This summer, the District will transform into a hub of excitement and creativity as the Chichester Family Arts Network unveils a spectacular line-up of family-friendly activities.
From interactive theatre performances to sunny canal cruises, historic explorations to creative art adventures, each venue will offer a unique opportunity to explore the city and be a part of the array of activities designed to inspire, educate and entertain families.
Chichester’s Family Arts Network is made up of six welcoming organisations including Chichester Canal, Chichester Cathedral, Chichester Festival Theatre, The Graylingwell Chapel, Pallant House Gallery and The Novium Museum. The network collaborates to enhance Chichester’s family offerings, promising engaging events and experiences for all ages.
If you take part in any of these events and activities, don't forget to share your experiences with us on social media using the hashtag #ChichesterKidApproved and stay connected by following us on Facebook >>
Chichester Cathedral
Missing Treasures and the Civil War in Chichester | Saturday 27th July, 10.00am
Join us for an exciting creative workshop as we become detectives to uncover the secrets and stories from the Cathedral’s history, focusing on the sacking during the English Civil War and examining the damage from the Siege of Chichester. The session includes taking brass rubbings to re-imagine the lost treasures. Reserve your space, due to the cost of supplemental materials there will be a small charge for this activity (£2.50).
Open Air Theatre at Chichester Cathedral | The Merry Wives of Windsor with The Pantaloons, Wednesday 31st July, 7.15pm
Expect silly slapstick, abundant anachronisms and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry as the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons put their own innovative and interactive spin on this classic comedy. Suitable for all ages, tickets from £10.00.
Open Air Theatre at Chichester Cathedral | The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle with Illyria, Sunday 4th August, 6.00pm
Enjoy the funny, much-loved and exciting family adventure The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting, adapted by Oliver Gray performed by theatre group Illyria in the evening sunshine in Paradise against the backdrop of the historic Cathedral. Suitable for ages 5+, tickets from £10.00.
Monumental Monarchs: Exploring the Tudor History Paintings | Saturday 10th August, 10.00am
Dive into the turbulent Tudor period and the creation of Lambert Barnard's enormous panel paintings showing the many Kings of England in this arts and crafts session as we bring back the missing Kings whose portraits were damaged during the English Civil War and when the Cathedral spire fell in 1861.
View more family friendly events from Chichester Cathedral>>
Chichester Festival Theatre
Oliver! | Until 7th September, times vary
This spectacular new production promises to be one of the most unforgettable shows ever at CFT. Full of fantastic songs like Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two and many more, do anything to book your tickets to this iconic musical!
Ages 7+
Tickets from £10; family tickets available.
Relaxed Performance: 22nd August, 2.30pm
Summer Activities Workshops
Enjoyable, creative and energetic holiday activities at CFT – a great way to kick start your summer holidays. Explore improvisation to dance, puppetry to stage combat, set design to musicals and everything Theatre in between. Workshops for ages 7-10, 10-15, and 14-20 at Chichester Festival Theatre and White Meadows Academy, Littlehampton.
Knees-Up on the Park | Sunday 11th August, 10.00am – 5.00pm
Dance like no one is watching at the silent disco, unravel the secrets of our heritage treasure trail, and ignite your creativity in one of the workshops. With live local music, plus delicious food and drink, we hope you can join us for a day of pure excitement suitable for all ages.
Live Summer Music Sessions | 12th, 19th, 26th July & 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th August, 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Enjoy sunny, summer Friday evenings with live music on Oaklands Park. It’s free whether you’re here for a show or just want to come and soak up the vibes!
View more family friendly events from Chichester Festival Theatre>>
Pallant House Gallery
Self-Guided Still Life with Clay | 24th July – 6th September, all day
Drop in to our Studio to add your own designs to a fantastic wall of clay creations! Age 5+, free - no need to book.
Saturday Art and Craft | 27th July & 24th August, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Drop in for free creative workshops inspired by our The Shape of Things: Still Life in Britain exhibition, suitable for all the family. Suitable for all ages, free - please book ahead.
Meet an Artwork | 14th, 20th, 26th August, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Delve into artists’ colourful worlds and explore what sparks their creativity. Children will receive their very own sketchbook and pencil to capture their own artistic expressions inspired by the artworks. Age 7+, free - please book ahead.
Family Making Sessions | 14th, 20th & 26th August, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Get inspired by all things still life and create your own artworks as a family. Age 6+, £7.50 per child.
View more family friendly events from Pallant House Gallery>>
The Novium Museum
Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchlings Exhibition | Until 9th November
Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchlings follows iconic dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Diplodocus on their perilous journey from egg to adult. Skeletons, authentic models, and stunning artworks bring the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to life.
Younger dino fans can explore the fun interactives, including ‘Dino Dress-Up’, activity drawers, colouring and a themed toy box!
For those who feel they would benefit from a more relaxed experience when visiting Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchlings, join the Dinosaurs: Quiet Sessions on 27th July & 1st, 22nd, 31st August (9.30am - 10.30am). All background noise will be turned off during these sessions, and gallery capacity limited.
Suitable for the whole family. £5 adults, £3 children or £14 for a family of up to 5.
Clay Hatchlings | 31st July, 10.00am - 2.15pm
Create a Hungry Hatchling out of brightly coloured clay and take them home in their very own dinosaur egg nest! Ages 4+, £7 (booking essential).
Geology Day | 10th August, 10.00am - 3.00pm
Have you got any fossils, rocks or minerals that you want identified? Would you like to know where you can collect fossils around Chichester?
Join members of the West Sussex Geological Society at The Novium Museum to learn more. There will be incredible specimens to see, expert knowledge and advice, craft activities, and books and specimens also available to buy! Ideal for the whole family. For the whole family, free.
Recycled Dinosaurs | 14th August, 10.00am - 2.15pm
Make a fearsome dinosaur of your own using recycled materials! Ages 3+, £5 (booking essential).
View more family friendly events from The Novium Museum>>
Chichester Canal
Free Family Fun days | Wednesday 31st July & Wednesday 21st August , 10.00am - 3.00pm
This summer themes are 'Let’s Play! Happy Holidays' and 'August Activities'. Join us for creative interactive and artistic events hosted in the Canal Heritage Centre.Suitable for all the family.
Children’s Wildlife Cruise | Monday 26th August, 10.30am & 1.00pm
Welcome onboard Richmond to learn about all our wildlife and who lives on Chichester Canal. Two 90 minute Wildlife Boat Trips are running from the Canal Basin with fun and education for all the family along the beautiful canal. Seats are available to book on the canal website for £10 each.
View more family friendly events from Chichester Canal>>
Graylingwell Chapel
Summer Holiday Fun | Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10.00am - 3.00pm
Are you searching for exciting and free activities to keep your children entertained this summer holiday? Throughout the summer break, we'll be hosting a variety of fun-filled activities that cater to different age groups and interests. From arts and crafts to games and storytelling sessions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. There will even be an owl as part of Chichester’s Big Hoot. Plus, our café will be open, serving up delicious treats and refreshments. Stay tuned for our full schedule of events and activities, as it’s announced! Free – Ages 5-12 years.
Yoof Club! | Wednesday's, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Our regular weekly Youth Club for ages 11-18 is now running through the summer holidays. Join Gav and the gang at The Shed, our fantastic new community building on Keepers Green. Entry is free. Please book your space via our website.