Looking for the best things to do with kids in Brighton? Whether you're planning a family day trip, a seaside weekend or looking for indoor activities for a rainy day, Brighton has plenty to keep children of all ages entertained.
From interactive aquariums and traditional seaside attractions to museums, parks and free family activities, this guide covers the top family attractions in Brighton, including practical information on getting there by train, accessibility, ticket costs and expert tips to help you make the most of your visit.
What are the best things to do in Brighton with kids?
SEA LIFE Brighton
Getting there: Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot from Brighton station or a short bus ride to the seafront.
What it is: The world's oldest operating aquarium remains one of the most popular family attractions in Brighton. There’s plenty to see at SEA LIFE: Brighton Aquarium from turtles, whales, jellyfish, sharks, seahorses and more.
Get your kids off their screens and spend quality time surrounded by wonders of the ocean in the world’s oldest aquarium. They’ll love poking their head through tunnels, watching the feeding of animals, and learning more about the world in a fun and educational format. Say hello to unique animals like Herman the pig-faced turtle! Perfect for everyone from toddlers to adults.
Best for: Rainy days, younger children, animal lovers and educational family outings.
Highlights:
- Underwater glass tunnel
- Interactive exhibits
- Daily talks and feeding sessions
- Close to Brighton Palace Pier
Accessibility: Step-free access is available throughout most of the attraction.
Tickets: Get 2FOR1 tickets when you travel by train with Thameslink. Advance booking is recommended during weekends and school holidays.
Expert tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest periods during school holidays.
Brighton Palace Pier
Getting there: Around a 15-minute walk from Brighton station.
What it is: One of Brighton's most famous landmarks, Brighton Palace Pier combines classic seaside fun with rides, amusement arcades and family entertainment.
Best for: Families with children of all ages.
Highlights:
- Fairground rides
- Traditional arcade games
- Candyfloss and seaside treats
- Fantastic sea views
Accessibility: The pier is largely flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Tickets: Free to enter. Individual rides and attractions are charged separately.
Expert tip: If you're travelling with younger children, visit before lunchtime when queues are typically shorter.
Brighton Beach
Getting there: Around a 15-minute walk downhill from the station.
What it is: Brighton's famous pebble beach offers a simple but effective family day out. Children can paddle, build pebble sculptures and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Best for: Warm weather and budget-friendly family outings.
Highlights:
- Beach games and paddling
- Seafront cafés and ice cream kiosks
- Easy access to nearby attractions
Accessibility: Accessible pathways run along much of the promenade.
Expert tip: Bring beach shoes for younger children, as the pebbles can be uncomfortable underfoot.
Upside Down House Brighton
Getting there: Located on Brighton seafront near the i360.
What it is: A quirky attraction where everything appears upside down, creating fun photo opportunities and interactive experiences and is sure to send you and your energetic little ones dizzy. Get your photo taken posing on the ceiling (or was it the floor?) in this topsy-turvy funhouse. With chess boards, beds and dogs hanging from the ceiling, this attraction will turn any frown upside down.
Best for: School-age children, teenagers and families.
Highlights:
- Unique photo opportunities
- Interactive rooms
- Quick visit that pairs well with other seafront attractions
Accessibility: Limited accessibility due to the nature of the attraction. Check before visiting.
Tickets: Children aged 3 and under go free, £7.45 for anyone over the age of 4.
Expert tip: Visit during quieter weekday periods for the best photo opportunities.
Royal Pavilion Brighton
Getting there: Around a 10-minute walk from Brighton station.
What it is: Brighton's iconic former royal residence offers children a fascinating glimpse into history, architecture and royal life.
Best for: Older children, history enthusiasts and educational visits.
Highlights:
- Exotic architecture
- Historic royal interiors
- Family activity trails during school holidays
Accessibility Accessible routes are available throughout much of the building.
Tickets: Get 2FOR1 on your tickets when you travel by train with Thameslink.
Expert tip: Check the events calendar before visiting, as family workshops and seasonal activities often take place during school holidays.
Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Getting there: Located directly beneath Brighton station.
What it is: One of Brighton's hidden gems, this museum houses thousands of toys, model trains and vintage collectibles.
Best for: Rainy days, train enthusiasts and younger children.
Highlights:
- Extensive model railway displays
- Vintage toys
- Compact attraction ideal for shorter visits
Accessibility: Some accessibility limitations due to the historic nature of the site.
Tickets: Get 2FOR1 on your tickets when you travel by train with Thameslink.
Expert tip: Perfect if you have time to spare before your train home.
