Looking for exciting East Sussex summer activities for kids? East Sussex libraries are thrilled to invite all children aged 4 to 11 to dive into a world of stories and nature with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge: “Story Garden – Adventures in nature and the great outdoors“.
Indeed, the Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic, free way to keep young minds active and engaged throughout the school holidays. Ultimately, it’s all about exploring new books, sparking creativity, and discovering the magical connection between storytelling and the natural world.
Why get involved? Reading grows great minds.
Reading is more than just fun; in fact, it’s a superpower for your child’s development. The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the best free children’s activities available in East Sussex this summer. what’s more, encouraging little ones to get involved in reading from an early age offers huge benefits, as highlighted by organisations like the Book Trust:
- Spark imagination: Reading helps fire up creativity and empathy.
- Build family bonds: Sharing stories makes kids feel safe and connected.
- Improve communication: Children learn to speak and understand words, opening up conversations.
- Boost school success: Kids who read for fun often excel in vocabulary, maths, and spelling.
How to join the adventure.
So, how can you join this exciting journey? The Summer Reading Challenge runs from 5 July to 6 September 2025 in all East Sussex libraries.
Here’s how to get your child involved:
- Sign your child up on our website. Alternatively, if you don’t have a device to get online, ask one of our volunteers or a member of staff in your local East Sussex library and they will sign you up.
- Start reading: Children aged 4 to 11 are challenged to read six books over the summer months.
- Collect rewards: For each library book read, children will receive a sticker and other prizes. After reading six books, they’ll earn a certificate and a medal!
Don’t have a library card? No problem!
Joining your local library is free and easy – truly, it’s your go-to place for all the best kids’ activities at the library this summer! You can sign up online or pop into your local library.
Explore the Story Garden: Book recommendations.
This year’s “Story Garden” theme has a wonderful collection of books to inspire young readers. For example, here are three fantastic picks from the official collection to get you started:
- For younger readers (and for sharing!): The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi. Dive into an enchanting underwater world.
- For early independent readers: Finding Hope by Nicola Baker. A heart-warming story about discovery.
- For older children (approx. 7+): Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui Sit, illustrated by David Dean. Join an exciting adventure in the wild.
These wonderful books are just a taste of the adventures waiting for kids in East Sussex libraries this summer. Children can read any library book of their choice, including fiction, non-fiction, picture books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, or books they share with parents and carers. Remember, every book counts.
Participating in the challenge is one of the simplest and most rewarding school holiday activities for children in East Sussex. Therefore, for more information and to sign up, visit the Summer Reading Challenge page: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/src.
On top of that, there are also lots of free Summer Reading Challenge events and activities taking place across all East Sussex libraries for extra fun and games for your little ones.
Let’s make this summer an unforgettable reading adventure, packed with brilliant East Sussex summer activities for kids.
