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Best things to do with kids in Sussex during the summer holidays (2026 Guide)
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Sussex during the summer holidays?
Whether you're planning family days out, beach adventures, outdoor activities or searching for reliable school holiday childcare, Sussex offers some of the UK's best family attractions and summer experiences.
Covering both East Sussex and West Sussex, the region is home to stunning beaches, beautiful countryside, wildlife attractions, adventure parks and activity camps that help keep children active, entertained and engaged throughout the six-week school break.
From the South Downs to the Sussex coastline, there's something for every family this summer.
Explore Sussex's Parks, Countryside and Outdoor Spaces
Sussex is famous for its spectacular outdoor spaces and family-friendly countryside.
Popular locations include:
Seven Sisters Country Park, Seaford
Ashdown Forest, Forest Row
Tilgate Park, Crawley
Buchan Country Park, Crawley
Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield
Alexandra Park, Hastings
Hotham Park, Bognor Regis
Warnham Local Nature Reserve, Horsham
These destinations offer playgrounds, nature trails, cycling routes, picnic areas and opportunities for children to explore wildlife and the outdoors.
Families searching for outdoor activities in Sussex often choose these locations for affordable, active days out.
Best Family Attractions in Sussex
Sussex is packed with family attractions that combine fun, education and adventure.
Popular attractions include:
Drusillas Park, Polegate
Fishers Farm Park, Billingshurst
Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham
Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings
Arundel Castle, Arundel
Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester
Amberley Museum, Arundel
Hastings Adventure Golf, Hastings
These attractions provide animal encounters, adventure playgrounds, interactive exhibits, outdoor activities and memorable family experiences.
They consistently rank among the most popular family days out in Sussex during the summer holidays.
Beaches and Seaside Activities in Sussex
One of Sussex's biggest attractions is its stunning coastline.
Families frequently search for:
Sussex beaches for families
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Popular family beaches include:
East Sussex Beaches
West Sussex Beaches
Whether you're building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, enjoying fish and chips by the sea or trying watersports, Sussex offers some of the best family beach days in the South East.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Activities
Children love opportunities to get active during the school holidays.
Popular outdoor activities in Sussex include:
Woodland walks
Nature trails and scavenger hunts
Wildlife spotting
Family cycling routes
Horse riding
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Adventure playgrounds
The combination of countryside, coast and national park landscapes makes Sussex one of the best destinations for active family holidays.
Free Things To Do With Kids in Sussex
Summer fun doesn't have to be expensive.
Some excellent free family activities include:
Beach days
Coastal walks
Exploring the South Downs
Woodland adventures
Nature reserves
Playground visits
Community festivals and events
Family picnics
Wildlife spotting
Families looking for free things to do with kids in Sussex have plenty of options throughout both East and West Sussex.
Looking for Summer Holiday Childcare in Sussex?
While family days out are fantastic, many parents also need flexible childcare during the six-week summer holidays.
That's where Barracudas Activity Camps can help.
Barracudas Summer Camps in Sussex
Barracudas provides action-packed summer holiday camps for children aged 4–14 years, offering over 80 activities and six sessions every day. With a full day of day of fun from 8.30am to 5.30pm (and extended hours available to add from 8am to 6pm), our camps offer the perfect solution for busy families. Children stay active, build confidence, make new friends and try exciting activities in safe, high-quality school facilities.
Barracudas Camp Locations in Sussex
Families can book Barracudas summer camps at the following Sussex locations:
West Sussex
Horsham (Millais School): Easter camps and summer camps
Horsham (Christ's Hospital): Half Term camps
Sussex Border / Serving East Sussex Families
These camps are popular with families and provide convenient childcare options across the wider Sussex region.
Activities Children Love
With premium activities such as motor sports, archery and bouncy castles at every locations, children can enjoy a winning combination of activities including:
Archery
Sports and team games
Dance and drama
Arts and crafts
Swimming/Water Park
Aqua slide
Adventure games
Motorsports activities
Team challenges
Barracudas camps offer a huge variety of activities, helping children stay active, develop confidence and make new friends throughout the school holidays.
Why Sussex Parents Choose Barracudas
Parents often search for:
holiday childcare Sussex
summer camps near me
school holiday clubs Sussex
children's summer activities Sussex
activity camps Sussex
Barracudas combines childcare, adventure and personal development in one location. Flexible booking and payment options, extended hours and a wide variety of activities make it a popular choice for working families during the school holidays.
Children benefit from active, screen-free experiences while parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their childcare is organised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best family days out in Sussex?
A: Popular attractions include Drusillas Park, Fishers Farm Park, Knockhatch Adventure Park, Arundel Castle, Blue Reef Aquarium Hastings and the South Downs National Park.
Q: What can children do during the Sussex summer holidays?
A: Children can enjoy beach days, wildlife attractions, outdoor adventures, cycling, watersports, creative workshops, sports activities and organised summer camps.
Q: Are there summer camps in Sussex?
A: Yes. Barracudas operates summer activity camps in Brighton and Horsham, serving families across East Sussex and West Sussex. Camps cater for children aged 4–14 years and offer over 80 activities.
Q: What are the best beaches in Sussex for families?
A: West Wittering, Camber Sands, Eastbourne Beach, Littlehampton Beach, Worthing Beach and Bexhill Beach are among the most popular family-friendly beaches in Sussex.
Q: What are the best free things to do with kids in Sussex?
A: The South Downs, Seven Sisters Country Park, Ashdown Forest, beaches, playgrounds, cycling routes and community events provide excellent free family activities throughout the summer holidays.