Free things to do in Brighton with kids
Brighton Beach and seafront
The seafront remains one of the best free things to do in Brighton with kids. Children can watch street performers, enjoy the beach, explore the promenade and take in the lively atmosphere without spending a penny. If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, there’s so much to do on Brighton beach with activities including: paddle boarding, kayaking, cycling, and hiking. There’s also funfair rides on the pier, as well as arcade games to win prizes.
Best for: Sunny days and budget-conscious families.
Read more: Free things to do in Brighton: The ultimate guide
Royal Pavilion Garden
Located beside the Royal Pavilion, these attractive gardens provide plenty of space for children to run around while adults enjoy a break from sightseeing.
Best for: Picnics, toddler-friendly outings and relaxing family breaks.
Expert tip: Grab lunch from nearby North Laine and enjoy an affordable outdoor picnic.
Hove Park
A short journey west of central Brighton, Hove Park offers large open spaces, playgrounds and family-friendly facilities.
Highlights:
- Children's playground
- Open green spaces
- Miniature railway during seasonal periods
Best for: Active children with lots of energy.
Preston Park
Brighton's largest urban park offers playgrounds, sports facilities and plenty of room for outdoor games.
Highlights:
- Adventure playground
- Open fields
- Seasonal family events
Best for: Families looking to escape the busy seafront.
Indoor things to do in Brighton with kids
Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Ideal for train-loving children and rainy-day visits thanks to its fascinating collection of model railways and vintage toys.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
What it is: A family-friendly museum featuring interactive exhibits, art collections and hands-on learning opportunities.
Best for: Rainy days and educational visits.
Expert tip: School holiday programmes often include family workshops and children's activities.
Booth Museum of Natural History
What it is: A fascinating museum featuring natural history collections, fossils, skeletons and wildlife exhibits.
Best for: Dinosaur enthusiasts and curious young explorers.
Highlights:
- Victorian natural history collections
- Skeleton displays
- Educational exhibits
GLOBALLS Brighton
What it is: A UV-lit indoor adventure golf attraction featuring colourful themes and immersive environments.
Best for: Older children, teenagers and family competitions.
Highlights:
- Glow-in-the-dark mini golf
- Indoor setting
- Suitable for all weather conditions
Family attractions near Brighton station
Brighton Palace Pier
One of the easiest attractions to reach from the station, making it ideal for day trips by train.
The Lanes and North Laine
These vibrant shopping districts are full of independent cafés, colourful street art and family-friendly places to explore.
Best for: Families who enjoy browsing quirky shops and discovering hidden corners of the city.
Expert tip: Look out for local street art and seasonal markets throughout the year.
Volk's Electric Railway
What it is: The world's oldest operating electric railway runs along Brighton seafront and offers a unique way to explore the coastline.
Best for: Train-loving children and families seeking something different.
Highlights:
- Historic railway experience
- Seafront views
- Links several coastal attractions
How to plan a family day out in Brighton
Getting to Brighton by train
Brighton station offers direct rail connections from London, Gatwick Airport and destinations across the South East, making it one of the easiest family day trips on the south coast.
Expert tip: Travelling by train removes the stress of parking and places you within walking distance of many of Brighton's top attractions.
Walking from Brighton station to the seafront
The route from Brighton station to the beach takes around 15-20 minutes and passes through North Laine, making it easy to combine shopping, food and sightseeing in one journey.
Family ticket offers and 2FOR1 attractions
Before travelling, check the Thameslink website for family discounts, advance purchase offers and 2FOR1 promotions.
Money-saving tip: Combining a train journey with attraction discounts can significantly reduce the cost of a family day out.
Where to eat with kids in Brighton
Brighton offers plenty of family-friendly dining options. Popular choices include:
- Seafront fish and chip restaurants
- Family-friendly cafés in North Laine
- Pizza and burger restaurants around the city centre
- Ice cream parlours along the promenade
Expert tip:North Laine generally offers more independent family-friendly cafés, while the seafront is ideal for quick meals between attractions.
My tips for visiting Brighton with kids
- If the weather is uncertain, prioritise indoor attractions such as SEA LIFE Brighton, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and GLOBALLS.
- Visit Brighton Beach early in the morning during summer holidays for more space and easier access to facilities.
- Families with younger children often prefer SEA LIFE Brighton and the Toy and Model Museum, while older children may enjoy GLOBALLS, Volk's Electric Railway and the Upside Down House.
- The Royal Pavilion is a good choice for families looking to combine entertainment with learning.
- During major events such as the Brighton Festival and school holidays, attractions can be considerably busier, so booking ahead is worthwhile.
- For a quieter beach experience, walk west towards Hove after visiting the main Brighton seafront.
