Cost of living: School holiday free activities

The school holidays can be a costly time for families, but there are lots of discounted and free activities on offer across Adur and Worthing this summer.

Take a look at some of the events taking place this July and August:

Worthing Theatres and Museum will be running free workshops and activities in Worthing this summer as part of West Sussex County Council's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme. These activities are open to children aged 7 to 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals. For details of the activities, eligibility criteria and how to book see:

Libraries in Adur and Worthing will be putting on a series of free events, including story time and craft activities, as part of West Sussex Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge - Ready, Set, Read! To find out more see:

Highdown Gardens' Discover Days are back every Wednesday during the summer holidays. A host of free or low cost activities will be taking place at the gardens from 26th July to 30th August between 10am and 3pm. For the full list of activities see:

Picnic at the Park is back at Tarring Park on Friday 18th August. With free entry and free or low-cost rides, events, demonstrations, games, crafts and stalls from lots of local independent businesses, it's a great day out for families. For updates see:

There's always free fun to be had on our beaches, plus 'Marine Warrior' backpacks that include all the items children need to go rock pooling and explore some of the sea life right on our doorstep. Participants will receive an activity book and certificate to remember their experience. The backpacks are free to hire, but a small cash deposit is required to cover the cost of the equipment if any of the parts are lost. See:

There are plenty of free play areas at our parks in Adur and Worthing, including brand-new play equipment at Brooklands Park and Palatine Park and a new basketball court at West Park. To find your closest play area see:

Live fire demonstrations, fairground rides, stalls, a raffle, and face painting - it's all on offer at Shoreham Fire Station's open day. Crews are looking forward to welcoming the local community to the Stoney Lane station on Saturday 26th August from 10am until 4pm. For more details see

Worthing Town Centre Business Improvement District's Urban Beach is back at South Street Square. Free buckets, spades and deck chairs will be available all month as well as Punch & Judy shows at weekends and a Pirate Day on Saturday 26th August. For more details see:

The Sid Youth will be hosting two free activity days this August. Head to Sompting Recreational Ground on Friday 25th or Homefield park, Worthing on Thursday 31st between 11am and 3pm for a day of live music, circus skills, wheelchair boxing, table tennis, inflatables and soft play. For details see:

For more day out ideas, see:

For the latest events in the area don't forget to visit the:

For more ideas see:

Back to top

Page last updated: 15 December 2023

Back to top