WITH two lovely long summer days ahead of you, you'll want something to keep all the family entertained this weekend. 

Here's our pick of five of the best places to go for family fun.

Hares of Hampshire, Southampton and Winchester, all weekend

Daily Echo:

A spectacular public art event is bounding across the cities of Southampton and Winchester this summer. 

Leap out of hibernation with Hares of Hampshire, an interactive art event brought to you by The Murray Parish Trust and Wild In Art.

For ten weeks, Winchester and Southampton streets, parks and public spaces are being brought to life with an exhibition of magnificent hares. Each giant sculpture is individually designed and beautifully created.

Enjoy the free, fun, family-friendly trail while exploring our great cities. This is an opportunity for locals and visitors to be inspired, get creative and celebrate the history and culture of Hampshire.

Hares of Hampshire runs until August 25.

For details, visit haresofhampshire.co.uk

Fossil Fun, Westquay, Saturday and Sunday

Daily Echo:

Calling all little explorers! To celebrate the arrival of Big Sara, the 150 million-year-old dinosaur fossil at Westquay, there's a roarsome weekend of free dinosaur crafts and games

Create and take home your own dinosaur fossil using air-drying clay, enjoy interactive storytelling, dino dancing, games and fun.

Pop along to level 2, opposite Marks and Spencer, from 10am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday.

Allosaurus Big Sara is on display by Five Guys, close to the Showcase Cinemas entrance.

Climb aboard SS Shieldhall, Round the Island Race cruise on Saturday

Daily Echo:

Spend a leisurely day on the Solent, enjoying the spectacle of the Round the Island Yacht Race from the great viewing platform of the Shieldhall!

The race regularly attracts over 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.

On return to berth, get up close to the cruise ships Ventura, Sky Princess, Iona and MSC Magnifica.

Also see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge.

Tickets from ss-shieldhall.co.uk

Simply Jaguar, Beaulieu, Sunday

Daily Echo:

All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday and park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day that Jaguar owners and enthusiasts alike will love.

All ages and models of Jaguar are welcome, which provides a great opportunity to admire some stunning vehicles on display.

That's not to mention the National Motor Museum's many other vehicle related attractions. See Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, go behind the scenes of Top Gear, ride the monorail and play in adventure playground Little Beaulieu.

Visit beaulieu.co.uk

Enjoy rose season at Mottisfont

Daily Echo:

THERE are more opportunities to experience a stunning collection of old-fashioned roses as a National Trust property has extended its opening hours this month.

The walled garden at Mottisfont is home to the National Collection of pre-1900 old-fashioned roses, which reach their peak in early summer.

Unlike modern species, old-fashioned roses tend to flower just once a year, so their blooming season is an extraordinary annual sight, attracting thousands of visitors.

The National Trust property is now open until 8pm on Mondays to Saturdays until July 2, giving more opportunities to enjoy this brief blooming season.

Book tickets at nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/features/mottisfonts-rose-garden

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