What's On in Sussex

A Little Boy and His Bear: celebrating 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh at Nymans

Venue: Nymans

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Extracts from A.A. Milne's much loved Winnie-the Pooh stories are paired with E.H. Shepard's iconic illustrations in a fun, family friendly garden trail together with a gallery exhibition that spotlights...

Gozzle

Venue: WWT Arundel

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

WWT Arundel are teaming up with Macmillan Children’s Books to explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle the gosling, from Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s freshly hatched picture book....

Gozzle Vet Check

Venue: WWT Arundel

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Discover a fun-filled play clinic, where children can learn how to handle, measure, weigh and x-ray toy geese – just like WWT vets do with real birds.Step into the Gozzle Vet Check, put on your lab coat,...

Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee

Venue: The Novium Museum

Website: www.thenovium.org.uk

Celebrate and explore David McKee's iconic stories through original artworks in this multi-sensory, interactive exhibition. Quiet sessions, plus a packed programme of activities, workshops and special...

Three Cheers for Pooh! Story Trail at Nymans

Venue: Nymans

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans

Extracts from A.A. Milne's much loved Winnie-the-Pooh stories are paired with E.H. Shepard's illustrations in a family friendly story trail that spotlights some of Pooh's best known adventures.10am - 5pm...

Brighton Festival

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: https://brightonfestival.org

Alongside the 40th edition of the Children’s Parade on 2nd May, families can enjoy fantastic events throughout this year’s Festival. From 3–17 May, young readers can join workshops and events with...

Alice in Wonderland Trail

Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Families are invited to follow Alice’s journey through winding paths, where familiar characters appear amongst the historic garden.Along the way, take part in a series of fun, engaging games and challenges...

Happy Hills: Create a Comic Character with Sophy Henn Workshop

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: https://brightonfestival.org

Take your sketchbooks, pencils and imaginations to help Sophy create a brand new dynamic, dastardly or even darling comic book duo - it's up to you! Sophy will share how she created some of her Happy Hills...

Home Front Weekend

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Visitors can also get up close with wartime fire appliances and visit a recreation fire station bay to find out about their role. The show also includes post-war equipment and vehicles, showing the changes...

Joshua Seigal: I Tell Myself I’m Awesome

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: https://brightonfestival.org

Award-winning poet, performer and literacy champion Joshua Seigal presents an uplifting event for 7+ that's like pick-and-mix for your mental health. With huge amounts of interaction, Josh performs warm,...

Make Mini Zines

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: https://brightonfestival.org

Join the DIY publishing revolution and create your own mini zine to take home or swap with other young people. All materials and equipment provided. Everyone aged 7 to 13 is welcome to take part in this...

Model Boats on the Lake

Venue: Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Website: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

See the Schooner Radio Control Group in action on Waterfall Pond at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, and enjoy a fantastic, fun-filled day with a range of Model Radio Control Boats, yachts, steamboats and...

Norman's Big Day Out

Venue: Klub Kaput at Caravanserai

Website: www.brightonfringe.org

Norman is an unassuming, and hapless man who charms the audience with his inability to perform mundane tasks and then wows them with extraordinary skill.​ Every day is different for Norman, he might...

Paws in the Park Show

Venue: South of England Showground

Website: www.southofenglandeventcentre.co.uk

Paws in the Park promises a paw-some weekend for the whole family. Whether your pup is a pro or just loves to play, there’s something for everyon. Try over 30 dog-friendly activities, including the Dogstable...

Road Meets Rail

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Road Meets Rail is a celebration of working steam in all its forms. Its return is something many have been looking forward to, and Bluebell Railway are thrilled to welcome back this much-loved event for...

Skip's Family Workshop - Mary Poppins

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Have a practically perfect adventure with wonderfully imaginative arts, crafts, making and playing themed around the classic story of Mary Poppins – supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Suitable for ages...

Kate Pankhurst: Fantastically Great Women

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: https://brightonfestival.org

Join Kate Pankhurst for a wildly wonderful anniversary celebration of the amazing women who changed the world we live in. Kate is the author of the genre-defying, million-copy bestselling Fantastically...

Malory Towers

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: https://brightonfestival.org

Get ready for high jinks, high drama and high spirits, all set to sensational live music as Emma Rice Company tours their popular production of Malory Towers once again. This is a show for girls, boys...

Bushcraft for Families

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

This is an adventure specifically designed for parents and their kids ages 8-17 to share. A chance first to learn and then to test your survival skills. There will be group and solo activities, a rare...

