Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Sussex
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Wilfrid the Seal - Trail for Children and Families
7th April-15th November 2025
Venue: Chichester Cathedral
Website: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk
Families are invited to seek out artefacts, such as flowers pressed by a soldier between the pages of a Bible in the trenches of WWI and 800-year-old rings worn by Bishops during the 12th century. Led...
Demonstrations by Call to Arms
12th April-13th September 2025
Venue: Bodiam Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle
Call to Arms is a group of volunteers with a passion for history and training in Historical European Martial Arts. Dressed in full armour, they show what medieval combat may have looked like, by showing...
How to Train Your Dragon Trail
24th May-7th September 2025
Venue: Bodiam Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle
Let your imagination run wild and channel your inner Viking as you pick up tips and tricks to master the art of dragon training. Discover different dragon species, learn the forgotten language of Dragonese,...
Emily Gravett's Tidy Trail at Bateman's
14th June-31st August 2025
Venue: Bateman's
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/batemans
Join Pete the Badger and his friends for a fun-filled summer adventure. Whether you're a super organiser or a little on the messy side, this family trail is perfect for everyone. Includes activities and...
Dragonfly Festival
21st June-22nd September 2025
Venue: WWT Arundel
Website: www.wwt.org.uk
Explore the magical world of dragonflies and dive into a summer full of wondrous new wetland experiences including outdoor dragonfly games, Dragonfly boat safari, adventure play area, pond dipping and...
Crazy Fun at Hastings Adventure Golf
30th June-25th August 2025
Venue: Hastings Adventure Golf
Website: www.hastingsadventuregolf.com
Home to the World Crazy Golf Championships, Hastings Adventure Golf boasts three imaginatively designed 18-hole courses - Pirate, Adventure and Crazy. They have delicious fish and chips, homemade gelato,...
Explore, create, and connect at Wild Arts
30th June-25th August 2025
Venue: Long Furloug, Worthing
Website: www.wild-arts.com
From mindful exploration of natural and scrap materials to storytelling through movement, circus skills, and yoga, sessions are designed to spark imagination and bring children's ideas to life. Wild Arts...
Free Family Learning Days at Raystede
30th June-25th August 2025
Venue: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Website: www.raystede.org
Every Wednesday and Thursday during the school summer holidays, visitors to Raystede can take part in a fun family trail to learn more about some of the animals the charity cares for. In July, discover...
Harbour Park
30th June-25th August 2025
Venue: Harbour Park
Website: www.harbourpark.com
Take a plunge on the Water Chute or fly around on the Jellyswinger. Family favourites include the Whirlpool Waltzer, Junior Ocean Coaster and Reef Dodgems. Indoor attractions include Under the Sea soft...
Hove Park Junior Parkrun
30th June-25th August 2025
Venue: Hove Park
Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/hovepark-juniors
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but register before you first go along.
Paradise Park and Gardens
30th June-25th August 2025
Venue: Paradise Park and Gardens
Website: www.paradisepark.co.uk
Visit Planet Earth Museum, the Sussex Plant House, Sussex History Trail, and families will love the variety of children’s activities, including crazy golf, a miniature railway, soft play, and both...
Raystede Daily Tour
30th June-25th August 2025
Venue: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Website: www.raystede.org/visit-us/daily-tour
Raystede offer a free guided tour every day at 11.30am. Hear more about the lives of their furry and feathered friends and have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful and tranquil animal sanctuary.Suitable...
The Outdoors Project Holiday Clubs
30th June-25th August 2025
Venue: Various locations
Website: www.theoutdoorsproject.co.uk
The Outdoors Project was created by local parents Joel and Sam to get children off screens and playing outside. With den making, Nerf, water fights and even tech-inspired days like Minecraft vs Bushcraft,...
Free Summer Events at Priory Meadow
1st July-31st August 2025
Venue: Priory Meadow
Website: www.priorymeadow.com
The beach will be open daily for the whole of July and August and you can also enjoy a sunshine-filled lineup of FREE family events. From giant bubbles and puppet shows to seaside crafts and roaming seagulls,...
