The 29 best things to do in Sussex with kids

From castles and the coast to lovely Brighton, there are so many fun things to do in Sussex with kids that it’s no surprise we’ve returned for family holidays again and again.

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For this post, I’m combining my top picks in West Sussex and East Sussex – and bear in mind that if you’re visiting places like Camber and Rye, you’re actually closer to Kent than Chichester in the west, so it’s easy to combine family attractions in both counties.

But whether you’re looking for ideas for rainy days in Sussex, free things to do or the chance to get outdoors, you’ll be spoiled for choice with these 29 great things to do in Sussex with kids.

Sussex castles and historic houses

Bodiam Castle

The archetypal castle, all towers and turrets in the middle of its moat, Bodiam Castle is one of my favourite family days out in Sussex.

As well as exploring within the fortress walls – once among the most palatial buildings of its day – there are actors giving talks and bringing the castle to life, dressing up, and the kind of gruesome history kids love.

You can even spot bats along the way, along with murder holes, or try your hand at activities like archery around the grounds.

Free to National Trust members, prebook tickets here.

Read more about my visit to Bodiam Castle with kids

Arundel Castle

Privately owned Arundel Castle is part fortress, part stately home, and that combination, as well as the chance to spot some jousting, makes it huge fun for kids.

The castle’s history stretches back over 950 years, and you can still venture into the 11th century Keep, as well as climbing to the top for some fantastic views across the West Sussex countryside.

In the grounds, you can watch battles being replayed and spot knights on horseback, as well as medieval music and crafts, plus other family-friendly activities. Inside, the state rooms have been preserved in their opulent splendour as they would have been when the Dukes of Norfolk transformed the medieval fortress in the 18th and 19th centuries.

For more of the best castles in Sussex with kids, check out my top picks

The Royal Pavilion, Brighton

This flamboyant iconic building was created for the Prince Regent, with all the royal extravagance you might expect. And this slightly fairytale architecture, combined with lavish interiors, makes it perfect for a day out with kids in Brighton.

You can buy a children’s trail for a small fee to spot some of the animals dotted throughout the opulent rooms, or amuse yourself looking out for all the dragons at the Royal Pavilion.

Once you get to the music room, staff actively encouraged us to have a lie down on the carpet to see the chandelier rising to the gold patterned ceiling. Great for a rainy day in Sussex with kids too.

Check out the Brighton Pavilion Treasure Map Trail as well, for a fun way to spot some of the quirky highlights nearby too – get 10% off using code MUMMYTRAVELS too.

For more things to do in Brighton with kids, check out my top picks

Battle Abbey

Visit one of England’s most significant historical sites during school holidays and you can see battle re-enactments and other fantastic activities that kids will love, but there’s nowhere better to bring the Norman Conquest to life at any time of year.

Stop by Battle Abbey visitor’s centre, which has interactive displays teaching about the events that led up to the Battle of Hastings, as well as walking through the battlefield itself.

You can find the Harold stone, marking the spot where the last Saxon king of England fell, and find sculptures depicting Norman and Saxon soldiers, as well as seeing the ruins of the abbey built by William after his victory.

There is also an outdoor playground, a café, and a children’s discovery room.

Anne of Cleves House, Lewes

This gorgeous Medieval house and museum in Lewes was originally built for Henry VIII’s wife Anne of Cleves – although she never actually used it. And there’s a perfect mix of education and fun, with plenty of chances for kids to get hands on and play during your visit.

Scattered throughout the Anne of Cleves house, kids can find activity boxes and clothes they can dress up in, trails and quizzes, as well as rooms with 16th century furnishings and a Tudor garden.

Lewes Castle & Barbican House Museum

Just a short distance from the Anne of Cleves House is Lewes Castle, with some amazing scenic views and a mini-cinema that tells the history of the area.

There are activities to download before you leave and costumes for kids to change into while they’re there, plus if you visit during school holidays, they also host historical activities for all ages.

The museum at Barbican House next door also has collections on local archaeology, from the prehistoric period to the present.

Nymans National Trust, Hayward’s Heath

This National Trust site has all the usual temptations for families, but it’s the gardens which set it apart – you can explore a heather garden, sunken garden, rose garden and walled garden among others…

Read my review of a day out at Nymans with kids

In Spring, Nymans is famous for its snowdrops, but you’ll also find camellias and magnolias. And from a child’s point of view, loads of space to run around and explore throughout the year, including seasonal flowers on the Winter Walk.

