The Best Rainy Day Activities Across East & West Sussex for Babies, Toddlers & Children
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Sussex when it rains? Whether you have toddlers, school-age children or teens, there are plenty of indoor activities across East Sussex and West Sussex to keep everyone entertained.
From soft play and aquariums to creative cafés, indoor farms and cosy at-home ideas, this guide covers rainy day activities from West Wittering to Rye with options for every budget.
1. Explore the Royal Pavilion, Brighton
A Colourful Indoor Adventure for Curious Kids
Children love spotting the unusual decorations and learning about royal history inside Brighton’s famous palace.
Key Information
- Location: Brighton, East Sussex
- Best For: Ages 6+
- Price: Adults from £19.50, children discounts available
- Parking: Nearby city centre car parks
- Indoor Activity: Yes
- Pushchair Friendly: Mostly
- Rainy Day Rating: Excellent
2. Visit Fishbourne Roman Palace
Step Back in Time Near Chichester
A fun educational day out with mosaics, artefacts and interactive exhibits.
Key Information
- Location: Chichester, West Sussex
- Best For: Ages 5–12
- Price: Adults from £17
- Parking: Free parking available
- Indoor Activity: Mostly indoor museum areas. Bring an umbrella to explore outside.
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Great educational option
3. Spend the Day at the Sealife Centre
One of the Best Rainy Day Activities for Toddlers in Sussex
Watch sharks, seahorses and colourful tropical fish indoors on Brighton seafront.
Key Information
- Location: Brighton, East Sussex
- Best For: Babies, toddlers and young children
- Price: Family tickets available
- Parking: Paid seafront parking nearby
- Indoor Activity: Fully indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Perfect for younger children
4. Burn Off Energy at Harbour Park Soft Play
Indoor Fun in Littlehampton
A classic rainy day favourite with soft play, arcades and family entertainment.
Key Information
- Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex
- Best For: Under 10s
- Price: Budget-friendly pay-per-play
- Parking: Nearby paid parking
- Indoor Activity: Indoor soft play available
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Great for energetic children
5. Visit Drusillas Park
Animal Adventures Even When It Rains
Drusillas has indoor play zones, sheltered animal areas and rides for little ones.
Key Information
- Location: Alfriston, East Sussex
- Best For: Toddlers and primary school children
- Price: From around £27 per person
- Parking: Free parking onsite
- Indoor Activity: Mixed indoor/outdoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Ideal for family days out
6. Discover The Observatory Science Centre
Hands-On Science Fun for Kids
Interactive exhibits and experiments make this a brilliant wet weather activity.
Key Information
- Location: Herstmonceux, East Sussex
- Best For: Ages 5–14
- Price: Family tickets available
- Parking: Free parking onsite
- Indoor Activity: Mostly indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Educational and exciting
7. Visit Knockhatch Adventure Park Indoor Play
Rainy Day Soft Play & Farm Fun
A brilliant option with indoor play barns and animal encounters.
Key Information
- Location: Hailsham, East Sussex
- Best For: Toddlers to age 12
- Price: Mid-range family pricing
- Parking: Free parking available
- Indoor Activity: Indoor and covered attractions
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Excellent all-weather option
8. Go Swimming at Splashpoint Leisure Centre
Indoor Pool Fun in Worthing
Perfect for rainy mornings with wave pools and family swim sessions.
Key Information
- Location: Worthing, West Sussex
- Best For: All ages
- Price: Affordable family sessions
- Parking: Nearby parking available
- Indoor Activity: Fully indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Great year-round activity
9. Explore Brighton Toy and Model Museum
A Hidden Gem for Train Lovers & Kids
Packed with model railways, vintage toys and interactive displays.
Key Information
- Location: Brighton, East Sussex
- Best For: Ages 3+
- Price: Budget-friendly
- Parking: Nearby city parking
- Indoor Activity: Yes
- Pushchair Friendly: Limited in some areas
- Rainy Day Rating: Great for shorter visits
10. Try Pottery Painting at a Sussex Pottery Café
Creative Indoor Fun for Little Ones
Children can paint mugs, animals and plates while staying warm indoors.
