Six Free Adventures with Teenagers in Sussex
Spending quality time with teenagers can be hard. The teen years are when young people begin to spend more time with friends, homework demands increase and down time is often spent looking at screens. Without a concerted effort to create quality family time, teenagers can begin to drift apart from their parents.
As children become teenagers it gets harder for parents to find activities they'll want to do together.
That's why we've picked six adventures to enjoy with even the stroppiest of teens :-) At I Spy Fun, we know that having fun together doesn't have to cost the earth. In fact, none of the adventures featured have admission charges - leaving you with money in your pocket to treat your teenager to coffee and cake somewhere new!
PETWORTH DEER PARK
Petworth, West Sussex
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Sometimes teens aren’t much for just sitting and talking. But, being active together can lead to more natural conversations. Blow away the cobwebs in glorious surroundings - a walk here offers fantastic views of palatial Petworth House and across to the South Downs.
What it's Great For:​
* See hundreds of fallow deer (honestly!)
* Choose a route and distance to suit your family
* Treat your teen to coffee and cake from the lovely vintage caravan kiosk
Click here to find out more.
BOOTH MUSEUM
Seven Dials, Brighton
There is no doubt that the Booth Museum is quirky! The macabre menagerie of Victorian taxidermy, insects, bones and fossils is sure to fascinate any teen.​
What it's Great For:
* Over half a million exhibits!
* Completely free, indoor activity in Brighton!
* Walking distance from the station and the Seven Dials shopping parade, with its array of coffee and lunch options.
Click here to find out more.
HASTINGS COUNTRY PARK
Fairlight, Nr. Hastings, East Sussex
Whilst hiking might not be at the top of every teen's list of fun things to do with their parents, the shared endeavour provides lots of time to talk, laugh and reconnect.
With over 850 acres of woodland, heathland, and grassland to discover, Hastings Country Park is a great destination for a hike. But it is the 5 kilometres of dramatic sandstone cliffs and coastline that really make this park spectacular!
​What it's Great For:
* Simply stunning coastal views!
* Lots of walking trails - choose a distance to suit you and your teen
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Click here to find out more.
ROCKPOOLING at Rottingdean
Rottingdean, East Sussex
Rockpooling is an activity enjoyed by children and adults alike, and this is a good activity for teens to help their younger siblings with too. Most teens will be in their element, traversing the rocky shore hunting for marine life. And of course, their smart phones will come in handy when attempting to identify some of the creatures found!​​
What it's Great For:
* Discover the huge expanse of rockpools revealed at low-tide.
* Competition! Who can find the biggest crab?
* Enjoy a takeaway lunch on the beach from the nearby fish & chip shop
Click here to find out more.
CHICHESTER WALL TRAIL
Chichester City Centre, West Sussex
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What teen doesn't love a spot of shopping?
Treat your teenager to a day out, exploring somewhere new.
The city wall trail (free) is a really original and fun way to discover the heart of Chichester - from an elevated vantage point on top of the Roman wall! Chichester is also a fantastic destination for shopping and a spot of lunch!
What it's Great For:
* Getting active! The circular trail is 1.5 miles and offers unrivalled city views
* Explore a (nearly) 1000 year old cathedral and the remains of a Roman bath house at the nearby Novium Museum (free)
* Just a short distance from city centre shops, cafes and restaurants.
Click here to find out more.
CUCKOO TRAIL
Start at Heathfield or Hailsham, East Sussex
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Get active together with a gentle bike ride. The Cuckoo trail runs for 11 miles, following a former railway track. Gentle gradients and a sealed surface make this picturesque trail usable in all weathers.
Start from Heathfield or Hailsham and travel as far as you wish in a linear direction​
​What it's Great For:
* Traffic-free, easy cycling
* Opportunities to pick up refreshments just a short distance from the route.
* Free parking
Click here to find out more about the trail from Heathfield. Or
Click here to find out more about the trail starting from Hailsham
Visit www.ispyfun.co.uk for free access to 100+ other FREE places to visit in Sussex, Brighton & Hove!!!
