The 10 best things to do in Sussex with kids

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I’ve been rounding up the 10 best things to do in Sussex with kids. Whether you’re a local looking for family days out, or your visiting on your travels, you’ll be pleased to know there are some fantastic things to do with the kids in Sussex. From attraction parks, to budget-friendly beach days and historical landmarks, the county offers loads of fun. Here are ten of the best things to do in Sussex with kids, plus some Frugal Mum money saving tips!

1. Spend the day at Drusillas Park

Drusillas Park is one of the best family attractions in Sussex, especially for younger children as there’s plenty for the little ones to do if they love animals and gentle rides. It has a lovely mixture of small animal enclosures, walk through areas, soft play, outdoor play zones and character themed rides. It’s easy to get around, well laid out and perfect for families with toddlers through to primary school age. Frugal Mum Tip: We visited when our children were small and had a fabulous time – if you’re a Tesco shopper follow our lead and use your Tesco Clubcard Rewards to enter for free!

2. Explore the beaches at Eastbourne and Bognor Regis

Sussex has some fantastic family-friendly beaches. Eastbourne offers long stretches of clean shoreline, a traditional pier and calm seas that are great for paddling. Bognor Regis is another favourite with its wide promenade and plenty of beachfront facilities. Many families love combining a beach day with a visit to Hotham Park, which is just a short walk from the seafront. Bring your buckets and spades and pack up a picnic for loads of budget-friendly fun on the coast. Frugal Mum Tip: Look out for Eastbourne’s infamous air show over the summer months – it’s fabulous and totally free!

3. Have fun at Knockhatch Adventure Park

Knockhatch Adventure Park, in Hailsham, offers loads of things to do for kids of all ages – it’s one of the best family attractions in Sussex, with plenty to keep you busy all day. There are animals to meet, indoor and outdoor play areas, toboggan runs, boating lakes, climbing zones and a huge soft play for rainy days. Younger children will love the farmyard areas and gentle rides, while older kids can find something more adventurous. It’s great value compared to many theme parks and it’s easy to spend a full day there without running out of activities – we had a fabulous time! Frugal Mum Tip: Knockhatch Adventure Park is another Tesco Clubcard Attraction so save up your points to get in for free!

4. Discover Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle offers an impressive historic day out with lots to explore. Families can wander through the grand rooms, climb the battlements, visit the keep and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Children will love the stories of knights, battles and royalty, and there’s plenty of space for picnics in the grounds. It’s perfect for a relaxed day with a good mix of learning and adventure. Frugal Mum Tip: Plan your visits around events days, like the Medieval Festivals, to get the best value for money from your visit.

5. Visit Brighton Palace Pier

Why not head to Brighton for the day to enjoy some traditional seaside family fun? Brighton’s famous pier is packed with rides, arcade games, doughnuts and nostalgia. It’s a lively spot for older children and teens, and the mix of family-friendly attractions along the seafront makes it easy to spend hours exploring. The beach itself is a great place for paddling, fish & chips and watching the world go by. Frugal Mum Tip: If you’re on a budget, pack up a picnic and hop on the Park & Ride to avoid the high costs of city centre parking.

6. Ride the Bluebell Railway

The Bluebell Railway offers a wonderful step back in time with its old fashioned steam trains running through the Sussex countryside. For an extra treat, look out for themed events throughout the year. It’s a lovely relaxed day out, especially for little ones who enjoy trains and families on the hunt for picturesque scenery. Frugal Mum Tip: Bring the kids’ Blue Peter Badges and they can hop on the train for free – Bluebell Railway is one of the 200+ UK attractions offering ‘kids go free’ when they show their badge.

7. Have fun at Butlins Bognor Regis (day passes)

If you want a full entertainment filled day without staying overnight, Butlins Bognor Regis offers day passes. Families can enjoy the huge indoor pool with flumes, soft play, fairground rides and the Skyline Pavilion with shows and activities for younger children. Butlins is perfect for rainy days, out-of-season getaways or when you want everything in one place as there’s so much to do. (You’ll likely spend a few hours just in the swimming pool!) Frugal Mum Tip: Look out for the ‘kids for £1’ offers on day passes, and if you’re accessing the PlayXperience activities pre-buy tokens in advance (and in bulk) to save money.

