Summer Family Fun at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Make summer unforgettable at Leonardslee, your family summer hub this school holidays!
This summer, Leonardslee brings together a full programme of bookable events, creative workshops and everyday adventures included with garden entry. Whether you’re planning a special day out or looking for relaxed outdoor fun, there’s something for every age to enjoy throughout the holidays.
From live entertainment and hands-on workshops to outdoor exploring and imaginative play, every visit offers something new. Discover family-friendly activities across the gardens, keep little ones entertained, and make the most of summer days together in the great outdoors.
Join us for a season of adventure, creativity and family moments to remember, or become a member to enjoy family days out at Leonardslee through every season.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men: Shakespeare’s Othello
10 June | Gates open: 18:00 | Performance starts: 19:00
This summer, experience Shakespeare under the open sky as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men bring the gripping tragedy of Othello to Leonardslee for the very first time. Performed in authentic Elizabethan style with an all-male cast, period costumes, music and dance, this promises to be a truly unforgettable evening of theatre.
Techy STEAM Explorers
17 July | 10:00 - 11:15
Join Techy STEAM Explorers for a fun-filled creative workshop where children can explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths through hands-on arts and crafts. Kids will create colourful sun catchers and garden decorations using a variety of provided materials. Suitable for ages 4–10.
Little Crafters: Crafts for Pre-schoolers
Selected dates throughout summer| 10:30-11:45
Explore the variety of workshops taking place:
Let your little ones get creative with this fun-filled crafting session led by Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend. Perfect for ages 18 months – 4 years, each themed class includes hands-on crafts, sensory play and plenty of opportunities for messy fun, learning and quality time together.
All Creatures Great & Sussex – A Family Talk on Animals from Sussex’s Past
23 July | 10:30 - 12:15
Join Kevin Newman for a fun and interactive family talk exploring the fascinating relationship between people and wildlife through Sussex history. Expect quirky stories, surprising creatures, family-friendly activities and plenty of laughs for all ages.
Model Boats on the Lake
Selected weekends throughout summer | 10:00–15:00
Enjoy a fun-filled day at Leonardslee as the Schooner Radio Control Group bring Waterfall Pond to life with an impressive display of model radio control boats, yachts, steamboats and warship displays in action.
Labyrinth Challenge & Toddler Zone
24 - 26 July | 09:00-18:00
Get ready for high-energy summer fun as The Labyrinth Challenge, the UK’s biggest inflatable obstacle course, returns to Leonardslee. With over 1,000ft of obstacles, slides and bouncing excitement, plus a dedicated Toddler Zone for little adventurers, it’s the perfect family day out packed with fun for all ages.
Family Cupcake Decorating Workshop: Petals, Paws & Piping Bags
31 July | 10:30 - 11:30
Join Zoe for a fun and creative half-term cupcake decorating workshop designed for children. Kids will decorate six cupcakes with cute animal, floral and imaginative designs, with all materials provided. Suitable for ages 8+.
Children Summer T-shirt Decorating: For Ages 5+
5 August & 28 August | 12:45 - 13:45
Get creative this summer with Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend in this fun-filled T-shirt decorating workshop for children aged 5+. Using colourful stencils and fabric pens, little creatives can design their very own wearable masterpiece to take home and enjoy all summer long.
Children’s Mini Summer Garden Workshops: For Ages 5+
5 & 28 August | 14:30 - 15:30
Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trendfor a fun hands-on workshop where children can create their very own mini summer garden to take home. Little gardeners will decorate a plant pot, plant seasonal flowers and add personalised touches in this creative session perfect for ages 5+.
Little Lifesavers: Kids' First Aid Class for Ages 5 - 10
12 August | 10:00 – 11:15
Join Daisy First Aid for a fun superhero-themed first aid class designed for children aged 5–10. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, kids will build confidence while learning important lifesaving skills including CPR, choking, bandaging and the recovery position in a friendly, fear-free environment.
Everyday Adventures Included with Garden Entry
Dolls’ House Museum
Can you imagine yourself living in miniature?
The "Beyond the Dolls' House" Exhibition will transport you to a magical world in miniature. A collection that depicts the Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages.
Hop over to the Wallaby Enclosure
Head over to our wallaby enclosure and see how our joeys have grown in their mother’s pouches.
View wallabies being fed daily in the wallaby maternity enclosure from 12:00-12:15.
A World of Nature and Play
Discover a world of immersive play experiences at our expansive play park, spanning 2500m2 and designed to captivate children of all ages. Parents can look forward to a day filled with creativity, adventure, and quality time spent alongside their little ones.
One Membership, Endless Family Days Out
Enjoy flexible family days out at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens with a Family Membership designed to work around you.
Each time you visit, you can bring up to three children aged 2–16, and they don’t need to be named in advance. Bring your children, grandchildren or their friends, with the freedom to choose different children on each visit.
Explore the gardens together through every season and make the most of memorable days out, all under one flexible membership.