Fun for all ages
Resources
Kids with special needs need fun too! This section gives you lots of ideas and contact details for local leisure activities and a few national things too. Some of the activities are specifically for children and young people with disabilities and special needs, some are inclusive and many are open to all. If you would prefer to flick through this information on paper, download our 'Fun things to do for all ages' factsheet.
- The Compass Card
- Arts, music and drama
- Farms and animals
- Indoor soft play
- Libraries, museums and other local authority stuff
- Playgroups, after-school and holiday schemes
- Parent-run social and support groups
- Sports and physical activities
- Youth clubs and groups
- Further information
The Compass Card
The Compass is the city's database of children with special needs and it is run by Amaze. It's for children with special needs and disabilities that have a major impact on their every day life. Children on the database get a Compass Card that offers a range of discounts at leisure outlets across the city. Look out for the activities with (COMPASS OFFER) next to the heading. All these activities offer some kind of benefit or discount to Compass card holders. Find out more about the Compass and whether your child is eligible for a card.
“My son loves going to the Sealife Centre and the cinema, with the card it makes it affordable so we can go more often. Thank you.”
Arts, music and drama
- Autism-Friendly Screenings at the Duke of Yorks: 08717 042056 (COMPASS OFFER)
Regular cinema club for children and young people with special needs in association with Amaze. Tickets cost £2.50 for Compass Card holders and adults go free. See our events listing for latest film details. - Bandbazi Circus Theatre: 01273 245584 (COMPASS OFFER)
Weekly Saturday morning classes in circus skills for 11-25 year olds at Hangleton Community Centre from September 2010. Compass Card holders get the first class free. After that, classes cost £5. Circus skills include juggling and poi, trapeze and tightrope walking. - Beacon Arts Club: 01273 557124
Range of dance, art, drama and music classes for children from six months to 16. - Blatchington Mill Performing Arts Programme: 01272 736244 ex 229
Community arts courses for kids aged 8 upwards including drama, rock band, samba and steel pan drumming, and children's choir. - Blue Camel Club: 01273 234734
Club night with live music and DJs for young people (14+) with learning disabilities and their friends. Run by Carousel. - Buzz Community Dance Group: 07779977558
A weekly creative dance session in Hangleton for children and young people aged 10 upwards. Buzz welcomes people with and without disabilities. Costs £3 (under 18) £4 (over 18) support workers free. Contact Bryony Leach. - Carousel: 01273 234734
Integrated, accessible creative arts project in Brighton and Hove including Blue Camel Club nights. - Delight in Dance: 07792 763106
Dance classes for adults with learning disabilities. Young adults group coming soon. - Letterbox Library is a bookclub which specialises in multi-cultural books, and they also have a whole selection of books that feature children with special needs as characters.
- Listening Books is an audio book library that charges a membership fee for its catalogue and postage costs.
- National Cinema Card (CEA Card): 0151 348 8020
Cost £5.50, valid for 3 years, the Cinema Exhibitors' Association (CEA) photo card can be used at many cinemas, to show that the disabled person is entitled to a free ticket for their carer. Application forms ask for proof of disability (eg, receipt of DLA) and are available from Amaze, cinemas and www.ceacard.co.uk - Theatre offers at Komedia, Theatre Royal and Brighton Dome (COMPASS OFFER)
Compass Card holders can get special offers on selected shows and free or discounted carers tickets. As the offers often come in at the last minute, card holders will need to give us an email address.
Farms and animals
- Drusillas: 01273 874100 or www.drusillas.co.uk
Zoo and adventure park nr Alfriston. Wheelchair accessible and a nominal discount for disabled people and their carers. - Middle Farm: 01323 811411
A working farm near Lewes, with shop, tea rooms and open farm. Open 7 days a week. - Mohair Centre Holiday Workshops: 01825 872457
A mix of looking after animals and farm-based crafts. Used to including children aged 5 to 15 with additional needs. - Riding for the Disabled: 01273 846136
Call for details of local riding groups. - SEA LIFE Centre: 0871 423 2110 (COMPASS OFFER)
SEA LIFE is highly sensory and accessible day out for all ages. SEA LIFE offer a discounted entrance rate and a free carer's ticket to Compass Card holders. - Spring Barn Farm Park: 01273 488450 (COMPASS OFFER)
Kingston Road, near Lewes. A farm with animals, a picnic and play area, a maize maze and farmhouse kitchen cafe. 50p discount to Compass card holders and one parent/carer goes free. - Stoney Wish Nature Reserve: 01273 843498 (COMPASS OFFER)
Once a working farm, a trail runs around the country park with ponds, picnic area and tea rooms. Near Ditchling. 50p discount to Compass card holders and one parent/carer goes free. - Washbrooks Farm: 01273 832201 (COMPASS OFFER)
A family farm, open 7 days per week, near Hurstpierpoint.50p discount to Compass card holders and one parent/carer goes free.
