Looking for things to do in Brighton with toddlers?
Whether you’re taking a family day trip from London or planning on escaping to the coast for a couple of days, your little ones are sure to have a blast in Brighton!
This sunny seaside city is known for being quirky, fun and very family-friendly.
Brighton has so much to offer for families with younger kids, and you can find all the best kiddy-friendly attractions in this guide – from indoor to outdoor activities and free to paid excursions. Enjoy!
Here’s our pick of the top toddler days out in Brighton.
Best Things To Do In Brighton With Toddlers
i360 Viewing Tower
Taking a ride on the British Airways i360 is the best way to see Brighton from above, and it makes for a truly unforgettable experience with the whole family.
Open every day of the week, the trip up to enjoy spectacular views of the city only takes around 30 minutes, making this activity especially worthwhile on sunny days.
At 162 meters high, children can observe seagulls flying by, ships at sea, and the little people below through the viewing tower’s incredible fully-glass floor.
And if taking in all the views builds up an appetite, be sure to check out their sky-high sea view dining experience!
Brighton Sea Life Centre
At the Brighton Sea Life Centre, the world’s oldest continuously functioning aquarium, your little ones can discover more than 150 different animals.
Regular special exhibitions, several underwater ecosystems, a stamp trail, a behind-the-scenes tour, and many more exciting activities are available at this stunning Victorian structure.
Make sure to check out the UK’s first glass-bottom boat and a state-of-the-art underwater tunnel while you’re there!
One of the most recent additions is the fascinating Day and Night area, which includes a bioluminescent beach and shows how the tides change during 24 hours.
The Royal Pavilion
Visiting Brighton’s Royal Pavilion is definitely one of the best things to do in Brighton with kids.
This unique castle has stunning gardens where families can relax and enjoy the fresh air in a beautiful setting. Your toddler is sure to be entertained for hours will all the pigeons to chase!
Adults will also enjoy their trip here: the Royal Pavilion has a colourful past, as King George IV had it constructed as a coastal pleasure palace. Strong Indo-Asian elements coexist with traditional Regency grandeur in its distinctive architecture.
There is also a lovely café where you can enjoy some coffee and cake in the gardens.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Budding historians and art critics will love spending time in the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which is a great choice for an indoor activity with kids.
The museum, which is located in the Royal Palace’s gardens, focuses on a variety of interesting themes, including Brighton’s history, Ancient Egypt, World War One, and Leisure and Tourism.
They also offer fun materials for kids to complete online or at home if they want to continue learning after their visit. (This is fantastic for homeschooling families or kids interested in these subjects.)
Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier should definitely be on your bucket list when looking for family-friendly activities in Brighton.
Whether you have a toddler or a teen, the pier is brimming with exciting things to do and see for the entire family.
The pier has several rides and attractions. A gigantic slide, race vehicles, and spinning saucers – to name just a few. And if you have any thrill-seekers in your group, there’s also a turbo roller coaster for both older kids and adults.
The Brighton Pier offers a variety of activities all year round, including Christmas markets, live performances, and music festivals.
Plus you’ll also find restaurants serving the best Brighton food – from whelks to doughnuts, pizza and fish and chips, and of course, Brighton rock!
Although it is free to stroll down the pier and take in the sights, a wristband grants you access to endless rides.
Top tip: You can save 25% when you buy your wristband online beforehand.
Brighton Beach
One of the best Brighton attractions for families is Brighton Beach.
Whether your want to go swimming, paddling, surfing, building sandcastles, or just relaxing in the sunlight – young kids love a fun time on the beach!
Take a walk along the promenade and explore some of the interesting beach huts, seafood stands, artisan stores, and Brighton Fishing Museum, among other surprises you’ll discover along the beachfront.
And don’t let the pebbles put you off; your little one will love searching for colourful stones and unique seashells on the beach!
The Upside Down House
On the seashore just opposite West Pier, you’ll find the popular Upside Down House (one of eight in the UK).
Your kids will be absolutely fascinated seeing people appearing to be standing on the ceiling or otherwise defying gravity.
Grab a few pictures in the wackiest poses you can imagine – stretch out to grab a cup, bounce off the walls, or glue yourself to the ceiling!
There are two levels to explore (the ground floor is accessible, but there are stairs to the upper floor). Children under 3 can enter for free.
It helps to get some inspiration from pictures online before you go, as you will only have a 20 minute session to enjoy this super fun spot in Brighton.
Brighton Toy Museum
The Brighton Toy Museum, which is located just underneath Brighton Railway Station, is both an entertaining and educational experience for kids.
It’s more of an immersive visual experience than a hands-on one, but with over 10,000 toys, it is undoubtedly a fantastic experience for slightly older children or more mature toddlers.
Old slot machines, model aeroplanes, teddy bears, puppets, and railway sets from various eras are all on display here.
In addition, the Toy Museum offers educational tours, puppet plays, and historical education. And in May, they also host fun events during the Brighton Fringe Festival.
Globalls
If playing glow-in-the-dark crazy golf surrounded by giant dinosaurs sounds like something your kids would enjoy – then a visit to Globalls is a must!
Putt your way around two excellent 12-hole courses. You’ll travel back in time on the Jurassic course, while the Tropicana course will take you to a vibrant jungle.
The walls of this venue are covered with colourful paintings created by local artists, and you’ll find enormous neon animals all around.
Globalls calls for a fun time for the whole family and for kids and adults of all skill levels.
The Painting Pottery Café
The Painting Pottery Café offers thousands of cool ceramic pieces for you to paint and decorate, and it makes for the perfect souvenir to remember your lovely family trip to Brighton!
The little ones will enjoy putting their creativity to use, and the knowledgeable studio assistants are always there to offer guidance if needed.
Your masterpiece will be ready to pick up in a few days after glazing and firing, or it can simply be sent to you.
If you’re looking for things to do in Brighton with kids on a rainy day, this should definitely be on the list!
Pro tip: It’s essential that you make a booking in advance, especially in the busier school holidays.
Preston Park
Preston Park is the largest park in the city, with two cafes, a sizable play area, and a lot of open green grass for youngsters to explore and run off all their energy.
This serene local attraction is a haven for runners, dog walkers, and local families looking to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Brighton Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
The Brighton Hop-On-Hop-Off bus trip is the perfect way for viewing the city in its entirety, especially for young children with tired little legs!
Bus excursions are an inexpensive and enjoyable way to see Brighton.
The tickets are valid for 24 hours, but you are free to jump on and off anywhere you like. The buses operate hourly, and it takes about 50 minutes to complete a full circle of Brighton.
Riding on the bus provides a wonderful introduction to the city, as it travels from Brighton Palace Pier, via the lovely St. Anns’ Well Gardens, to Brighton City Centre and other locations.
Brighton Zip Line
Zoom over Brighton’s beautiful beach and seafront on the longest and fastest zip line located on the English south coast.
And since it’s a dual zip line, you can even challenge your family and friends to a race!
After ascending to the platform at Brighton Pier, you will zipline 300 meters high above the shingle all the way to the landing stage on the actual beach, which is shaped like the hull of a boat.
It takes around 45 minutes and is only open to kids aged six and above (as long as they are at least 1.3 meters tall), and it requires you wear closed-toe shoes.
Top tip: Purchase tickets online to skip the queues.
Looking for another location? Check out our Days Out section for more ideas.
