It is not secret that we love a decent family day out over here, despite the name Secret Sussex.
In fact, that is what we live for! Quality time together with our children exploring the Sussex countryside or attractions.
Sussex has so much to offer, whatever the ages. Family Days out in Sussex can be rich and varied. This post will focus on activities for families with children.
Family days out in Sussex can be what you want, active, relaxed, historical, interesting, exciting or a combination of all.
Family Days Out in West Sussex
Family days out in Sussex are enriched by the vast amount on offer across West Sussex. Whether you are seeking a beautiful landscape to explore, a kid friendly country centre, pick your own or water sports.
Aldingbourne Country Centre
Aldingbourne Country Centre is a wonderful social initiative, supporting those with autism and learning disabilities.
If you are set to be out of the house all day with your kids, then this is a good choice. Opening at 10:00 and closing at 16:00 – we have often spent full days here.
There is a wide variety of activities here ranging from woodland play area/walk, soft play, water play, crazy golf, mini go-karting, maze, ride on tractors and of course the mini farm.
My kids are obsessed with the giant indoor slide here. We loved the little “Book Nook”, which is a cosy corner with tens of books to choose from – the perfect quiet spot to kick back, especially if emotions are getting high with little ones.
There is often a rolling time table of events such as goat grooming and feeding alpacas. They are also extending the the site to include a little village for autumn 2024!
Address: Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane, Chichester, PO18 0JP
Fishers Farm
Fishers Farm is one of our favourite family days out in Sussex. There are a wide variety of rides and activities suitable for all ages.
The animals are well cared for with lots of different animals to see. There is both indoor and outdoor play areas to help plan for whatever weather on the day.
Address: New Pound Lane, Wisborough Green, RH14 0EG
Knepp Country Estate
Knepp Country Estate is a beautiful day out for little intrepid adventurers. This is a great day out for all ages, especially for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Knepp Country Estate has it’s walking routes clearly marked, depending how far you wish to travel.
Some highlights of Knepp Country Estate for children would be the old castle ruins, the bird hide and the tree top viewing points!
Address: Knepp Castle, Horsham, RH13 8LJ
Amberley Museum
The Amberley Museum is an excellent family day out for all ages. This extensive museum is both interactive and interesting.
This museum is packed with exhibits of both historical and working exhibitions. We particularly enjoyed the live electricity exhibition which was excellent!
The volunteers on-site are super helpful for guidance and advice. There is also a mini train ride and bus that transports visitors around the museum, if required.
There is a cafe located on-site for hot food and drinks, although we opted to bring a picnic.
Address: New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, BN18 9LT
Ferring Country Centre
Ferring Country Centre is a wonderful, socially minded initiative. It is also a great day out for the family! They have not long renovated the cafe that serves delicious drinks and food.
The playground is modern and well kept. The whole family can enjoy a potter through this farm, which is not huge. It is nicely contained with enough animals to keep little ones engaged.
There is also a soft play for smaller children within the cafe and they are installing a “jumping pillows” style activity more recently.
You may also be tempted by some beautiful plants or flowers grown at the on-site nursery, or something from the gift shop.
Address: Ferring Country Centre, Rife Way, Ferring, BN12 5JZ
East Beach Worthing
East Beach Worthing is one of my top places to visit in Worthing. There is usually some sort of music event on down at Coast Cafe.
The playground and splash pad (which runs from May – September) is always a hit with the kids.
East Beach Studio is brimming with creativity with all of the creative studios and independent sellers.
I always feel relaxed at East Beach Worthing knowing the kids will have a good runabout, whether at the playground or beach while I can enjoy a nice coffee from Coast.
Where: East Beach
Leonardslee Gardens
Leonardslee Gardens is a gem in the heart of Sussex. These ancient gardens reopened in 2019 having been closed for ten years.
The restoration of these gardens is fascinating. The gardens and lakes are vast for exploring on a day out.