Indoor soft play
- Funplex: 01273 690888 (COMPASS OFFER)
Indoor adventure play centre in Bevendean. Funplex offer a 50p discount on entrance fee to Compass Card holders. They also run a dedicated session for children with special needs on Sunday mornings from 9-10am. - Magic Castle: 01273 588858
A two level soft play area for children under 10 with lots of different equipment at Peacehaven Leisure Centre. - Monkey Bizness: 08458 739645 (COMPASS OFFER)
Indoor children's multi-activity centre at Cliffe Industrial Estate, just outside Lewes. Has three play areas for 0-2s, 2-5s and a 5-12s. Cafe available. Compass card holders and one parent carer go half price. - Westows: 01273 711944 (COMPASS OFFER)
Indoor play centre for toddlers to 11 yr olds. £1.50 discount for Compass Card Holders inc. party bookings and special needs sessions on Friday evenings from 6.15pm to 8pm (with discount, £4.25, including kid's meal). - Sensory Room: 01273 405800
In Lewes, run by the Southdown Housing Association. - Toddler Gym, Sussex Central YMCA Y Centre: 01273 731724 (COMPASS OFFER)
Soft play for toddlers 9.30 to midday, Mon to Fri. Compass Card holders get 40% discount and carers go free.
Libraries, museums and other local authority stuff
- Libraries: 01273 296960
Baby boogie sessions at libraries throughout the city. Rock & Rhyme and Storytime sessions at Jubilee and Hove libraries. For regular updates of events email libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call your local library. Further details available at http://www.citylibraries.info/default.asp - Free CDs, DVDs and Audio Book Hire (COMPASS OFFER)
Compass Card holders can hire CDs, DVDs and audio books for free at all of Brighton and Hove's libraries. Once you've joined the library, just show your Compass Card to staff the first time you borrow a CD, DVD or audio book. - Story Magic: 01273 296960 (COMPASS OFFER)
Sensory storytelling for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities or visual impairment at Jubilee Library in association with the Compass Card. Usually last Saturday of every month. - Mobile Play Bus
Free, accessible play sessions across the city, run by the council's play team in their specially designed bus. The bus has a hydraulic lift for wheelchairs. Call the Family Information Service on 293545 for details. - Whitehawk Toy Library: 01273 296924
A wide variety of toys and games on loan, some of which are suitable for children with special needs. - The Children and Family Officer, Royal Pavilion and Museums: 01273 292865
Details of children's and family events at the city's museums and the Pavilion. The early years and family sessions aim to be inclusive and you can ring to check suitability.
“I suddenly realised that she never came across disabled children in story books or on the TV. That's terrible! I want her growing up seeing positive images of children like her doing all sorts of exciting things ... I want her to achieve whatever she wants to achieve ...”
Playgroups, after-school and holiday schemes
- Adur Special Needs Project: 01273 441866
Play schemes for 5 to 18 year olds with special needs, in Shoreham. - BHIP - Brighton and Hove Inclusion Project: 01273 295533
After school and Saturday clubs for 3-12 yr olds in Fiveways and Hangleton. BHIP Outreach supports the inclusion of children with disabilities in other after school clubs and play schemes across the city. - Cherish: 01273 295192
Holiday play schemes and youth clubs for young people with learning disabilities aged 12-18. They also run schemes for young adults with learning disabilities aged 18-25. - Extratime: 05601 165690
Fully inclusive after school clubs and holiday playschemes at Hillside, Woodingdean and St Luke's schools. 1-to-1 support available. Extratime also run youth schemes, in association with Sussex Central YMCA, for young people aged 11 to 19 who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. Call Zoe at the Extratime number. - Honeycroft3: 01273 220323
Fully-inclusive playgroup on Tues and Thurs between 9 and 12, based on Sackville Road in Hove, for children up to 2 and a half. High staff ratio and long-standing experience of working with children with special needs. Older pre-school children can also attend their inclusive daily playgroup. - Whoopsadaisy: 07533 956149
Conductive education classes and holiday play schemes for children up to 12 with cerebral palsy or other motor impairments.
