Things to do during the summer holidays with kids in Andover

The Advertiser has compiled a list of things to do in and near Andover with kids, no matter the weather. 

From farms to zoos, museums to bowling alleys, boating to parks, this list has something for everyone.

READ MORE: Day-by-day forecast with Andover set for 29C and sunshine this week

Finkley Down Farm

North Way, Andover, SP11 6NF

This award-winning farm has a range of animals including goats, pigs, horses, alpacas, hawks, reptiles, and more, as well as a number of indoor and outdoor activities.

Children can enjoy the indoor play area with a designated area for toddlers. For the sunnier days, children can enjoy the outdoor parks located around the farm, or go for a spin in the farm's pedal go-karts, tractors or miniature Land Rovers.

The farm will also host a 'Summer of Fun' programme with live shows, bird flying displays, and hands-on animal activities. 

Finkley Down Farm (Image: Contributed)

Marwell Zoo

Thompson's Ln, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH

This zoo with more than 140 different animals from giraffes to penguins, and five adventure play areas is fun for all the family.

To mark the summer holidays, the zoo will also receive a visit from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with a fun interactive trail inspired by the children's book.

The trail will follow the story through a series of 3D installations and augmented reality elements, with a giant apple, pear archways and plum tunnels, before ending in a photo opportunity for all.

(Image: Paul Collins for Marwell Wildlife)

Army Flying Museum

Kentsboro, Stockbridge, SO20 8FB

One of the UK's leading museums for British military aviation history, visitors can view the collection spanning more than 100 years of the British Army in the air, which includes the first Apache AK Mk.1 exhibit in the country.

The family-friendly museum includes activities to keep children engaged as they work together to assemble a Lynx engine, dress up to sit inside a helicopter, explore an indoor soft play area or complete an activity book.

In the summer holidays, the museum also offers free craft sessions every weekday between 10am and 12.30pm, as well as additional activities such as petting therapy goats or making wildflower seed bombs.

Army Flying Museum (Image: Tom Gregory)

Hawk Conservancy Trust

Sarson Ln, Andover, SP11 8DY

For flying displays with up to 20 birds, complete with dramatic effects and music, look no further. The trust promises visitors the chance to watch birds 'soar across the skies', allowing you to see owls, vultures and eagles up close.

Set within 22 acres of countryside, the whole family can enjoy tractor rides, nest-building activities, talks from experts, a giant Top Trumps activity trail and more.

Ticket sales go towards the trust's vital conservation work across the UK, and overseas, allowing it to carry out rehabilitation, and research programmes, and generate awareness for birds of prey.

Hawk Conservancy Trust

Whitchurch Silk Mill

28 Winchester St, Whitchurch, RG28 7AL

Set in a Grade II listed building, this 19th-century water mill weaves English silk fabrics using machinery from the century. The living museum takes visitors through the processes of weaving, as they discover how to make fabrics woven for designers including Thomas Burberry.

The mill houses a collection spanning more than 200 years, and more than 5,000 objects, telling the story of centuries of silk weaving in Whitchurch.

The attraction provides free entry for little ones under five years old, as well as outside play equipment, colouring sheets, children's trails, dressing up clothes and craft activities.

Whitchurch Silk Mill (Image: Whitchurch Silk Mil)

Charlton Lakeside

Charlton Rd, Charlton, Andover, SP10 3JH

Perfect for a hot summer's day, Charlton Lakeside provides a range of outdoor activities for family days out, including themed adventure golf, boating, 3-par golf and a play park.

Visitors can step into Andover's Iron Age past with a game of adventure golf, influenced by the town's Museum of Iron Age to ensure historical accuracy.

Alternatively, families can explore the lake by swan pedalo or kayak to spot a variety of wildlife in the water, including Water Fowl, Pipistrelle Bats, Water Voles and a family of Otters.

Charlton Lakes (Image: Google Maps)

Riverside Bowl

22-30 Bridge St, Andover, SP10 1BN

This entertainment venue offers a range of different activities and experiences for visitors of any age from bowling to arcade games and more.

Families can take part in Glo-Golf, a glowing mini golf course featuring iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. A new addition, families can play augmented reality darts, a spin on the classic game.

The arcade features a variety of games, including video games and skill games such as Sonic Blastball, Cut the Rope, air hockey, Sonic Basketball, foosball tables and Monopoly.

London, one of the holes at the Riverside Bowl (Image: NQ)