Rainy day activities for families in Sussex

Come skating at The Skate Farm, Haywards Heath

If you're looking for a rainy day activity that genuinely works for the whole family — kids, parents, mixed ages, mixed abilities — The Skate Farm in Haywards Heath is hard to beat.

It's an indoor skatepark open to skateboarders, scooter riders, inline skaters and quad skaters of all ages. There are family sessions on Saturday mornings designed specifically for younger riders and parents together, open sessions throughout the week, and beginner lessons if anyone wants a proper head start. The ramps are smooth and well-maintained, sessions are capped to keep the space relaxed, and there's a coffee shop and comfortable seating area for parents who'd rather watch.

Most families who come for the first time have never been to a skatepark before. That's completely normal here — the coaches are used to complete beginners and the atmosphere is genuinely welcoming. You don't need any kit — helmets are available to borrow and the sessions are designed for first-timers.

Haywards Heath is easy to reach from Brighton, Crawley, Burgess Hill, Horsham, Lewes, Worthing and across West Sussex. Free parking on-site.

Book a session at The Skate Farm

Explore Sussex's best indoor museums

Sussex has some genuinely excellent indoor museums that hold kids' attention properly. The Amberley Museum near Arundel is one of the best — a working museum of rural industry with engines, crafts and hands-on exhibits spread across an open air site with covered areas throughout. The Weald and Downland Living Museum near Chichester is similar in feel — historic buildings, woodland walks and interactive exhibits for curious minds.

For something more city-based, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is free and excellent for families, with regular children's activities and a café. The Royal Pavilion nearby is worth it just for the spectacle — kids tend to love how bizarre it is.

Get creative at an arts and crafts studio

A pottery or craft session is a brilliant rainy day activity because kids come home with something to show for it. Dirty Hands Studio in Burgess Hill is a local favourite for families — drop-in sessions, friendly staff and everything from wheel throwing to painted pottery. Made and Making in Hassocks offers a similar setup with a relaxed, creative atmosphere.

For something a bit different, The Pottery Café in Brighton lets you paint your own ceramics while they handle the firing — good for kids who want something to take home same day.

Burn energy at an indoor trampoline park

When it's tipping down and the kids need to run off steam, a trampoline park is one of the most effective options. Jumpin Fun in Burgess Hill is well-suited for younger children with dedicated toddler areas and a café for parents. Flip Out in Chichester has more variety for older kids — dodgeball courts, foam pits and a decent range of zones for different ages.

Worth booking ahead at weekends as both get busy during school holidays and wet weather.

Catch a film

Sometimes simple is best. Cineworld in Crawley, Odeon in Brighton and the Dome Cinema in Worthing all regularly show family films, and going to the pictures on a rainy afternoon is one of those reliably good ideas. Check for kids' club screenings on weekend mornings — usually cheaper tickets and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Go swimming or climbing

Most leisure centres in Sussex are better than people give them credit for. K2 in Crawley is one of the best in the region — a proper pool, climbing wall, soft play and sports facilities all under one roof. The Triangle in Burgess Hill is a solid local option with a pool and a good soft play area for younger kids.

For climbing specifically, Boulder World in Worthing has bouldering sessions for all ages including complete beginners, and the staff are used to families turning up without any experience.

Wrap up

Rain or shine, there's always something to do in Sussex with kids. And if you're looking for something a bit different — something active, social and genuinely fun for all ages — The Skate Farm in Haywards Heath is open every week and always worth the trip.