Technology has undoubtedly revolutionised the way we live our lives. Much of its impact has been positive – but with it comes more negative elements – or at least factors worth paying attention to e.g. keeping a close eye on how long children spend on devices. For example, 11-15 year olds in Britain now spend an average of half their waking day in front of a screen.
Of course, there’s no harm in technology playing a part in a child’s life – be it for fun with friends playing computer games, or to make absorbing useful information easier via educational games and television shows; it is however crucial to maintain a healthy balance.
Since the 1970s, the area in which children may roam without supervision has decreased by almost 90%. In just one generation, the proportion of children regularly playing in wild places in the UK has fallen from more than half to fewer than one in 10.
To help redress the issues highlighted above, we’ve created a handy list of idea and activities to get you and your kids outdoors in West Sussex in 2021 and beyond.
Tips to get your kids outside
- Limit screen time – ask your kids what they think is reasonable and find a compromise, kids will be surprisingly sensible about it. Also consider screen free days.
- Try and find activities that interest your children and branch out from there, whether it be football, cycling, climbing, kayaking etc.
- Independent kids are safer kids – playing outdoors increases the child’s capability and self-sufficiency. Build your child’s outdoor independence by taking small steps. Gradually increase the level of independence your child has outdoors. Start with letting them play unsupervised in the garden, then going up and down the street, to around the block and progress to the nearby park or playground.
- Get some decent kit – there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. You don’t need to spend a huge amount, acquiring some quality rain jackets, hats, gloves and boots will make a huge difference in attitude and excitement about being outdoors in all weathers.
- Explore new areas of your village, town or city, as a family. Make a challenge of it, to try and visit as many different parks and playgrounds and find your favourites.
- Take a favourite indoor activity outside. If you’re struggling to get kids outside at all, suggest, or insist, that they read, draw, or play with their favorite toy outdoors in the fresh air.
Things to do outdoors in West Sussex
Spend the day at the beach
West Sussex has some great beaches. One of our favourites includes West Witterings – with its beautiful sandy shoreline. Bognor Regis has some great walks along the promenade from Bognor down to Felpham, with a perfect stop off along the way at The Lobster Pot.
Closer to home here at Time Out is the fabulous Lancing beach, which also benefits from some great food and drink options at The Perch cafe.
You can also walk or cycle between Shoreham and Lancing on the boardwalk, which is a lovely route to take along the coast. The walkway was extended eastwards in summer 2018, to link it up with the West Sussex County Council-owned footpath at Forthaven.
Winding through the local nature reserve, from The Burrells roundabout to Shoreham Fort, the three quarters of a mile walk passes through a rare habitat, housing plants such as Yellow Horned Poppy, Sea Kale and Curled Dock.
There’s also a great skatepark at Shoreham and Lancing for those in the family with a bit of a daredevil streak.
An educational trip
Weald & Downland Living Museum
A hidden gem in the South East – is quintessentially British in a picture perfect setting. A museum for those who want to see, touch and even smell what life was really like for people living in years gone by. There is something for everyone at this great attraction. Visit https://www.wealddown.co.uk/ for more information.
Immerse yourself in nature
Arundel Wetland Centre
One of nine wildfowl and wetland nature reserves managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. With wide-open spaces and wetlands full of the sights and sounds of nature, there’s plenty to see and do.
Sussex Wildlife Trust
SWT protects the rich natural heritage of East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove, ensuring that future generations can experience the joy and wellbeing that comes from connecting with nature in Sussex. Visit one of their nature reserves to experience ancient woodlands, beautiful birds, fascinating flowers and much more:
- Woods Mill
- Rye Harbour
- Ditchling Beacon
- Ebernoe Common
- Eridge Rocks
- Iping & Stedham Commons
- Malling Down
- Marline Valley
- The Mens
- Old Lodge
- Seaford Head
- Southerham Farm
Go walk about
Whether it’s a walk along the South Downs or a local footpath through the woods, take a look at this interactive map of public rights of way in West Sussex, plan a rough route and head out.
Go swimming
Arundel Lido – Arundel Lido offers outdoor swimming with heated pools in a stunning setting, it is situated in the picturesque town of Arundel with a view of the impressive Arundel Castle.
Go geocaching
Join the world’s largest treasure hunt. Whilst it won’t completely cut out screen time for everyone, geocaching is a great way to encourage those that get bored easily and turn a walk into an exciting game.
Take in a bit of history
Arundel Castle – There are nearly 1,000 years of history at this great castle, situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun, built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel.
Jack & Jill Windmills – Only Jill remains open to the public, a traditional working corn windmill in the South Downs National Park. Jill Windmill is normally open to visitors on most Sundays from May to September
Enjoy a day on the water
There are a couple of good options for canoe or kayak hire, on the Arun or Adur, such as The Kayak Coach and Fluid Adventures. It is worth speaking to someone with experience before embarking on the Arun and Adur, as they are strong tidal rivers so timing is important for a good excursion.
The Chichester Ship Canal – The Chichester Ship Canal runs four miles from the Southgate basin in the heart of Chichester to the Chichester Harbour at Birdham.
Visit the Canal Trust HQ at the basin for refreshments, to arrange a boat trip, or to hire a rowing boat. The canal has sections bounded by mature trees and also travels through open farmland with good views of the cathedral and South Downs. A wide range of birds and fish inhabit the canal area.
Support your local football team
There’s a great local football scene in West Sussex, with kids often getting in for free with an adult. It can be a great day out at a snip of the price of going to a Premier League match and a community spirit that often can’t be beaten by their bigger counterparts higher up the leagues.
Some local teams worth checking out are:
