Drusillas Park, near Lewes
Drusillas Park is a delightful blend of zoo and amusement park, perfect for younger children. With a wide variety of animals including meerkats, monkeys, and penguins, kids can enjoy close-up encounters and educational talks. The park also features themed rides, soft play areas, and interactive exhibits. Local tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid queues and don't miss the park-circling safari train!
Fishers Farm Park
Located in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Fishers Farm Park offers a full day of fun with farm animals, indoor play barns, and outdoor adventure zones. Kids can enjoy tractor rides, pony rides, and seasonal events. Local tip: Don’t miss the splash zone in summer bring a change of clothes!
Harbour Park, Littlehampton
This seaside amusement park is ideal for a family day out. It's on the seafront with traditional rides, arcades, and direct beach access and around 10 minutes walk from the train station. Harbour Park offers fun for all ages, and includes a soft play area for tots. Local tip: Combine your visit with a picnic on the beach or a stroll along the promenade.
Amberley Museum
With over 40 exhibit areas to discover, including a narrow-gauge railway, historic buses, rural crafts and extensive communications displays, there is something for all ages at Amberley Museum. Amberley are also a dog-friendly museum and welcome dogs kept on a short lead. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in all exhibition buildings, on vintage buses and also in the Limeburners Café where you can stop for lunch and even get an ice cream for dogs!
© Kerry Palmer Photography
Knockhatch Adventure Park, near Eastbourne
Knockhatch Adventure Park is a versatile park with indoor and outdoor attractions including soft play, adventure playgrounds, and animal encounters. The owl sanctuary and boating lake are particular highlights. Local tip: Check their website for themed event days and discounts.
Bluebell Railway, near Haywards Heath
Take a step back in time with a ride on the Bluebell Railway. This heritage steam train offers scenic journeys through the Sussex countryside. Kids will love the vintage carriages and station stops. Local tip: Book a family ticket in advance for savings and themed rides.
Arundel Castle, Arundel
Arundel Castle is great for kids with its thrilling medieval events like jousting & archery plus fun areas to explore, including towers, gardens, and armour displays. It’s a perfect mix of history and adventure for young imaginations.
Washbrooks Family Farm, near Burgess Hill
A charming farm near Burgess Hill, Washbrooks Family Farm offers tractor rides, indoor play, and a variety of farm animals. It’s a great spot for younger children to explore safely. Local tip: The café serves homemade cakes and snacks—perfect for a mid-morning break.
Weald and Downland Living Museum, near Chichester
Explore historic buildings and traditional crafts at the Weald and Downland Living Museum, an expansive open-air museum. Kids can learn about life in the past through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Local tip: Visit during school holidays for special family-friendly events.
Aldingbourne Country Centre, Near Arundel
Aldingbourne Country Centre is and inclusive attraction combining farm fun, woodland walks, and creative workshops. It’s ideal for families with children of all abilities. Local tip: Check out the maze and the ride-on tractors for extra fun.
Middle Farm, near Lewes
Middle Farm is a working farm with a cider barn, farm shop, and animal encounters. Seasonal events like lambing and pumpkin picking make it a year-round destination. Local tip: Try the fresh apple juice from the farm shop.
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is a stunning medieval castle complete with towers, surrounded by a moats, and plenty of rooms, stair cases and battlements to explore. Kids can explore the ruins and imagine life as a knight or princess, there are often historical special events happening too. Local tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic grounds, keeping an eye out for steam trains at the local Kent & East Sussex Railway line.
© National Tust
Out of Bounds, Rustington
A multi-activity centre Out of Bounds offers bowling, soft play, climbing, and adventure golf. It’s perfect for burning off energy on a rainy day. Local tip: Book activities in advance during weekends.
Arundel Wetland Centre
A peaceful nature reserve with wildlife spotting, pond dipping, and boat safaris. There is a play area for smaller children and lots of boardwalks through the reeds for everyone to explore at Arundel Wetland Centre. It’s a great way to introduce kids to nature in the shadow of Arundel Castle. Local tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching.
Leonardslee Lake & Gardens, near Horsham
A dolls house museum, Wallabies, sculptures, cafe and a huge immersive play experiences at the expansive play park, not to mention all the winding paths to explore around the gardens and lake. Parents can look forward to a day filled with creativity, adventure at Leonardslee Lake & Gardens plus quality time spent alongside their little ones.
© James Ratchford