Parent-run social and support groups
- Brighton Pebbles: 07766 156571 or email: brightonpebbles@tiscali.co.uk
Parent-run social group for families with disabled children aged 4-14 years who live in Brighton and Hove. - Kaleidoscope: 07807 647630
Group for parents and carers of children under 5 with physical disabilities. Meet Thursdays during term time. Contact Sandra, Kerry or Gillian. - Little Darlings: 07799 414837
Group for children aged two to six with additional needs and their parents/carers. Call Sharon. - Link UP: 07733 188912
Independent parent support project that organises social activities for children with special needs who attend mainstream schools. Contact Stephanie. - Sweet Peas: 07917 887526
Parent and toddler group for children with special needs. Fri 1-4.30, Tarner Children's Centre, Ivory Place, Brighton. - Worthing kiDS Down Syndrome Support Group : lydiaktori@hotmail.com
Social group for families across Sussex with children up to 12. Meets in Lancing every six weeks. Visit www.worthingkids.org.uk for more information
Sports and physical activities
Sports - general
- Adur Multi-Sport Club: 01273 263319
Multi-sport club for young people aged 11-18 with physical and learning disabilities at Kings Manor School, Shoreham. Contact Tammy Waine. - Brighton and Hove Special Olympics: 01273 21912
Sports inc. swimming, ten pin bowling, golf, and power lifting. Sports club for 18+.Training and competitions. - City Synergy: 01273 697339 or 07981 023592
Sporting and social activities for adults with visual impairments. Children are welcome with their carers. - English Federation of Disability Sport: 01322 319166
Information about sports opportunities for disabled children and adults. - Healthwalks: 01273 292564 or email healthwalks@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Regular, outdoor walks led by trained volunteers across the city. Suitable for wheelchair users or young children. - Meridian Multi-Sport Club: 01273 644185
A multi-sport club for 8-16 year olds with a disability at the Peacehaven Leisure Centre. Contact Katy Russell. - Sussex Wasps: 01273 701235 Email: archer-phil@ntlworld.com
Sports club for people with disabilities, 8+ years.
Adventure
- Activenture: 01342 822625
Residential adventure breaks for disabled children and children with special needs aged 8-18. - Adventure Unlimited: 01273 681058
Inclusive adventurous activities. The 818 Club has a calendar of events for 8 to 18 year olds (or young people with special needs up to 25) which are integrated. They can offer individual support if notified in advance.
“The only place I got to talk about my disability with others my own age was at Activenture.”
Basketball
- Sussex Sonics Wheelchair Basketball Club: 01273 307505
Monday evenings 7-9 at Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre.
Bowling
- Brighton Bowlplex: 01273 818180 (COMPASS OFFER)
Ten pin bowling at the Marina. Compass Card holder and carer get an off-peak discount.
Cricket
- Disability Cricket: 07500 025449
Cricket sessions for kids with special needs aged 8-18 at Portslade Sports Centre. Run by The Sussex Cricket Board. Also, cricket practise in Hove for children, young people and adults with a visual impairment (07786 238168).
Cycling
- Future Cycles: 01273 483108
Specialist independent bike shop selling recumbents and tricycles. Shops in Lewes and Forest Row - Seven Sisters Cycle Company: 01323 870310
Cycle hire and activity centre at Seven Sisters Country Park near Seaford, have adapted bicycles for hire
Football
Brighton and Hove Albion in the Community run fantastic football clubs for kids and adults with special needs, inc:
- Deaf and Hearing Impaired Football Club: 07919 051848
Ongoing weekly football club for hearing impaired children aged 6 to 16. Tues 7-9pm - Seagulls Specials: 07919 051848 Email: teresa.sanders@bhafc.co.uk
Brighton & Hove programme of football for children with special needs and disabilities.
Gyms and working out
- King Alfred: 01273 290290 (COMPASS OFFER)
Free gym sessions for Compass Card holders aged 16-19. Young people with Compass Cards must pay for an initial induction and then all sessions are free. - Prince Regent Leisure Centre: 01273 685692 (COMPASS OFFER)
Compass Card holders go free at 'Junior Health and Fitness' sessions for kids aged 12-15. Also, free gym sessions for Compass Card holders aged 16-19. In both cases, the card holder must pay for an initial induction and then all sessions are free. - Deans Leisure Centres: 01273 391683 (COMPASS OFFER)
Free gym sessions for Compass Card holders aged 16-19 and a discount rate for one adult carer. - Sussexsport, University of Sussex: 01273 877687 (COMPASS OFFER)
Free gym sessions for Compass Card holders aged 16-19 and a discounted rate for one adult carer.
Martial Arts
- South Coast Martial Arts Association: 07828 624165 or 07988 808650
Karate classes for children aged 4-15 at Southwick Leisure Centre. Used to including children with severe learning difficulties and physical disabilities. Email: emilymurphyscma@googlemail.com - Sama Karate South East: 01273 293642 (COMPASS OFFER)
Karate and kick-boxing classes for children and adults at venues all over Brighton and Hove. Compass Card holders get half price membership and £5 off the suit.