There are family trails through the grounds, and don’t miss the wooden walkways in the bamboo garden, plus you can go inside the medieval-style manor house (actually a lot newer than it looks), partly ruined in a fire in 1947.

Petworth House and Park, Petworth

Another Sussex National Trust property, Petworth House and Park in west Sussex is a fantastic family day out, with its grand house, huge grounds and lovely gardens.

Set in the heart of the South Downs, it’s tempting to spend sunny days exploring outside, including the deer park and the rest of the grounds, often with family trails to help you explore.

But do save time to venture inside too. Inspired by the Baroque palaces of Europe, Petworth House has its own impressive collection of art and sculpture, the earliest English globe still in existence (which once belonged to the ‘wizard’ earl of Northumberland) and links galore to famous artists.

Read my review of a day out at Petworth with kids

Newhaven Fort, Newhaven

This 150-year-old fort is huge fun for the whole family, including well-behaved dogs! One of the string of forts built during the Napoleonic wars to guard against invasion, it was still used right up until the 1950s.

Inside Newhaven Fort, you can experience what a (simulated) World War Two air raid was like from inside an air raid shelter. And the fort, built into the cliff itself, also has an adventure playground for kids and an impressive 10 acres for kids to run around in.

Animal attractions in Sussex

Sea Life Brighton

The world’s oldest operating aquarium, the Brighton Sea Life Centre is only a shell’s throw away from the sea itself with more than 150 creatures to spot within the striking Victorian building, including in the Day and Night Area.

Showing how the oceans change over the course of 24 hours, the display includes a bioluminescent beach.

As well as a variety of different underwater habitats to explore and a stamp trail, there are regular special events, behind the scenes tour, and the UK’s first glass-bottom boat, not to mention the now obligatory underwater tunnel.

For more things to do in Brighton with kids, check out my top picks

Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings

Set right on the beachfront, the Hastings aquarium might not be the biggest in Sussex but it’s very easy to while away a few hours wandering around – and ideal if you find yourself by the seaside in Sussex on a rainy day.

Look out for the porcupine pufferfish and the stonefish, two of the more unusual inhabitants along with rays, sharks, colourful reef fish, seahorses and the rather fabulous giant pacific octopus.

There are two pages of animals to tick off in a children’s guide as you go around, along with some great facts for mini marine biologists.

Read more about our day out at Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings here

Drusillas Park, near Alfriston

Don’t let the name fool you – Drusillas Park is so much more than your average park, it is one of the best zoos in Sussex and if you’re looking for a theme park in Sussex with kids, this should top your list.

The animals include smaller creatures like red pandas, lemurs and meerkats, as well as penguins, otters and monkeys (not to mention birds, reptiles and a lot more).

But there are also play areas galore – adventure playgrounds outdoors, soft play, mazes, a splash zone, as well as some kid-friendly rides that are ideal with younger children. You can very easily spend all day here.

Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham

This East Sussex family attraction has more than just animals, although with its petting farm and owl sanctuary, there’s plenty there for small animal-lovers.

You can also spot meerkats and more in the Jungle Kingdom, and check out some of the special zoo projects run at Knockhatch Adventure Park.

There are also some fun rides for all ages, including dinosaur-themed thrills and waterslides, along with indoor and outdoor play areas – plus some added extras like go karting and bungee swings for a fee.

Huxley Birds of Prey Centre, near Horsham

Meet an owl, watch a bird display, and learn all about some amazing birds of prey at Huxley Birds of Prey Centre, including buzzards, kestrels and falcons.

They also offer experiences where you can get hands-on time with raptors, or go on a walk in the countryside with a hawk, many of them suitable for children and designed for small groups.

This isn’t one if you’re visiting Sussex with toddlers though: the Huxley Birds of Prey Centre is only for ages 3 and up.

Fisher’s Adventure Farm Park, Wisborough Green

For a fun day out with younger kids, head to Fisher’s Adventure Farm Park, which is heaven for little animal lovers – and has plenty of play options as well.

Meet farmyard animals from bunnies, chicks, lambs and kids to alpacas, cows and horses, as well as a chance to get (gently) hands on with daily animal handling sessions, plus occasional feeding sessions.

