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Best Things To Do In Brighton With Kids

Brighton is the perfect day trip from London with the family. The sunny south coast of England is home to lots of great towns. Brighton is notoriously famous for being fun, quirky, and great for kids.,

There are lots of things to do in Brighton with kids and it is well-known as a very family-friendly city. There is nothing better or more refreshing than escaping to the coast, whether it’s winter or summer!

The seaside is a tonic for big and little members of the clan. Brighton has so much to offer families. Brighton with kids can be super fun and offer a wide variety of activities, rain or shine. 

What to do in Brighton with Kids

1. Sea Life Brighton

Get ready for a family day out on the stunning Brighton coast at SEA LIFE Brighton!

This cool aquarium isn’t just a regular visit – it’s an educational and fun experience.

Dive into the incredible world below the waves, where you’ll meet sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and some seriously impressive sharks.

Check out Sea Life Brighton here!

Things to do in Brighton with kids
Things to do in Brighton with Kids

2. Enjoy The Beach

The beach is top of the list of things to do in Brighton with kids. It is always extra special going to the beach with kids if you do not live near the coast or are on a day trip from London.

It certainly feels like a tonic and kids love the beach!

Although Brighton is a stoned beach, it still makes great fun for all. Whether it’s dipping your toes into the calm shoreline or skimming rocks on the water with little ones. Brighton for toddlers is so much fun!

Brighton with Kids
Things to do in Brighton with Kids

The perks of having a stoned beach in Brighton are all of the interesting shells and variety of stones on the beach itself. If you have some eagle eyes – keep a look out for some pretty beach glass!

There are so many great places to eat in Brighton with kids – however, nothing beats bringing a picnic to the beach and kicking back watching the waves. 

Or do the old-fashioned way and enjoy a big tray of salty chips and delicious creamy ice cream from one of the services along the beach. These are the special moments your kids will treasure and remember well.

The promenade along the beach is interesting for the whole family, whether it’s the little beach huts or decorative boats.

Dotted along the promenade are lots of small cafes and pubs, as well as independent stores that sell crafts, art, toys, and books. They always make for an interesting peek.

There is also Kings Road playground along Brighton Beach for kids, where you can sit and relax on a bench with a takeaway coffee if that is your thing, while the little ones run wild taking in all the sea air.

This playground has a wee paddling pool that is sure to keep little ones entertained in the warmer months. 

Another bonus of going to the beach in Brighton with kids is the fresh sea air is sure to reset you all and tucker the kids out, meaning they will get a great night’s sleep. 

This picnic set is the perfect accompaniment for your day on the beach!

3. Pier 

You will find it hard to miss Brighton Palace Pier while searching for things to do in Brighton with kids. The pier is packed full of fun things to do and see for all ages of the family, whether you have a toddler or a teenager. 

There are lots of rides and attractions on Brighton Pier which is one of the top Brighton kids activities. Some of the rides include a mega slide, race cars, and spinning saucers.

There is even a turbo roller coaster for older children and adults alike if you have some thrill seekers amongst you.

Brighton with Kids
Things to do in Brighton with Kids

There are more places to grab typical pier nibbles and refreshments like chips, ice cream, and candy floss along the way.

Although you might struggle to be at a loose end in Brighton, Brighton Pier has a four-story soft play and can be tailored for children’s birthday parties, adding to the list of things for kids in Brighton 

Throughout the year Brighton Pier hosts events such as music festivals, live entertainment, and Christmas markets. 

Brighton with Kids
Things to do in Brighton with Kids

It is free to walk down the pier and enjoy the sites, however, if you purchase a wristband, this gives you access to unlimited rides!

The wristbands vary in price for weekdays, weekends, groups, and whether you book for one or two days.

If you buy your wristband for the pier online – you will receive a 25% discount. 

Brighton Pier arcade
Things to do in Brighton with Kids

When strolling along the promenade, you might come across the Upside Down House. This is Britain’s first inverted house for all the fun photography!

Brighton with kids has so much to offer and this is just another quirky, fun activity. 

Tickets are £5 but children under the age of 3 go for free.

4.  The Royal Pavilion 

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is a must-see. It is an exotic palace boasting beautiful gardens, where families can relax. It has a colorful history, built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV.

The interiors are decadent and vibrant and the staff are very helpful for offering guidance throughout the palace. There are lots of Brighton facts for kids to discuss surrounding this colorful Indian influenced architecture. 

Brighton with Kids
Things to do in Brighton in Kids

The gardens here are always a winner. My toddler loves it here as there are so many birds to chase. I’m pretty sure chasing pigeons in these gardens is amongst his top things to do with toddlers in Brighton!

There is also a cafe in the grounds where you can grab a cake and coffee if you fancy. Just beware of the pesky seagulls who made off with our whole flapjack in one swoop.

Tickets for The Royal Pavilion are offered at a discount online.

Get your tickets here.