Sailing
- Sailability: 01273 464868 or www.sussexsailability.org.uk
Accessible sailing for disabled people aged 13 and over, run by Sussex Yacht Club.
“My son really likes to keep fit. His special needs are such that he finds crowded places hard and his communication skills are poor English (written). Hence we choose smaller venues for leisure.”
Swimming
- Dapper Snapper Club: 01903 717652
New swim school specifically for children with special needs, from babies to 15. Classes only in Worthing at present. - King Alfred : 01273 290290 (COMPASS OFFER)
Compass Card holders get free swimming for their disabled child and up to four others. Also host the Dolphins (01273 307647) and Marlins Disabled Swimming Clubs (01273 416600). - Prince Regent Leisure Centre: 01273 685692 (COMPASS OFFER)
Compass Card holders get free swimming for their disabled child and up to four others. Hosts Spiral Goldfins club for disabled swimmers (01273 295180). - St Luke's Swimming Pool: 01273 602385 (COMPASS OFFER)
Compass Card holders get free swimming for their disabled child and up to four others. - Olympos Burgess Hill (The Triangle): 01444 876000 (COMPASS OFFER)
Compass Card holder gets a discount on entry and a parent/carer or friend goes free. - Impulse Leisure - Wadurs, Shoreham: 01273 238000
Aquatherapy sessions on Mondays and Thursdays
Table Tennis
- Hollingbury Table Tennis Club: 07772 994048 (COMPASS OFFER)
Term-time table tennis coaching and practice sessions at Bevendean Primary School for over 8s and adults. Compass Card holders get the first session at the club free. Call Steve Chambers on for more info or visit www.hollingburyttc.co.uk
Trampolining
- Take a Leap Trampolining: 01273 731724 (COMPASS OFFER)
Inclusive trampolining classes for kids aged 7 to 15 with special needs. Compass Card activity in association with Sussex Central YMCA. Mondays and Thursdays during term-time. £2 for Compass Card holders.
Youth clubs and groups
- Befriending Service: 01273 749085
Run by The Children's Society for young people aged 12 to 18. Matches your child with volunteer befrienders who build a relationship with a young person and take them on regular outings. Need referral from your social worker. - Brighton Youth Centre: 01273 675011
Ring for details of youth club sessions for teens and young adults. - Buckingham Road Young Adults Group: 01273 749500
Regular social activities on Tues evenings 6.30 to 8.30pm for young people aged 16 to 30 with mental health difficulties. Organised by Buckingham Road Day Centre. - Cherish Youth Club: 01273 295192
Social club for 11 to 19s with learning disabilities. See also holiday play schemes. - Duke of Edinburgh Awards: 01273 293642
Awards programme of voluntary activities for young people aged 14 to 25. Non-competitive and inclusive of young people with disabilities. - Guides Association: 01424 845726
Ring for details of local groups. - MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties) Club: 01273 731724
Youth club for 11-20 year olds with moderate learning difficulties who have a statement of special educational needs. At the Y Club, Sussex Central YMCA, Hove on Wednesdays and Saturdays. £2 per session. - Patcham Youth Centre: 01273 293638/07868 424344
Youth club for physically-challenged and able bodied young people aged 11-24. Mondays 7-9pm. 50p per session. - PHAB: Sussex Phab 01273 821789, Patcham Phab Club (youth club) 293638
A range of integrated clubs for physically disabled and non-disabled people. - Scouts Association: 01323 895432
Ring for details of local groups. - Spiral: 01273 420148 or www.spiralsussex.org.uk
Social clubs, leisure and sports activities for adults with learning difficulties. - Young Carers Project: 01273 234045
Social activities for young people who share the experience of living with someone ill or disabled.
Further information
If you'd rather read all this information at your leisure, download our Fun for All Ages factsheet below. You can also check out Amazing Stuff - another booklet we produce that lists leisure opportunities for adults with special needs as well as children.
13. Fun things to do for all ages factsheet (.pdf - 232kb)
Author: Amaze
Date: 16 June 2010
Amazing Stuff! (.pdf - 587kb)
Author: Amaze
Date: 24 June 2010
The following contacts and publications can also offer you further information:
- Family Information Service: 01273 293545
Details of services for families inc. childcare, playgroups, and toddler groups. They can also give you information about Childcare Inclusion Funding, grants to help settle children with special needs into mainstream childcare. - What's Out There!
A booklet published by the local council that lists sports, art and social activities for young people with special needs aged 11 to 25. You can get a copy from Amaze. - ABC Magazine
Available free from libraries, town hall, etc. Good for details of music groups, playgroups and days out. - Summer Fun
Booklet which lists activities during the holidays from play schemes to free events. Pick up in your local library.
If you know of any leisure activities that are not on this list, please email webmaster@amazebrighton.org.uk