There are also tractor trailer rides, bouncy pillows, a maze, adventure golf, and other indoor and outdoor play.

For more farms in Sussex with young kids, check out Spring Barn Farm, Blackberry Farm Park and Middle Farm as well.

Other family days out in Sussex

British Airways i360 Brighton

With its observation pod rising to 138m up the 162m high tower, the i360 is the country’s highest observation tower outside London.

Right on the seafront looking out to the old West Pier, there’s also a beachside cafe. On a clear day you can see for miles along the coast, with the city’s best views since the Brighton ferris wheel was closed.

Buy free cancellation tickets here

Bluebell Railway

This steam train adventure takes you to vintage train stations for a lovely family adventure, with a variety of attractions including museums, engine sheds and children’s play areas at each stop along the 11 miles between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.

Fans of Downton Abbey will also recognize one of the stations from the show and there are regular events and festivals throughout the year as well.

The whole route takes around 40 minutes, but always check the Bluebell Railway website in advance to make sure of the timings of the trains that day.

Toddlers will also love the Bentley Miniature railway, a one-mile track including a stop at the ancient woodland of Glyndebourne Wood. (The popular Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum next door closed in 2018)

Rye Treasure Trail

I never tire of wandering around the cobbled streets in the gorgeous town of Rye – but kids don’t tend to have the same attention span for amazing old coaching inns and pretty 14th century doors that adults do.

Which is where the Rye Murder Mystery Treasure Trail comes in. We’ve tried these Treasure Trails in destinations around the country – this one sees you hunting for clues around the former Cinque Port town, covering around a mile and lasting about 90 minutes.

Keep an eye out for the mermaid on the inn sign, while near the Landgate – one of the ancient gates into Rye and the only one still standing – you can get great ice cream from Knoops (or hot chocolate on a chilly day).

Check out some of my favourite things to do in Rye with kids or read more about my family holiday in Rye with a preschooler, exploring East Sussex

Out of Bounds, Angmering

The Out of Bounds activity centre has something for everyone, preschoolers to adults – you could play laser tag or adventure golf, bounce on jumping pillows or younger kids can go wild in a massive soft play.

There’s even clip’n’climb for something more adrenaline-fuelled. Ideal for a rainy day in Sussex with kids or if you’re looking for an active day out.

For more ideas of things to do in Sussex in the rain with kids, check out my top tips

Treasure Island Eastbourne

Yo ho ho and lots of family fun. There’s an 18-hole pirate themed crazy golf course at Treasure Island Eastbourne that’s perfect for wannabe buccaneers, along with play equipment following the same pirate theme.

EDIT: The outdoor pirate ship play area, the popular Long John Silver style shipwreck with a zip wire, slides, and bridges, plus its separate toddler section, is currently fenced off. The soft play is still open, but be aware before you visit.

Outdoors in Sussex

Ashdown Forest, near Wych Cross

If you have someone in your house that loves Winnie the Pooh then a visit to Ashdown Forest needs to be on your list of places to take your family, as it served as the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood both in the story and the illustrations.

The original Pooh Sticks bridge is just a 10 minute walk from the car park, so gather sticks along the way to play or bring your own – the bridge and game are so popular that finding sticks along the trail might be harder than you expect!

Please don’t damage trees to play Poohsticks with your family, it’s better to come prepared.

For more Winnie the Pooh locations, Ashdown Forest has two walks to help you discover them – you can download them here – and with 10 square miles to explore, you won’t be short of other inspiration to get outdoors.

Wakehurst, near Hayward’s Heath

A whopping 500 acres of woodland and garden to explore, the sister site to Kew Gardens is home to the Millennium Seed Bank and like Kew, has regular family-friendly events.

There’s always something to see at Wakehurst, whether it’s the gardens in all their glory throughout the year, the adventurous log trail, natural play spaces including a labyrinth and woodland that includes a ‘living fossil’, a tree as old as dinosaurs.

Kids aged 16 and under enter free as well, plus there’s a Children’s Heritage garden with mud kitchen and plenty of chance to get them digging.

Woods Mill Nature Reserve, Henfield

This amazing nature reserve has ponds, lakes, and a gorgeous meadow for kids of all ages to enjoy.

With wetland and woodland habitats among the 47 acres of Woods Mill Nature Reserve, you might get lucky and spot a woodpecker, an owl, or even a nightingale if you’re there at the right time of year.

