What's On in Sussex

Wilfrid the Seal - Trail for Children and Families

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...

Hurrah for Shippam's

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...

Sompting Pumpkins

Venue: Halewick Lane

Website: https://somptingpumpkins.co.uk

Are you looking to pick your own pumpkins in West Sussex for a fun family day out? Entrance is free and they have plenty of space! Cash and card payments are accepted for pumpkins, craft activities, food,...

We're Going on a Ghost Hunt this Halloween at Standen

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the bunnies are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Standen with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way....

Burgess Hill Girls Open Morning

Venue: Burgess Hill Girls

Address: Keymer Rd, Burgess Hill

Website: www.burgesshillgirls.com

Choosing the right school is a big decision. The weekly Open Mornings every Friday offer the perfect opportunity to experience the warm, vibrant and successful community at the school, which is dedicated...

Crazy Fun at Hastings Adventure Golf

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,...

Harbour Park

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

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.

Reindeer Run

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.stch.org.uk/reindeer-run

Once signed up, helpful materials like Reindeer Run Teacher’s Toolkit and a Festive Fun pack full of Christmas themed activities will be shared. A special ‘good luck’ video from their friends at...

Halloween Face Painting

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Join local face painter Beshlie from Glittery Rainbow Cat and get your face painted for a spooky fun filled day. Beshlie is an accredited member of The International Face Painting Association. (Selected...

Spell Quest at Bodiam Castle

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Young witches and wizards are wanted to take part in a thrilling quest to cast some spells with the help of the beasts of Bodiam Castle.Prepare for an immersive family-friendly trail filled with suspense...

Swan Lake

Venue: Assembly Hall Theatre

Website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Swan Lake tells the unforgettable tale of two women, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so closely that they can be mistaken for one another. This compelling story follows the tragic romance of...

Grow Up Wild - Home-ed Forest School

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

There is a flexible structure to each session with seasonal craft and cooking activities interleaved with regular opportunities for developing fire lighting skills, tool work, exploration, games and...

Zippos Circus

Venue: Fontwell Park Racecourse

Website: www.zippos.co.uk/tickets

The ever-popular acrobat and comedy star Paulo Dos Santos once again hosts the show. He might only be 3ft 6in tall but he has a big personality. Artists from Italy, France, Kenya, Mongolia, South America,...

Diwali at Bateman's

Venue: Bateman's

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Visit Bateman's over the four-day weekend to discover beautiful Indian objects, artworks, and hand-crafted decorations in the house. Take part in family-friendly crafts, browse for Indian gifts or Kipling...

Giants of Steam

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

The Bluebell Railway is delighted to announce that 60163 Tornado, 6880 Betton Grange and 2999 Lady of Legend will be the guest locomotives for this year’s gala, running alongside their very own newly...

A Haunting Halloween - Kids Trail and Activities

Venue: Borde Hill

Website: www.bordehill.co.uk

Explore the Garden on a children’s story trail to see if you can help solve the mystery as to why Sir Haunt-A-Lot is unable to rest in peace. The trail is suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years...

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Venue: Komedia Brighton

Website: www.komedia.co.uk

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without...

Green Woodworking for Adults and Families

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

These small group, outdoor workshops offer the opportunity to experience the joy of working with green wood through your own exploration and creativity, regardless of age and ability. You can decide what...

Halloween Half Term

Venue: Nymans

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Have a spooky half term at Nymans with plenty of Halloween-themed fun and games, pumpkin faces, witches' hats and a bubbling cauldron. Free family trail around the garden. Free activities with normal admission....

Leonardslee Haunted Gardens

Venue: Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Website: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

This October Half-Term, step into a world of shadow and wonder as you explore the haunted gardens and help bring the light back to life. Follow the pumpkin trail, solve puzzles, visit mysterious stops,...

Magical potion and wand making workshops

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Whispers of magic beckon young witches and wizards to begin their journey into the art of spell craft. Join the Wizarding Workshops for immersive sessions filled with mystery, creativity, and fun. Each...

Tom Gates

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, and brand new for 2025, Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show comes to the theatre bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around...

Zog

Venue: Wakehurst

Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/zog

This Autumn take on a fun outdoor trail inspired by the best-selling picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Learn to fly, roar, breathe fire, through fun challenges,...

Autumn Industrial Trains

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

This special day showcases the Museum’s impressive collection of industrial locomotives and offers visitors an unforgettable experience packed with activities, demonstrations and rides.Hop aboard a classic...

Chichester950 Light Experience

Venue: Chichester Cathedral

Website: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

The experience will illuminate the Cathedral’s iconic architecture and will feature 30,000 images from their archive, weaving together centuries of history into a stunning display that honours the Cathedral’s...

