Five family-friendly things to do around Hampshire this weekend

Here's our top tips on five things to do to keep all the family entertained on Saturday and Sunday March 16 and 17.

At the University of Southampton...

It's a celebration of Science with more than 140 activities. 

To coincide with British Science Week, the University is hosting the Southampton Science and Engineering Festival (SOTSEF) at its Highfield and Boldrewood campuses. 

The event draws to a close on Sunday but not before Saturday's special annual Science and Engineering Day, a free family-friendly event packed with more than a hundred interactive activities, workshops, live shows, art performances and laboratory tours.

Expect dinosaur exhibits, space exploration and engineering advancements to feature at the event, which runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm. 

Book your free tickets at sotsef.co.uk 

At Buckler's Hard...

An art exhibition inspired by Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year semi-finalists’ paintings of Buckler’s Hard will open this weekend in the maritime village.

The Art of Buckler’s Hard exhibition will feature the paintings they created as well as artworks from the Montagu family collection.

The free exhibition will open from Saturday (March 16) until November 3 in the Shipyard Office.

To celebrate the opening, amateur and professional artists will be invited to enter a competition with their own artworks of the beautiful village on the banks of the Beaulieu River.

Seven semi-finalists competing for the Landscape Artist of the Year title were recently tasked with capturing the natural charm of Buckler’s Hard, as well as its rich maritime history, following in the footsteps of artists throughout the centuries drawn to the historic village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built.

At Winchester Science Centre...

The Eggs-travaganza Easter hunt is back from this weekend! But don’t expect to be on the hunt for brightly coloured eggs!

Did you know that in European folklore, the Easter bunny was traditionally an Easter hare? In more modern times our seasonal friend has been described as a rabbit. Throughout history, the changing of the reference between hare and rabbit has caused confusion, with many people not even knowing there is a difference between these two species.

Join a hunt around the Centre to find the visiting rabbits and hares. Explore the differences between our furry friends and solve the puzzles along the way in order to grab yourself a delicious chocolate treat.

AT MAST Mayflower Studios...

With fourteen years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.

A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all-dancing productions with hilarious results. These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – it’s just all made up on the spot!

So whether you fancy Hamilton in a hospital or Sondheim in the Sahara, you suggest it and The Showstoppers will sing it!

Enjoy their regular show and kids special at MAST Mayflower Studios on Saturday. 

At St Mary's Stadium...

With the men's team taking a break thanks to Leicester's continuing FA Cup run, Southampton Women are in action against Reading at St Mary's on Sunday. 

Saints lie third in the Women's Championship, four points off of Sunderland in top spot. with Reading in ninth position going into the game. 

Things are hotting up with five fixtures remaining in the run-in with Saints in with a chance of league glory and promotion. 

Tickets are priced £9 for adults and £3 for under 18s.