30 Fantastic Children’s Summer Events near East Grinstead

1. Kings Centre – Active Play & Bounce

Toddlers aged 1–5 will absolutely love this weekday morning drop-in fun session. Inside the Kings Centre’s sports hall, there’s a soft play and bounce castle set-up complete with ride-on toys, tunnels, air-filled obstacles, and balance beams. It’s the perfect safe setting for curious little ones to burn off sparkling energy, meet other families, and practice newfound independence. With friendly staff supervision and a comfortable café on-site, it’s a relaxed place for parents too. A reliable way to fill each school holiday morning—bright, noisy, and happily chaotic in the best way!

📅 Dates: Weekdays, 22 July – 30 August 2025
👧 Age Range: 1–5
📍 Address: Kings Centre, Moat Road, East Grinstead RH19 3LN
📞 Telephone: 01342 328616
🕸 Website: www.placesleisure.org/centres/kings-centre
💷 Price: £4.50 per child; accompanying adults free

2. Bluebell Railway – Dinosaurs at the Railway

Children (and grown-ups!) aged 3–15 (and older siblings) will roar with delight during this epic summer takeover at Bluebell Railway. Life-sized dinosaurs parade along the platforms at East Grinstead and Sheffield Park Stations, while “Baby Dinos” make surprise appearances aboard Set A trains. With scheduled showtimes throughout the day, kids can roar beside a Triceratops, chase a Velociraptor or hug a friendly Stegosaurus. The dinosaurs are housed inside the SteamWorks! building in case of rain, so the adventure never stops. No need to pre-book extras—dino encounters are included with your travel ticket, and children ride for only £1 with a fare-paying adult!

📅 Dates: 19–21 August 2025
👧 Age Range: 3–15 (young children); families welcome
📍 Address: Bluebell Railway (East Grinstead & Sheffield Park Stations), East Sussex TN22 3QL
📞 Telephone: 01825 720800
🕸 Website: www.bluebell-railway.com/special/dinosaurs-at-bluebell
💷 Price: Adults from £27; children (3–15) £1 with adult fare; under-3s free

4. East Grinstead Library – Summer Reading Challenge

Open to ages 4–11, the Summer Reading Challenge is a brilliant way to keep kids reading during their school break. Visit East Grinstead Library to collect a “reading passport,” and aim to read six books—or get creative through crafts, Lego club builds, and themed story sessions. There are stickers, bookmarks, and a medal to earn at the end, plus regular drop-in events such as crafts and storyteller appearances. It’s free, flexible, and full of positive momentum. Perfect for families who want to add a bit of literacy fun to their summer plans.

📅 Dates: 13 July – 7 September 2025
👧 Age Range: 4–11
📍 Address: 32–40 West Street, East Grinstead RH19 4SR
📞 Telephone: 01243 642111
🕸 Website: www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries
💷 Price: Free

5. Tree Hoppers Holiday Forest Club

Nature-loving children aged 4–8 are invited to explore this engaging forest school camp near East Grinstead. Each day is filled with den-building projects, woodland crafts using sticks and leaves, pond-dipping expeditions, bug hunts, and playing games in the fresh air. Led by qualified forest school leaders, children learn collaborative skills and practical bushcraft in a safe, open environment. With the freedom to choose their own path through the woods, this forest-clad setting is perfect for screen-free creativity. 

📅 Dates: 29–31 July & 5 –7 August
👧 Age Range: 4-8
📍 Address: Private woodland near East Grinstead (location provided upon booking)
📞 Telephone: 07702 004695
🕸 Website: www.treehoppersfk.com/holiday-club
💷 Price: Contact event organisers for prices

6. Summer Adventure Camp (SAC)

Kids aged 6–12 can fill their summer days with high-energy outdoor fun at SAC. Based across multiple countryside venues, each session offers a mix of muddy obstacle courses, team-based challenges, pond-dipping for bugs, scavenger hunts, shelter-building, and inflatable games. With weekly themes like “Jungle Survival” and “Olympic Games,” the camp keeps fresh excitement daily while blending structure with imaginative free play. Led by experienced outdoor coaches, children are free to explore their limits with peer support and laughter. A top choice for active campers who want to stay busy and social.