Eastbourne Carnival

Venue: Eastbourne Seafront, Grand Parade

Website: www.eastbournecarnival.com

Carnival is back in Eastbourne on Saturday 23rd May and the theme is “Lights, Camera Action”.The Mayor of Eastbourne (tbc) will officially launch the opening procession from the Enterprise Shopping...

Kids Trail: Eco Explorers

Venue: Borde Hill

Website: https://bordehill.co.uk

Spring is a magical time to visit the Garden and Woodland, with carpets of bluebells in bloom. Children can also let off steam in the Adventure Playground. The trail is perfect for children aged 3 to 8...

Lunar

Venue: Observatory Science Centre

Website: www.the-observatory.org

‘Lunar’ arrives at the Observatory Science Centre on 23 May. This out-of-this-world immersive experience brings the mysteries of the moon to life through captivating stories, stunning visuals, demonstrations...

May Half Term Activities

Venue: Weald and Downland Living Museum

Website: www.wealddown.co.uk

Immerse yourself in Saxon life to discover how they lived, worked, ate and survived. Solve the clues to some fiendishly tricky riddles, listen to tales of dragons and quests, try your hand at Saxon skills...

May Half Term Activities

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Block printing 27-29 May - make your own designs and then see them revealed in the paint colours of your choice. Woodturning 28 May - make your own themed keepsake on Thursday 28 May – Addtional cost...

Medieval Festival – A Skirmish

Venue: Arundel Castle

Website: www.arundelcastle.org

With three tented encampments portraying 15th century crafts, cooking weapons and armour, have a go activities such as archery, and two skirmishes each day there is plenty to transport visitors back into...

Monkey Puzzle trail at Bateman’s

Venue: Bateman's

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

As you explore the house and garden, you’ll step into the world of Monkey Puzzle, meeting friendly jungle characters and taking on interactive games and challenges along the way, from hook a bat and...

Storytelling in the garden

Venue: Bateman's

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Discover new adventures with old favourites through live storytelling sessions delivered by expert volunteers in the magical setting of Rudyard Kipling’s very own garden. Running throughout the day,...

The Sooty Show

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: https://wtm.uk

Join Sooty, Sweep, Soo and friends in their spectacular new show. Joining the fun will be the Greatest Showman - Michael Jordan, Singer - Miss Kazia and Mr Brown the Magical Caretaker. Tickets include...

Earl's Extravagant Party

Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

This year marks 130 years since the famous 1896 Australian cricket match hosted on the estate, and the Earl's Extravagant Party brings that spirit back to life with a mix of sport, music, food, and family...

Family Festival Raceday

Venue: Fontwell Park

Website: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

Fontwell Park Racecourse invites you to a Family Fun Day full of thrilling jumps racing, free entertainment, and fun for all ages! Whether you’re a racing fan or just looking for a fun half term day...

Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live!

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: https://whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world-renowned Natural History Museum London has teamed...

World of Wizardry

Venue: Horsted Keynes

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Travel by steam and into a world of wizardry as Horsted Keynes Station transforms into a spellbinding realm of enchantment and adventure.Throughout the day, children will enjoy a rotating programme of...

Bitter Sweet: Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: https://whiterocktheatre.org.uk

The ULTIMATE all-ages pop concert experience is coming to Hastings as Bitter Sweet: Sabrina Carpenter vs. Olivia Rodrigo hits the White Rock! Expect ‘Drivers Licence’ ‘Espresso’ ‘All American’...

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Operation Mincemeat is the 2024 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical, a Tony Award®-winning musical on Broadway. Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced,...

Record Breaking Table Tennis

Venue: Brighton Dome Corn Exchange

Website: https://brightonfestival.org

Brighton Table Tennis Club are back with an afternoon packed full of table tennis fun for everyone. There will be open access tables, young DJs, refreshments and great music to bring Brighton Festival...

Wolf Boy! Theatre Performance

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Join Drama in the Woods for a unique open-air theatre experience that brings your children on a magical, immersive and interactive adventure through Wilderness Wood. Shows at 11.30am and 2pm.

Chichester Roman Week

Venue: The Novium Museum

Website: www.thenovium.org.uk

Enjoy five days of Roman-themed events at The Novium Museum. Every year they work with partners across the district to offer talks, walks, tours, live demonstrations and hands-on activities - with plenty...

Create and Grow May Half Term

Venue: Squires Garden Centre - Crawley

Website: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Let them get their hands dirty and plant a tasty veg pot with three vegetable plants. Decorate your pot with stickers, add a plant label and take it home to watch your veggies grow! £8. Advanced booking...