Summer of Play
5th July-7th September 2025
Venue: Standen House and Garden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Explore the garden, its hidden corners and winding hillside paths, play in Adventure Corner and discover activities in the woodland den. Have a go at archery and swingball near Adventure Corner, on Goose...
Friday Lates
11th July-15th August 2025
Venue: Nymans
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans
Make the most of the summer evenings and experience the garden in a new light. Pack up a picnic, flick out your rug, sit back and enjoy live music on the main lawn. Takeaway drinks and snacks available...
Hurrah for Shippam's
12th July-28th February 2026
Venue: The Novium Museum
Website: www.thenovium.org.uk/whatson
Step into the story of one of Chichester’s most iconic companies in this nostalgic and surprising exhibition. Discover quirky adverts, colourful packaging, factory memories and family-friendly interactives.Admission...
Children’s summer crafts at Bodiam Castle
19th July-3rd September 2025
Venue: Bodiam Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle
Craft activity for families, children can decorate their own ceramic dragons to take away. Little ones can imagine themselves becoming a knight or Viking as they decorate their own wooden shield. 1pm-4pm,...
Crazy Golf at Standen - July Weekends
19th July-31st August 2025
Venue: Standen House and Garden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden
Family fun playing Globetrotters 9 hole crazy golf course, 10.30am-3.30pm. Suitable for ages 4+.Booking essential. Adult £6, Child £4, Family (2 adults, 2 children under 12 £18).
Exotic Spots Summer Trail
19th July-7th September 2025
Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden
This summer, follow the free family trail to discover nine big and beautiful animals from around the world. Each one is hanging out near its favourite exotic tree or plant. There will be dog free Saturday...
Ship Ahoy! Family Trail
19th July-7th September 2025
Venue: Petworth House and Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth
Step into the world of J.M.W. Turner and set sail on an artistic adventure through Petworth House and Garden! Follow the clues to discover the golden light, rolling landscapes, and stormy skies that inspired...
Summer of Play at Bodiam Castle
19th July-3rd September 2025
Venue: Bodiam Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle
Take to the stage with dressing up, test your aim with archery, and try your hand at jester skills like juggling. Includes other fun games to enjoy, including hobby horses, quoits, sand play, dancing ribbons,...
Kwik Cricket on Wednesdays in the Summer Holidays
23rd July-27th August 2025
Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden
Practise your skills this summer with Kwik Cricket sessions on Sheffield Park and Garden's famous cricket pitch every Wednesday during the holidays.Normal garden admission applies but there is no need...
Summer Holiday Activities
23rd July-31st August 2025
Venue: Amberley Museum
Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
Discover more about the history of the railways as part of the 200th year anniversary celebrations of the modern railways in Britain. Follow the new family railway trail available throughout the summer...
Storytelling in the garden
26th July-30th August 2025
Venue: Bateman's
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/batemans
Discover new adventures through live storytelling sessions delivered by expert volunteers in the magical setting of Rudyard Kipling’s very own garden. Running throughout the day and 15-20 minutes in...
Circus skills with Circus Allstars at Bodiam Castle
28th July-29th August 2025
Venue: Bodiam Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle
Experience the thrill of circus arts with the talented instructors from Circus All Stars. Learn fun circus skills such as juggling, spinning plates, and walking on stilts. Suitable for families, weekdays...
Sussexsport’s Summer Holiday Activities Programme
28th July-29th August 2025
Venue: University of Sussex Sport Centre
Website: onlineshop.sussex.ac.uk/product-catalogue/sussexsport/summer-sports-activities-for-kids
Sussexsport children’s activities include basketball, netball, badminton, multi-sports and circus skills. There are camps available for children aged 7-17. Contact Luke Terrill at l.o.terrill@sussex.ac.uk...
ESCC Library Summer Reading Challenge
1st-31st August 2025
Venue: East Sussex Libraries
Website: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraryevents
East Sussex Libraries have lots of free events from wildlife crafts plus After the Rain theatre performance, Wildlife inspired crafts with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, Zoolab animal experience...
Make, Do and Trend: Summer Workshops
4th-28th August 2025
Venue: Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
Website: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk
Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend this summer for exciting workshops, suitable for 5+ year olds.Tickets from £15 per child, garden entry included in ticket price for children under 5. All materials shall...
