Not all playgrounds are created equal. Some are worth getting in the car for, and West Sussex has several that qualify as proper destinations. We have rounded up the best play areas in the county, from adventure playgrounds to splash pads, so you know which ones are actually worth the trip.
Quick Comparison
| Playground | Location | Best For | Splash Pad | Free | |------------|----------|----------|------------|------| | Highdown Gardens | Worthing | Adventure play, zip wire | No | Yes | | Victoria Park | Haywards Heath | Splash pad, all ages | Yes (May-Sep) | Yes | | Horsham Park | Horsham | All ages, water play | Summer only | Yes | | Priory Park | Chichester | Toddlers, city centre | No | Yes | | Littlehampton Seafront | Littlehampton | Beach theme, water features | Summer only | Yes | | Southwater Country Park | Southwater | Lake views, cycling | No | Yes | | Tilgate Park | Crawley | Multiple areas, Go Ape | No | Yes | | Mewsbrook Park | Littlehampton | Unique equipment, boating | No | Yes |
The Best Playgrounds
Highdown Gardens Playground, Worthing
Large adventure playground in a beautiful setting next to the famous chalk gardens. Wooden climbing frames, swings, zip wire, and a brilliant sand pit. Free parking makes it even better. Combine with a walk up to Highdown Hill for views, or explore the gardens (also free).
📍 Location: Highdown Hill, near Worthing 💷 Entry: Free 🅿️ Parking: Free 👶 Ages: 2 to 12
Top tip: The sandpit is brilliant for toddlers while older kids tackle the zip wire. The gardens next door are worth exploring too.
Victoria Park, Haywards Heath
Recently renovated with a huge adventure play area including a castle tower, long slides, and accessible play equipment. The splash pad opens from May half term to September and is the main draw in summer. Cafe on site and a skate park for older kids.
📍 Location: Haywards Heath 💷 Entry: Free 🅿️ Parking: Free 👶 Ages: All ages
Top tip: Bring towels and spare clothes in summer. The splash pad runs from May half term and kids will get soaked.
Horsham Park
Destination playground with equipment for all ages. There is a proper toddler area, junior climbing section, and a challenging assault course for older kids. Water play in summer adds another dimension. The cafe next door is convenient for parents.
📍 Location: Horsham town centre 💷 Entry: Free 🅿️ Parking: Nearby pay and display 👶 Ages: All ages
Top tip: The dinosaur adventure golf nearby is pay-to-play but the playground is free. Good cafe right next to the play area.
Priory Park, Chichester
Beautiful park right by the cathedral with a well-equipped modern playground. Cricket pitch, bowling green, and lovely walks surround it. The playground has modern equipment and is well-maintained. Perfect for combining with a trip to Chichester city centre.
📍 Location: Chichester city centre 💷 Entry: Free 👶 Ages: 2 to 10
Top tip: Walk through to the cathedral grounds after. The Guildhall has public toilets.
Littlehampton Seafront Play Area
Massive beach-themed playground right on the seafront. Climbing ship, sand play, and water features in summer. Next to the famous East Beach Cafe, which looks like a rusting ship and does excellent food.
📍 Location: Littlehampton seafront 💷 Entry: Free 🅿️ Parking: Nearby 👶 Ages: All ages
Top tip: Grab lunch at East Beach Cafe. The playground gets very busy in summer, so mornings are best.
Southwater Country Park
Nature-themed play area next to a lake. Climbing frames, swings, and a fantastic accessible roundabout. Cafe overlooking the lake. The circular path around the lake is perfect for little cyclists.
📍 Location: Southwater, near Horsham 💷 Entry: Free (parking £2 weekdays, £3 weekends) 👶 Ages: All ages
Top tip: Bring bikes. The circular path around the lake is flat and perfect for little cyclists and scooters.
Tilgate Park, Crawley
Huge park with multiple play areas, a free nature centre, Go Ape (paid), and a large lake. The main playground has equipment for all ages including accessible swings. This is probably the most complete park in the county.
📍 Location: Crawley 💷 Entry: Free (parking charges, Go Ape extra) 🔗 Website: tilgatepark.co.uk 👶 Ages: All ages
Top tip: The nature centre is excellent and free. Go Ape is worth it for older kids. Budget a full day here.
Mewsbrook Park, Littlehampton
Quirky playground with unique climbing structures set in a lovely park. The boating lake has pedalos in summer. Very popular with local families and less crowded than the seafront playground nearby.
📍 Location: Littlehampton 💷 Entry: Free 👶 Ages: 2 to 12
Top tip: The miniature railway runs on some summer weekends for a small charge. A hidden gem compared to the busier seafront.
All playgrounds are free to use. Details were correct at the time of writing (February 2026). Splash pads and water features are seasonal, typically May to September.