IF you're hoping for inspiration for ways to keep the kids entertained during the six weeks of the summer holidays, look no further.
From top musical theatre to chidlren's favourite TV characters, there's a whole host of summer events happening in Hampshire with plenty of things to do to fill your summer calendar several times over.
Here's our pick of some of the more quirky events to enjoy.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Mayflower Theatre
It's the golden ticket of the summer.
Escape to a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical, which is in Southampton from August 16 to September 3.
Based on the iconic story, this spectacular stage show follows the hit West End and Broadway productions to combine the memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture like The Candy Man and Pure Imagination with all new numbers from the multi award-winning songwriters of Hairspray.
When Charlie Bucket finds one of the five golden tickets to the Wonka Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the other winners can’t wait to feast on the sweets of their dreams. But beyond the gates, they discover more than just remarkable edible delights. As they embark on an extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka’s marvellous mind, they soon learn that nobody leaves the same way that they arrived…
Happy Families: Adventures with the Ahlbergs at Mottisfont
A partnership that revolutionised children’s picture books will be celebrated in a new family exhibition at Mottisfont this summer.
Happy Families: Adventures with the Ahlbergs is an immersive and interactive exhibition and outdoor themed trail celebrating the stories of Janet and Allan Ahlberg, with illustrations selected from the family archives.
There will be more than 150 exhibits on display, including original hand-made components of innovative ‘movable’ book The Jolly Postman and insights into 14 children's classics like Each Peach Pear Plum, Peepo and Burglar Bill.
Families can enjoy cosy reading spaces, Mrs Wobble’s café, and helping The Jolly Postman to deliver his letters.
The exhibition also includes never shown before illustrations from It Was a Dark and Stormy Night, and Starting School.
The National Trust show is the biggest ever retrospective of the Ahlbergs’ work and includes never shown before illustrations from It Was a Dark and Stormy Night and Starting School.
It's on throughout the summer holidays and beyond.
Bluey and Hey Duggee at Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo will welcome three CBeebies favourites with special Thursday Fun Days taking place during the school summer holidays.
Bluey and her little sister Bingo, from the much-loved children’s TV show Bluey, will be visiting the zoo on July 27, August 10 and August 24.
And Hey Duggee will be taking a break from running Squirrel Club to visit on August 3 and 17.
Join the playful characters for their story time sessions and grab a picture at the same time.
The characters will have a designated appearance arena on the back lawn of Marwell Hall to ensure as many guests as possible can see them.
Starlight Cinema at Winchester Science Centre
Get set for a cinema experience unlike any other!
Every Sunday between this Sunday (July 23) and August 27, Winchester Science Centre’s Starlight Cinema is back for a summer spectacular.
For just £1, kids can watch some of Disney’s best-loved familly films, including Toy Story, The Lion King and Aladdin, play out under a blanket of stars in the Planetarium.
Then, on the final Sunday, the action heads outside under the real stars of the South Downs National Park.
Families are invited to end the summer with style by singing along to family favourite Encanto or heading off on a mini adventure with Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
Summer fun at Beaulieu
Get set for a summer filled with thrilling adventures as history comes to life at Beaulieu.
Experience an array of colourful characters, living history parades, phantasmagorical rides, and captivating new exhibitions throughout the attraction.
Motoring parades are back. Witness magnificent displays as vehicles from various eras of motoring history rumble into life and embark on exhilarating demonstration laps around the arena.
Observe the timeless artistry of falconry in action by none other than Lord Montagu’s falconer, and watch as his majestic birds gracefully soar across the Abbey Cloisters and lawns of Palace House.
Meet larger-than-life living history characters and see how many character cards you can collect.
Sculpture at Beaulieu has also returned for 2023.
The Supercar Weekend is on August 5 and 6 with Simply VW on August 13.
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