Drama in the Woods Summer Camp
11th-15th August 2025
Venue: Wilderness Wood
Website: www.wildernesswood.org
Your child will get to choose from a whole range of outdoor activities, like den building. With games through the woods such as Capture the Flag and Print Stamp Run! Art and craft activities, drama workshops,...
Lilo and Stitch (PG)
11th-13th August 2025
Venue: Chichester Cinema
Website: www.chichestercinema.org
A hugely entertaining live-action remake of the much-loved 2002 animation, where a lonely Hawaiian girl befriends a runaway alien, helping to mend her fragmented family.Kids only £2.50!
Phil Blackmore
11th August 2025
Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre
Website: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk
Featuring world class juggling, jaw-dropping circus tricks, along with hilarious comedy and real 'WOW!' moments – Phil Blackmore is guaranteed to entertain all ages! Phil dazzled all at “Britain’s...
Family Film: Flow
12th August 2025
Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre
Website: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk
Animated fantasy adventure with universal critical acclaim. When Cat’s home is flooded out he finds refuge on a boat where he has to team up with other animals. The best aspects of humanity are shown...
Robin Hood
13th August 2025
Venue: Brighton Open Air Theatre, Dyke Rd
Website: www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk
From songs around the campfire, to archery competitions and sword fights, the legend of Robin Hood is brought to life in a fun and vibrant way for the whole family to enjoy. Full of memorable characters,...
Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow
14th-17th August 2025
Venue: Airbourne, Eastbourne Seafront, King Edwards Parade
Website: www.visiteastbourne.com
Featuring the best of the RAF and international display teams across the seafront and over Beachy Head. Event also includes childrens entertainment areas, arena events, evening concerts, military exhibition...
Eastbourne International Airshow
14th-17th August 2025
Venue: Eastbourne Seafront
Website: www.visiteastbourne.com/airshow
Featuring four days of flying displays, military exhibitions, ground attractions, children's entertainment, fireworks, tribute shows and more, marvel at the fast jets, historic warbirds and precision aerobatic...
The Addams Family – A New Musical Comedy
14th-16th August 2025
Venue: White Rock Theatre
Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk
The White Rock Summer Youth Project is celebrating its 22nd year of performances. A professional creative team help to bring the full-scale musical to the main stage of the White Rock Theatre. Featuring...
Mud-Kitchen Disco
15th August 2025
Venue: Wilderness Wood
Website: www.wildernesswood.org
You know how when you hear a great song on the radio, so you turn it up and boogie around your kitchen (aka - Kitchen Disco) - well, that’s what Wilderness Wood are going to do here, but outdoors, with...
The Merry Wives of Windsor
15th-16th August 2025
Venue: Arundel Castle
Website: www.arundelcastle.org
Enjoy Shakespeare’s comedy in Arundel Castle's Earl's Garden transformed into a captivating outdoor theatre with the backdrop of the Cathedral. This unique performance promises to be a highlight of the...
Bluebell Railway Music Festival
16th-17th August 2025
Venue: Centred around Horsted Keynes Station
Website: www.bluebell-railway.com
An incredible line up of weekend music, and vibrant performances at the centre of Bluebell Railway, in the field at Horsted Keynes Station. Fun for all the family, with hands-on activities and workshops,...
Family Geology Day
16th August 2025
Venue: The Novium Museum
Website: www.thenovium.org.uk
Join members of the West Sussex Geological Society at The Novium Museum on Saturday, 16 August to learn more. With incredible specimens to see, expert knowledge and advice, craft activities, and books...
Screen on the Green - School of Rock
16th August 2025
Venue: East Green, Littlehampton Seafront
Website: www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk
Take a blanket, pick your spot and join the East Green for School of Rock on their giant 40ft inflatable screen!Food and drink will be available to purchase from 7pm from onsite caterers. The film will...
Truckfest
16th-17th August 2025
Venue: South of England Showground
Website: www.truckfest.co.uk/truckfest-south-east
See incredible trucks of all shapes and sizes including American rigs, customised trucks, emergency vehicles and vintage trucks. Have a chance to be part of the action with the Monster Ride Truck and...
Communications Day
17th August 2025
Venue: Amberley Museum
Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
This event mainly takes place in the Connected Earth BT Exhibition, as well as the usual communications displays, there will be several extra displays and demonstrations where staff and volunteers will...
