9 of the best free things to do with 5 to 10 year olds in the South

Youngsters are always overflowing with energy and looking for new activities to keep them entertained - but days out can be expensive.
These activities around the South are all completely freeThese activities around the South are all completely free
These activities around the South are all completely free

If you are looking for inspiration on things to do - and save on some pennies - these activities around the South are sure to appeal. And they're all completely free.

Hit the beach

From the pebbled shores of Brighton and Eastbourne, to the golden sands of Cornwall, Somerset and Sussex, you don't have to travel too far in the South to reach the sea.

You don't have to travel too far in the South to reach the seaYou don't have to travel too far in the South to reach the sea
You don't have to travel too far in the South to reach the sea
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Spend a day splashing in the waves, playing games on the sand, or just taking in the views.

Soak up some history

Housing a variety of intriguing natural history exhibits, youngsters will have a great time marvelling at some of the specimens on display, which include a 105 foot long replica dinosaur skeleton and the skeleton of a giant blue whale.

Visit: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD - nhm.ac.uk

Wander in the footsteps of Winnie the Pooh

Famed as being the home of Winnie the Pooh, this beautiful forest sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and stretches over 2,000 hectares, offering an abundance of scenic walking routes for visitors to explore.

Visit: Ashdown Forest - ashdownforest.com

Picnic in the park

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The hilltop setting of this pretty park provides an excellent vantage point to soak up the views across the city of Bath.

Take along a picnic to make the most of the setting and afterwards, take some time to have a wander around this most scenic of spots.

Visit: Alexandra Park, Shakespeare Avenue, Bath, BA2 4PS

Explore the fort

Stretching across 19 acres, the Royal Armouries museum at Fort Nelson boasts secret underground tunnels, ammunition bunkers, barrack rooms, outer fortifications, and an ever changing array of exhibitions, ensuring there's something new to discover on every visit.

Visit: Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Portchester, Fareham, PO17 6AN - royalarmouries.org

Enjoy a day of play

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Boasting a kids play area, skate park, fountains, petanque, chess, table tennis, open parkland and regular events, The Level has plenty to keep youngsters of all ages occupied in the heart of Brighton.

Visit: The Level, Union Road, Brighton, BN1 4ZN - thelevelbrighton.org.uk

Have an outdoor adventure

Fuel your adventurous side and take the youngsters on a day of exploring around Ferry Meadows Country Park, where there are both cycle and walking routes to enjoy, duck feeding, and plenty of spots to set up a picnic.

Visit: Ferry Meadows Country Park, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough, PE2 5UU - nenepark.org.uk

See the seven sisters

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Ideal for a sunny day outdoors, the Seven Sisters Country Park won't fail to impress with its imposing chalky cliffs.

As well as taking in the views, visitors can explore the area on foot or bike, and enjoy a spot of bird watching too.

Visit: Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, near Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AD - sevensisters.org.uk

Be king of the castle

Take a trip to the castle of Henry VIII in Portsmouth and explore its historic grounds, which was built in 1544 to protect the country from invaders.

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As well as a tour of the castle, events and exhibitions are also held throughout the year and entry is completely free of charge.

Visit: Southsea Castle, Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, PO5 3PA - southseacastle.co.uk