There’s no charge to visit either if you’re looking for free days out in Sussex with kids (although donations are welcome), plus there’s a pop-up cafe for drinks and snacks.

Long Man of Wilmington

The impressive Long Man of Wilmington (also known as the Wilmington Giant or Green Man) measures 72 meters, and it’s a fantastic unusual day out for kids of all ages.

The hill figure, around six miles from Eastbourne is over 300 years old – although no-one knows quite what he’s supposed to symbolise. You can mull it over as you wander along the scenic trails to give you the best view of the Long Man.

The walk isn’t great for buggies, but a short stroll to the feet of the Long Man is perfect for the littlest.

Hastings Country Park

For a great day outdoors with kids in Sussex, it’s hard to beat Hastings Country Park – not least because you can usually take the East Hill Cliff Railway, the steepest funicular railway in the UK, from Rock-a-Nore Road to reach it. Edit: the East Hill Cliff Railway is temporarily closed for repairs

The reserve looks out to the sea with some amazing views of the south east coast from the cliff tops. If you’re lucky, you can see as far as the coast of France, and you can often look out to Beachy Head in the west and Dungeness in Kent in the east.

As well as the cliffs, you can explore coastal woodlands, grasslands and pasture among the 345 acres – there’s a leaflet showing some of the walks to download.

Beaches in Sussex with kids

Camber Sands

One of the most popular sandy beaches in Sussex, this is big sky territory, south of England style. 

Backed by dunes which beg to be scrambled up and down, the beach seems to stretch off endlessly, especially when the tide’s out, with sea pools to paddle in and open sand for kite flying and sandcastle building.

Dogs are allowed year-round, although on a lead and in restricted zones from May to September.

If you’re looking for great places to stay in Camber Sands, check out my review of Salt Bay cottage

West Wittering

Another of those endless wonderful stretches of sand that Sussex specialises in, West Wittering beach looks out to Chichester harbour, as well as the South Downs.

It’s popular, especially in summer – the queues of cars waiting to park have been replaced by a prebooking system, so you can guarantee a spot. Click here to book

The Blue Flag beach is a favourite with kite surfers (and kite flyers) while there are plenty more dunes and tide pools to explore between paddling and digging in the sand.

No dogs are allowed in the Blue Flag bathing area (the area in front of the beach huts, between groynes 14a to 18) from May to September, but are welcome elsewhere and on the whole beach outside these times.

Littlehampton

A mix of shingle and sand, Littlehampton beach has something to please everyone. On the eastern end, there are all the classic British seaside treats, with souvenirs, doughnuts and ice cream stalls lining the front – not to mention a little train which tootles up and down, and groynes separating the banks of sand.

It’s also home to the UK’s longest bench, part place to sit, part art sculpture with its bright colours and swirling loops.

On the other side, across the river Arun, it’s also a mix of sand and shingle, but the sand dunes have been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It’s also one of the best dog friendly beaches in Sussex, where they are welcome all year.

EDIT: The ferry which usually runs during the summer is closed for the foreseeable future.

Broomhill Sands

Broomhill sits just east of Camber Sands – and while it isn’t as well known, or have quite the same picturesque setting in the dunes, it also tends to be less crowded if you’re looking for a quiet Sussex beach with kids.

The sand and shingle beach stretches off into the distance at low tide here too, but there’s no lifeguard facility and fewer facilities than Camber (think an ice cream van rather than a cafe). There is a kitesurfing centre, and it’s often popular with sand buggies.

Dogs are welcome between October and April, or on a lead in the marked zones from May to September.

For more ideas of great sandy Sussex beaches with kids, check out my top picks

Places to stay in Sussex with kids

For more ideas of places to stay in Sussex with kids, check out some great self-catering in East Sussex and West Sussex, as well as hotels on Booking.com.

You’ll find self-catering cottages from Sykes Cottages and holidaycottages.co.uk.

Or check out my review of Salt Bay, the lovely cottage in Camber Sands where we stayed.

*First published 2020, last updated 2023*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN SUSSEX WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Images: Arundel Castle/Brighton Pavilion/Battle Abbey/Lewes Castle/Hastings seafront/eagle owl/Ashdown Forest/Wakehurst/Wilmington Giant/West Wittering courtesy Depositphotos, i360 courtesy VisitBritain, all others copyright MummyTravels

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