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14 Things to Do in Fleet, Hampshire with Kids

By Katy Depledge
Fleet Pond by Michelle.Salter, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Looking for the best things to do in Fleet with kids? This friendly Hampshire town is surrounded by green space, with a huge freshwater lake, three country parks, a canal towpath and plenty of playgrounds, all within easy reach of the town centre.

Whether you've lived here for years or you're thinking about moving to Fleet with little ones, there's lots to keep babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers busy - whatever the weather.

To help you make the most of the area, here's our guide to the best things to do in Fleet with kids…

14 Best Things to Do in Fleet, Hampshire with Children

1. Fleet Pond Nature Reserve

Fleet Pond is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire, set within a 141-acre nature reserve of heathland, woodland, reedbed and marsh. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest, looked after by Hart District Council's Countryside Rangers and the Fleet Pond Society.

Little ones can look out for birds, butterflies and dragonflies, stop at the viewing platforms and have a picnic at one of the benches. The red route is the most accessible, while the other routes are more uneven.

There are no toilets on site, so plan a stop before you go - the nearest are at Fleet train station, around a 12-minute walk from the car park. Keep little ones and dogs away from the water's edge and follow any signs on site.

Address: Fleet Pond car park, Fleet Road (A3013), Fleet GU51 2RT (closest postcode)

Price: FREE (free parking, 2.1m height barrier)

2. Calthorpe Park

Calthorpe Park is Fleet's biggest town park and a firm favourite with local families. The play area has a "mega fort", a zip-line, swings, a roundabout, springers and slides, with plenty of open space and picnic spots around it.

Caleb's Coffee, opposite the tennis courts, is handy for a hot drink while the children play. The park also hosts some of Fleet's biggest community events, including the Fleet Carnival and the annual Lions Firework Fiesta.

Running, climbing and balancing on play equipment is brilliant for developing gross motor skills - you'll find more ideas in our guide to outdoor activities for toddlers and preschoolers.

Address: Calthorpe Park, off Reading Road North, Fleet GU51 4AB

Price: FREE

3. Edenbrook Country Park

Edenbrook Country Park offers 82 acres of parkland on the western side of Fleet, with surfaced paths and boardwalks that are perfect for a pushchair walk.

If you have a budding cyclist, there's a beginners' wheeled sports track that can be ridden on by "anything with wheels", plus a short flow trail that's ideal for balance bikes. Some grass routes can get muddy, so wellies are a good idea after rain.

There are no toilets on site - the nearest are at Hart Leisure Centre, around a 10-minute walk from the main field.

Address: Main car park, The Brambles, Fleet GU51 5DW

Price: FREE (free parking)

Lake in Edenbrook Country Park © Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0
Lake in Edenbrook Country Park © Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0

4. Basingstoke Canal Towpath

The Basingstoke Canal winds for 32 miles through Hampshire and Surrey, and several stretches pass right through Fleet and Church Crookham. A gentle walk along the towpath is a lovely way to spend a morning, with ducks, boats and kayakers to spot along the way.

Reading Road Wharf and Crookham Wharf are both good starting points. For a longer outing, the Fox & Hounds in Church Crookham sits right beside the canal, with a garden and children's play area.

Cyclists also use the towpath, so it's worth keeping little ones close.

Address: Basingstoke Canal towpath, Fleet (access from Reading Road and Crookham Road)

Price: FREE

Baseley’s Bridge, Basingstoke Canal © Simon Challinor, cc-by-sa/2.0

5. Hart Leisure Centre Soft Play

For a rainy day, the soft play at Hart Leisure Centre is a great indoor option. The four-tier structure has ramps, rollers, climbing areas, a ball pit and interactive zones, plus a dedicated baby section for younger children.

It's open seven days a week and is reasonably priced, making it an easy go-to when the weather turns.

Address: Hart Leisure Centre, Emerald Avenue, Fleet GU51 5EE

Price: £ (check the latest prices before you visit)

6. Rhymetime and Storytime at Fleet Library

Fleet Library runs free Rhymetime sessions on Thursday mornings, with separate toddler and baby sessions, plus Storytime for under 5s on Monday mornings. There's also a free Stay & Play several afternoons a week.

These sessions are a lovely, low-key way to meet other local families, and singing, rhymes and stories are fantastic for early language development. For more ideas to try at home, take a look at our literacy activities for early years and our post on music and child development.

Address: Fleet Library, 236 Fleet Road, Fleet GU51 4BX

Price: FREE (suggested donation of £1 for some sessions)

7. The Views

Right in the town centre, The Views is a handy green space for a quick play between errands. There's a play area with climbing frames, swings and slides, plus a skate park and cycle route for older siblings.

