Playtime: Summertime Splash

Keep cool this summer with water, water, water. Sara Whatley has some suggestions for fun water activities for all ages 

Keeping the kids cool this summer has never been more fun! We are spoiled for choice in Sussex when it comes to water activities and with so many to try it’s difficult to pick just one. There is only one thing for it, you will just have to make this the summer of water fun and try them all! 

Little Ones 

A trip to the park with little children is always a winner but introduce a splash pad into the mix and they will be over the moon. Victoria Park in Haywards Heath has a brilliant splash pad with different sized paddling areas, a water bucket to make them scream and various wheels, corkscrews and trays to play with. 

Just down the road in Cuckfield Recreation Ground there is another paddling pool in the park, surrounded by grass and other park equipment. For an even bigger thrill why not have a fun day out at an adventure park? Treasure Island Adventure Park in Eastbourne caters for both wet and sunny days with an indoor soft play and an outdoor adventure golf and paddling lagoon, complete with its own sandy beach. There is a fun bridge to cross and grassy park surrounding to enjoy your picnic. 

Family Fun 

Make the most of the summer warmer weather with a refreshing and historic outdoor swim in a beautiful lido. Choose from the naturally fed spring water of Pells Pool in Lewes, iconic Art Deco Saltdean Lido, or look up to Arundel Castle as you swim in Arundel Lido. 

Bigger Kids 

Bigger kids may enjoy more of a challenge with the sportier side of water play. For the ultimate adventure try Bewl Water Aqua Park near Tunbridge Wells, a huge floating inflatable adventure obstacle course. Why not book with a big group of friends and get everyone involved? 

There are lots of other water sports centres in Sussex where you can hire kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, leisure rowing boats and more. Try Southwater Watersports, Horsham; Tilgate Park Watersports, Crawley; Buzz Active, Eastbourne and Cuckmere and Weirwood Sport and Leisure, Forest Row. 

And finally, don’t forget about water play in your own garden (subject to any local water restrictions). Paddling pools, sprinklers and hosepipes, water blasters and pistols, refillable water balloons, garden slip and slide... the fun literally never ends and there is definitely no age restriction in joining this water party.