There are also wallabies which have certain feeding times. The new play area is among some of the best I’ve seen, all the while nestled in nature.
Roundstone PYO
Roundstone Pick Your Own is a fun day out whatever time of year. In summer enjoy picking a basket of fresh, ripe strawberries.
In Autumn, get down in early October to pick your best pumpkin!
The staff there are super helpful and there is a bus ride available to transport you and little ones, if needed, around the site.
The produce here is so fresh and delicious.
Brooklands Pleasure Park
Brooklands Pleasure Park has had a revamp of it’s play area. It is state of the art and inclusive, you could easily spend a whole day here.
Another great aspect of Brooklands is the smooth, winding paths which are a great hit if rollerskating, skateboarding or scooting.
We often go here as a family to do so!
The new cafe has plenty of options for snacks, lunch and hot drinks. However we often opt to bring a picnic and make use of the numerous picnic benches within the park itself.
There are many ducks and birds at Brooklands, which my little ones enjoy watching floating in the pond.
Where: Brooklands Park, Western Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN15 8SA
Harbour Park
Harbour Park in Littlehampton is known to be some of the best amusements and soft play around.
Enjoy many of the beach side rides, or opt to head indoors if the weather is not great.
Where: Windmill Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5LH
Highdown Gardens
Highdown Gardens are a beautiful getaway from life’s hustle and bustle, near Goring-by-Sea. It is completely free to park there and enter the gardens.
There are numerous sections of the gardens to explore and they are very well tended.
I love the thoughtful touches in the newly refurbished visitors centre. They have a stock of matts and childrens wildlife books, encouraging families to sit and relax on a nice day within the gardens.
My little ones enjoy the waterfall and spotting the various birds chirping around.
There is a cafe on site and the food at Highdown Hotel is delicious if you wanted to stay for food.
Where: Highdown Rise, Littlehampton Rd, Worthing BN12
Go Ape Crawley
Go Ape is such a fun activity for the family, especially those with older children, tweens and teens.
There is a Treetop adventure for younger kids also from around the age of 4.
This treetop obstacle course is sure to make some special memories!
Where: Tilgate Park, Crawley, RH10 5PQ
Tilgate Park
Tilgate Park in Crawley is an excellent day out. There are a bunch of great activities to choose from.
The large lake and surrounding wooded areas make for great adventures whilst exploring.
Tilgate Nature Centre is renowned nationally, and home to various species from owls to terrapins, otters, reindeers and raccoon dogs.
The lake facilitates water activities such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and pedalo boats.
Where: Tilgate Dr, Crawley RH10 5PQ
Southwater Country Park
Southwater Country Park is a stunning place for a family day out. The beautiful lake is lovely for a circular walk around.
You can make use of activities such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing or hire a bike. On a nicer day, many little ones choose to get into the lake for a paddle and play on the mini beach.
My kids love the extensive Dinosaur Island Playground here at Southwater Country Park. They particularly enjoyed following the dinosaur footprints around the park to find the playground.
There is a cafe on site or plenty of spaces to stop and have a picnic.
Where: Cripplegate Ln, Southwater, Horsham RH13 9UN
Out of Bounds
Out of Bounds has plenty of things to do for kids in Sussex. It has an extensive soft play, bowling, adventure golf, clip and climb, jumping pillows and laser tag.
Out of Bounds is a good option for all ages, including adults.
With the unpredictable British weather, it’s always good to have an indoor back up plan!
Where: Golfers Lane, Angmering, Littlehampton BN16 4NB England
Nyamans Gardens and House
Nyamans Gardens and House is a National Trust site and makes for a beautiful day out.
The Rose Garden is particularly beautiful at the start of summer. The winding paths make for a lush walk amongst the beautiful trees and planters.
In the summer, there are lots of family friendly activities. Expect badminton, yoga, den building and an obstacle course on the Combers Field.
