You’ve come to the seaside on a family break and are looking for the best things to do in Brighton with your kids? We’ve got you covered with exciting activities that you can do as a family whether you are on day trip or a longer holiday.
And if the British weather has let you down, this bohemian city is famous for its creative flair. Therefore there’s lots of art galleries and museums too!
Brighton is featured among the top 10 most visited cities in the UK all year long. It is famous for its beaches, the nice promenade, the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier and many more landmarks.
The city is also unofficially the capital of a strong LGBT community where you can celebrate every year in August the Brighton Pride.
Without further ado, let’s explore our favourite things to do with your children in Brighton:
1. Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Firstly take a trip down memory lane when you visit this delightful museum, showcasing thousands of toys dating from the 1860s to the present day. Secondly, the model railways and antique teddy bears hark back to a nostalgic age of innocence.
You are guaranteed to love it as much as the kids!
📍52-55 Trafalgar St, Brighton BN1 4EB
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday – 10am to 5pm. Saturday – 11am to 5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
2. The Royal Pavilion
Built in the 18th century as King George IV’s seaside retreat, this Grade I listed building is now an iconic part of the Brighton skyline. Its unique architecture has strong Indo-Asian influences, coupled with classic Regency grandeur.
Inside, visitors can marvel at the Banqueting Room, The Grand Saloon and the Royal Bedrooms. The Children’s Tour is a unique audio guide which they can listen to as they explore each room, keeping them engaged and entertained.
📍 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE
Opening Hours: Open daily – October to March 10am–5.15pm. April to September 9.30am–5.45pm
3. Globalls
Anyone for glow in the dark crazy golf with a dinosaur theme?! Children are bound the love this place, where you can putt your way around two 12 hole courses. Step back in time on the Jurassic course, or channel colourful jungle vibes on the Tropicana course.
Vibrant artwork painted by local artists covers the walls, and giant, neon animals surround you at every turn. A fantastic activity for all ages and abilities.
Please note that the course is not suitable for pushchairs as space is limited.
📍1-5, The Village, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, Brighton BN2 5WA
Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 am (weekends) or 12pm (weekdays)
4. The Painting Pottery Cafe
A lovely activity for a rainy day, the Painting Pottery Cafe has hundreds of ceramic items for you to paint, so you can create a truly personal souvenir of your family weekend in Brighton.
The kids will love getting creative, and the experienced studio assistants are on hand for help and advice.
After glazing and firing, your masterpiece will be ready to collect in a couple of days, or it can be posted to you.
Booking ahead is essential.
Please email bookings@paintingpotterycafe.co.uk or call 01273 628952
📍31 North Rd, Brighton BN1 1YB
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 6.30pm. Sunday 11am – 6pm
5. British Airways i360
If you want to take a look at what Brighton looks like from the top, you have to take a ride with British Airways i360. This activity is definitely worth to do especially on sunny days and takes no more than 30 min to go up and see the panoramic view of the city.
This observation tower is 162 meters tall with a fully glass observation floor. There is even a bar at the top if you want a fizzy drink or soft drinks. No toilets at the top though so make sure you kids know about it before hand!
6. Brighton Beach
Of course, top of the list is Brighton’s fantastic beach, ever-popular with locals and tourists all year round. The long stretch of shingle and sand is perfect for paddling, swimming or water sports.
Take a selfie by the colourful beach huts, then stroll along the famous pier, before stopping for fish and chips eaten on the seafront. Be warned though, it does get extremely busy in the summer – get there early to avoid the crowds.
7. Preston Park
The city’s largest park offers an extensive play area, two cafes and plenty of open green space for the kids to explore. Mingle with the joggers, dog walkers and local families in this tranquil space – a lovely escape from the crowds in the summer months.
📍 Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 6SD
Opening Hours: Open 24/7.
8. Kings Road Playground
Situated right next to the beach, this playground has lots of equipment for your little ones to climb, swing and play on, and during the summer (May – September) there’s also a giant paddling pool!
