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Ideas for kids activities

On 20 Apr 2008 at 8:12am MADGE wrote:

Can anyone suggest any minimal outlay or value for money days out, places to visit & activities suitable for children aged 0-8yrs but mainly 3-4yr olds? Trying to glean a selection of ideas to occupy the kids through the summer whatever the weather both locally & further afield.

On 20 Apr 2008 at 9:56am FA wrote:

Raysteed is one, Springbarn farm on the Kingston Rd, Monkey business, Pandamonium in Uckfield (similar to Monkey Business) Middle farm on the A27, Ringmer pool have a floatarama session in the holidays for the older kids, Lots of places for nice walks...Stanmer park for one (take a picnic and some games), Come and visit Preston park in Brighton...totally free, big playground, cafes and then come and say hello to me in the Rock garden opposite (the kids will love it). Seven sisters country park, Treasure Island in Eastbourne, Princes park in E'bourne, Abbotts wood, Knockhatch in Hailsham. Bluebell railway.
There's a few to keep you going...also, do a google search on activities in Sussex for kids. Don't know any of the prices involved but i do know places like monkey business is an "all day" pass.
Might think of some more soon !!!

On 20 Apr 2008 at 11:01am Earl of Lewes wrote:

If you want really good value for money, a season ticket at Paradise Park is �35 and admits two adults and up to three children. The themed garden and play area is good in the summer and the exhibits, soft play area and amusements are good for winter. My boys never seem to tire of the place, although after the 20th visit you may lose the will to live.
Friston Forest is only �1 parking.
Railwaylands is free and you can walk there.
Book a train ticket at least seven days in advance on Southern Rail's website and you can travel anywhere in the region for �10 whilst kids go for �1 each.
Birling Gap has free parking and rock pools when the tide's out.
Baxter's Field is free and usually empty - perfect for picnics and ball games (but no barbecues or dogs).
Brighton's Sea Life Centre is ridiculously expensive, but if you book on line it's much cheaper.
Join the Sussex Archeological Society and you can visit the Castle and Michelham Priory as many times as you like.
Wilderness Woods is about �33 for a season ticket - there are lots of activities for kids and you can make dens, have barbecue picnics and even camp there.
I'm absolutely skint, so I've become an expert on cheap days out with the kids and they don't seem to be any happier when you spend a fortune on them.

On 20 Apr 2008 at 11:12am Earl of Lewes wrote:

Here is a more readable version of the above post:

Friston Forest is only �1 parking.

Railwaylands is free and you can walk there.

Book a train ticket at least seven days in advance on Southern Rail's website and you can travel anywhere in the region for �10 whilst kids go for �1 each.

Birling Gap has free parking and rock pools when the tide's out.

Baxter's Field is free and usually empty - perfect for picnics and ball games (but no barbecues or dogs).

Brighton's Sea Life Centre is ridiculously expensive, but if you book on line it's much cheaper.
Join the Sussex Archeological Society and you can visit the Castle and Michelham Priory as many times as you like.

Wilderness Woods is about �33 for a season ticket - there are lots of activities for kids and you can make dens, have barbecue picnics and even camp there.

I'm absolutely skint, so I've become an expert on cheap days out with the kids and they don't seem to be any happier when you spend a fortune on them.

On 20 Apr 2008 at 6:05pm Childcatcher! wrote:

Druscilla's is wonderful and an annual pass is very cheap

On 20 Apr 2008 at 7:27pm Liza Avon wrote:

These are all great suggestions. Closer to home in Lewes my kids (2 and 4) like the following:
Free: Grange Gardens (cafe is now open! So actually not entirely free as you have to buy mini-milks); playground at the Nevill is quite good; feeding the ducks down at the Pells (plus Pells playground after)
Cheap: Ocean Adventure at Lewes Leisure Centre. Very small version of Monkey Bizness but less than half the price and also much easier to keep track of where the children have got to.

On 20 Apr 2008 at 10:57pm Earl of Lewes wrote:

Drusillas cheap?!

It would cost me the best part of �200 to buy annual passes for me, my wife and two children. I can't afford that. It's a wonderful zoo and the play areas are brilliant, but I think that like many places, it's overpriced.

I know they're continually building new displays so they need the money, but I'd rather pay less than see another new attraction.

When the econmic recession really kicks in, I don't see how they'll be able to continue charging these prices.

On 21 Apr 2008 at 9:56am Enoch wrote:

Don't forget a season ticket for the Pells Pool! Good value for money if you go regularly.
Agree with EofL that Drusillas is expensive - over �40 last year for 1 adult 3 children! Add ice-creams, drinks and extras like bouncy castle, climbing wall at �2.50 a shot and the best part of �70 gone.
Monkey Bizness - 1 adult 3 children �15 and if it is busy you only get 90 minutes. Works out expensive when you have also bought jug of juice, coffee, crisps and cake and then you have to leave it when your child gashes his head and you have to make a dash to A&E - blood everywhere. �20 for 15mins!
The rec in Malling is good - plenty for older kids and younger ones too.