Family Film: Wicked: For Good

Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre

Website: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

After challenging the Wizard's totalitarian regime, and being branded the Wicked Witch of the West by Madame Morrible, Elphaba continues to battle for animal rights in Oz. Stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande...

Roman Shield Making with Mrs Blossom Makes

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

Unleash your inner gladiator and craft your very own Centurion Shield. You'll design your very own Roman shield before bringing it to life using a variety of creative materials. Price includes all materials...

The Brick People

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

This family favourite returns! Build mosaics and towers, take part in speed challenges, and get your name on the leaderboard. Plus loads of LEGO® and amazing creations. Suitable for ages 2+. Book online.

Bug Safari

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Spend the morning on Safari walking in the woodland looking into the world of insects and tiny creatures. Discover their habitats and learn about our local insects. Includes a treasure hunt for 60 hidden...

Rude Science Live!

Venue: De La Warr Pavilion

Website: www.dlwp.com

On the surface it’s a riot of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain’s...

Windmills and Spinners (Ages 7–11)

Venue: Connaught Theatre

Website: https://wtm.uk

Participants will also discover how spinning connects to real-world examples, including historic windmills and modern wind farms, adding an educational element to the creative process. Children will leave...

Comic Art Masterclass

Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre

Website: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

Kev F Sutherland has written and drawn for Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel comics, and now makes graphic novels adapted from Shakespeare. Now he'll teach you how easy it is. Whatever stories you want to tell,...

999 Emergency Services Display

Venue: Western Lawns, King Edwards Parade

Website: www.visiteastbourne.com

A fantastic free emergency services spectacular on Eastbourne's seafront Western Lawns. Get a close look at emergency response vehicles, get on board a fire engine or ambulance, try out the hoses, see...

1812 Fireworks and Proms

Venue: Eastbourne Bandstand, Grand Parade

Website: www.visiteastbourne.com

A truly iconic tradition that is celebrated every Wednesday evening, consisting of a culmination of concert music ending triumphantly with traditional proms favourites and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture...

Outdoor Theatre - A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Venue: Nymans

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Join Nymans for this adaptation of William Shakespeare's much-loved story, set against the backdrop of Nymans romantic ruins.Bring a picnic and sit back and relax. Suitable for audiences of all ages. Gates...

South of England Show

Venue: South of England Event Centre

Website: www.southofenglandeventcentre.co.uk

With a non-stop programme of agricultural and equestrian displays, country pursuits, live entertainment, rural crafts, and a variety of food, drink, and shopping opportunities, the South of England Show...

Dinosaurs at the Railway

Venue: Sheffield Park, East Grinstead

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Dinosaur pals return for two exhilarating days of fun in June. Even if it starts to rain, these amazing creatures will take shelter in the SteamWorks! shed, ensuring that the fun doesn’t stop. This event...

St Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk

Venue: Starting at The Bridge Leisure Centre in Broadbridge Heath

Website: www.stch.org.uk/midnight-walk

With four distances to choose from – 2, 7, 13 or 17 miles – this popular event gives you the chance to step out under the stars and raise vital funds for local hospice care. Whether you take...

Stewardship Saturday - June

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Join the Wilderness Wood team and members to get involved with the stewardship and improvement of the woodland. All ages welcome. Meet at 10am in the courtyard and jobs are allocated according to skills...

The Great Big Green Week

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.greatbiggreenweek.com

Children and young people are our best advocates for climate and nature and there are plenty of ways to get your school involved. Visit the website for free resource packs available for primary and secondary...

Walk of the Dandelion

Venue: Chichester City Centre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

Meet Daniel, an 8ft, ethereal puppet, as he gently roams from Chichester Cathedral Green along North Street to CFT. A symbol of resilience and hope, Daniel will be gifting dandelions – each with a message...

Outdoor Theatre - Pinocchio

Venue: Borde Hill

Website: https://bordehill.co.uk

Illyria brings Carlo Collodi’s magical coming-of-age classic Pinocchio to Borde Hill’s stunning Azalea Ring in a joyful, music-filled outdoor theatre performance perfect for all ages.Tickets include...

Outdoor Cinema at Wakehurst

Venue: Wakehurst

Website: www.kew.org

Adventure Cinema is bringing the UK’s No.1 outdoor cinema experience to Wakehurst, with a lineup of classic films, musicals, blockbusters, and family favourites - all set beneath the open sky. Pack a...

Emergency Services Weekend

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

See a wide collection of emergency vehicles, both vintage and modern. Watch as the Fire Brigade carries out rescue and fire extinguishing demonstrations and talk to officers about their roles. Explore...