The Views also hosts local events throughout the year, including a circus, music festival and silent cinema.

Address: The Views, off Harlington Way, Fleet GU51 4BY

Price: FREE

8. Ancells Farm Park

If you have a toddler and an older child, Ancells Farm Park on the north side of Fleet is a great choice. There's a dedicated toddler play area with springers, swings, a slide and spinner bowl, alongside a bigger play area with a zip wire, skywalk, trim trail and bird's nest swing.

Address: Ancells Farm Park, off Falkners Close, Fleet GU51 2XB

Price: FREE

9. Bramshot Farm Country Park

Bramshot Farm Country Park has 91 acres of meadows and woodland, with signposted walks for all ages. The Leaping Hare Loop is a 1.3km surfaced path that's ideal for pushchairs and little legs, with carved benches and picnic tables along the way.

For a slightly longer adventure, Old Oak Way takes you across mown paths, boardwalks and wetland viewing platforms. It's a lovely spot for an autumn walk - why not bring along our free autumn scavenger hunt printable?

Address: Bramshot Farm Country Park, Fleet GU51 2RU (closest postcode)

Price: FREE (free parking)

Sunset near Little Bramshot Farm © Ian Paterson, CC BY-SA 2.0
Sunset near Little Bramshot Farm © Ian Paterson, CC BY-SA 2.0

10. Hartland Country Park

Between Fleet and Farnborough, Hartland Country Park has a play area and children's cycle track, as well as ponds, woodland and surfaced paths. With benches, picnic tables and free parking, it's an easy option for a relaxed morning out.

Address: Hartland Country Park, Bramshot Lane, GU14 0FB (closest postcode)

Price: FREE (free parking)

11. The Harlington

The Harlington is Fleet's arts and entertainment venue, run by Fleet Town Council. Alongside shows, live music and events, it offers term-time classes and holiday courses for children, so it's worth keeping an eye on the listings.

At Christmas, The Harlington is also home to Santa's Grotto during the Fleet Christmas Festival.

Address: The Harlington, 236 Fleet Road, Fleet GU51 4BY

Price: £ (varies by event)

12. Alice Holt Forest

Just over the border near Farnham, Alice Holt Forest is a brilliant day out for young families. The 1.7km Play Trail has wide, well-surfaced paths suitable for pushchairs, with play structures along the way and Gruffalo sculptures hidden in the woods to find.

There are also play areas, a giant marble run, a café, toilets and baby changing.

If you fancy something more energetic, Go Ape’s Nets Adventure is recommended for ages 3–11, and booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Woodland walks like this are full of opportunities for sensory play - crunching leaves, collecting pinecones and listening for birds.

Address: Alice Holt Forest, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS

Price: £ (parking charges apply, activities extra)

Recreation in Alice Holt Forest © Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0

13. Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum

A short drive from Fleet, the FAST Museum in Farnborough celebrates Farnborough’s aviation heritage, with a collection of aircraft, satellites and simulators, with aircraft and cockpits on display.

It's a great option for little ones who love planes, and it welcomes visitors of all ages.

The museum is open at weekends and on bank holiday Mondays and is run by volunteers, so it's worth checking their latest updates before you visit.

Address: Trenchard House, 85 Farnborough Road, Farnborough GU14 6TF

Price: Check before you visit

14. Wellington Country Park

On the Hampshire-Berkshire border near Riseley, Wellington Country Park is designed with younger children in mind. There's a toddlers' area, an animal farm and petting barn, adventure play areas, sandpits and a splash park, plus a miniature railway and mini golf.

The park is seasonal, opening from mid-February to the start of November, so it's one to save for spring and summer.

Address: Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP

Price: ££

Map of Things to Do in Fleet, Hampshire

Free Things to Do in Fleet with Kids

Families don't need to spend a lot to enjoy Fleet. Some of the best free activities include:

Rainy Day Activities in Fleet for Children

Hampshire weather isn't always on our side, but there are still plenty of indoor activities for families in Fleet. Some great rainy day ideas include:

If you're looking for inspiration for indoor play at home, you might enjoy our guides to nursery activity ideas, STEM activities for children and learning through play.

Family Days Out in Hampshire

Fleet is perfectly placed for exploring the rest of Hampshire, with the M3 taking you straight towards Basingstoke and Winchester. If you're planning a bigger family day out, here are some of our favourite Hampshire attractions for young children.