📅 Dates: Weekly blocks throughout August
👧 Age Range: 6–16
📍 Address: Dears Leap Park
🕸 Website: www.summeradventurecamp.co.uk
💷 Price: Contact event organisers for prices

7. Hever Castle – Knights & Princesses School

Children aged 4–12 can slip into medieval roles at Hever Castle’s themed activity weeks. On offer: lessons in sword-fighting, storytelling, courtly manners, and royal etiquette, all brought to life on the castle’s historic lawns. Kids can don costumes, process in royal-style, and take home handcrafted crowns or shields. With enthusiastic staff facilitating interactive role-play, young attendees build confidence and creativity while soaking in Tudor atmosphere. Combine the experience with castle grounds, water maze visits, and a hearty castle café lunch—it’s a day of immersive learning and summer adventure.

📅 Dates: 5–9 August & 19–23 August 2025
👧 Age Range: 4–12
📍 Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG
📞 Telephone: 01732 865224
🕸 Website: www.hevercastle.co.uk
💷 Price: Included with entry – Adult £21.80; Child £12.35; under‑5s free

8. Hever Castle – The Seas of Time

This summer, join The Seas of Time—an interactive adventure running from 23 July to 1 September on Winter Garden Lawn. Travel through history to help brave explorers fix the legendary Time Ship before it’s lost forever. Take on fun challenges like battling the Spanish Armada with bean bag cannons, helping a Pharaoh in ancient Egypt, and joining Viking warriors. Try your hand at archery nearby (at an additional cost) and enjoy themed face painting on select days (at an additional cost). It’s a fun way for children to explore the past through play, discovery, and a little bit of time travel.

📅 Dates: 23 July to 1 September
👧 Age Range: 6+
📍 Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG
📞 Telephone: 01732 865224
🕸 Website: https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/the-seas-of-time/
💷 Price: Included with admission

9. Hever Castle – Hever in History

Step back in time this August bank holiday at Hever Castle! Explore living history with re-enactments from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century, complete with encampments, armour, and weaponry you can try on. Enjoy battle displays, falconry, and the thrilling Jousting Tournament by the Knights of Royal England. Head to the Winter Garden Lawn for Have-a-Go Archery (extra charge), and keep an eye out for themed face painting for kids on select summer dates.

Please note: cannons will be firing throughout the day. A fun and interactive way for families to experience history in action!

📅 Dates: 23 to 25 August
👧 Age Range: 7–15
📍 Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG
📞 Telephone: 01732 865224
🕸 Website: https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/hever-in-history/
💷 Price: Included with admission

10. Mid Sussex Play Days “On Tour” – East Grinstead

A terrific free summer treat for families with children aged 3–12. Mid Sussex Play Days bring a whole host of fun to East Court’s Lower Field, including DJ sessions, giant games, face painting, circus workshops, arts & crafts, inflatable challenges and puppet shows – all manned by enthusiastic entertainers. No need to book – just drop in, stay as long as you wish, and breeze between zones at your own pace. With plenty of families in attendance, it makes for a lively social morning or afternoon in a supportive community atmosphere.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 30 July
👧 Age Range: 3–12
📍 Address: East Court, Lower Field, East Grinstead RH19 3LT
🕸 Website: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/leisure-sport/whats-on-in-mid-sussex/mid-sussex-play-days/
💷 Price: Free

11. Wakehurst – Nature Heroes: Globe Trotter

Celebrate 25 years of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank and join the Nature Heroes: Globe Trotter adventure! Explore amazing plants from around the world – Asia, Australia, South America and more – without leaving the gardens. Pick up your map, follow the trail, and mark off each stop. Along the way, step into the shoes of real scientists and try our hands-on seed-saving activity. Complete your journey to earn your Globe Trotter badge and add it to your Nature Heroes cape.

📅 Date: 21 July – 5 September
👧 Age Range: 3-7
📍 Address: Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 6TN
📞 Telephone: 01444 894066
🕸 Website: https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/nature-heroes-globe-trotter
💷 Price: Included with day entry

16. Standen House – A Summer of Play

This summer, head to Standen for a fun-filled day out. Explore the gardens, discover hidden paths, and let the kids run wild in Adventure Corner and the woodland den. Try archery, swingball, hopscotch, giant Connect 4, and balance beams. Up in the woods, have a go at juggling, plate spinning, and dressing up. Don’t forget to pick up a family map when you arrive and see if you can spot the bees or llamas!

