21 things to do in Brighton with kids
With quirky shops to browse, some great places to eat, brilliant boutique hotels and a whole string of attractions, I’ve had some hugely fun weekend breaks in both sunshine and rainy days in Brighton with kids.
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In fact, somehow I’ve found myself visiting Brighton in winter more often than summer, despite being one of my closest stretches of seaside. But it hardly matters: because while the city is known for its quirky, edgy style, I love visiting Brighton with children.
Most of these ideas of the best things to do in Brighton with kids will work year-round (depending on the weather!) – I’ve focused on attractions in Brighton itself, but you’ve got Hove on the doorstep as well as some lovely countryside including the South Downs, historic buildings and more Sussex days out just outside the city, as well as some fantastic sandy beaches in Sussex.
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Brighton Sea Life Centre
The world’s oldest operating aquarium, it’s only a shell’s throw away from the sea itself with more than 150 creatures to see at Sea Life Brighton.
Set in a striking Victorian building, there are regular special exhibitions, as well as a variety of different underwater habitats, stamp trail, behind-the-scenes tour, and plenty more to discover including the UK’s first glass-bottom boat inside, activities for kids and the now obligatory underwater tunnel.
One of the most unusual sections is the special Day and Night area showing how the oceans change over the course of 24 hours, including a bioluminescent beach.
Get a discount if you book online in advance. Easily one of the best things to do in Brighton with toddlers as well as older kids.
Brighton i360
With its observation pod rising to 138m up the 162m high tower, the Brighton i360 is the country’s highest observation tower outside London.
Set right on the seafront looking out to the old West Pier, there’s also a beachside cafe at its foot. On a clear day you can see for miles along the coast, with the city’s the best views since the Brighton ferris wheel was closed.
Book free cancellation tickets here or you can also buy tickets including afternoon tea.
The Kings Road playground is also a stone’s throw from the base of the i360 for some added fun afterwards (or for one parent to amuse younger kids if they don’t fancy soaring up to the heavens).
The Royal Pavilion
One of the symbols of Brighton, this flamboyantly iconic royal building is actually great for visiting with kids. You can buy a kids’ trail for a small fee (50p when we visited) spotting some of the animals dotted throughout the opulent rooms, or just amuse yourself finding all the dragons at the Royal Pavilion.
And staff will actively encourage you to have a lie down on the carpet in the music room to see the chandelier rising to the gold patterned ceiling.
Or you can marvel at the ornate decoration, the lavish dining table and all the other splendid indulgences dreamed up by the Prince Regent, the future George IV.
Tickets can be prebooked or bought on the door (booking in advance is recommended at popular times), with free return visits for a year included in a standard ticket. There are also family tickets available.
Buy individual or family tickets with free cancellation here
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
In the Royal Pavilion’s gardens, the museum has Ancient Egyptian mummies, fashion, art, exhibits about Brighton itself and an LGBTQ trail, so there’s something to capture everyone’s attention.
They also run special family sessions at half-term and in school holidays, so there is always something new on for family days out in Brighton too.
Tickets can be booked online or bought at the door, and you get free return entry for a year with standard admission.
Hit the beach
Whether you’re planning to paddle, relax in the sun or go for a walk along the surf, a visit to the beach is one of my favourite things to do with kids in Brighton.
The shingle beach might not lend itself to sandcastles but it’s great for wandering along, even in winter – and you’ll still find people selling ice cream.
Promenade along the promenade or discover some of the unexpected beach huts, seafood stalls, artist shops and the Brighton Fishing Museum among other surprises along the seafront.
Keep an eye out for the Mechanical Memories Museum at 250c Kings Road Arches – the UK’s oldest established vintage penny arcade, there are still around 50 vintage penny slot machines to play, some dating back to the early 1900s – and Old Time Amusements nearby.
Perfect for reliving a bit of the old-fashioned seaside before heading back out to the sea.
For the best sandy beaches in Sussex, we’ve also explored along the coast to track down some sandcastle-friendly favourites
Visit Brighton Pier
There’s a mix of traditional rides, like the carousel and dodgems, as well as rollercoasters for older children on Brighton Palace Pier.
