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Turtle swimming underwater

Brighton days out for kids

Blog post author - Shaheena

by Shaheena Uddin London based journalist

What’s in it for you

  • Family-friendly attractions: Brighton offers a variety of activities for all ages, including SEA LIFE, outdoor beach activities, and the Upside Down House
  • Discounts and passes: Take advantage of the National Rail 2FOR1 pass for discounted entry to major attractions like the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum, and SEA LIFE Brighton
  • Outdoor fun and dining: Enjoy Brighton Beach with activities like paddleboarding, cycling, and funfair rides, plus cafes offering classic seaside treats like fish and chips and ice cream

Attractions, museum and restaurants

You’ll never be bored in Brighton, when there’s plenty of family-friendly attractions for every age group to enjoy! Explore this vibrant and coastal city, perfect for a stay-cation, weekend or day trip adventure, only a short train ride away.

If you plan ahead, you can get yourself a 2FOR1 days out pass for all Brighton attractions with National Rail, which covers: The Royal Pavillion, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Paradise Park or a 1/3 off SEA LIFE Brighton.

There’s plenty to sea 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.

Opening times: 10am - 5pm (last entry 4pm)

Baby changing facilities: Toilets & Buggy park

Distance from station: 15 min bus ride away from Brighton Station

An exhibit at SeaLife Brighton Aquarium

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!

Right next door to that, is the ‘Upside down House’ which 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.

For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, check out the Pavillion and Brighton Toy and Model Museum. The exhibits are family-friendly and have interactive displays suitable for children.

Brighton Royal Pavillion

When you’re feeling hungry there’s plenty of cafes and restaurants around the pier to have the bite of traditional fish and chips, or sweet treats such as doughnuts, churros and ice cream! Watch out for the Seagulls though, they’re a feisty bunch!

Brighton is a bright and colourful city perfect for families looking for exciting days out! Bring your kids, your dog and yourselves along to this beautiful seaside destination. Best part is you won’t have to worry about parking or long drives if you sit back and take the train. Plan your journey ahead of time to get the most out of your adventure by checking your route and train information here.

A merry-go-round on Brighton beach

Buying tickets

You can buy Thameslink tickets online and collect them from the ticket machine before you travel. You can also buy them from a ticket machine or ticket office at the station.

Buy Thameslink tickets online