Family Fun Day

Venue: Wiston Park

Address: Steying

Website: https://aakss.org.uk/events/family-fun-day-sussex/

Get ready for a day packed with heart-pounding excitement. From meeting the crew and seeing the helicopters up close, to lifesaving demos, live music, delicious street food, funfair rides, and Mini Medic...

Home Educators’ Day

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Enjoy a day exploring Amberley Museum, with drop-in activities and experiences specially for home-educating families. £10 per person (child 4-18, adults maximum 2 per child). Activities available to prebooked...

Hastings Comic Con

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: https://whiterocktheatre.org.uk

The two-day event will be packed full of activities and attractions for geeks and kids of all ages. Hastings will be welcoming some of the greatest writers and illustrators in the industry, alongside stars...

Skip's Family Workshop - Paddington

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Get your duffle coat on and your marmalade sandwiches ready for this funny, furry, bear shaped session! Arts and crafts, a look on stage, drinks and biscuits, maybe some play acting, all themed around...

The Cheese and Chilli Festival

Venue: Oaklands Park

Website: https://cheeseandchillifestival.com

Enjoy a mix of cooking demos and insightful talks from local cheese and chilli producers, all eager to share their passion and expertise. Expect fairground rides, inflatables, face painting, interactive...

Father's Day

Venue: Weald and Downland Living Museum

Website: www.wealddown.co.uk

Enjoy a relaxed day out exploring the beautiful 40-acre site, with free entry for that special father figure in your life. The Museum is home to a fascinating collection of over 50 rescued rural buildings,...

Father's Day Fun Day

Venue: Brighton Racecourse

Website: www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

Make it a Sunday to remember as Brighton Racecourse welcomes you for an afternoon of thrilling Flat Racing on Sunday 21 June featuring Father's day activities you will never forget. Children 17 and under...

Father’s Day

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

As a thank you, any Dad visiting on Father’s Day can enjoy free admission to the Museum. Tickets must be pre-booked online for this event. Make sure to book Dad a complimentary admission ticket!

Fathers' Day and Summer Solstice

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Celebrate your Dad with a day at the woods and also mark the Summer Solstice - the longest day and shortest night of the year. They'll be pizza from the wood fired oven, local beer and cider, craft demonstrations...

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

Venue: Cowdray Estate

Website: https://thepantaloons.co.uk

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse...

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: https://wtm.uk

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem......

Armed Forces, Families and Veterans Day

Venue: East Green, Banjo Road

Website: www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Littlehampton Town Council is delighted to announce that this year’s Armed Forces Families and Veterans Day event will take place on the Seafront Greens on Saturday 27 June. Visit from 10.30am for a...

Brighton Brick Festival

Venue: Amex Stadium

Website: www.brickfestivalevents.com

This will be a great day for families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO fan. With lots to see and do including speed building competitions, large scale displays, activities, traders...

Brighton Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Stanmer Park, Lewes Road

Address: Brighton

Website: https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...

Finding Nemo Jr

Venue: The Grove Theatre

Website: www.groveeastbourne.com

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney,...

Model Railway Weekend

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Bluebell Railway are pleased to announce that Ffarquhar Branch will be joining their Model Railway Weekend this June. This is a rare opportunity to see one of the most influential and historically important...

Meet Chase and Marshall at Sharnfold Farm

Venue: Sharnfold Farm

Website: https://thefamilyparksgroup.co.uk/days-out/sharnfold-farm

Children can enjoy memorable moments with Chase and Marshall during the arena-style meet and greet. While individual interactions or photos aren't guaranteed, the characters love engaging and do their...

The Dinosaur that Pooped a Rock Show

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie,...

Brainiac Live

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

More mischievous than ever before Brainiac Live! - the UK’s original and favourite family science show - explodes on stage and will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and...

Medieval Festival Weekend

Venue: Arundel Castle

Website: www.arundelcastle.org

Set on the lower lawns of Arundel Castle visitors can explore the tented encampment and market, see demonstrations of a variety of historical crafts, combat, falconry, fire eater and archery. In addition,...

Mega Music Saturday

Venue: De La Warr Pavilion

Website: www.dlwp.com

Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for pop-up storytelling performances and enjoy ‘home-grown’ musical entertainment from the London Vegetable Orchestra. Includes plenty of food and drink to enjoy...

Taylormania

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: https://whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Enjoy an award-winning extravaganza that pays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis is a self confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers...

Crawley Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Tilgate Park

Website: https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...