Family Fun

You’ll find exotic sea creatures, interactive science exhibits, thrilling simulators, fascinating museums and wide open spaces in the waterfront city. With an impressive selection of exciting attractions, Portsmouth is guaranteed to appeal to visitors of any age. 

aspex gallery hosts regular workshops where children and families can get creative with artists in the gallery. The fun sessions take inspiration from the current exhibitions and there are activities for toddlers and 13 year olds alike.

Visit Portsmouth’s Natural History Museum and let your children find out about the city’s wildlife and geology for free. The museum’s Butterfly House is a tropical haven for butterflies, insects and exotic plants in the summer.

Portsmouth’s two theatres – the Kings Theatre and the New Theatre Royal – present marvellous family shows throughout the year, including touring productions from the West End and productions from local theatre groups. Look out for dance and theatre workshops in school holidays too. And who could resist a pantomime during the festive season?

Portsmouth Outdoor Centre offers kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and watersports adventure courses for youngsters. Located on the shores of Langstone Harbour, the centre offers a naturally sheltered training area for children of all abilities.

Blue Reef Aquarium is the perfect place for a family visit. With daily talks, feeding demonstrations and hands-on encounters, you’ll find out just what it’s like to be a keeper. Don’t forget your bathers in the warm weather; the Blue Reef Beach Club features a sandy beach, rockpool sandpit, pirate’s bridge and outdoor splash play area.

The Pyramids boasts a tropical leisure pool, wave pool and fun flumes, providing hours of family fun. Perfect if the weather doesn’t live up to your expectations! Further along the seafront you’ll find Clarence Pier, the largest amusement park on the South Coast, boasting a wide range of amusements, rides and activities for the whole family. Indulge the kids with a few wild rides or head indoors to Pirate Pete’s adventure play area with ball ponds, aerial runways and a pirate ship. Southsea Model Village is another delightful place to visit with a vast selection of miniature models laid before you in mature, colourful gardens.

When the weather’s good, you can’t beat Southsea’s seafront. With miles of pebble beaches to explore and gigantic green spaces, you can soak up the sea air and enjoy nature’s playground. Bring a rug and relax while the kids let off some steam. What’s more, the beaches in Southsea have been praised for the quality of their bathing water - perfect if you fancy a dip!

Built in 1544, Southsea Castle was part of a series of fortifications built by Henry VIII to protect the country from invaders. The amazing ‘Time Tunnel’ takes you through the castle’s long history in a dramatic fashion. Look out for a range of fun family events throughout 2010 too.

Action Stations, at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, takes you to the heart of today’s modern navy. The interactive exhibits do a great job of mesmerising young and old visitors alike. Discover thrilling simulators, puzzles, gadgets and gizmos plus the blockbuster movie Command Approved.