Milestones Museum, Basingstoke

Milestones is Hampshire's living history museum, with recreated cobbled streets, shops and vintage vehicles to explore. Little ones will love Mr Simpson’s Teddy Bear Museum, and there’s a family-friendly rooftop café. Children under 5 go free.

Address: Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG

Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

At Winchester Science Centre, children can climb inside a giant ear, play in the nature-based Bio:Space and fly through the stars in the planetarium. It's open to the public at weekends and during school holidays, and children under 3 go free.

Address: Telegraph Way, Morn Hill, Winchester SO21 1HZ

Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo near Winchester is set in 140 acres and is home to hundreds of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, penguins and lemurs. With seven adventure play areas, there's plenty to keep little ones busy between enclosures.

Address: Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH

The Watercress Line, Alresford

The Watercress Line is a heritage steam railway running for around 10 miles between Alresford and Alton. Look out for family favourites throughout the year, including Day Out with Thomas and the festive Father Christmas Express.

Address: The Railway Station, Station Road, Alresford SO24 9JG

Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park

For little Peppa fans, Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park near Romsey has rides, the Muddy Puddles water playpark and George's Spaceship Playzone. Children under 1 metre go free. The park opens on selected dates in autumn and winter, so check before you travel.

Address: Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL

Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest

Longdown Activity Farm is perfect for animal-loving toddlers, with daily goat and calf bottle-feeding, an animal encounter barn and an outdoor play area with ride-on tractors, a sandpit and mud kitchen. It's open daily from February half-term to the end of October half-term, with selected dates in November and December.

Address: Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH

Family Guide to Visiting Fleet

Planning a family day out in Fleet, or thinking about moving to the area? This guide will help you enjoy a relaxed, child-friendly visit with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Getting Here

Fleet is easy to reach by train or car, and the town centre along Fleet Road is easy to explore with a pushchair.

🚆 By Train: Fleet station is served by South Western Railway, with direct trains to London Waterloo. The fastest journeys take around 40 minutes, making Fleet a popular choice for commuting parents.

🚗 By Car: Fleet is close to Junction 4a of the M3, with easy access to Farnborough, Basingstoke and the rest of Hampshire.

Parking

Hart District Council runs several pay and display car parks in Fleet town centre, including Gurkha Square and Church Road & Victoria Road. Charges apply every day, including Sundays, so it's worth checking the latest Hart parking charges before you go.

Fleet Pond, Edenbrook and Bramshot Farm all have free car parks, but each has a 2.1m height barrier - worth knowing if you have a roof box or larger vehicle.

Where to Eat

Fleet has a good selection of cafés and restaurants along Fleet Road, many of which welcome buggies and little ones. Some popular family-friendly options include:

  • Caleb's Coffee – A handy coffee stop in Calthorpe Park, opposite the tennis courts, for a drink while the children play.
  • Two Spoons Bistro & Bar – A café, bistro and bar on Fleet Road serving brunch and lunch, with a children's menu.
  • PizzaExpress Fleet – A reliable choice for a family meal on Fleet Road, with a kids' menu and baby facilities.
  • Fox & Hounds – A canalside pub in Church Crookham with home-made food, a garden overlooking the Basingstoke Canal and a children's play area.

Baby and Toddler Facilities

There are public toilets with baby changing on Level One of the Hart Shopping Centre in the town centre.

Many of Fleet's best green spaces, including Fleet Pond, Edenbrook and Bramshot Farm, don't have toilets on site, so it's worth planning ahead (and packing a spare change of clothes!). If you're heading further afield, Alice Holt Forest has toilets and baby changing facilities.

Family Events in Fleet

Fleet has a busy calendar of community events, many organised with Fleet Town Council. Highlights include:

  • Lions Firework Fiesta – Fleet's fireworks display in Calthorpe Park, organised by Fleet Lions (7 November 2026).
  • Fleet Christmas Festival – Stalls along Fleet Road, the Christmas tree lights switch-on, a Kids Zone, choirs and Santa's Grotto at The Harlington (25 November 2026, 2pm–9pm).
  • Fleet Carnival – A summer favourite in Calthorpe Park, held in July.

Looking for festive activities at home? Download our free printable Christmas activity pack.

Fleet is a fantastic place for families, with lakes, country parks, playgrounds and friendly community events to enjoy all year round, and the best of Hampshire right on your doorstep.

If you live in Fleet, or you're moving to the area and starting to think about your child's early years, we'd love to welcome you to Acorn House, our new nursery and preschool in Fleet.

Enquire now to find out more about places and fees, including government funded hours. If you're new to funded childcare, our guide to childcare funding explains how it works.

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