You can visit the old stately home ruins and learn about its history.
There is plenty of parking, however the cafe has not so great reviews and can be expensive, so make sure to pack a picnic to avoid disappointment.
Where: Nymans Staplefield Road, Handcross, Haywards Heath RH17 6EB England
Wakehurst Gardens
There are over 500 acres to explore at Wakehurst, with it’s lush gardens, woodlands and nature reserve. This makes it the perfect day out in Sussex with kids.
Explore the childrens garden with mud kitchen, the wild wood or the trunk trek.
There are some beautiful natural play spaces peppered across the estate, such as the labyrinth and woodland world.
Kids up to the age of 16 go free at Wakehurst, making it all the more appealing for a day out.
Where: Haywards Heath RH17 6TN
Arundel Wetlands Centre
Arundel Wetland Centre makes for a beautiful family day out, especially for all the nature enthusiasts.
Watch the diving duck feed at midday, take a safari boat through the wetlands and explore the surroundings, or enjoy pond dipping sessions between April – October.
There are a host of activities on for the summer also.
Where: WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, West Sussex, BN18 9PB
Swanbourne Lake
Swanbourne Lake is a lovely circular walk. My kids both love this trek around the lake, as they enjoy hearing all the various birds and climbing the sides along the way.
They also enjoy the hike up to Hiorne Tower.
The lake offers a 30 minute boating experience where you can feed the ducks up close. Purchase a bag of bird seed from the cafe on site for 50p.
Where: Swanbourne Lake, MilL Road, Arundel, BN18 9PA
Borde Hill Gardens
Borden Hill Garden is another beautiful day out for the family. There are lots of rare and interesting plants here, an adventure playground for the kids and refreshing woodland walks.
Where: Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XP
Family Days Out in East Sussex
Family Days out in Sussex would not be the same with the amount of wonderful options across East Sussex. East Sussex is beautifully rural but still has loads to do along the seafront and parks.
Do check out the wonderful options for Glamping in East Sussex.
Stanmer Park
Stanmer Park has beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands to explore. It is a wonderful family day out to refresh and recalibrate.
Within the park is Stanmer Village, a unique and iconic example of an 18th Century village which is still occupied and working today.
Stanmer Park is known as the “gate of the South Downs”. A whole day could be spent here exploring, picnicing and enjoying the outdoors.
Where: Lewes Road, Brighton BN1 9SE
Preston Park
Preston Park is one of Brighton and Hove’s largest and well loved open spaces.
Preston Park has lots to see and do and is a great day out for all ages. The is a large childrens playground with sandpit, gardens to explore, lots of unique buildings such as the clock tower and tile houses.
There is also facilities for a wide range of sports including tennis, cricket, football, basketball and an historical cycling velodrome.
Where: Preston Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 6SD
Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier is a classic activity to do with the family. A recent fee of £1 has been added to enter the pier, to aid essential maintenance.
Enjoy a host of rides and attractions while on the pier, kick back and have a drink at Horatio’s Bar, or simply enjoy an ice cream while your little ones run wild at the soft play.
Wrist bands are available on the website with discounted prices if bought in advance.
Where: Brighton Palace Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TW
Brighton Pavillion
Brighton Pavillion is a luxurious and interesting place to visit. The Pavillion itself does have an entry fee but is a nice place to potter around, especially on a rainy or hot day for shelter!
There is often a rotation of family friendly activities on here and a great place to learn about history.
The gardens here are always teeming with life, people catching up and buskers.
It is a lovely place to sit and relax in the gardens whilst the kids run around.
Where: Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EE
Kings Road Playpark
This beautiful seafront play area is the perfect spot for grown-ups to relax whilst the kids busy themselves.
With a natural sandpit, sturdy climbing frames and paddling pool, it is easy to spend a few hours here.
The paddling pool is open from May – mid September, with the option to hire a deck chair and seek refreshments from the cafe.