Parents can hire deck chairs and admire the sea view whilst the kids play, and there’s a great cafe serving freshly made drinks, snacks and sandwiches. A favourite attraction for parents and kids visiting Brighton.
📍 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2LN
Opening Hours: Open daily during daylight hours
9. Devil’s Dyke
Escape the crowds of Brighton beach and head for the lush green hills of the South Downs. Devil’s Dyke is a legendary beauty spot within the National Park, and only a 25 minute drive from Brighton city centre.
You can follow a 3 mile trail around the valley, ending at Saddlescombe Farm café for tea and cake. Check the website below for detailed route plans and more information.
10. Volks Electric Railway
Take a ride on the world’s oldest operating electric railway, which runs between March and September. Originally opened in 1883 the mile-long route along the seafront is a great way to travel if you have little ones with tired legs!
Learn all about the inventor Magnus Volk and his pioneering railway at the new visitor centre.
📍 Volk’s Electric Railway Visitor Centre, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1EN
11. Sea Life Brighton
Do you know where you can visit the oldest aquarium in the world? You’ve guessed it: Brighton! Sea Life Brighton is operating in the same location as the old aquarium which was opened in 1872. A lot of new modern facilities have been created since then to make sure all sea creatures have optimised habitats.
Your family will be able to discover over 5,000 sea animals such as turtles, sharks, jellyfish or seahorses. And if you are lucky, you might meet Peppa Pig too!
📍Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TB
12. Hop On Hop Off
If you visit Brighton for the first time, don’t hesitate to book your tickets to the Hop On Hop Off bus so you can’t miss the main sites that the city can offer. The bus tour starts at the Palace Pier and continues through Grand Avenue, Brighton Station and Brighton Marina and many more stops. Free headphones will give you some highlight commentary available in 7 languages too.
So if your little ones feel a bit tired, don’t hesitate to take them to this tour!
13. Funplex
Are you looking to take your little one(s) on a fun soft play area indoor in Brighton? Funplex might be a good option to let them go wild whilst you are enjoying your favourite hot drink. The venue offers different levels of fun with slides, canon soft ball and even a dedicated area for toddlers.
And if you are hungry, the café serves fresh food such as burgers, pizzas, paninis and many more options.
📍Unit 2b, The Hyde Business Park, Auckland Dr, Brighton BN2 4JE
14. Palace Play at Brighton Palace Pier
Here is another great indoor soft play venue right to the Palace Pier where your children will have plenty of space to get excited about. Children have to be at least 0.9m tall to access the park. If not, no worries Palace Play also has a toddler area.
Your kids will wander around 4 different storeys of slides, tunnels and balls parks. The challenge will be for you to find them when time is up!
📍Brighton Palace Pier, Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TW
15. Peter Pan Playground
On a bright sunny day, I am sure your children will love Peter Pan playground. This outdoor play area for young kids in Brighton is a fun place full of different rides and water sprinklers. Expect some good fun from your children with hours of joy and laughter.
This playground is one of the few available in Brighton, so great to be there early on the weekend or during school holidays.
📍299 Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1EN
16. Hollywood Bowl Brighton
If you are looking for a fun evening out after a nice meal in Brighton, why don’t you head to Hollywood Bowl Brighton and challenge the kids with a ten pin game.
The venue has 26 lanes, a diner restaurant and also a great arcade amusement area where your children will ask for more. Expect to play air hockey, motorcycle video game and many more exciting activities.
📍Marina, Marina Way, Brighton Marina, Brighton BN2 5UT
17. LaserZone Brighton
I bet LaserZone Brighton will be a true favourite with your pre teen children. This war game happens in the dark and you will fight against another team with huge guns equipped with lasers. You have to wear a jacket as well which is sensitive to the laser beams so you can check whether you have been hit or not.
I would be surprised if your family didn’t have a blast at this interactive and actions packed adventure in Brighton.
18. Stanmer Park
Located nearby the University of Sussex, Stanmer Park is a natural reserve with woods where you can take your family on a nice walk or even cycling. It also makes a perfect venue for an impromptu picnic on a sunny day in Brighton.
