Looking for things to do in Chichester this May half term?
From Roman re-enactments and museum workshops to creative craft sessions, storytelling and free family trails, Chichester city centre is packed with family-friendly activities throughout the school holidays.
Step into Roman Chichester during Roman Week
One of the highlights of May half term in Chichester is Roman Week, running from 26 – 30 May, with interactive activities celebrating the city’s rich Roman heritage.
Families can enjoy hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions and live historical re-enactments across the city centre.
Make Your Own Roman Shield at Chichester Festival Theatre – 26 May
Children can channel their inner centurion at this creative workshop, designing and decorating their own Roman shield to take home.
Roman Storytelling at The Novium Museum – 27 May
Red Sauce Theatre brings Roman myths and legends to life with an interactive storytelling session designed for younger audiences.
Roman Re-enactment Day at Priory Park – 28 May
Priory Park will transform into a Roman encampment complete with re-enactors, demonstrations and interactive experiences. Expect gladiator displays, Roman soldiers and plenty of opportunities for children to immerse themselves in history.
Roman Family Walk and Sketch – 29 May
Families can join a guided Roman-themed walk around Chichester, beginning at The Novium Museum and exploring the city’s fascinating Roman past through drawing and observation.
Roman Crafts at Pallant House Gallery and The Novium – 30 May
The week concludes with Roman-inspired creative activities including:
- Make Your Own Roman Standard at Pallant House Gallery
- Decorate Your Own Mini Terracotta Pot at The Novium Museum
Elmer Day at The Novium Museum
Part of The Novium Museum’s current Elmer and Friends Exhibition, families visiting Chichester over half term can celebrate Elmer Day on 23 May. Inspired by David McKee’s beloved patchwork elephant, the day includes colourful family-friendly activities perfect for younger children.
Elmer Storytelling Sessions – Enjoy readings of classic Elmer stories throughout the day.
Make Your Own Elmer Puppet – Children can get creative designing their own Elmer puppet using colourful materials and patterns inspired by the much-loved character.
Pre-Pride Family Drop-In – Ahead of Chichester Pride celebrations, families can enjoy face painting and colourful drop-in activities celebrating Elmer as an icon of individuality, kindness and inclusion.
Creative Craft Activities for Kids in Chichester
If your children love arts and crafts, there are plenty of creative workshops happening across Chichester city centre during half term.
Creative Beatz Craft Clubs at Jam Café
Creative Beatz returns with a packed programme of holiday craft activities including:
- Giant Ice Cream creations
- Bird Feeders
- Paint Your Own Hello Kitty
- Air Dry Clay Fairy Houses
- Rock and Shell Painting
- Ruby and Bead Felt Creations
There’s also a full-day Under the Sea Craft Camp on 28 May for ages 6–14, where children can spend the day creating coral reefs, sea creatures and ocean-inspired crafts.
Enjoy Big Screen Adventures at Chichester Cinema
Chichester Cinema has a fantastic line-up of family screenings this half term, including Hoppers, Little Amélie and The Sheep Detectives. Tickets cost just £3.00 per child.
National Year of Reading Activities in Chichester
As part of Chichester’s National Year of Reading celebrations, half term also includes plenty of story-
led family events.
‘Mr Woolitt Finds a Friend’ at Oxmarket Contemporary
Local artists Hilary Charlesworth and Sally Marien have come together to create a beautiful new children’s book filled with humour, joy and charming animal encounters. Available to buy at Oxmarket Compemporary, there will be a special reading with the creators of the book at the Gallery on 28 May at 2pm.
Once Upon a Storytime at Chichester Library
On 26 May, Chichester Library hosts a magical storytelling session inspired by folklore, fantasy and fairytales, complete with themed crafts for children aged four and above.
Construction Club and Family Board Games
Families can also drop into Chichester Library throughout half term for:
- Lego and creative construction sessions
- Family board games
- Relaxed indoor activities ideal for rainy afternoons
Explore Chichester Cathedral with Children
For families looking for free things to do in Chichester during half term, Chichester Cathedral continues to offer its new I Spy Trail throughout the holidays.
Bring the whole family to the Cathedral and explore alongside Wilfrid the Seal, the Cathedral’s much-loved character guide. With three different levels of challenge, the trail is designed for children of all ages and encourages families to discover the Cathedral together.
Plan Your May Half Term in Chichester
Chichester city centre’s pedestrianised streets, parks, family-friendly cafés and restaurants, independent cinema, games arcade, traditional sweet shop and no fewer than three toy shops make spending time within the ancient city walls a pleasure for families. You can find a full list of the wonderful shops in Chichester on our Business Directory.
From Roman adventures and storytelling sessions to creative workshops, museum activities and family trails, Chichester city centre offers plenty of ways to keep children entertained this May half term.
Please note: Many activities have limited spaces and advance booking is recommended.