to bring, see their website gosport.gov.uk/gosportsplashpark

 

Raining? Don't worry these indoor places will provide just as much fun

Aquadome & Lagoon Pool

Address: Basingstoke Aquadrome, Worting Road, Basingstoke RG22 6PG 

Opening hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 5pm and daily during school holidays, booking is recommended in busy periods. 

If the sun gets too much, taking a break indoors at Basingstoke’s popular Aquadome might just be the ticket.  The centre’s Lagoon Pool features slides, rapids, a host of interactive water features, spa-pool and beach.  Younger ones can gain their water wings in a paddling area, with the interactive water splash and play area next to the lagoon pool.  

(The flumes and Under the Sea area remain closed at the moment).

Tickets cost Adult (16+) - £7.50, junior (6-15) £5.35, senior £5.35, under 6's go free. 

A family ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) costs £21.50.

Go to basingstokeleisure.com/basingstoke-aquadrome/facilities/lagoon-pool/

Romsey Rapids Sports Complex

Address: Southampton Rd, Romsey SO51 8AF

Opening hours: 6am until 9pm - check website for specific times

Family fun all day long with rapids, flume slides, tipping buckets and sailing the high seas on the pirate ship.  With new soft play and adventure golf areas, the complex is open daily throughout the summer, however check out the centre’s website for further event and booking details before planning your trip.

Adults cost £7.30, juniors £5.20, under threes go free. A family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) is £24. 

Go to placesleisure.org/centres/romsey-rapids-sports-complex/

Winchester Sport and Leisure Park

Address: Bar End Rd, Bar End, Winchester SO23 9NR

Opening times: Monday to Friday 6am until 10pm, Saturday 7am until 7pm, Sunday: 7am until 10pm

Winchester Sport and Leisure park is not only home to its 50m swimming pool, it is also home to its family friendly water play area. This allows toddlers and small children to paddle with parental supervision. There is little to no standing water to prevent injury and risk to small children. This splash pad promises fun and allows children to be introduced to water in a fun and safe environment which will help build their confidence.

Entry costs £2 per person throughout the summer for family sessions. 

Go to everyoneactive.com/centre/winchester-sport-leisure-park/