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Free and low-cost family activities for summer 2025
16th July 2025
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We know the summer holidays can be tough – six weeks is a long stretch to keep the kids entertained, especially when budgets are tight.
Fortunately, we live in a beautiful part of the world with plenty of free and low-cost activities to enjoy, especially when the sun is shining.
Make the most of Summer 2025 with our roundup of fun, affordable family events across Chichester District. From crabbing and cathedral trails to lavender fields and community festivals, there’s something for everyone!
If you’re finding things difficult, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our referral partners for an emergency food voucher to help you through the holidays. You’re not alone – support is available.
If you need transport, why not try Book-a-Bus? From family or group tickets, day rider fares and cheaper return fares, there’s something for everyone. They’ve also partnered with local tourist attractions for exclusive discounts when you travel with them to the participating destinations. Find the full list of locations and discounts here.
Chichester
🫙 Shippams Exhibition
Where: The Novium Museum, Tower Street
When: 12 July 2025 – 28 February 2026
Entry: Free
Explore the history of Shippams, the iconic Chichester food brand, with interactive displays and historical curiosities.
🦭 Wilfrid the Seal Family Trail
Where: Chichester Cathedral
When: All summer
Entry: Free
Follow a family-friendly trail exploring the story of Wilfrid the seal and the cathedral’s coastal links.
🚒 Chichester Emergency Services & Community Day
Where: Oaklands Park
When: 24 August 2025, 10:00–16:00
Entry: Free
Hands-on fun with fire engines, police cars, ambulance tours, and local community stalls.
🦆 RSPB Pagham Harbour Self‑Guided Trails
Where: Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre
When: Daily, summer
Entry: Free
Wander through beautiful wetland habitats spotting birds and bugs along marked trails.
🦀 Crabbing at West Wittering
Where: West Wittering Beach
When: All summer (best at low tide)
Entry: Free (car park charged)
Grab a line, bucket, and bait for this classic family beach activity.
✈️ Tangmere Family Fun Day
Where: Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
When: 3 August 2025
Entry: Paid – standard museum entry (under-5s free)
Aircraft displays, kids’ trails, and hands-on aviation activities throughout the day.
📷 Chichester Camera Club Exhibition
Where: Loxwood Meadow
When: 2–17 August 2025 (closed 10 Aug)
Entry: Free
A diverse exhibition showcasing striking local and international photography.
📚 Storytime Saturdays
Where: Festival Theatre foyer, Chichester Festival Theatre (Oaklands Park)
When: Saturdays – 26 July, 2 & 9 August 2025
Entry: Free
Discover new and classic children’s tales read aloud, followed by playful activities and crafts to bring stories to life.
🎨 Bank Holiday Family Fun – Pallant House Gallery
Where: Pallant House Gallery, Chichester
When: Monday 26 August 2025
Entry: £5 for adults accompanying children | Under 18s go free
Enjoy a creative family day with Ways of Looking art explorer bags, a fun gallery trail and a free Meet an Artwork workshop. Use code BHADULT2024 at checkout for the special £5 adult entry.
🎒 Holiday Club @ Chichester College – “More Than Just Childcare”
Where: Chichester College
When: 23 July – 29 August 2025
Entry: Prices vary (contact for details)
The college’s OFSTED-registered holiday club offers stimulating physical, intellectual, and social activities in a secure environment for children aged 8–14. Prices from £2. Free school meal eligible spaces available.
🎈 Kidz Club Summer Holiday Club – Fishbourne
Where: The Fishbourne Centre, Blackboy Lane, Fishbourne, PO18 8BE
When: Thursdays, 10am–12:30pm on 24, 31 July & 7, 14, 21, 28 August 2025
Entry: £5.00 per child (Adults must stay on-site)
Fun-filled mornings with inflatables, bouncy castle, toddler soft play, sporty games, and more for ages 2–10. Free parking and family-friendly café.
Midhurst
🎭 MADhurst Festival
Where: Various venues across Midhurst
When: 1–31 August 2025
Entry: Most events free; some ticketed
A month-long celebration with live music, workshops, open-air theatre, crafts, and street entertainment.
🎵 Summer Market with MADhurst Unplugged
Where: Market Square
When: 2 August, 09:00–14:00
Entry: Free
Local food, crafts, kids’ stalls, and live acoustic music.
🎩 Magician in the Square
Where: Market Square
When: 21 August, 14:00–16:00
Entry: Free
Delightful magic performances for families and children.
Petworth
🎟️ Petworth Festival & Family Trail
Where: Petworth House & town venues
When: 17 July – 2 August 2025
Entry: Mix of free family activities & ticketed concerts
Includes art trails, storytelling, music workshops, and nature walks.
💜 Lordington Lavender Open Days
Where: Lordington Lavender, near Petworth
When: 16–20 July 2025, 10:00–16:00
Entry: Adults £8 | Children (3–16) £2 | Under‑3s & carers free
Wander fragrant lavender fields, enjoy tractor rides, hay play, and family nature talks.
🐶 Celebrate Petworth Festival & Dog Show
Where: Petworth town centre
When: 6 September 2025
Entry: Free
Pet-friendly fun with live music, stalls, a dog show, and community celebration.
Selsey
🛟 Selsey Lifeboat Day
Where: Selsey Lifeboat Station
When: Sunday 3 August 2025
Entry: Free
Meet the RNLI team, enjoy rescue demos, boat tours, and seaside stalls.
More summer ideas for families
🚶 Walk or Cycle the Centurion Way
Follow the Centurion Way, a traffic-free walking and cycling path from Chichester to West Dean. Perfect for families and nature lovers.
🔗 More info
🥾 Explore the South Downs
Enjoy stunning walks in the South Downs National Park with trails for all ages and abilities.
🔗 More info
🏖️ Visit West Sussex Beaches
Discover beautiful beaches at Selsey, Pagham, Bracklesham Bay, and East & West Wittering. Buses run to all beaches from Chichester town centre. Great places for swimming and a picnic.
🔗 More info
🚣 Walk the Chichester Canal
A peaceful walk along the canal towpath with views of boats, birds, and countryside.
🔗 More info
🌳 Parks and Playgrounds
West Sussex has wonderful public parks to enjoy. All are free and family-friendly:
- Oaklands Park, Chichester – Open green space with paths, trees, and play area.
- Carron Lane Recreation Ground, Midhurst – Playground, skatepark, and green space.
- Petworth Park (National Trust) – Free access to the deer park via main gate (charges apply for the house and garden).
🔗 More info