📅 Dates: 5 July – 7 September 2025
👧 Age Range: 5–11
📍 Address: Standen House, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead RH19 4NE
📞 Telephone: 01342 323029
🕸 Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen
💷 Price: Free with entry

18. Standen House – Crazy Golf on the Croquet Lawn

Ideal for older kids and the whole family, this 9-hole Crazy Golf course is set in Standen’s beautiful garden backdrop. Wooden clubs and bright balls make it accessible, and the scenic obstacles add charm. It’s a relaxed, friendly competition suitable for children aged 6+, while adults enjoy the Arts & Crafts gardens as they play. The game is popular, so booking is recommended. It’s a great add-on to an explore-and-play day at Standen, combining gentle athletics with aesthetic appeal.

📅 Dates: 19 July – 31 August 2025
👧 Age Range: 6+
📍 Address: Standen House, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead RH19 4NE
📞 Telephone: 01342 323029
🕸 Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen
💷 Price: Admission fees apply plus £4 per child; £6 per adult (NT members £3/£4)

20. Wakehurst – Wild Wood Play & Discovery Days

Set in Wakehurst’s imaginative wooden play installations, children aged 4–10 can freely explore tunnels, stepping logs, hideaways, and sensory nooks. On Discovery Days, guided staff introduce insects, plants, and woodland sounds using simple tools—magnifiers, pots and info boards encourage curiosity. Sessions allow imaginative exploration in a safe, natural environment. Garden entry required, but the playful wood adds an engaging, educational layer to any family outing. It’s a favourite for both kids and parents wanting a splash of exploration with a nature twist.

📅 Dates: Daily throughout summer holidays (22 July – 1 Sept 2025)
👧 Age Range: 4–10
📍 Address: Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN
📞 Telephone: 01444 894066
🕸 Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst
💷 Price: Entry – Adults £16.50; Children £10; under‑4s free

21. Bluebell Railway – Family Steam Day with Activity Packs

Journey back in time aboard a beautifully restored steam train during the Family Steam Days at Bluebell Railway. Ideal for families with children aged 3–11, this event offers a charming vintage experience with activity packs, teddy bear trails, and station-side entertainment. The route winds through lush Sussex countryside, offering nostalgic scenery as children learn about steam technology and railway history. With plenty of interactive fun at each station, it’s a historically rich yet child-friendly adventure. Enjoy café treats on board or a picnic at Sheffield Park—it’s summer nostalgia at its best.

📅 Dates: Selected weekdays & weekends, July–August 2025
👧 Age Range: 3–11
📍 Address: East Grinstead Station, RH19 1EB
📞 Telephone: 01825 720800
🕸 Website: www.bluebell-railway.com
💷 Price: Adults £22; Children (3–15) £11; Family tickets from £55

22. Spa Valley Railway – Dinosaur Express

Kids aged 3–10 will roar with delight on the Dinosaur Express at Spa Valley Railway. A steam train adventure through woodland meets lifelike dinosaur models placed along the track! Each journey includes fossil-themed activities, photo stops with roaring prehistoric beasts, and interactive dino facts for little explorers. Trains chug through landscapes that feel like a mini Jurassic safari. Enthusiastic station staff and themed crafts add to the fun. For dinosaur fans, this is a thrilling blend of transport heritage and imaginative play—a date with dinos your children won’t forget.

📅 Dates: 19 & 20 July 2025
👧 Age Range: 3–10
📍 Address: West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY
📞 Telephone: 01892 300141
🕸 Website: www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
💷 Price: Adults £15; Children £10; under-2s free

23. Spa Valley Railway – Summer Diesel Gala

Calling all engine enthusiasts! The Summer Diesel Gala shines the spotlight on mighty diesel locomotives in this loud and proud three-day festival. Children aged 8+ can enjoy cab rides, meet volunteer engineers, and explore technical exhibits. It’s a brilliant hands-on experience that blends history, industrial design, and sheer mechanical power. With family zones, food stalls, and live demonstrations, it’s an immersive event that educates as well as entertains. Perfect for inquisitive teens (and parents!) fascinated by the workings of diesel power.