Where: Kings Road, Brighton, BN2 1LN
Hove Lagoon
Hove Lagoon is the perfect family day out with heaps of activities to keep all entertained. This scenic beachside location has a cafe on-site dishing out all the essentials from hot food, ice cream and coffees.
There are a range of water sports on offer, from kayaking SUP, wakeboarding, windsurfing and more.
There is a refreshing paddle pool open for little ones between May bank holiday and mid September.
Where: Hove Lagoon, Kingsway, Hove, BN3 4LX
Washbrooks Family Farm
Washbrooks Farm is has to be up there when planning your family days out in Sussex. It is family run, with both indoor and outdoor play areas.
There is a traditional farm with animals and a family friendly tea room.
Where: Brighton Rd, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks BN6 9EF
Herstmonceux Castle Estate
We visited Herstmonceux Castle Estate on our way to Hastings recently and we were blown away by its beauty.
The gardens are multiple and varied and the kids loved exploring the grounds here. We loved exploring the hidden magic garden with wooden toadstools.
There is also a children’s climbing area they enjoyed mucking about in.
Where: Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham BN27 1RN
Observatory Science Centre
On-site at Herstmonceux is the renowned Observatory Science Centre. The world famous astronomical centre hosts plenty of interactive science and discovery activities amongst its iconic domes.
They have a spectacular schedule throughout the year, from star gazing evenings, astronomy festival, astronomy courses, science festival and childrens activities.
This is an education charity, with booking suggested.
Where: Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN
Sheffield Park and Garden
Sheffield Park boasts acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland.
The woodland play trail is a hit with the kids and the rolling landscapes are a beautiful walk.
Where: Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX
Hastings Old Town
Hastings is a wonderful day out with kids. Mosey through the old fisherman’s town, pop into the free fishermen museum, enjoy the relaxation of sea life centre.
The Old Town is charming and full of character, which makes it a satisfying day out for the whole family.
If you are feeling up for it, take a hike up to the West Hill at the top of the town and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the coastline.
Alternatively, use the classic Cliff Railways that will take the burden of the steep hike up away. The scenic views from Beachy Head across the English channel are breath taking.
Where: WEST HILL, GEORGE STREET, HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX, TN34 3EA
Knockhatch Adventure Park
Knockhatch Adventure Park is one of the best family days out in Sussex. There is endless fun and adventures to be had here with both indoor and outdoor play areas.
There is also some wonderful wildlife here from emus, to meerkats, wallabies, owls and llamas.
Where: Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham BN27 3GD England
Knockhatch Ski and Snowboard Centre
Knockhatch Ski Centre is an outdoor dry ski and snowboard Centre in Hailsham.
The main slope is 110 metres and is lined with “play grass” which helps avoid accidents.
The activities here are rated as great value for money.
Where: Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham, East Sussex
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is another National Trust site to visit which is good for families. Visit the renowned 1066 country and enjoy this historic site.
Kids can meet characters from a time long ago, dress up as knights, and discover the medieval way of life.
The castle is surrounded by natural beauty, which makes a wonderful time to explore. Bring a picnic or there is a cafe on site.
Where: Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA
Wilderness Wood
Wilderness Wood is a wonderful retreat into the Sussex woodlands. It is a 60 acre community woodland, with lots to see and do.
They are sustainably minded and offer thoughfully curated activities for families.
Where: Main Road, Hadlow Down, East Sussex, TN22 4HJ
Drusillas Park
Drusillas Park is one of the best family days out in Sussex. Drusillas is known as one of the best small zoos in Europe. It is suitable for children aged between 2-12.
There are fun rides and plenty of animals to see. There is a splash pad to cool down on warmer days and an African style safari adventure. My kids adore the Jurrasic Jungle and unlimited family rides.
This makes for a great family day out, especially for animal lovers.
Where: Alfriston Road, Berwick, Polegate BN26 5QS England
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