Get ready for more excitement, more adventure, and a whole lot of hands-on fun, as this year’s KidsFest is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, bursting with exciting new attractions for children of all ages (and grown-ups too!).

CarFest is thrilled to be unveiling a jam-packed lineup of new experiences across every corner of KidsFest, from the action-fuelled Adrenaline Arena to the creative buzz of the Imagination Station. Whether your little ones are curious scientists, aspiring athletes, or just here for the chaos and colour, when you step into KidsFest you’re sure to find something extraordinary for your young ones, and for the young at heart.

Kicking off each morning at Pudsey’s Spot is a brand-new live show you won’t want to miss. Pudsey’s Power Up Party sees children’s TV star Chris Jarvis take to the stage bright and early to start off your day with games, music and pure CBeebies joy. Expect laughs, dancing, and plenty of Pudsey-powered surprises as Chris helps families launch into the KidsFest magic with a bang.

Science fans, prepare to be blown away - literally. Over in The Curiosity Factory, The World of Chemistry invites guests on an explosive journey with Ben Brown from Explorer Dome. His awe-inspiring experiments will have kids gasping, giggling and learning all at the same time. It’s science made spectacular, and is just one of the brain-boosting highlights on offer. The Shark Trust will be taking guests on a 360° VR adventure to learn all about sharks and rays, but that’s not all. From building dream cars out of LEGO bricks or taking freediving breath hold workshops with Mares and DiveSSI, KidsFest is brimming with moments that spark imagination and curiosity.

If your child dreams of flying helicopters, patching up patients, or saving lives, they’ll love the chance to step into the world of real-life heroes at The Curiosity Factory. Get hands-on with ultrasound scanners and learn how to take people’s blood with the Medical Mavericks at The Body Lab, hop aboard a mobile Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance flight simulator, and meet the Hampshire Search and Rescue volunteers who go above and beyond every day. It’s eye-opening, inspiring and seriously fun.

Meanwhile, down at The Champions Ground, it’s game on. Kids can dive into all kinds of sports, whether they’re experts or looking to try out something new, and there are challenges designed for kids, teenagers, and adults alike. Join Football Escapes and train with ex-Premier League stars and UEFA-licenced coaches. Sands United, a footballing community that brings bereaved men together through a shared love of the beautiful game, will be sharing more about their work and running footballing activities for little ones.

Learn the ropes of hockey with the Basingstoke Hockey Club with mini games and obstacle courses. Take on a Rugby Rumble with the Overton Rugby Club and collect balls in their Rugby Hungry Hippos showdown. Join the South Coast Spitfires to learn more about the world of flag American football, and you can even try your hand at spiking and serving with the South Hants Volleyball Club. Whether you’re taking on an obstacle course or trying to score some goals, this is sports with a twist, and no pressure to perform - just play and have fun.

Feeling brave? The Adrenaline Arena has you covered. With a towering Mobile Climbing Wall and a wipeout-worthy Surf Simulator (both suitable for all ages), kids can push their limits in safe, supervised fun. And when it’s time to catch your breath, the Go Wild Adventure Zone offers five thrilling activities for kids and adults, from axe throwing and laser tag to mini golf - plus, there are deckchairs and sunshades for grown-ups to recharge too.

For those looking to try their hand at something creative, the Imagination Station is the place for colour, creativity, and big ideas. Design your own T-shirt with the Berkshire Printmakers’ 45-minute workshops, take selfies and do a spot of colouring at the Plane Characters Story Stop, spray-paint your own masterpiece with Pop-up Spray Studios CIC, or step into the magical world of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in a new play experience brought to life by Edx Education. There’s even a Dress-Up Zone and Rainbow Pebbles Corner inside the Edx Education x The Very Hungry Caterpillar Play Tent, for the tiniest of festivalgoers.

Over at The Play Patch, energy levels are set to soar with the Energise Sports Challenge, a mix of games and challenges designed to get kids moving and laughing. From aiming for bullseyes in the Nerf TargetZone to speeding through the Superhero Agility Challenge, there’s something to thrill every budding athlete. It’s all free, and all about having a blast. Things will be getting messy with Messy Makers, as the award-winning Little Learners team brings their brand of creative chaos to CarFest. Tailored for little ones aged 5 months to 5 years, these educational play sessions are bursting with paint, playdough, and more. It’s more than just making a mess, though - it’s learning in disguise, helping children develop motor skills and writing confidence through tactile exploration. Every child is invited to make their mark.

If you can hear loud laughter and the thump of music, then you’re probably near the Super Pirates zone. This crew of playworkers, actors, and dancers specialise in full-throttle fun, with wild games, giant inflatables, dance battles and spontaneous mega raves. Every activity is designed to unleash creativity and leave kids feeling like total legends.

Down at The Pitch Stop Playground, it’s time to buckle up for adventure with Mini Rovers, where kids aged 4 to 10 can take the wheel in their very own off-road driving experience. With a custom-built course full of twists, turns and kid-sized thrills, young drivers will steer their way through obstacles while putting the pedal to the metal (safely, of course!).

Game On! with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a chance for families to take a moment together to connect and have fun with card games like Egg Slam, Cobra Paw, Dobble, and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. There’s even a chance to win prizes and meet the inspiring team behind the Trust, who support young people rebuilding their lives after cancer - proof that play can have a powerful purpose.

So, whether your child wants to play, perform, create, explore or just run wild - KidsFest has got them covered. And best of all, nearly every activity is completely free with your ticket.

Explore the full line-up at