5. Volks Electric Railway Line

This is the world’s oldest electric operating train line. The route is from Palace Pier to Black Rock Station near Brighton Marina. It is a twelve-minute journey but it is sure to capture your kid’s imagination!

It is a beautiful way to capture the sea view and is suitable for all ages. This was one of our favorite things in Brighton with kids.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

It was really good value, the staff was friendly and the trains were well kept.

Adult return costs only £6.20 while a child’s return is £3.85. Do be aware it is a cashless attraction but takes contactless.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

It closes for the season in the winter months and usually gets back up and running in the Easter season.

6. Brighton Fringe Festival

Brighton Fringe Festival is renowned for attracting visitors and families alike to Brighton around May each year. The festival boasts several events and attractions for children and teenagers.

This includes talks, comedy, dressing up, live music, and a circus.

There are over 600 events this year and many of them are suitable for children and families. It is helpful to pick up the festival program for that year that has the family-friendly events laid out.

Brighton
Things to do in Brighton with Kids

7. i360 Degree View From a Height

British Airways has a viewing tower offering a vast view of Brighton and the coastline. It is also the country’s highest observation tower.

The i360 viewing tower is ten times bigger than a London Eye capsule – making it ideal for families with children.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

There is plenty of space to see the beautiful view of Brighton, the seaside, and coastline from a variety of angles. This is especially good for energetic little ones!

The viewing tower makes a great activity for kids to spot seagulls, the ships at sea or the tiny like people down below.

There is a bar on board for any refreshment needs, baby changing facilities, and the entire site is buggy friendly (although this might change if it is super busy, buggies can be left with security).

Things to do in Brighton with Kids
Things to do in Brighton with Kids

There is a free exhibition on board where children can learn about the pioneering engineering of the structure and how it is now one of Brighton’s top attractions. 

In case it is raining, the i360 makes for a memorable indoor activity in Brighton with kids.

This would be a memorable experience amongst Brighton attractions for kids.

8. The Upside Down House

The Upside Down House is a great novelty and such a fun thing to do in Brighton with kids. Located on the Kings Road Arches, you will not miss the brightly painted, turquoise, literal upside house!

Get some hilarious shots of you upside down in the various rooms inside the house. The interior design is also representative of Brighton’s diverse local community.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

It is a very well-run service, with staggered times so you have enough time to get the perfect, unique upside-down pose. The assistant is super helpful with getting the best pose.

This is a popular attraction so may be better to book online.

9. Toy museum 

Brighton’s Toy Museum is a fun, educational activity for children. Nestled just under Brighton Railway Station, it is more of an immersive visual experience than hands-on – which may be disappointing for toddlers scrambling to climb the toy artifacts (we have been there).

However, boasting over 10,000 toys – it certainly makes a wonderful experience for slightly older children. You can see old slot machines, aircraft toys, cuddly bears, puppets, and train sets built through the ages.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

Brighton Toy Museum also hosts educational visits, puppet shows, and heritage learning. They also host events during the Brighton Fringe Festival, ordinarily held in May.

The Brighton Toy Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday and incurs a small fee as it is primarily run by volunteers.

10. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

Situated in the Royal Pavilion’s Gardens, there are several themes explored in the museum, from the history of Brighton, Ancient Egypt, WW1 to Leisure and Tourism.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

They boast several resources for children to complete activities at home if they wish to continue learning after their visit or online, excellent for homeschooling families or children curious about the topics. 

11. Sama’s Circus Softplay

If you find yourself in Brighton on a rainy day and want little ones to burn some energy – Sama’s Circus Softplay is a good option. Not far from Brighton train station, it also has cheap parking nearby.

With all the usual softplay contraptions of the ball pit, climbing frames and slides – this is a great option for things to do in Brighton with toddlers. 

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

Softplay isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – but luckily you can enjoy a hot drink in the cafe here. Sama’s Circus Softplay also offers delicious food and cake.

Sometimes a day out with smaller children can be tactful, in a way they can burn some energy – ready for their nap then the parents can go exploring all the wonderful independent shops and markets in the North Laines.

This soft play also offers a ‘Drop and Shop’ service – where you can leave little ones in their care if you need to run any important errands in town. They also host a movie night with hot chocolate and popcorn!

12. The Painting Pottery Cafe

The Painting Pottery Cafe is a wonderful activity to do with kids, spending quality time on crafts. Choose from several creative masterpieces to throw up with clay.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

It is suitable for all ages and abilities – there is lots of inspiration to choose from on which pottery piece you could make. 

You leave your finished piece to be glazed and collected within a couple of days, or the friendly staff can post it to you.

13. Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz

The Seahorse Pub, Kings Road has panoramic views of the sea. It hosts a bring your baby pub quiz every fourth Thursday of the month. Starts at 12 and ends around 2:30 pm.

This is a slower-paced quiz with lots of breaks to change and feed little ones. They have changing facilities, high chairs, and sweet treats for each table.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

They even have a mobile changing table so you don’t have to miss out on the quiz!