Dinosaurs at the Railway
19th-21st August 2025
Venue: Bluebell Railway
Website: www.bluebell-railway.com
Visit Bluebell Railway for an epic adventure with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes at Sheffield Park, East Grinstead and on their Timetable C service Set A trains! Regardless of the weather, you’ll...
Make your own Shippam's Advertising Poster
20th August 2025
Venue: The Novium Museum
Website: www.thenovium.org.uk/whatson
Take inspiration from Shippam’s famous bold and quirky adverts to create your own vintage-style poster. From flying paste pots to talking sardines, get creative with the Museum archive materials. 10.30am...
The Wild Washerwomen
20th-23rd August 2025
Venue: Brighton Open Air Theatre, Dyke Rd
Website: www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk
A brand new adaptation of this wonderful, anarchic, classic children’s picture book. A family musical with lots of singing and running about, heaps of silliness, and people getting very dirty and also...
Family Event - Crabbing Competition
21st August 2025
Venue: Chichester Harbour Education Centre
Website: www.conservancy.co.uk
There will be a briefing at 10.45am after which the competition will begin. Your crab haul can be officially counted/measured anytime up to 11.45am when the Finishing Hooter will sound. A prize will be...
Labyrinth Challenge
22nd-25th August 2025
Venue: Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
Website: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk
With over 34 unique obstacles spread across 5 exciting zones, the Labyrinth Challenge is a test of skill, stamina, and bravery, perfect for anyone over 1.2m tall.The mini Labyrinth Challenge is designed...
East Sussex Living History Festival
23rd-25th August 2025
Venue: Michelham Priory House and Gardens
Website: www.sussexpast.co.uk
Experience the East Sussex Living History Festival – a vibrant, immersive celebration of the past, where history comes to life through authentic encampments, live demonstrations, and family-friendly...
The Merry Wives of Windsor
23rd August 2025
Venue: The Hawth
Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
Performed in the great outdoors by five phenomenal professional actors, this fast-paced production has been created using only the First Folio text. Join the sensational international-award-winning Illyria...
Toy and Rail Fair
23rd August 2025
Venue: Horsted Keynes
Website: www.bluebell-railway.com
Exciting day out for all toy and model railway collectors and enthusiasts! In an extensive layout of stalls on Horsted Keynes station platforms and car park, you’ll find model railways (new and second-hand),...
Grand Slam Wrestling
24th August 2025
Venue: White Rock Theatre
Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk
Experience the excitement of summer’s biggest wrestling event, featuring top stars, intense rivalries, and jaw-dropping athleticism. From high-flying manoeuvres, to bone-crunching slams, this show promises...
Outdoor theatre: Emma
25th August 2025
Venue: Nymans
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans
Ever the matchmaker and never the match? So seems to be the case for Emma Woodhouse… Take a picnic and sit back, relax and enjoy a performance in front of the romantic ruins. Suitable for audiences of...
A Midsummer Night's Dream
28th August 2025
Venue: Wilderness Wood
Website: www.wildernesswood.org
The Three Inch Fools return to the woods for their third year, presenting Shakespeare’s most iconic comedy. It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an enchanted forest mischief is stirring. With shapeshifting...
Family Circus Day
30th August 2025
Venue: Pavilion Theatre Atrium
Website: www.wtm.uk/events/family-circus-day-2
Fun day of family-friendly circus activities. Drop in at any point between 11am-3pm. You can learn to juggle, poi dance, hula hoop or plate spin with the talented team from Poi Passion Circus all day,...
Out of the Box
30th August 2025
Venue: Pavilion Promenade
Website: wtm.uk/events/out-of-the-box
This family-friendly comedy show is packed with surprises as an unlikely character and his mysterious box take you on a whirlwind of wonder.With Darryl’s gentle, non-verbal clowning, everyday objects...
Family Fun Day
31st August 2025
Venue: Brighton Racecourse
Website: www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk
Join this Family Fun Day to end the school Summer holidays with a bang. Enjoy thrilling horse racing, the best free entertainment, and a fantastic atmosphere. Includes face painting, bumpercarz, teacup...