8. Visit Fishers Farm Park

Fishers Farm Park, in West Sussex, offers one of the best days out for children under the age of 10 with a brilliant mix of animals, rides, indoor play and outdoor adventures. There are barns full of friendly animals, pony rides, tractor rides and plenty of child-friendly activities. The kids can enjoy things like: a splash park, ride-ons, a climbing wall, bouncy pillows, adventure golf and the wagon run. It offers a fantastic family adventure that’s best suited to younger kids – and you could easily spend a full day there. Frugal Mum Tip: Prebook tickets online in advance to save a few pounds per ticket.

9. Spend a day in Hastings

Hastings has a fascinating smuggler history and the underground caves bring it to life in a fun way for kids. At the Smugglers Adventure, families can explore the tunnels and follow the storytelling – it offers a really interesting day out for slightly older kids. Then make the most of the seafront, the old town, crazy golf and the hilltop views from the cliff lifts. It’s one of the most unique towns in Sussex – offering loads of things to do with the kids – and if your dates line up check out the Battle of Hastings re-enactment day too. Frugal Mum Tip: English Heritage Memberships typically offer the best value for money as you can use them time and time again.

10. Explore Seven Sisters and the South Downs

The South Downs National Park offers incredible views, gentle walking routes and plenty of safe open space. Families often head to Seven Sisters for scenic clifftop walks, picture perfect photo spots and picnics. Older children will enjoy the longer trails, while younger kids will love the wide grassy areas and fresh air. Frugal Mum Tip: Parking is just a few pounds so pack up a picnic for a low cost day out.

Where are the best places to stay in Sussex with kids?

There are some lovely family-friendly holiday parks in Sussex – I’ve been looking for great kids’ activities, scenic locations, swimming pools and fantastic days out nearby. Head to my article: The 5 best holiday parks in Sussex for families for more information on what’s on offer at these sites, and even more great options, but here’s a quick glimpse at a few of my top picks:

Haven: Combe Haven Holiday Park: This park has a lovely outdoor pool (with a space bowl flume!) and an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor playground, soft play and an indoor games and sports area perfect for a rainy day. There are plenty of kids’ activities on offer including: crafts, ranger sessions, sports, bungee trampolines, archery, foot golf, a climbing wall, segways and a NERF training camp.

Parkdean Resorts: Camber Sands Holiday Park: One of the best holiday parks for action-packed family getaways in Sussex – there’s so much to do and it sits right beside the longest sandy dunes in the county. On the park itself, you’ll find four indoor heated swimming pools, a climbing wall, high ropes, VR, ride-ons, soft play, laser quest, a sports dome and more!

Hoseasons: Seal Bay Holiday Park: This brilliant resort boasts both indoor and outdoor swimming pools with waterslides and play equipment for little ones – perfect for fun whatever the weather – and a long stretch of beach right on the doorstep. There’s a lot on offer including: a wave rider, archery, laser tag, soft play, bowling, crazy golf and more – with plenty to amuse kids of all ages.

Kent or Sussex – which is best for a family holiday?

Kent and Sussex both make brilliant family holiday destinations, so the best choice really depends on what your family enjoys. Kent offers a mix of wildlife parks, castles, sandy bays and big country parks, which is ideal if you want a holiday with lots of variety and easy day trips. Sussex has a slightly more laid back feel with long pebble beaches, lively seaside towns, the South Downs for scenic walks and some lovely family holiday parks. Kent is great for families who like activities, themed attractions and historic days out, while Sussex suits those who want coast, countryside and slower paced exploring. Both are beautiful parts of the South East so you can’t really go wrong and, since they’re right next door to each other, it’s easy to enjoy the best of both worlds wherever you stay! Or, to help you to decide, check out my article: The 10 best things to do in Kent with kids.

Is Sussex worth a visit?

Sussex is definitely worth a visit, especially for families looking for a mix of coast, countryside and fun days out. You have classic seaside towns like Brighton, Bognor and Eastbourne, miles of beautiful coastline, the South Downs for scenic walks and brilliant family attractions like Drusillas Park and Knockhatch Adventure Park. It’s a great spot for a staycation with the kids and Bognor Regis in particular is often said to be one of the sunniest places in the UK!