Don’t hesitate to stop by The House Cafe at Stanmer House where you will find your favourite hot drink but also great breakfast or lunch selections.
19. Brighton Marina
It might sounds obvious, but walking alongside the Brighton Marina must be on the checklist of things to do in Brighton with your kids. It is the centre point of yachts and boat watchers and is the largest marina in the UK.
You will find plenty of restaurants, bars, boutiques and ice cream shops during your walk. Also, there are plenty of kids activities to do in the Summer during the school holiday too.
Finally, don’t miss out to see the latest family movie at one of the eight screens available at Cineworld.
20. Old Police Cells Museum
This museum might sound a bit odd but I am sure your children will love exploring what’s like to be in a prison cell in the old days. I have heard that the tour guide is excellent and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
The place has a great collection of Sussex Police memorabilia with some opportunities to take a picture of your kids behind the bars. Beware that the museum is only open on Saturday between 10am and 1pm so make sure you pre-book your tour before hand to avoid disappointment.
21. Saltdean Lido
Saltdean Lido is currently closed – check their website for new season opening date
If you plan to visit Brighton on a sunny day in the Summer, you and your children can’t miss to spend half a day at Saltdean Lido in Saltdan near Brighton.
This open air swimming pool is a testament to Art Deco and offers great facilities for Brighton locals and visitors.
There is a splash pool nearby as well for little swimmers. Beware that the temperature of the water might be too cold for you, so bring your wetsuit if possible.
For 2023, the Saltdean Lido will hopefully see a fully restored building around it where more than £7m were injected in the project. So far, the council has announced recently that the project would be complete by the second half of the year. Crossed fingers!
📍The Oval Park, Saltdean Park Rd, Saltdean, Brighton BN2 8SP
21. WRAP Play Café
Your toddlers and pre school children will love this place. The WRAP Play Café is not just a place where you can sip your favourite hot drink. Your kids will be able to entertain themselves with others in a beautiful soft play area.
The venue has different climbing frames, bridges with ropes, slides and so much more. You would have to book a 90 min time slot for your children to enjoy this area.
WRAP Play Café currently charges £4 for children under 2 and £6 for over 2. No children over 6 years are allowed in the play area.
📍8 Frederick Pl, Brighton BN1 4EA
23. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Rain or shine in Brighton, you can satisfy your culture knowledge by spending some time at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
This publicly funded museum exhibits a variety of things in different rooms. For instance you can explore a room on Ancient Egypt and move to a different area where you can appreciate modern art.
I would say there is something for everyone to enjoy including your children who might be captured by certain artefacts or temporary exhibitions.
Do check their website to see kids oriented activities during the year. In February, you can book a Mini Museum Explorer session for pre school children with other activities during February half term or weekends.
📍Royal Pavilion Gardens, Pavilion Parade, Brighton BN1 1EE
24. Wild Park
After a nice lunch in Brighton, why not heading to the Wild Park for a nice family walk.
This public park is a bit steep so it will test your children capabilities to a nice hilly trail. If you have your dog with you during your holiday in Brighton even better for him or her!
When you’re reached the top of the hills, you will find a beautiful panorama of Brighton & Hove for a perfect photo opportunity.
25. Brighton Zip
Are your looking for something exciting to test the fear factor? Well if you are afraid of height, this attraction is probably not for you. If not, read on…
Brighton has one of the longest zip line in England where you can jump over the beach and have a unique view points during your descent.
The organiser will reassure you at the top of the tower before you decide to come down.
This activity is not suitable for children under 6 years old and you need to measure at least 4 ft 3 in / 1.3m.
Last but not least, you can race against somebody else and throw yourself at the zip line to see who will arrive first on the beach ground. Tempting?
I hope you’ve found this article useful and found great activities to do with your children in Brighton.
It is always great to spend a weekend or a day nearby the sea, especially in a vibrant city like Brighton.
Of course, the beach is probably the highlight of the destination but feel free to explore the surroundings of the city too if you have a car.
Enjoy your family break in Brighton!
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