It’s definitely not just old-fashioned fun though, with updates like VR headsets to wear on the Twister, for example. Or if you’re visiting Brighton with younger kids, there’s a huge four-storey soft play area for children 90cm and taller to explore – plus a toddler area for little ones under 0.9m as well.
Buy your wristbands online in advance, and you can save up to 20% compared to paying on the day, with different options for children of different heights.
Plus you’ll also find restaurants serving everything from whelks to doughnuts, fish and chips and pizza plus Brighton rock (naturally).
Fly on the zip line
Zoom above the beach and seafront on the longest and fastest zip line on the south coast of England – as the Brighton Zip is a dual zip line, you can even race your family and friends.
After climbing to the 30 metre high platform near Brighton Pier, you can speed above the shingle on the 300m long zipwire to the landing stage on the beach itself – designed to look like the hull of a boat.
Available for age 8+ (as long as you’re 1.3m tall), it takes around 45 minutes and you must wear closed-toe shoes.
Wander the Lanes
A wander past some of the quirky shops is perfect if you’re visiting with teens (or tweens) but there’s something for pre-schoolers in the Lanes too.
Between the homewares, fashion, vintage and boutiques, the Painting Pottery Cafe is open to all ages – you can pick up your creations after 10 days (sometimes a little sooner), or have them posted to you for a fee.
Or check out the latest events at Komedia, which includes some great Brighton kids’ shows among the performances.
Half the fun is just strolling and browsing though, with plenty of kitsch among the chic… not to mention a whole string of places to grab an ice cream if you need to bribe/reward smaller members of the family. Check out Brass Monkey ice cream and Boho Gelato among others.
There are plenty of places to eat around the Lanes too – sadly Rock Ola, one of our favourites with its retro American vibe and pancakes has shut, although if you head back towards the seafront, JB’s American Diner has a similar feel.
Volks Electric Railway
Built in 1883, the Volks Electric Railway is Britain’s oldest electric railway and runs for just over a mile along the beachfront, from the Pier to Brighton Marina – perfect for small tired legs.
This one isn’t year-round if you’re visiting in winter, although normally you can normally ride the Volks Electric Railway from around Easter to the end of September.
After a major renovation project in 2018, and being forced to close temporarily during lockdown, trains will be running again from Easter 2024.
No need to prebook tickets, and dogs are also welcome on board.
Booth Museum of Natural History
Founded as a Victorian collector’s private museum, the Booth Museum is one of those slightly eccentric collections that the UK seems to specialise in – endless cases of birds displayed in their natural setting (complete with eagles pouncing on lambs) plus skeletons and dinosaur bones.
Younger kids will probably be fascinated by it, including the two bears at the entrance, older ones might find it a bit creepier.
The Discovery Lab is fun with younger kids who want to get hands on rather than just looking in glass display cases though, and there’s more emphasis on conservation these days as well.
Free to enter, although you have to walk through the small gift shop on the way in and out.
Brighton Toy Museum
With a whopping four thousand square feet devoted to toys and models, there are more than 10,000 in the collection at the Brighton Toy Museum.
Sitting under the city’s station, there’s plenty of model trains for mini train spotters, plus classic teddy bears, Dinky cars and puppets.
Perfect for reliving your own childhood at the same time. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so if you’re visiting at the weekend, make sure it’s first on your list.
Tickets can be prebooked online or bought on arrival.
The Old Police Cells
One for older kids, the mix of local police memorabilia and tales of more gruesome crimes sits alongside some of the old cells themselves under Brighton’s Town Hall.
You normally have to join a guided tour to visit the Old Police Cells – currently these are expected to restart in Spring 2024, and previously ran at 10.30 and 11.30 on Saturdays. Bigger groups may also be able to book by appointment.
There was also a family friendly trail introduced in 2023, along with exhibits on women in policing.
The Upside Down House
One of several Upside Down Houses across the UK, it’s huge fun watching everyone apparently standing on the ceiling or otherwise defying the laws of gravity.
Easy to pop into, on the seafront opposite West Pier, grab a few photos in the weirdest positions you can find – stretch out to grab a cup, bounce off the walls or glue yourself to the ceiling along the way.
There are two floors to explore (the ground floor is accessible but there are stairs to the upper floor)
Tickets can be prebooked online, and you have 20 minutes inside (no re-entry) so it’s well worth checking out some of the photos online for inspiration before you go.
You can also get joint tickets for the Brighton i360 and the Upside Down House with free cancellation
The Cauldon
Add some magic to your day out in Brighton with kids with a visit to The Cauldron, where you can refuel with a spot of potion making.
After a welcome drink poured by magic wand, you’ll also be equipped with a wand of your own to brew up two more molecular cocktails – non-alcoholic versions also included.
The potion making experience is set inside a wizard-themed bar and restaurant and is only suitable for kids aged 5+, with specific weekday and Sunday time slots available for families.
Go on a treasure hunt
If your kids get bored just wandering around a city, the Treasure Map Trails collection makes a really fun way to explore, helping them spot quirky details along the way.
The Brighton Pavilion map has a fun robot theme as you hunt for 11 virtual treasures around the Royal Pavilion and nearby Gardner street, from statues and sculptures to mosaics and models.
Get 10% off using code MUMMYTRAVELS.
Take a donut tour
What’s better than a walking tour of Brighton with kids? A walking tour which leads you from donut store to donut store, while learning more about the city.
The Underground Donut tour proves there’s more to Brighton’s doughnuts than the traditional seaside snack, including vegan donuts, and a route leading you via the seafront to North Laine and the Lanes, past murals and must-visit shops, with guides pointing out a few hidden gems as you go.
With tales about the history of Brighton and an introduction to the city’s unique vibe along the way, the only tricky part is deciding which donuts you’re going to choose.
A great way to soak up some history and treat yourself. Just be prepared for the sugar rush and crash!
Brighton Bike Tour
Set off on one of the Brighton Bike Tours, which takes you past the sights and along the seafront, with a guide to show you the best cycle routes and tell you all about the city.
The regular tour lasts around 2 1/2 hours if you’re visiting with older kids (tickets can be reserved in advance, then pay closer to the time with free cancellation options too).
Or contact them directly for private family tour options, which must be booked in advance. There’s also bike hire if you fancy exploring solo, as well as Brighton’s Beryl e-bike scheme if you’ve got older kids.
Brighton Bus Tour
Open-top bus tours are always a good option if you’re visiting with younger kids – perfect for seeing some of the highlights while saving your energy for more exploring later.
The City Sightseeing tour of Brighton runs from April to October, including the hop-on hop-off bus tour as well as unlimited bus travel on all Brighton and Hove bus services if you want to explore further afield.
There’s an audio guide to give you more background on the stops along the route, with more than 10 places to hop on and off, starting from Brighton Pier and passing the Royal Pavilion along the way.
You can book tickets with free cancellation, including options with one or two day validity, or get a discount using my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 if you book through this link.
Take a boat trip to the Seven Sisters
Speed along the Sussex coast on a Seven Sisters boat tour that’s suitable for kids aged 2+.
Departing from Newhaven rather than Brighton itself, it’s only around 30 minutes by car or train, for a 90 minute boat journey spotting local wildlife – if you’re lucky you could see anything from seals and porpoises to a kittwake colony.
There are tales from the area’s history along the way, including stories of smuggling, as well as a chance to soak in the views of the chalk sea cliffs known as the Seven Sisters. If the weather is good enough (and you’re brave enough), you can even have a swim!
Preston Park
While the seafront is one of the city’s biggest attractions for families, if you’re looking for some green space during your trip to Brighton with kids, Preston Park is the biggest in Brighton.
A 15-minute bus journey from the centre (or around 10 minutes by bike), it’s one of eight award-winning Green Flag parks, and often hosts events including circuses, fairs and concerts plus other family activities.
But whenever you visit, save some time to explore The Rockery, with walkways leading through the streams and waterways – just across the road from the main park.
And don’t miss spotting the last of the ‘Preston Twins’ over towards Preston Manor in the north of the park. Considered to be the largest and oldest elm tree in Europe, its twin, sadly, fell victim to disease a couple of years ago but has since been turned into a work of art and reunited with the surviving tree.
The Open Market
After a big redevelopment, the historic market on London road now houses more than 50 local businesses for a chance to grab some great food or snaffle a souvenir.
It’s a fun option if you’re looking for places to eat in Brighton with kids – mini foodies will love the choice, with everything from Korean and sushi to falafel, Greek and Bangladeshi, along with traditional faves for more picky kids like sausage rolls.
Along the way there’s organic chocolate, a French patisserie, art and crafts, vintage fashion and collectibles.
For more things to do in Sussex with kids, check out my top picks, including more ideas for east Sussex
**First published 2015, updated 2024**
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON WITH KIDS
Disclosure: I have previously received free entry to the Sea Life Centre but also paid to visit: all choices for this list of things to do in Brighton with kids and opinions remain my own. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Images: Deckchairs, aquarium exterior, Pavilion, upside down house and promenade courtesy of Depositphotos; i360 courtesy of VisitBritain; Preston Park courtesy of Picfair; all others copyright MummyTravels
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I love Brighton. We have friends there and visit a couple of times a year. I didn’t know about the police cells though, that will be added to our next trip itinerary!
It’s a great city, isn’t it – and the police cells sounded really fun with older kids. Maybe for a future trip for us too!
Wow, looks like a great spot for kids, would love to check out the toy museum and rock ola! Might have to see if I can get cheap flights from Ireland someday!
It’s a great city – and not too far from Gatwick if you find those cheap flights!
Brighton is one of those places I keep meaning to visit but never seem to get around to doing. I love the sound of the toy museum, I love looking at the old toys and getting all nostalgic about the yellow teapot (any 80s kid will know what that is!).
Debbie
I would have loved to go to the Toy Museum but we were only there on Sunday and Monday this time – a good reason to go back!
We went in the summer a few years ago when the kids were small – but it rained all day, so it didn’t feel particularly summery! We still had a good time though, especially at the sealife centre, which I remember as being particularly good.
The SeaLife Centre is a great one – whenever I’ve been, they constantly seem to be updating it so there’s always something new to discover.
I’d LOVE to go to Brighton! Looks amazing and so beautiful there! My friend went to their last Pride event there.
It is a really fun place to visit – there always seems to be something for everyone.
Great post – I have never been to Brighton, but would love to. My eldest daughter’s boyfriend is from there, so we hope to get there this year. Kaz x
I hope you get there – it’s such a fun place and great to wander round when it’s not raining too!
I’ve never been to Brighton before either. Always heard good things about it as it’s beside the seaside, but you’ve really shown there’s so much more to do there too 🙂 x
When the sun shines, it’s lots of fun on the beach – but definitely plenty to discover even in winter.
I grew up near Brighton and use to go to the Booth museum all the time. I haven’t taken Monkey yet, in fact we have been pretty rubbish as doing any of these other than the Sea Life Centre. Funny how you always forget the things on your door step! Just opposite there is a great park for kids too. xx
It is a great free museum, especially when they’re little I think – I had been recommended the park too, but sadly not park weather!
I haven’t been to Brighton for years – the last time was an evening visit for a friend’s 40th, which was fab. Must get down there with the kids soon!
I can imagine that was a lot of fun! Hope you get back before long.
Great to revisit this as part of #citytripping. This summer will see us heading to Brighton for a day trip, I’m sure!
I was reminded again just how easy it is to get to the Sussex coast – for you too, I imagine.
Love this as we’ve been a couple of time to Brighton as it’s only about an hour drive from us. Always great to do know where to take the kids on a visit!
Thanks! Hope there’s a few new ideas for your next trip.
Some great tips! I loved visiting Brighton, such an easy day trip from London and loads to keep the littlies entertained. #mondayescapes
I know, I really should go more often – I love the seaside and I could even do it as a day trip (just about)
Takes me back to when I lived in England! Thanks for a trip down memory lane.
My pleasure! Thanks for reading 🙂
Can’t wait to go to i360! And can you believe, I haven’t gone to the Pavillion yet, even though I go to Brighton all the time! Great list, Brighton Pier is our favourite go to. #MondayEscapes
Same here – sounds fantastic. And I definitely recommend the Pavilion, with or without Monkey. It’s incredible in there, so much detail.
I keep reading more and more about Brighton, I have to go! The aquarium looks amazing, but my kids would die over the Toy museum! #mondayescapes
It’s a great place to visit – and I would have loved to see the Toy Museum too if only we hadn’t visited on the two days it’s shut!
I’d like to visit Brighton!#monday escapes
It’s a great city – hope you get there!
I have to visit Brighton someday! A friend of mine lived there and loved it, it looks like it has so much to offer, not only to kids, but also to adults!
I love that first pic by the way 😀
Happy to have you on #MondayEscapes 😀
It really does – I have a few friends there too. I hope you do get there one day. And thanks!
There’s so much to do in Brighton! We’ve lived a couple of hours down the road for so long but never visited properly. I love the look of the i360 – that’s definitely worth a go when it opens #MondayEscapes
Always the way when you’re just down the road 🙂 i360 sounds fantastic though, definitely on my list for a return trip.
I wish I had read this last week! There is so much to do in Brighton, I am already planning my next trip!
Inspiration for next time, at least! It’s a great city to have almost on the doorstep.
I was in Brighton back in ’89. Thanks for taking me down memory lane 🙂
My pleasure – it’s a great city, must have been fun to live there!
I confess — I love the oldies but goodies: Brighton Pier and the Pavilion, but could also spend hours exploring the lanes and eating delicious Brighton food. It’s just such a marvelous scene there. Perfect for a family visit.
The same here, although there seems to be more beach time and less window shopping these days.
Love, Love, LOVE Brighton! When we went in May 2015, the observation tower was just breaking ground. SO we definitely have to go back and check it out! #CityTripping
I really fancied a trip on it this time (was not quite complete when we last visited) but it was so cloudy, the pod kept vanishing into the white when it got high up. Interesting but not quite the views I’d be looking for!
I’ve never been to Brighton, with or without kids. It looks really lovely! #citytripping
It’s a really fun city – I’d definitely recommend a little break there.
I haven’t been to Brighton for ages – this is a handy list now that I will have a toddler with me – I’m not sure she would be impressed with my normal Brighton itinerary of pubs! #citytripping
Yes, my previous favourite of wandering slowly along the Lanes and browsing has been put on hold a bit for now 🙂
I just love Brighton and although I don’t have kids, I definately see the appeal for children. There’s lots to do!!
There is so much to do – whatever age, I think
Some great things to do there, if you can park! I love the idea of the old penny arcade- will do that next time. Premier League football now too! Wilbur. #citytripping
Now that is definitely the tricky part – this time, we stayed just outside the city and got the bus in which was a lot cheaper than Brighton’s car parks.
I LOVE Brighton, it’s one of my favourite places in the UK, you’re so lucky to live so close! This is a really great guide, lots of great little bits of advice and insider knowledge I never knew about. Thanks for sharing! #citytripping
Thank you! It’s so easy to forget just how close it is – even a day trip is doable (just about)
I’ve not spent much time in Brighton but now I def want to #citytripping
One for the list – it’s a fun city and very family-friendly
These all look great! I’m passing this on to a friend who always ends up in Brighton with her husband for work. I know the kids would enjoy these outings. #Citytripping
Thanks! I hope she finds it useful too
What a fantastic list of things to do with kids in the area. I love that you could spend a week in Brighton and not run out of things to do! Looks like we need to play a trip here soon! #Citytripping
Absolutely – we’ve been a couple of times in the past 18 months and still feel like I’m just scratching the surface
Wow.. so many things to do at Brighton.. lovely post. #citytripping
Thanks! Not a city you’d be bored in.
I absolutely love visiting aquariums and that’s so cool that Brighton has one of the world’s oldest! Would love to visit one of these days, I’m in need of a beach vacay!
My daughter too – Brighton’s is in such a fabulous building as well.
Last time I visited Brighton I was a kid myself and all I remember is the Royal Pavillion. I think I need to look into planning a weekend getaway to Brighton with my little one. #citytripping
Definitely – impressive that the Pavilion made such an impression on you
My fave part about Brighton is The Royal Pavillion. Well that and the Pier. And, like you, I don’t think I’ve ever been there in the sunshine. Every time I caught the train down from London it ended up being a gloomy day. But still lots of things to do anyway! I missed Rock Ola though and I so wish I hadn’t!
It is such a fantastic building (in all senses of the word) – definitely worth a stop at Rock Ola next time.
I was going to comment as part of #citytripping but realised I’d already commented last year. Funnily enough I was about to write the same thing again!
Thank you for commenting before – I hope you manage to fit in that trip to the police cells 🙂
I’ve been to Brighton very briefly and I can’t really remember what I did there (not that I was intoxicated or anything lol, I reassure you) it’s just slipped my mind! The Royal Pavillon looks really nice and I would love to visit the sea life centre! #citytripping
Perish the thought 😉 The Pavilion is fantastic and we had a great time at the Sea Life Centre… and walking distance from lots of nice places to relax with a drink after too.
What a great list of child-friendly activities! My children would love all of these… but especially the aquarium and mechanical museum. I think the old prison cells sound intriguing. Great article!
Thanks! There are definitely a few unusual options in the city
I remember going to Brighton as a child and having the most wonderful holidays. We took our children last year and they loved it too although confession they spent a lot of time at the funfair and in the amusements! I love the laid back vibe in Brighton, it is such a cool place to go and there’s always something new to see. We used to like getting the Volks Railway past the nudist beach! I haven’t done that with my own children! Thanks so much for hosting #CityTripping
I’ve never managed to get on the Volks railway because we’ve either been out of season or it’s being overhauled now – hadn’t realised nudists were on view too 😉 And you’re right about the atmosphere, that’s such a big part of why I love it.
Have to admit I do not know a lot about Brighton but I feel like I want to try all the activities and places on your list. The Pavilion and the tower look fantastic. The idea of the greeters sounds great too. That is the way I would love to explore the city.
I do love seeing a city with a local too, you can discover so many little quirks I think.
Looooove your photos Cathy! What a stunning relaxing town.
Thanks! It is a lovely place to escape to.
We haven’t spent much time traveling over in that part of the world (since we live in Korea), but we’re plotting a possible move to Europe in the next few years, so I’ll definitely keep this in mind. It looks like kids are spoiled for choice in Brighton – the toy museum and the vintage penny arcade sound amazing, and I know my little one would adore a bike tour! 🙂 #citytripping
Now Korea would be fascinating to explore – but if you’re close to the UK and fancy a seaside break, it’s definitely one to keep in mind. 🙂
This is fantastic resource for any family visiting Brighton. We’ve only ever been to Brighton in Winter. Prices soar with the warmer weather. But I remember our boys loving the Sea LIfe Centre and the Big Wheel. My eldest carefully selected a stone from that beach and still has it today! #citytripping
Thanks – my daughter is an avid collector of bits of beach too.
We did a few of these when we visited Brighton last year, with Volks Electric Railway being a big hit!
It’s one I’ve never had chance to do (either there in winter or it was closed on this visit) but I’m determined to fit it in one day.
I’ve been to Brighton 3 times on girly weekends and hen dos but now, with this information, I can attempt to take the sproglets. #citytripping
I can imagine it’s a lot of fun on a hen do! I think I’ve actually been as often with my daughter as without now 🙂
I’d love to visit Brighton one day! I love the rainbow lights in the sea life center and the iconic pier! #citytripping
There’s nothing like a classic English seaside pier
I haven’t been for years and years, but really do need to go back. There is so much to do, the pavilion looks just amazing x
The detail and decadence always amazes me when I go.
The i360 looks so quirky! And I’m sure my boys wouldn’t mind dragon hunting. Funny that the name Brighton sounds so bright, but the weather doesn’t sound very bright.. Lol. #CityTripping
I think it does get lots of sunshine… as long as you pick a day I’m not there 😉
The Royal Pavilion is just as beautiful as I remember it 🙂
So spectacular
Oh I love Brighton but sadly have not been there for years. I’ve really wanted to take my daughter there so thanks for the tips! #citytripping
My pleasure – hope you do get there before too long.