📅 Dates: 8–10 August 2025
👧 Age Range: 8+
📍 Address: West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY
📞 Telephone: 01892 300141
🕸 Website: www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
💷 Price: Adults £15; Children £10; Family tickets available

24. Sheffield Park & Garden – Lakes & Lilies Festival

Celebrate peak waterlily season at Sheffield Park with creative trails, interactive storyboards, and hands-on garden fun designed for children aged 5–12. As the lilies bloom across wide lakes, kids follow themed paths, complete mini-challenges, and explore gentle wildlife-friendly zones. Art benches offer a place to draw and reflect, while shaded picnic spots make afternoons calm and restorative. This garden festival balances beauty with learning, making it a tranquil yet engaging outing for nature-loving families over the summer.

📅 Dates: 3 July – 7 September 2025
👧 Age Range: 5–12 (all ages welcome)
📍 Address: Uckfield TN22 3QX
📞 Telephone: 01825 790231
🕸 Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
💷 Price: Adults £14; Children £7; under-5s & NT members free

25. Sheffield Park & Garden – Exotic Spots Summer Trail

Bring your wildlife-loving children aged 5–12 to this whimsical trail showcasing cut-out exotic animals hidden across the garden. Storyboards add excitement by revealing fun facts and prompting creative questions. Children become mini-explorers, spotting flamingos, parrots, and frogs amid scenic paths. The trail’s gentle educational goals help enhance observation and conversation—perfect for curious minds. Combine this with lakeside exploration and garden quiet spaces for a balanced day of active discovery and calm play.

📅 Dates: 19 July – 7 September 2025
👧 Age Range: 5–12
📍 Address: Sheffield Park & Garden, Uckfield TN22 3QX
📞 Telephone: 01825 790231
🕸 Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
💷 Price: Entry applies (see above)

26. Sheffield Park & Garden – Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Give older kids aged 8+ a thrilling outdoor twist with stand-up paddleboarding on serene garden lakes. Under expert supervision, participants learn basic SUP techniques and enjoy the novelty of gliding over calm waters. With lily pads gently bobbing nearby and native wildlife present, it’s a perfect mix of exercise, novelty, and natural immersion. All boards, lifejackets, and safety gear are provided. It’s a refreshing way to venture onto water—mixing gentle adventure with garden elegance. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

📅 Dates: 28 June – 14 September 2025
👧 Age Range: 8+
📍 Address: Sheffield Park & Garden, Uckfield TN22 3QX
📞 Telephone: 01825 790231
🕸 Website: National Trust SUP info
💷 Price: Park entry applies (£14/£7); SUP sessions approx. £12–15

27. Sheffield Park & Garden – Kwik Cricket Sessions

Bring sporty kids aged 6–12 to relaxed Kwik Cricket meetups in the leafy cricket greens of Sheffield Park. Led by retired players and community volunteers, these drop-in sessions focus on basic batting, catching, and bowling techniques in fun, non-competitive play. Equipment is provided and all abilities are welcomed. Enjoy shaded breaks under old trees, with the garden’s lakeside view as your backdrop—a quintessential English summer scene. Ideal for introducing kids to traditional sports in a gentle, social setting.

📅 Dates: Wednesdays, 23 July – 27 August 2025
👧 Age Range: 6–12
📍 Address: Sheffield Park & Garden, Uckfield TN22 3QX
📞 Telephone: 01825 790231
🕸 Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
💷 Price: Entry applies (free session)

28. Sheffield Park & Garden – Lakes & Lilies Linocut Workshop

Artistic kids aged 7+ are invited to create botanical linocut prints inspired by Sheffield Park’s blooming lakes and lily-filled gardens. A local artist leads the workshop, demonstrating carving techniques and guiding students to design and print their own work. Children learn drawing, carving safety, and creative expression in a calm garden studio. Each child takes home an original print as a keepsake. It’s a rich sensory day combining art, nature, and craftsmanship—perfect for creative families wanting something different.

📅 Dates: 12 July – 23 August 2025
👧 Age Range: 7+
📍 Address: Sheffield Park & Garden, Uckfield TN22 3QX
📞 Telephone: 01825 790231
🕸 Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
💷 Price: Entry applies + c.£10 materials fee

29. Wakehurst – SeedScapes Family Trail

Encourage budding eco-explorers aged 6+ to follow the SeedScapes trail through Wakehurst’s educational garden zones. Activity packs help uncover seedpods, sculptures, and conservation stories. Enjoy a balanced combination of outdoor exploration, gentle art opportunities, and botanical learning. The trail is accessible and shaded—ideal for a relaxing day with curious children who enjoy nature and hands-on discovery. Pause at the wild play areas afterward or visit the learning centre for more insights.