Cirque: The Greatest Show Reimagined

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original Circus meets Musical Theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights.Experience iconic West End showstoppers...

Taylor Swift Tribute: The Eras Experience

Venue: Royal Hippodrome Theatre

Website: www.royalhippodrome.com

Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or simply love great music, this is the ultimate homage to one of the biggest stars in the world. Get ready to relive Taylor Swift’s greatest hits in a show that’s...

'Super Natural' Adventure at WWT Arundel

Venue: WWT Arundel

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel

Families can weave a little magic into their day by designing a willow wand to cast spells, discovering the mysteries of wetland plants to make magical potions and searching for spotted tops and amazing...

Halloween Mad Scientist Show

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Address: Birch Grove Suite

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Get ready for a wild, wacky science-filled adventure this Halloween! £5 per person to see the show. This includes all adults and children. Limited seating – pre-booking is preferred. Kids For A Quid...

Let's All Dance presents Hansel and Gretel

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

With expressive music and staging, this vibrant retelling of the classic tale celebrates the timeless themes of courage, family bonds and the power of love. Combining charm, suspense and fantasy in a beautifully...

Littlehampton Bonfire Society Traditional Torchlight Parade with Bonfire and Fireworks

Venue: Starts Fitzalan Rd Ends on East Beach Green

Website: www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk

Traditional costumed torchlight parade with bands, marching groups and floats through the streets and winding down to the East Beach Green. There an enormous bonfire is lit and the amazing fireworks are...

Monster Bash

Venue: Middle Farm

Website: www.middlefarm.com

Join the Open Farm for a Monster Bash with undercover pumpkin picking in the Pumpkin Barn, Halloween crafts, face painting and ghostly games. Don’t forget to enter the Spook-tacular Scavenger Hunt for...

October Half Term Fun

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Families can enjoy hands-on activities during October Half Term with the not-too-spooky pumpkin trail around the museum. You can also make your own mini besom broomstick – using traditional birch. (No...

Ritual Marks and Hidden Objects

Venue: Weald and Downland Museum

Website: www.wealddown.co.uk

Go on a spooky adventure to find ritual marks and hidden objects whilst learning about the folklore and superstitions of the past. Discover how they were believed to protect homes from the evil spirits....

The Ghost Train

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Step aboard and meet the ghosts of the Bluebell Railway in a spine-tingling immersive theatrical experience, unlike anything ever seen on a heritage railway in the UK. Recommended for families with older...

Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live!

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.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 has teamed up...

Create and Grow Spooky Half Term

Venue: Squire's Garden Centre

Website: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Keep the little ones entertained with Create and Grow Spooky activities. Paint a ceramic tealight holder in the shape of a haunted house or scary tree, yours to take home with a complimentary battery-operated...

Creation Station

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

Whether you have a three -year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son, or a five and seven-year-old, these crafty sessions are devised to help them both get creative at a pace that works for them. £8 children,...

October Half Term Musical Workshop - Witches and Wizards

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Enjoy singing, dancing and acting to the most wondrous and mystical of musical numbers. After a fun-filled week of rehearsing, you will perform to family and friends on Friday afternoon, who are sure to...

Pop Princesses – World Tour

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, and Lizzo, plus a few of the best songs from all your favourite films and musicals. The...

WiFi Wars

Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre

Website: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

WiFi Wars returns with a very spooky version of the live comedy game show where you all play along! Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the...

Pepper's Ghost Family Workshops

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Did you know that Theatre Royal Brighton was one of the first theatres to be granted a licence to use Professor Pepper's ghostly trickery? Create your own spooky, miniature diorama using the magical Victorian...

Space Family Fun Day

Venue: South Downs Planetarium

Website: www.southdowns.org.uk

For the Family Fun Day events, weather permitting, some activities may take place outside of the main Planetarium building, either on the hard standing car park areas or on the adjacent school playing...

Characters Through History

Venue: Arundel Castle

Website: www.arundelcastle.org

Meet characters from the Castle’s history, with a focus on the 12th Century, and in particular the first two sieges at the Castle. Meet a Crusader, Knight, Archer and The Master Falconer.Listen to Medieval...

EODS: Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Venue: Royal Hippodrome Theatre

Website: www.royalhippodrome.com

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Join Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian,...

Family Learning Days

Venue: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

Website: www.raystede.org

Visit Raystede this October half term for their free Family Learning Days. Learn all about guinea pigs via a fun family trail and find out how to keep them happy and healthy! Make your own animals in their...

Halloween Pottery Painting (drop in)

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Join Julia for spooktacler pottery painting in the heart of Wilderness Wood. Let your creativity run wild, painting your very own ceramic Halloween decoration to take home. No need to book, just drop in...

Make your own Jarvis Jar!

