Half Term for families in West Sussex

For a truly unique family friendly thing to do in Chichester this May Half Term, Chichester Roman Week is an absolute must.

Running from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 May 2026 and now in its tenth year, this brilliant annual programme of events takes a closer look at the fascinating Roman history of Chichester District, when the city was known as Noviomagus Reginorum.

Across five days, families, adults and anyone curious about life in Roman Chichester can enjoy talks from archaeologists and historians, guided tours of Roman and archaeological collections, family friendly storytelling and craft sessions, and partner events at venues across the district.

One of the real highlights is the Roman re-enactment day in Priory Park with Legio Secunda Augusta, bringing history to life in the most spectacular way.

You can still spot the very traces of Roman Chichester today, from the ancient city walls to the Roman bathhouse beneath The Novium Museum itself, making this a wonderfully immersive May Half Term experience.

Don't miss: the Roman re-enactment day in Priory Park, a jaw-dropping May Half Term spectacle that will transport the whole family back two thousand years!

The Supercar Event at Stansted Park is one of the fastest growing supercar shows in the UK and a brilliant family friendly thing to do near Chichester this May Half Term.

Get up close to some of the world's most coveted cars in the Supercar Open-Access Paddock, or head over to the Helicopter Paddock to explore the true supercars of the sky. Feel the roar of the Supercar Parade and Sound-Off as these incredible machines take centre stage, browse top-tier automotive brands at the Trade Stands, and enjoy a live DJ soundtrack as you soak it all in.

Gourmet street food and drinks are on offer for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options, and the picnic-friendly grounds at beautiful Stansted Park make it a perfect May Bank Holiday day out for all the family.

Don't miss: the Supercar Sound-Off for a truly unforgettable May Half Term moment that will have the kids talking about it for weeks!

Following its hugely popular debut last year, the Fontwell Park Family Festival Raceday 2026 is back for the May Bank Holiday weekend and is one of the most exciting family friendly things to do near Chichester this May Half Term.

Taking place on Sunday 24 May 2026, this fun-filled day combines the thrill of live jump racing with a vibrant festival atmosphere, including traditional fun fair rides, face painting, a live entertainment stage and energetic children's fitness classes.

Racegoers of all ages can cheer on the runners, soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy a full afternoon of action-packed racing, all included in the ticket price.

With kids aged 17 and under going free with a paying adult and a family ticket available for just £25 for two adults and up to six children, it's fantastic value for a brilliant Bank Holiday day out.

Don't miss: the Paw Patrol live show and meet and greet with Chase and Marshall! A magical May Half Term moment that little ones will absolutely love!

Running from 20 March to 31 May 2026, the Gozzle at WWT Arundel event is a wonderful family friendly thing to do near Chichester this May Half Term and May Bank Holiday.

This spring, WWT Arundel Wetland Centre has teamed up with Macmillan Children's Books to bring to life the wonderful world of wetlands, inspired by Gozzle, the gosling from the brand new picture book by much-loved author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Sara Ogilvie.

Little ones can enjoy outdoor adventure trails, interactive Vet Check stations and special storytelling sessions, making it a brilliant choice for things to do when it is raining near Chichester too, as there is plenty to keep the family entertained whatever the weather.

Entry is included in your WWT Arundel admission price, and you can save 10% by booking in advance online.

Don't miss: the special storytelling sessions, a truly magical May Half Term experience that brings this freshly hatched story to life in the most beautiful setting!

This May half term, Mulberry Marine Experiences in West Sussex offers hands-on, family friendly Children's Marine Ecology Club for children aged 6-12. Led by SSI Marine Ecology Instructor Anya, with over 20 years of UK experience, the Club introduces young ocean lovers to coastal ecosystems, shoreline inhabitants, and key marine concepts through games, activities and exploration. Each two-hour session is beach-based, dry, and designed for all abilities, with adults free to accompany their children. Sessions run in small groups during school holidays, with indoor alternatives if the weather isn’t suitable. 

If you are looking for a classic, quintessentially British family friendly thing to do near Chichester this May Bank Holiday, look no further than the Village Fete and Dog Show at beautiful Bignor Park on Sunday 24 May 2026.

This fun-filled day out has something for children, adults and dogs alike, with a fantastic Dog Show, a Dog Agility Demonstration by Billingshurst Dog Training Club, live music from the Petworth Town Band and a wonderful performance from the Fishbourne Mill Morris Dancers.

Little ones can enjoy Punch and Judy, a coconut shy, welly wanging, golf putting, splat the rat and egg throwing, while grown-ups can browse an excellent selection of stalls including plant sales, vintage clothes, second hand books, gifts and interiors, and the ever popular Aladdin's Cave Antiques in the Stable Yard.

When it comes to food and drink, you are spoilt for choice, with hog roast baps, hot dogs and burgers from Sophie's Kitchen, homemade cakes in the Stable House Cafe, ice cream from De Luca's and a bar serving Pimms, local beers, wine and soft drinks. Even better, all proceeds go towards the repair and upkeep of five beautiful Norman and Saxon churches in the local area.

Don't miss: the Dog Agility Demonstration, a brilliantly entertaining May Half Term highlight that is guaranteed to raise a smile for the whole family!

The wonderful Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee exhibition is a brilliant family friendly thing to do in Chichester this May Half Term, especially on a rainy day or if you simply want to do something inside.

Running from Saturday 18 April right through to Sunday 13 September 2026 at the Novium Museum, Chichester, West Sussex.

Created by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books, this gorgeous multi-sensory, interactive exhibition celebrates and explores the iconic stories of David McKee through original artworks, making it a perfect choice for younger children and fans of the much-loved patchwork elephant.

With plenty to see, touch and explore, it is also a fantastic option for things to do when it is raining near Chichester this May Half Term and May Bank Holiday.

Don't miss: the chance to step into Elmer's colourful world and discover the original artwork behind one of children's literature's most beloved characters!

Goodwood Motor Circuit's Breakfast Club Super Sunday 2026 is a brilliant morning out for motoring enthusiasts of all ages and a fantastic free family friendly thing to do near May Half Term. This no-cost, all-welcome motoring show puts the visitors and their incredible cars and bikes firmly in the spotlight, with a stunning static display of high-performance cars, iconic supercars, modern hypercars and track-focused machines celebrating speed, engineering and automotive excellence.

There is free entry and free parking which make it a brilliant option for families, and while tickets are required, they are completely complimentary to book.

If you fancy making a proper morning of it, a hearty Goodwood breakfast is available to pre-book, and you can even register your own vehicle to be part of the display.

Don't miss: the incredible static supercar showcase; utterly unforgettable for car lovers young and old!