📅 Dates: 22 July – 1 September 2025
👧 Age Range: 6+
📍 Address: Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN
📞 Telephone: 01444 894066
🕸 Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on
💷 Price: Adults £16.50; Children (4–16) £10; Under‑4s free

30. Wakehurst – Wild Wood Play & Discovery Days

Children aged 4–10 can enjoy imaginative play in Wakehurst’s Wild Wood—a natural adventure playground built with logs, tunnels, ropes, and balance stumps. On Discovery Days, staff introduce mini-beasts, plants, and woodland life through bug pots and magnifiers. Kids can explore independently or guided, making it a wonderful mix of free, active play and gentle learning. The area is ideal for muddy summer fun and easy exploration. Garden entry is required, but the woodland adventure adds meaningful activity for inquisitive young explorers.

📅 Dates: Daily throughout summer holidays (22 July – 1 Sept 2025)
👧 Age Range: 4–10
📍 Address: Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN
📞 Telephone: 01444 894066
🕸 Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst
💷 Price: Adults £16.50; Children £10; under‑4s free

31. Pioneer Childcare – Holiday HQ Camps

Pioneer’s Holiday HQ offers themed weeks such as Water Week, Nerf Battles, ZooLab visits, Sports Week and Science & Innovation for children aged 4–11. Based in local school halls and fields, it includes daily challenges, crafts, specialist workshops, inflatables and more. Creative play meets active fun in a safe, friendly environment with structured daily rhythms. Whether building a hero’s cape or launching a water balloon gauntlet, each day is designed to engage, entertain, and keep fingers, minds and imaginations busy—perfect for working parents needing holiday childcare solutions.

📅 Dates: 21 July – 29 August 2025 (daily weekly blocks) thesun.co.uk+2piedpiperactivities.co.uk+2thesun.co.uk+2pioneerchildcare.co.uk
👧 Age Range: 4–11
📍 Address: Various schools across East Grinstead (see website)
📞 Telephone: [Via Pioneer Childcare site]
🕸 Website: pioneerchildcare.co.uk/current-holiday-camps-2 pioneerchildcare.co.uk
💷 Price: From ~£48.50/full day; extras and theme weeks vary

32. ClassForKids – Music & Play Sessions (East Grinstead)

Interactive and upbeat, these weekly sessions at local venues offer babies and preschoolers (with carers) the chance to explore rhythm, movement, singing, instruments and story-based play. Encouraging early development and social interaction, each hour of musical play is filled with energy and warmth. A highlight of summer mornings, these sessions build confidence, coordination and creativity in the youngest children, while carers enjoy joining in or relaxing nearby.

📅 Dates: Weekly during summer term/summer 2025
👧 Age Range: 0–5
📍 Address: Various community venues in East Grinstead
📞 Telephone: [Via ClassForKids website]
🕸 Website: classforkids.io/en-GB/classes/east-grinstead facebook.comclassforkids.io
💷 Price: Typically £5–£7 per session

33. Good Vibrations Festival – The Hive Kids Area

Set in Ashdown Forest near Uckfield, Good Vibrations Festival takes place 1–3 August 2025. Families will enjoy The Hive, a dedicated creative zone featuring crafts, circus workshops, wacky races, fabric painting and games for ages 4–12. Festival programming blends music, wellness, food, and child-friendly performances. Under-5s pay just £7 and ages 6–16 receive discounted tickets. This vibrant weekend offers both festival fun and accessible entertainment for all ages.

📅 Dates: 1–3 August 2025 mytunbridgewells.com
👧 Age Range: 4–12 (younger also welcome)
📍 Address: Ashdown Forest, near Uckfield TN22 area
📞 Telephone: [See festival site]
🕸 Website: visittunbridgewells.com/family-friendly-festivals visitkent.co.uk+4mytunbridgewells.com+4bloomstays.com+4
💷 Price: Under-5s £7; 6–16 discounted; adults full price