Key Information
- Location: Across Sussex
- Best For: Ages 2+
- Price: Usually £10–£30 depending on item
- Parking: Varies by venue
- Indoor Activity: Fully indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Usually yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Calm and creative
11. Visit Hastings Aquarium & Old Town
Easy Family Rainy Day Trip
Combine aquarium fun with cosy cafés and sweet shops nearby.
Key Information
- Location: Hastings, East Sussex
- Best For: Families with children
- Price: Mid-range attraction pricing
- Parking: Seafront parking nearby
- Indoor Activity: Aquarium indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Flexible all-weather option
12. Enjoy a Cosy Cinema Trip
Easy Rainy Day Entertainment for Families
Many Sussex cinemas offer family screenings during weekends and holidays.
Key Information
- Location: Across Sussex
- Best For: All ages
- Price: Standard cinema pricing
- Parking: Usually available nearby
- Indoor Activity: Fully indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Relaxing and cosy
13. Visit Lewes Castle Museum
History Made Fun for Kids
Explore museum exhibits and learn about Sussex history indoors.
Key Information
- Location: Lewes, East Sussex
- Best For: Ages 6+
- Price: Combined tickets available
- Parking: Nearby town parking
- Indoor Activity: Museum indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Some uneven access
- Rainy Day Rating: Great educational stop
14. Play Indoors at Triangle Leisure Centre
Slides, Pools & Family Activities
A great rainy day option with swimming and indoor activities.
Key Information
- Location: Burgess Hill, West Sussex
- Best For: Families and children
- Price: Affordable family sessions
- Parking: Free onsite parking
- Indoor Activity: Fully indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Excellent active option
15. Explore Arundel Castle’s Indoor Areas
A Real-Life Castle Adventure
Children love the grand rooms, armour displays and castle stories.
Key Information
- Location: Arundel, West Sussex
- Best For: Ages 5+
- Price: Premium attraction pricing
- Parking: Paid parking nearby
- Indoor Activity: Yes
- Pushchair Friendly: Limited in places
- Rainy Day Rating: Best for light rain days
16. Visit an Indoor Trampoline Park
Perfect for High-Energy Kids
Ideal for rainy afternoons when children need to burn energy.
Key Information
- Location: Across Sussex
- Best For: Ages 4+
- Price: Mid-range
- Parking: Usually free onsite parking
- Indoor Activity: Fully indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Viewing areas usually available
- Rainy Day Rating: Fantastic for active children
17. Bake Easy Treats at Home
Low-Cost Rainy Day Fun
Make cupcakes, decorate biscuits or try simple child-friendly recipes together.
Key Information
- Location: At home
- Best For: Toddlers and young children
- Price: Low-cost activity
- Parking: Not needed
- Indoor Activity: At home
- Pushchair Friendly: N/A
- Rainy Day Rating: Perfect budget activity
18. Build an Indoor Den & Movie Day
Simple Family Fun at Home
Use blankets, cushions and fairy lights for a cosy rainy day setup.
Key Information
- Location: At home
- Best For: All ages
- Price: Budget-friendly
- Parking: Not needed
- Indoor Activity: At home
- Pushchair Friendly: N/A
- Rainy Day Rating: Easy and memorable
19. Create a Rainy Day Craft Station
Messy Play Without Leaving the House
Try painting, colouring, sticker books or homemade playdough.
Key Information
- Location: At home
- Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers
- Price: Very low-cost
- Parking: Not needed
- Indoor Activity: At home
- Pushchair Friendly: N/A
- Rainy Day Rating: Great for younger children
20. Visit a Local Library Story Session
Free Rainy Day Activity in Sussex
Many Sussex libraries offer free rhyme time, crafts and story sessions for children. During weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Key Information
- Location: Across East & West Sussex
- Best For: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers
- Price: Free
- Parking: Varies by location
- Indoor Activity: Fully indoor
- Pushchair Friendly: Usually yes
- Rainy Day Rating: Excellent free activity
