Things to Do in Brighton with Kids
Things to Do in Brighton with Kids – Brighton is fun at any age, and in all weathers. But if the sun is shining it’ll be absolute bliss. It’s also SO easy to reach. Even from Aberdeen, I’ve regularly hopped on the Easyjet flight to Gatwick, and taken a train from the airport itself direct to Brighton arriving 40 mins later. And here’s a handy guide of what to do when you get there…
Brighton i360 – Things to Do in Brighton with Kids
We’re talking 360 degree views at 138 metres in the sky. Generally it’s open 1030-1830 weekdays, and 1030-2100 on weekends and holidays. The 25 minute experience offers the best views across Brighton and out to sea. At its foot are a series of bars and restaurants too so you can make a meal of it.
Book skip the line i360 tickets here.
Walk the 360 – get an adrenaline rush walking ON TOP of the i360 – free cancellation
Brighton Sealife Centre
Visit the oldest continually operating aquarium in the world. Turns out that work at this modern yet very historic venue began in 1869 and the aquarium opened in 1872. Today see rays, jellyfish, turtles and sharks. Attractions include ‘Day & Night’ where visitors experience 24-hours in the life of a coral reef in a 750,000-litre display. Next go on a rainforest adventure; meet terrapins, iguanas and terrifying piranhas.
Book your Brighton SeaLife tickets with cancellation here.
Brighton Pavilion – Things to Do in Brighton with Kids
This place is the height of British indulgence and eccentricity. Built as a pleasure palace for King George IV, it also went on to serve as a hospital for Indian soldiers during WW1. After wandering the grand gardens explore the lavish Banqueting Room, the vast Grand Kitchen, the elegant Music Room and intimate Royal Bedrooms.
Buy your Brighton Pavilion tickets with free cancellation here. Individual and family tickets available.
Brighton Zipline – Things to Do in Brighton with Kids
A thirty metre tower, the longest zip line on the south east coast and a 300 metre ride above Brighton Beach. Are you up for it? If yes, book skip-the-line tickets for the Zip Line here. A dual ride option is available so kids can race each other, or race mum or dad. A new rooftop bar overlooks the beach and the pier, what a lovely spot for a drink.
Book skip-the-line tickets for the Zip Line here.
Brighton Beach – Things to Do in Brighton with Kids
It sounds obvious to go to the beach, but Brighton Beach is WAY more than a shoreline. At the beachfront you’ll find the i360 Tower, the Brighton Pier, the Upside Down House, a zipline and museum and a host of bars and restaurants. There’s so much to do. The beach itself is pebbly so pack crocs/plastic footwear for little ones, and big kids too.
You may also like the Guide to Camber Sands with Kids.
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Kings Road Playground & Paddling Pool
If your kids aren’t keen on waves or pebbles they can take a dip in the glorious paddling pool right on the beach. The playground equipment resembles the Brighton Pavilion and it’s aimed at under 8s primarily. There’s also a large sand play area for some traditional bucket and spade fun.
The Cauldron
Head to the Potion Bar at The Cauldron for a colourful potion making experience using magic wands. The Cauldron also has an outdoor beer garden and indoor seating area so it’s possible to book a table or drop by for magical cocktails too.
The Arches & Brighton Fishing Museum
FREE – This small free museum is set within the many arches along the beachfront – most of which are home to fab bars, restaurants and independent shops. The museum charts Brighton’s fishing history inviting you to discover ‘a bustling little fishing village on the south coast which was transformed into a fashionable seaside resort’. Somehow the museum staff managed to squeeze a 27 foot traditional Sussex fishing boat inside!
Brighton Palace Pier & Brighton Pier
FREE The original Brighton Pier is a bittersweet skeletal sight abandoned out at sea, but it’s beautiful in its own right. Meanwhile the Brighton Palace Pier is a riot of fun. There are all sorts of arcades, games, soft play and food stalls to visit, and you could spend quite a lot, but it’s also possible to take a relaxed stroll along the pier without it costing a penny.
Brighton Bandstand
FREE Brighton Bandstand is a lovely spot for photographs, sea views and occasional classes are held here – we saw a dance group sashaying as the sun set. Plus bands often play here on Sundays throughout June, July and August. These performances usually take place from 2pm until 4pm, depending on the weather. There is also a Bandstand Café beneath the bandstand at beach level.
The Upside Down House
Defy gravity, walk on the ceiling, dance on it if you wish at Brighton’s Upside Down House. Take fun upside down photos that look slightly surreal. Over two floors, look out for a gaming area, jukebox and a bike on the ceiling.This quirky attraction allows for twenty minute entry periods. Open 1000-1800 weekdays, and 1000-2000 at weekends and Bank Holidays.
Buy Brighton Rock
When in Rome…
The Lanes – Things to Do in Brighton with Kids
Brighton’s Lanes are fab for shopping (so if you can secure an hour or so childfree PLEASE do it). My favourite shops include the retro Collectif, elegant Jaba Yard and Pandora’s Box for quirky jewellery, plus there is a host of second hand vintage shops too and a myriad of places to stop for food and drink. Kids may be interested in Brass Monkey Ice Cream, Gelato Gusto and The Painting Pottery Cafe. (I also love Velvet in Hove if you like quirky clothes and jewellery at reasonable prices.)
Brighton Open Air Theatre
The Brighton Open Air Theatre is such a civilised day or evening out. Imagine an audience sipping white wine and consuming Waitrose dips as they’re entertained. That was my experience when we attended The Lady Killers, but I’m sure audiences vary with each production. Kids shows include David Walliams productions, Horrible Histories and Peter Rabbit. Would love to take my kids here one sunny day.
Museums and Galleries
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery tickets last for a year. Exhibitions range from ‘Images of Brighton’ and ‘Fashion through the Years’ to ‘Ancient Egypt’ and ‘Art and Design in the 20th Century’.
FREE At the Booth Museum of Natural History discover fossils, feathers, butterflies and bones. Learn about our planet and how to protect it.
The Brighton Toy & Model Museum holds over 12,000 items, all related to toys! From slot machines and railways to Lego and dolls. Find its subterranean home under the train station.
What’s all this then? Head to The Old Police Cells and book a tour to ‘learn about 200 years of Sussex policing and crime. You’ll see original graffiti from the 1964 clash between the Mods ‘n’ Rockers, the original court model from the bombing of the Grand Hotel by the IRA and the 2-way radio system developed by a Brighton police officer that would launch this form of communication in forces around the world.’
Volks Electric Railway
Hop aboard a narrow gauge heritage railway that runs along the length of Brighton seafront. This 140-year-old gem is the oldest working electric railway in the world. No booking requires makes this a fun thing to turn up and try. Runs seasonally April- September. Look up the route and ticket prices here. (Cashless attraction.)
Walking Tour/Bike Tour/Bus Tour
Book a hop on hop off bus tour with free cancellation here.
There is an array of tours available, from escape rooms and treasure hunts to bus tours , bike tours and chocolate tasting tours. Something different? Look out for a Sussex wine tour aboard a vintage bus wiht lunch included! Take a peak at the mix of tours offered below.
Preston Park/Museum/House & Gardens
FREE Preston Park is the largest park in the city, it even has two cafes- the Rotunda and the Chalet cafe. It’s a Green Flag park with a playground too, and regularly hosts events. Also look out for the Rockery (just across the road from the park). It’s said to be the largest municipal rock garden in the UK.
Enjoy.
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My Story
I booked return flights from Aberdeen to Gatwick with Easyjet, then jumped on a train at the airport station. I was staying with friends. Brighton’s train station is within walking distance of the beach. It’s SO easy and joined up.
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