Looking for things to do in Chichester with kids? From Roman history and interactive museums to boat trips, playgrounds and family-friendly art, this West Sussex city has plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.
Chichester is compact enough to combine several attractions in one day, and it’s easy to get there by train. Simply hop on a Southern train, there are frequent direct services from London Victoria, Brighton, and destinations across the South East. Don’t forget that kids under 5 travel on the train for free, and kids between 5 and 15 can travel for as little as £2.
Even better, some of the attractions in this guide are discounted when you travel by train, making your family-friendly day out in Chichester even better value.
| If you're looking for... | You should try... |
| An energetic activity | Flip Out Chichester |
| Classic family fun | Bowling at Tenpin Chichester |
| A fun family challenge | Houdini’s Escape Room Experience |
| A memorable outdoor adventure | Seal-watching at Chichester Harbour |
| A free activity | Chichester Cathedral or Priory Park |
| Something for younger children | Little Street (Children’s role play centre) |
| A rainy day activity | The Novium Museum or Pallant House Gallery |
The best family days out in Chichester
Bounce, climb and slide at Flip Out Chichester
- Best for: Energetic kids, active families, rainy afternoons
- Plan your visit: www.flipout.co.uk/locations/chichester
Need to burn off some energy? Flip Out Chichester is built for exactly that, with trampolines, a Ninja Assault Course, a dropslide and soft play all under one roof. The trampoline area gives children plenty of space to bounce around, while the Ninja Assault Course adds obstacles and challenges for those who want something more active.
Younger kids can head to the soft play area, making this one of the best things to do in Chichester with kids of different ages. It also makes the perfect rainy-day option when the weather isn’t on your side.
Go bowling at Tenpin Chichester
- Best for: Families with children of different ages, rainy days, classic family fun
- Plan your visit: www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/chichester
For another family day out in Chichester that doesn't depend on the weather, head to Tenpin Chichester for a game of ten-pin bowling. Bowling is an easy option when you're looking for something that everyone can get involved in, whether you're visiting with younger children, teenagers or a mixed-age group.
You can also make an afternoon or evening of it by combining bowling with food and other activities available at the centre. It’s particularly handy for families looking for things to do in Chichester at the weekend or during the school holidays when you want an activity that requires a little less advance planning.
Take on an escape room
- Best for: Older children, teenagers, families who enjoy puzzles and challenges
- Plan your visit: www.houdinisescape.co.uk/locations/chichester
Put the family's teamwork to the test with an escape room in Chichester. Houdini's Escape Room Experience offers themed escape-room challenges where teams work together to solve puzzles, find clues and complete the challenge within the allotted time.
Rather than simply watching or being entertained, everyone has a role to play, making this a great option for older children and teenagers who might have outgrown soft play and traditional family attractions.
Go seal-watching at Chichester Harbour
- Best for: Animal-loving kids, wildlife spotting, outdoor adventure, making memories
- Plan your visit: chichesterharbourwatertours.co.uk/tours/seal-watching
Looking for a family day out you’ll never forget? Chichester Harbour Water Tours runs dedicated seal-watching trips around Chichester Harbour, where a colony of both grey and harbour seals lives. The number of seals appear to be increasing year on year, with young pups often spotted among the group.
The 1 hour 30 minute Seal Watching trip departs from Itchenor Jetty and cruises around the harbour looking for the resident seal colony. The operator says it has seen seals on every seal-watching trip it has run so far. During the winter months, the seal trips also include bird watching, with wading birds such as oystercatchers, godwits, plovers, curlew and redshank, as well as Brent geese, visiting the harbour.
There is no minimum age, and the boat has high railings, although parents and guardians are advised to use their own judgement about whether the trip is suitable for their children. Booking is essential, as this one is popular.
Explore Chichester Cathedral
- Best for: History, discovery, dedicated family activities
- Plan your visit: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk
- Great value: Admission to the Cathedral is by donation, with a recommended donation of £7 per visitor.
Chichester Cathedral has dedicated activities for families and young people, making it perfect for a family day out. Its family programme includes storytelling, craft sessions and interactive trails.
There are plenty of details for children to spot as they explore, including the 2nd-century Roman mosaic, the fossil in the Arundel Screen and the colourful John Piper tapestry behind the High Altar.
Discover Roman Chichester at The Novium Museum
- Best for: Curious kids, rainy day activities, local history.
- Plan your visit: www.thenovium.org
The Novium Museum is the place to go to find out more about Chichester's Roman past and the history of the local area. The museum runs an award-winning learning programme, including workshops, sleepovers and other educational activities, as well as family events throughout the year.
Let the kids loose in Priory Park
- Best for: Younger children, free outdoor activity
- Plan your visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/parksandgardens
If your definition of a successful family day out includes letting the children burn off some energy, head to Priory Park. The park sits within the historic city walls and has several features worth exploring, including the remains of a Norman motte and the Guildhall. There is also a dedicated children's play area. Priory Park's new play area has a castle theme, with a moat, castle-style multi-play tower, interactive outpost tower and zip-style 'cliff rider', alongside inclusive play equipment.
Visit Fishbourne Roman Palace
- Best for: History, archaeology, the Romans
- Plan your visit: sussexpast.co.uk/our-historic-sites/fishbourne-roman-palace-gardens
- Great value: Get 2FOR1 entry when you travel with Southern
Hop on a train from Chichester to Fishbourne and just a 5-minute walk away you’ll find Fishbourne Roman Palace. This incredible archaeological site is home to the remains of what is described as the largest Roman home in Britain, with recreated gardens and a collection of Roman mosaics. It makes a useful pairing with The Novium if your children are particularly interested in Romans, although there is plenty here for anyone who enjoys exploring historic sites.
Get creative at Pallant House Gallery
- Best for: Art, creativity, fun family activities
- Plan your visit: pallant.org.uk
- Great value: Free for under 18s
Art galleries don't have to be off-limits when you're visiting with children. Pallant House Gallery has a dedicated programme for children and families, including trails, activity bags and creative workshops.
Under-18s get free admission, while family trails encourage children to spot hidden objects as they explore the Gallery. Families can also borrow Ways of Looking bags, designed to help visitors engage with artworks in a playful way.
See what's on at Chichester Festival Theatre
- Best for: Culture, family entertainment, rainy-day activities
- Plan your visit: www.cft.org.uk
Chichester Festival Theatre has a dedicated family programme, with shows, workshops and activities for younger visitors. The theatre's family offering includes family-friendly shows, early-years creative classes for children aged 0-4 and Little Notes music sessions for under-fives and their grown-ups. It also has free family-friendly spaces where visitors can relax.