Venue: The Novium Museum

Website: www.thenovium.org.uk/whatson

Using colourful plasticine, children can design and personalise their very own mini Jarvis, taking inspiration from the iconic Shippam’s jar. This playful drop-in activity is perfect for younger visitors...

All Hallows’ Eve

Venue: Weald and Downland Museum

Website: www.wealddown.co.uk

Are you looking for something special, spooky and uniquely different to do to celebrate All Hollows’ Eve? Then look no further than a visit to the Museum this October 31 . Upon arrival, pick up a spooky...

Dame Dolly’s Spooktacular Pirate Party

Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre

Website: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

After the success of 'Dame Dolly's Spooktacular Show' she's back with a brand new show for Halloween 2025! It's time to jump aboard the Dolly Roger, scrub the deck and splice the mainbrace, and prepare...

English Youth Ballet presents Swan Lake

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Award-winning English Youth Ballet returns to Crawley with its exquisite production of Swan Lake. International principal dancers will lead an impressive cast of 100 local, young dancers selected for their...

Fontwell Park’s Spooky Spectacular Fireworks

Venue: Fontwell Park

Website: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

Family-friendly evening packed with fairground rides, spooky surprises, tasty street food and drinks, leading up to a jaw-dropping fireworks finale over the racecourse. Whether you’re bringing the kids,...

Halloween Evening and Ghost Train

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Don’t miss the spine-tingling Halloween Evening on 1st November, where the museum comes alive after dark with spooky surprises – a thrilling way to celebrate the season. Ride on the ghost train and...

Razzamataz Free Taster Day

Venue: The Regis School, Bohunt School

Website: www.razzamataz.co.uk

Razzamataz Theatre Schools performing arts classes aren’t just about singing, dancing, and acting — they’re about helping young people grow in self-belief, resilience, and confidence that lasts a...

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry...

Crown Ballet - The Nutcracker

Venue: Connaught Theatre

Website: https://wtm.uk/events/crown-ballet-the-nutcracker

Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker is a captivating fairy tale that whisks audiences into a magical world where dreams dance to life.From the sparkling Snowflake Waltz to the delightful...

Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure for Kids

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

SK Shlomo is a world record-breaking beatboxer who makes all kinds of music using just their mouth and a mic, and their 5-star sell-out show is back. Join this sonic superhero and become one of their sidekicks...

Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids

Venue: Komedia Brighton

Website: www.komedia.co.uk

Join world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo(they/them) who makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic. Anybody can become one of this sonic superhero’s sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant...

Skip's Family Workshop – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Grab your golden ticket and step inside for a sugary confection of fun! Wonderfully imaginative arts,crafts,making and playing inspired by the much loved story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Children...

Glow Wild

Venue: Wakehurst

Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/glow-wild-2025

2025 brings a brand new trail, inviting visitors to walk on the wild side and discover the mystery, beauty and resilience of nature, exclusively handcrafted by leading artists. Reimagine wildlife, walk...

Let's All Dance presents A Christmas Wish

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

This gorgeous Christmas show is perfect for young audiences and their families. With lovely dancing, music and costumes, children will be enthralled by this magical festive tale of love and friendship.

Let's All Dance presents The Nutcracker

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

The Nutcracker is perfect for children of all ages, whether this is their first trip to the theatre or they are regular visitors. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey to the magical land...

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer -The Drone Light Show

Venue: South of England Showground

Website: https://luminadrones.com/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-sign-up

Follow Rudolph’s journey through the stars at a magical drone light show this Christmas. The sky comes alive with the heart-warming tale of the world’s most famous reindeer, told through cinematic...

The Elf on the Shelf® at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark

Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas for The Elf on the Shelf® Christmas trail! Discover twelve hand-painted sculptures around the garden as you take in the glorious wintry scenes and delight...

James B Partridge: The Big Christmas Assembly 2025

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Get ready for an evening of festive joy and nostalgia with James B Partridge’s The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 this Christmas season. James brings his beloved show to Hastings White Rock, inviting audiences...

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Whatever you do, don't miss this year's spectacular fun-filled family pantomime starring Strictly's Ore Oduba (Strictly Come Dancing), Quang Luong aka Gladiators' Viper and Crawley Legend Michael J Batchelor...

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Royal Hippodrome Theatre

Website: www.royalhippodrome.com

Once upon a time in a land far away, Princess Aurora is given a twenty-first birthday present by her evil aunt Carabosse. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she is placed under a cruel...

Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer hero Jack on his magical journey to Cloudland as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the Cow! As always there’ll be spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes,...

Flyaway Katie

Venue: Komedia Brighton

Website: www.komedia.co.uk

Long Nose Puppets present Flyaway Katie at Komedia Brighton this Christmas, an inspiring flight of fancy about the power of imagination based on the wonderful children's book by Polly Dunbar. Perfect for...