This sounds like such fun and a great way to challenge baby brain!

Prizes include bottles of fizz, beauty boxes, and chocolates. There is also an option to grab lunch with vegan and gluten-free options.

14. Stanmer Park Nature Reserve

If you are seeking a green escape just outside of the hustle and bustle of Brighton City Centre, then Stanmer Park Nature Reserve is the one for you.

Stanmer Park is a vast rolling countryside with lots to see and do there, whether with kids or catching up with friends.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

Stanmer Park is also the gateway to the famous and vast South Downs.

Located in Stanmer is an 18th Century Village with twenty-five Grade II listed buildings including a historic church.

Within Stanmer Park, you must visit the famous “walled gardens” aka The One Garden which is open daily and free to enter. The One Garden is a beautiful meeting place with beautiful, unusual, and exotic plants.

Each garden has its own theme ranging from the Medicinal Garden, The Contemplation Garden, The Rain Garden, and the Contemplation Garden to name but a few. It is an explosion of color in the summer.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

You can grab a bite to eat here also and enjoy your meal on the terrace or inside gently accompanied by music and great service. There is a real focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

I love the ethos of this venue with a real focus on supporting local, independent businesses. It is family and dog-friendly.

You can get to Stanmer Park by getting the 78 or 25 bus. There is also parking on site at Stanmer Park and it is located just off the A27 between Brighton and Lewes.

Stanmer Park is perfect for exploring by bike with bike-friendly roads leading in, bike racks, and charging points. I love the drive for this more sustainable way of travel.

There is also the One Market with bespoke, independent crafts and artisan goods for sale which is worth a visit.

There is also the obligatory playground available for children down the road from the One Garden with parking and facilities nearby.

You could easily spend the whole day at Stanmer Park making it one of my favorite things to do in Brighton with kids.

15. Treasure Hunt

Doing a treasure hunt in Brighton is a fun and interesting way to see Brighton and it could be a great way to do Brighton with teens.

Spot various clues amongst the quirky Brighton lanes whilst deciphering a cryptic treasure map. It’s a great way to learn fun facts and stories about Brighton and makes for a memorable day.

16. Brighton Zip Line

Brighton Zip goes from Brighton Beach east of Brighton Pier. This is the longest and the fastest zip line on the South East coast measuring a whopping 300 metres.

This is such a fun family activity in Brighton, especially for the thrill seekers, and another great way to soak in the sights!

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

From reading reviews, however, I would avoid eating at the cafe there as it appears to be overpriced and not the best food.

Tickets cost £32 for a dual ride, £18 for a single ride, and an additional £4 for a video of your experience.

17. Booth Museum of Natural History

The Booth Museum of Natural History is fascinating and is interesting for all ages.

There is so much to see and all about birds, butterflies, fossils, and bones. The Booth Museum brings these historical collections into interactive, hands-on activities.

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

There is plenty of activities for children here and a rolling educational program, all to keep the kids intrigued.

Where to Eat In Brighton with Kids 

Whether you are keen for a sit-down meal, to grab something and go, or for a meal on the seafront, Brighton has a range of options for all of your needs.

There are plenty of kid-friendly places to eat in Brighton. Lots of people opt for bringing a good old picnic to the beach, which saves having to round the troops up and go find somewhere to suit everyone. 

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

There is a mix of independent cafes and restaurants, with your usual recognizable chains like Pizza Express, Pho, Byron Burger, and Wagamamas. There are some great places to eat in Brighton with kids.

There are many lovely cafes, restaurants, and smaller shops along the beach that sell breakfast, brunch, lunches, and dinners. 

Brighton has a range of culinary experiences to offer, with many vegan and vegetarian restaurants around too. You certainly won’t go hungry while exploring the many things to do in Brighton with kids as there is so much great choice. 

Things to do in Brighton with Kids

One of our favorite treats as we wander the lanes is a trip to the independent old-style sweet shops and milkshakes parlor. 

We can never resist a proper Lebanese falafel wrap and cheeky cupcake from the lanes.

The Drove By Brewers Fayre

If you are looking for a family-friendly option to eat at that doesn’t cost a fortune, head along to The Drove by Brewers fair located in the Brighton area.

Family friendly restaurants in Brighton
Things to do in Brighton with kids

With a range of fantastic offers like unlimited breakfast where kids eat free, to the indoor play at just £3.50 for 90mins.

Perfect for keeping the little ones entertained, Brewers Fayres are a great option for a fun-packed family outing that doesn’t blow the budget.

Indoor soft play Brighton
Things to do in Brighton with kids

For more information and locations click here.

How To Get To Brighton

Brighton is relatively well-serviced by trains from London Victoria, London Bridge, London Clapham Junction, and Gatwick.

It is the perfect day trip from London with it being so close on the train, not to mention all the fresh scenery away from the big smoke!

Parking can be expensive in the allocated car parks, however, there are often options for street parking which is only a fraction of the cost. 

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