Free Children’s Activities Close to Hedge End – Free Swimming for Under 8s, Free Marwell Tickets for Under 17s

With the end of the school holidays in sight there are still a few days left in which to get out and about and active and two venues close to Hedge End are offering free tickets for children – at Fleming Park Leisure Centre children under 8 can swim for free, and Marwell Wildlife is giving free entry to one child (under 17) for every full paying adult.

Swimming is free at Fleming Park, Passfield Avenue, Eastleigh, during all general use, lane and family sessions for children under 8 from tomorrow (Wednesday 1 September) until Friday 31 December. Children must be supervised in the water and changing room areas by a parent or adult and up to three children per paying adult qualify.

The scheme has been organised by DC Leisure who operate the centre on behalf of Eastleigh Borough Council.

Jo Parker, General Manager at Fleming Park Leisure Centre says, "We are delighted to extend free swimming for those under 8 and hope this will encourage more families to come swimming more often. It is important for young people to learn to swim and be confident in the water as well as take part in regular exercise. This scheme makes swimming more accessible and affordable and I would encourage people to come swimming over the next three months.”

You’ll need to register to take advantage of the scheme by completing a form at the leisure centre and to find out more information see Fleming Park’s website or phone 023 8068 4800.

At Marwell Wildlife, Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, this week and until and including Monday 6 September, one child (aged 3 to 16 – under 3s are free) is entitled to a free ticket for every paying adult.

Simply visit the Marwell website, download their voucher and take it along with you.

Marwell has a 140-acre park, is home to over 250 exotic and endangered species ranging from tigers and giraffes to bat-eared foxes and frilled lizards, and at the moment says it has 35 new-born animals to see including baby ostrich, zebras, monkeys, oryx, wildebeest and penguins.

You can plan your day at the wildlife park in advance of your visit by visiting their website and using the links to see what’s where and what’s on.

This week Marwell has activities to mark Recycling Week (Tuesday 31 August – Saturday 4 September) which include ‘less than traditional’ storytelling sessions, workshops in which to create animal junk puppets, and an opportunity to ‘leaf a message’ on the park’s eco-tree.

Photo of baby giraffes at Marwell Zoo from Flickr by Anguskirk.