What's On In Sussex For Kids This Easter

Easter egg hunts and special events - our pick of stuff for the kids to do this Easter half term (Monday April 3 - Friday, April 14) - updated daily!

• Jungle Encounter at Hastings Aquarium: New daily talk for Easter 2023 - Meet the experienced Zoological teammate (at 12pm daily) who will introduce you to the jungle room locals and share some fascinating facts!
• Arundel Castle: Medieval Festival, April 7-9. Food, drink, archery, falconry, craft tent and music.
• Midhurst Easter Trail Starts Monday 3 April. The event is completely free and activity sheets will be available to pick up from the Old Library on Knockhundred Row where the trail starts, or to download from www.midhurst-tc.gov.uk. Children can collect a small gift for taking part by bringing their completed activity sheet to the Old Library on 3, 5, 6 or 10 April between 10am and 2pm.
• Sharnfold Farm - situated at Stone Cross between Eastbourne and Hailsham - is staging a magical Easter extravaganza. It includes an Easter Egg Hunt on its Farm Trail, free Easter-themed magic show, and the chance to see baby lambs and chicks as well as its usual farm animals. There are also bunnies. April 3-6 and 11-14
• Raystede Farm easter egg hunt and family learning days: Places still available on April 12 and 13. Find the egg-shaped boards and learn a new animal fact
• New inflatable assault course at Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne. For kids 6+ who can swim. Mon-Fri during school holidays. Booking essential.

• The Beachy Head Story: Activities for children. Visitors of all ages will be able to use microscopes to marvel at mini beasts, examine the wonders of nature and discover how the chalk under our feet was created. April 1-16.  www.heritageeastbourne.com. 

• Brighton & Hove Albion Soccer School: Various courses for children between the ages of 5 and 14, in Brighton, Worthing, Uckfield, Hassocks, Eastbourne, Robertsbridge, Chichester. bookings.albioninthecommunity.org.uk

• Arundel Wetland Centre will be running a free Duck Detective trail for the Easter break, with events taking place from April 1-16. Families will be able to put their detective hats on as they follow a trail of clues around our wetlands to reveal nature’s hidden secrets.  As “avian investigators” visitors can track the missing bird by finding feathery clues and footprints then logging evidence in their Duck Detectives Case File. Other family-friendly activities running across the Easter holidays include pond dipping, a nature touch table, Easter crafts and the chance to see recently hatched ducklings waddling around our site.

• Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is planning an afternoon tea with classic and savoury menu options and a range of chocolate Easter treats, from April 6th until 16th. A new Hide & Sheep trail brings to life the much-loved character Shaun the Sheep, developed by Aardman, the creators of Wallace & Gromit.  

• West Sussex County Council's popular Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme returns. A variety of exciting activities are available over the two-week school holiday (from March 31 to April 17), including music production, performing arts, skateboarding, coding computer sessions, beach and forest schools, football, and tech camps. Places are available for children aged 4 to 16 who receive means-tested free school meals. Families can check their eligibility and book directly with clubs on the HAF website. A nutritious meal will be provided free of charge to all children attending. Various locations.

• Free music lessons with AudioActive: The dynamic youth-led music charity, is excited to announce that it will be delivering a series of free music sessions for young people during the Easter holidays. The sessions will take place in Worthing, as part of the Worthing Council's Holidays Activities and Food (HAF) project, as well as across Eastbourne, and Newhaven. https://eequ.org/audioactive for Eastbourne or Newhaven, and here https://audioactive.org.uk/hafo for Worthing.

• Metro Bank, Eastbourne: Easter egg collection - donations to help support Children with Cancer as part of its Easter appeal. Eastbourne residents and businesses can donate any size Easter egg at Metro Bank's Terminus Road store.

• Priory Meadow Shopping Centre in Hastings: East egg collection - Drop an egg I the custom built Donation Station in the mall - all eggs donated to Hastings Foodbank.

National Trust events:

Nymans, West Sussex

On the Springfest Easter trail at Nymans celebrate spring by taking in blossom trees and bug hotels, and spotting butterflies and bluebells. The festival fun continues in the Play Glade where games, musical instruments and a play tent can all be found. Plus, there’ll be plenty of photo-ops with the selfie points around the garden too, and don’t forget to pick up your Easter egg prize. Now until April 16

Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex

Have a quacking good time this Easter at Sheffield Park and Garden. Adventure awaits as you follow the trail around the gardens taking in fresh bursts of colour from vibrant yellow daffodils to spectacular pink rhododendrons. Don’t forget to head over the parkland to Ringwood Toll to discover the natural play trail nestled in the woodland - make dens, climb trees, explore and let your imagination run wild. April 1-16

Bateman’s, Burwash, East Sussex

Discover an Easter Adventure trail at Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. As you make your way along the trail, join in with Edwardian children’s games that the Kipling children might have played, and enjoy the blossom and blooms in the spring garden. April 1-16

Standen House and Garden, West Sussex

It’s time for ‘All the Fun of the Fete’ this Easter at Standen. On the trail this year, you and the kids can enjoy traditional activities like sack races, boules, hook a duck, hula hooping, and tug of war. In the house, spend time spotting the hidden Easter Eggs in the Arts and Crafts interiors of this much loved family home. Now until April 16

Petworth House, Petworth, West Sussex

Petworth’s Easter trail takes you on a spring adventure through its glorious 18th-century Pleasure Garden. Collect your map and get cracking to find ten fun activities to complete. There are winding paths and spring flowers, old stone monuments to explore and amazing views to discover as you track down animal- and flower-themed games, crafts and puzzles. April 1-10

Uppark House and Garden, nr Petersfield, West Sussex

You’ll be exploring through woods, gardens and meadows at this beautiful place high up on the South Downs. Uppark’s Easter trail is jam-packed with activities for fun family challenges. Can you jump as far as a deer on the lawn, or hula hoop for thirty seconds in the scented garden? Who’s best at racing just like a rabbit, or playing Bug Bingo in the woods? April 1-16

Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Hop along to medieval Bodiam Castle this Easter to find a frog themed Easter trail around the castle and grounds. Can you throw the flies into the frog’s mouth or guess the true frog facts? With plenty of jumping, leaping and family friendly activities, you’ll have an adventure to remember. April 1-16

Lamb House, Rye, East Sussex

Calling all super-spies! Can you solve the clues and crack the case to win the chocolate egg at Lamb House? Nestled in the heart of Rye, the house boasts literary links with former residents including Henry James and E.F. Benson. Outside, the walled gardens will be bursting into life as the spring bulbs bring colour and fragrance. April 1-16