What's on for families in Sussex?

Wondering what's on for families in Sussex? Thinking of taking the kids out for the afternoon or the day? This is a convenient place to check whats on today and during the next few weeks.

Some of the events take place at venues already described in our Family Days Out in Sussex page, so you can use that to help you to plan your family outing in a little more detail. You may also want to check our new and expanding 'Sussex Christmas' section.

The following venues regularly have events and activities for children and families; check out their sites for the most up-to-date info:


Knockhatch Activity Centre
and Dryslope ski run
This is where our sons learned to ski during their half-term holiday. It definitely saved us money and gave them a brilliant preparation for the real slopes. Knockhatch Activity Centre also has a brilliant range of other adventures awaiting children of all ages.

Drusillas Zoo and Activity Centre
A delightful children's zoo and activity centre ... this was an absolute favourite with our sons when they were younger. Apart from the great range of creatures there are also various rides and other fun things such as giant hanging tyres and swings, as well as lots of interesting indoor places in case of rain. They have a great diary of activities and special events throughtout the Summer. Situated about 6 miles west of Eastbourne and 12 miles east of Brighton, Drusillas is on the Alfriston Road just south of the junction with the A27. From our home in Ditchling, it takes about 20 minutes by car. There is a large car park and their website gives links to public transport information.

Paradise Park, Newhaven
Website looks interesting but I have never been here. If you have and would like to send in some comments (polite ones, please), contact us.

Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle is a fascinating place for families to visit and offers a range of interesting events and activities.

Bowling in Brighton
Marina Way
Brighton Marina
Brighton
BN2 5US
Tel: 01273 818180

Free Parking

Open times: Mon-Fri 10am - late
Weekends and holidays: 9.30am - late

Advisable to check whether booking is necessary to avoid disappointment.

Brighton Dome
Brighton Dome has three great venues: the Concert Hall, the Corn Exchange and the Pavilion Theatre, and is one of the most versatile and stylish venues in the south. Built for the Prince for Wales - later to become George IV - and steeped in Regency history, it is part of the glorious Royal Pavilion Estate located in the heart of Britain.

29 New Road
Brighton BN1 1UG
General Enquiries tel: 01273 700747
Ticket Sales tel: 01273 709709


Brighton Centre
Conferences, exhibitions, concerts and ice-skating are among some of the activities and events that take place in this sea-front venue.
Kings Road, Brighton
Tel: 01273 290131

Events for children at Shoreham's Ropetackle Centre From movies to talks by famous children's authors, the Ropetackle Centre is clearly a venue that is keen to draw in an enthusiastic younger audience, while also offering a wide range of events for an adult audience.

Roller Disco at Southwick Leisure Centre
Saturdays 5pm Family
6:15pm Teenages
Indoor Skating to the latest sounds.
Skate Hire available - to reserve email before 4pm Fridays
Southwick Leisure Centre, Old Barn Way, Southwick
email: roller.disco@hotmail.co.uk


Komedia for Kids, Brighton
A great comedy centre for adults and children with a fantastic range of acts.

44 Gardner Street
Brighton

Box Office: 01273 647100


Brighton Royal Pavilion
This is a wonderful place to take kids because it is so totally different to anywhere they will have visited before. Originally a farmhouse, between 1815 to 1823 John Nash used new technology to transform the Pavilion into the Indian style building that exists today. It is such a bizarre mixture of highly ornate decoration and furnishings that the whole family will love visiting the Pavilion. The Kitchens are especially fascinating.

Opening Hours:

October to March 10.00am-5.15pm (last tickets at 4.30pm)
April to September 9.30am-5.45pm (last tickets at 5.00pm)
Closed from 2.30pm on 24 December and all day on 25 & 26 December


Family days out in Sussex


Take a tour of 'Earthship Brighton'
The Low Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 2001 to set up, manage and promote environmental projects. Its main objective is to tackle climate change through highlighting the connection between buildings and the carbon emissions their use produces. They do this by running innovative low-carbon construction projects, and training, outreach and education workshops.

One of its first projects was Earthship Brighton. Despite the name, the aim of this project was not to build a 'earthship' in the conventional sense, but to construct a building that would be used to demonstrate how a low carbon and low waste future could look.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
This is a brilliant family day out for children of any age, and the steam festival will add even more interest to a place that is already absolutely fascinating. With steam rollers, steam lorries, model boats, miniature railways and engines, and the ever-popular steam-powered carousel gallopers. Check out their Christmas-related events!

Hurstmonceux Science Centre With its giant 'egg' observatories, this science museum is a jewel of a place to take your kids for a fun day out in Sussex. Situated in East Sussex, approximately one hour's drive from the starting point of this website - the ancient village of Ditchlin - this place offers a wonderful, 'hands-on' experience which parents and children alike will absolutely adore. They continue to run special star-gazing evenings during the winter months. While you're in the area, you may also want to pay a visit to Hurstmonceux Castle.

Olympos Leisure Centres at Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead
These centres offer an extensive range of pay and play activities, from swimming to yoga and basketball.

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Please visit this developing guide about 'What's on for families in Sussex' again soon.