Nestled in the heart of West Sussex, Haywards Heath is a charming town offering plenty of activities for families with children. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, fascinating wildlife experiences, or a chance to explore some local history, Haywards Heath has something for everyone. With its mix of green spaces, friendly community, and family-oriented attractions, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a day out with the kids. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do right now in Haywards Heath for families with children.
1. South Downs National Park
For families who love the outdoors, South Downs National Park offers an incredible backdrop of rolling hills, tranquil woodlands, and scenic views. Just a short drive from Haywards Heath, this vast park is perfect for family hikes, picnics, and wildlife spotting. Kids can enjoy exploring the natural environment, while parents can unwind in the peaceful surroundings. There are several trails of varying difficulty, so you can choose a route suitable for little legs, and the park is especially beautiful in the spring when wildflowers bloom, and baby animals are in abundance.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Springtime wildflower spotting, scenic walks, and family-friendly hikes.
- Learn More: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk
2. Haywards Heath Town Park
Located in the heart of the town, Haywards Heath Town Park is an ideal spot for families to spend some time outdoors. The park features a large playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames that children will love. There are also wide open spaces perfect for picnics or playing family games, such as football or frisbee. If you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your visit, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the park’s beautiful lake and watch the ducks. The park also has a café where you can grab a drink or a snack after your outdoor fun.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, seasonal picnics, and family-friendly walking routes.
3. Borde Hill Garden
A short drive from Haywards Heath, Borde Hill Garden is a fantastic family-friendly destination, especially for nature lovers. This beautiful 200-acre garden is a stunning place to visit, with vibrant flower displays, manicured gardens, and woodland areas to explore. Children will enjoy following the garden trails, playing in the natural play areas, and taking part in special activities. The garden is a great place to introduce children to the wonders of nature and horticulture, and it’s particularly stunning in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
- Opening Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £11.50, Children (under 16) Free
- What’s on Right Now: Spring flowers, nature trails, and family-friendly events.
- Learn More: https://bordehill.co.uk
4. The Bluebell Railway
For a truly magical experience, take a ride on the Bluebell Railway, one of the most famous heritage steam railways in the UK. A short drive from Haywards Heath, the Bluebell Railway offers families a chance to step back in time and enjoy a ride through beautiful countryside on a traditional steam train. Children will be fascinated by the old-fashioned carriages and the excitement of riding on a steam-powered train. The railway runs special family-friendly events throughout the year, including Easter activities, which is perfect for a seasonal family outing.
- Opening Hours: Various dates, check the website for schedules
- Ticket Price: Adults from £16, Children from £9
- What’s on Right Now: Steam train rides, family events, and themed train journeys.
- Learn More: https://www.bluebell-railway.com
5. Haywards Heath Library
If you’re looking for a more low-key activity, Haywards Heath Library is a great place to visit with children. The library offers a range of fun and educational activities, including storytimes, reading sessions, and craft workshops. The library is also home to a large selection of children’s books, so you can take the opportunity to introduce your kids to the magic of reading. It’s a fantastic, free activity for a rainy day, and there’s always something new going on for kids of all ages.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry (activities may vary, check local listings)
- What’s on Right Now: Storytime sessions, reading clubs, and craft activities.
- Learn More: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk
6. Tilgate Park
Located just a short drive from Haywards Heath in Crawley, Tilgate Park is a fantastic destination for a family day out. The park has a large lake, a beautiful walled garden, and a nature reserve that is perfect for exploring. Kids can enjoy playing on the playgrounds, walking through the woodland areas, and feeding the ducks at the lake. There’s also the Tilgate Nature Centre, where children can get up close to a range of animals, including meerkats, owls, and reptiles. It's a great spot for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round, park hours vary
- Ticket Price: Free entry to the park; Nature Centre: Adults £5.95, Children £3.95
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, wildlife spotting, and family nature walks.
- Learn More: https://crawley.gov.uk
7. Cliffe Nursery
For families with a green thumb, Cliffe Nursery is a lovely spot to visit. This family-run garden centre offers a beautiful collection of plants and flowers, as well as a dedicated play area for children. The nursery often hosts seasonal events and workshops, such as gardening sessions for kids and seasonal craft activities. It’s a great place to teach children about gardening and the importance of nature while letting them explore the beautiful surroundings.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry (activities may have a fee)
- What’s on Right Now: Seasonal gardening activities and workshops for children.
8. Heath Nature Reserve
For a more tranquil outdoor experience, Heath Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in Haywards Heath. This 12-acre nature reserve offers peaceful walks through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Children will love spotting the local wildlife, such as birds and insects, and exploring the natural environment. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of the natural world and enjoy some quality time as a family in the great outdoors.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Nature walks, wildlife spotting, and peaceful family time outdoors.
9. Haywards Heath Skate Park
For older children and teens, Haywards Heath Skate Park provides a fun and active outing. The park features ramps and rails for skating, scootering, and BMX biking. It’s a great place for children to practice their skills, meet friends, or simply enjoy a bit of outdoor exercise. The park is well-maintained and free to use, making it an affordable and exciting option for active families.
- Opening Hours: Open daily
- Ticket Price: Free entry
- What’s on Right Now: Skating, scootering, and BMX biking fun.
10. Visit a Local Café or Bakery
After a fun day of exploring, it’s always nice to treat the family to a delicious snack. Haywards Heath is home to several family-friendly cafés and bakeries that offer a warm and welcoming environment. The Cherry Tree Café and Café Rouge are popular spots for families, with kid-friendly menus and plenty of options for both adults and children. Whether you’re craving a homemade cake, a warm drink, or a tasty lunch, these local gems are the perfect place to relax and refuel.
- What’s on Right Now: Seasonal menus, family-friendly meals, and tasty treats.
11. Ultimate Activity Camps at Handcross Park School
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in Haywards Heath? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: Haywards Heath Summer Camps
Haywards Heath is a wonderful family destination offering a wide range of activities to keep children entertained and engaged. From outdoor adventures in nature reserves and parks to cultural experiences at the library, there's no shortage of things to do for families in the area. Whether you're climbing, exploring, or simply relaxing, Haywards Heath offers the perfect mix of fun and education for children of all ages. So gather the family and head out to explore the many exciting activities that this charming town has to offer!