Things to do with a toddler in Basingstoke and Deane

Looking for inspiration for ways to keep your energetic toddler occupied? Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, have a day off with your little one during the week or are a grandparent providing childcare, we have plenty of ideas for you and the toddler in your care.

You’ll find libraries in Basingstoke town centre, Chineham, Overton, Whitchurch and Tadley.  Join up for a regular supply of books to help your toddler develop their vocabulary and spark their imagination. It’s also a lovely way to fill an hour on a rainy day. Chineham Library runs Story Time on a Tuesday for three- to five-year-olds. You can also find Story Time at Tadley on a Thursday. You will find Rhymetime at The Discovery Centre in Basingstoke town centre on a Wednesday or at Whitchurch, Tadley and Chineham libraries on a Friday. Visit the Hampshire Libraries website for event listings.

Head to Basing Woods where you can enjoy the vast expanse of woodland all year round. Enjoy the nature play area which includes swings, rocks to climb, tree stumps to navigate and a large concrete tunnel to scramble through.

Toddler groups and ways to meet other parents

If you are looking for an informal play session and a way to meet other parents, grandparents or carers then there are plenty of toddler and playgroups in the area. These usually charge a small fee and there is no commitment to go every week. We’ve found these but if there isn’t one near you listed then look at your local community centre or hall to see if they run one or visit the Hampshire Healthy Families website which has a list.

• Tuesday Tots at Oakridge Hall for All is a weekly local playgroup for newborns through to under fives.
• Barn Tots at Viables Community Centre is a parent and toddler group for pre-school children that runs on Tuesday mornings during term time.
• Basing Beans Toddler Group runs on Tuesday mornings at Lychpit Community Hall. Each session includes a craft, story and song time as well as refreshments, biscuits and adult chat!
• Popley Little People meets at Melrose Community Centre on Tuesdays through to Fridays 9.30am until 12.15pm. All parents and carers are welcome with children from bump to school age.
• Cheeky Chimps is a friendly toddler group in Tadley that runs every Wednesday.
• Warren Tots is a friendly and informal drop in pre-play session on a Wednesday at Hatch Warren Community Centre. No need to book, just pop along, grab a coffee and make new friends.
• Home-Start runs a Bumps to Newborn and Beyond Group for families with babies and toddlers. They meet every Wednesday in term-time at The Sarum Hill Centre.
• The Little Wellies Club  is organised by Home Start. This is an interactive outdoor session where children get involved with nature, gardening activities and play in a safe but interesting space. It meets Wednesdays (term-time only) outside Fairfields Primary School and is suitable for those with children who are confident walkers. 
• Munchkins is a baby and toddler group in the Rooksdown/Winklebury area of Basingstoke that meets on a Thursday morning.

Classes

There is no shortage of classes to attend with your toddler in Basingstoke:

• Spark that inner scientist with Mini Professors.
• You can find Toddler Sense sessions at Oakridge Hall for All. The classes provide sensory stimulation, fun adventures and learning opportunities.
• For those looking to introduce their little ones to music take a look at the classes with Caterpillar Music.
• Go on a weekly adventure with Drama Tots through imaginative play using music, movement and props. You can find classes in Old Basing and Lychpit Hall. Most suitable for 18 months to five years.
• Experience music, sign language, massage, yoga and sensory play with Tots Play. Basingstoke. Sessions from birth up to four year olds at Chineham Village Hall.
• Fancy making mess elsewhere? Ages five months to five years can enjoy messy play with Little Learners in Festival Place. You can also enjoy messy play at Viables Craft Centre every other Monday for little ones up to three years. Enjoy squidgy, squelchy, crafty, creative, splodgy, sparkly and most of all messy play with Messy Monkey Makers at Popley Fields Community Centre.
• For swimming classes for your little ones take a look at Basingstoke Aquadrome or Basingstoke Sports Centre. You could also enjoy a family swim session in the 20m pool or the lagoon at the Aquadrome. 
• For a dance class, join babyballet classes at Viables Community Centre or Sycamore Halls suitable for children aged six months to six years.
• Children aged two and up can join Mini Star Makers, a cooking group in Tadley where each week they bake and create something delicious to take home and enjoy! 

Indoor active play

• Located in a converted barn in a rural part of the borough, Active Tots has lots on offer for toddlers including a garden for summer months, soft play and a toddler area with role play.
• If you are in Basingstoke town centre and want something to entertain an active toddler take a look at the soft plays at Basingstoke Sports Centre or Superbowl.
• Flip Out located in Festival Place offers stay and play sessions for under fives on weekdays during the school term.
• Atmosphere Trampoline Park has dedicated sessions for those of walking age up to and including five-years-old where they can enjoy a bounce away from the bigger kids.
• There are a number of different PlayGym drop-in classes available at Basingstoke Gymnastics Club.
• If your children enjoy role play, you'll find a Role Play Village at The Roger Morris Centre on Monday mornings.

Kid friendly coffee shop

For a relaxed cosy coffee house then head to Willows Coffee House on the corner of Cross Street. The café has a lovely range of hot drinks, sweet treats and freshly baked bread. 

Other inspiration

Milestones Museum is Hampshire’s Museum of Living History. Under fives go free and adults pay once and can visit again all year.

Enjoy history, garden trails, wildlife spotting and a trip to the Riverside Café at Whitchurch Silk Mill.  Under fives go free.

Enjoy crafting with your toddler: choose from blank pottery pieces available at Pots 2 Paint in Viables Craft Centre, have some fun and create a keepsake.

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. Whilst the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. If we’ve missed you off the list or missed your favourite then drop us an email: hello@lovebasingstoke.co.uk.

Updated December 2025