Things to do in Brighton with kids
Friday 2nd May, 2025 by Host & Stay
Brighton is one of the UK’s most beloved seaside cities and for good reason. It’s vibrant, fun, and packed with family friendly attractions. From classic seaside fun to outdoor adventures and hidden gems, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Brighton with kids.
STAY IN BRIGHTON
Brighton Palace Pier
No family trip to Brighton is complete without a visit to the iconic Brighton Palace Pier. With its arcade games, funfair rides, and sweet treats, it’s a top pick for things to do in Brighton with kids. This historic attraction has been delighting visitors since 1899 and it’s easy to see why.
From gentle rides like the carousel and teacups for little ones to fast thrills like the Turbo Coaster and Air Race for older kids and teens, the fairground rides on offer at Brighton Pier will entertain the whole family. Perfect for rainy afternoons, there are also two massive amusement arcades packed with 2p machines, classic games, and high-tech fun.
Whilst you’re there, you can also enjoy classic seaside treats like fish and chips, doughnuts, and candy floss, or tuck into pizza and burgers at Palm Court Restaurant.
Useful information about Brighton Palace Pier:
Location
Brighton Palace Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1TW.
Opening hours
The gates open at 10am every day but the attractions on the pier have different opening hours. To view the opening hours, visit here.
Costs
Entry to Brighton Pier is free but you’ll need to pay for the attractions. You can purchase wristbands (which saves you in the long run if you’re planning to make a day of it as you’ll get unlimited rides) with options for rides only or rides with food. Alternatively, you can pay as you go.
Is Brighton Pier dog friendly?
Guide dogs are welcome at Brighton Pier, but they ask that all other animals are left at home.
Parking
There are plenty of parking options for visiting the pier. There is pay and display parking on the seafront and the cost to park can differ throughout the year. Seafront Inner parking costs can be viewed here and Seafront Outer costs can be viewed here.
There are also a number of carparks in Brighton including two NCP carparks within a short walk of the pier. Both can be pre-booked to ensure you have a space and more details can be found here.
Access
The pier is accessible for prams and wheelchairs with plenty of space to roam. There are benches to rest tired little legs, and safety railings along the sides for peace of mind.
Brighton Beach
Brighton’s pebbled beach may not be the traditional sandcastle building spot, but it’s still perfect for beachside fun. It’s ideal for families as there is plenty of space to relax and play. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months offering extra peace of mind plus deckchairs and sun loungers are available to hire during the peak season too (which can save you packing picnic blankets and camping chairs!).
When it comes to entertaining the kids, you’ll find plenty of activities on offer at Brighton beach. From skimming stones to paddling in the sea, beach games to building pebble towers, there is fun here for the whole family. Older kids and teens will love a game of beach volleyball or trying out paddleboarding too!.
Just off the beach, you can wander through the colourful arches of the Brighton Fishing Quarter and Artists’ Quarter where you’ll find quirky shops, souvenirs, and street art. There’s also plenty of fun to be had on the promenade which has toddler friendly play areas and small rides.
Useful information about Brighton Beach:
Location
Brighton Beach sits directly south of the city centre, just a short walk from Brighton Station. The busiest section is in front of Brighton Palace Pier, with quieter areas toward Hove Lawns and Kemp Town. The postcode for the central beach near the pier is BN2 1TW.
Opening hours
The beach is open 24/7 all year round. The seafront cafes, kiosks, and attractions have varied opening times, typically from 10am to late afternoon or early evening, depending on the season and weather.
Is Brighton Beach dog friendly?
Brighton beach is dog friendly but there are seasonal restrictions in place from May – October on the central sections (between the Pier and the West Pier). The quieter Hove beaches are often preferred by dog walkers as these are dog friendly all year round.
Parking
Parking is available near the beach, but it can be busy especially in the summer and on weekends. If you’re hoping to park close to the beach, Madeira Drive (BN2 1TB) is a long seafront road running east of the Pier offering pay and display parking. Alternatively Regency Square car park (BN1 2FG) is an underground carpark near the i360 which has easy access to the west beach and promenade. Another central option is Churchill Square Car Park (BN1 2RF) which is about a ten-minute walk from the beach.
Access
The promenade is flat, step-free, and wheelchair and pram friendly. Ramps and sloped access points lead down from the promenade to Madeira Drive, Brighton Palace Pier, and other key areas. While the pebble surface makes it difficult to access the actual shore for most wheelchair users, the Brighton Beach Accessible Walkway deck near the i360 offers some help.
SEA LIFE Brighton
One of the oldest operating aquariums in the world, SEA LIFE Brighton is an incredible place for families to explore the wonders of marine life. Children can get up close to sharks, turtles, stingrays, and a wide range of fascinating sea creatures.
The Victorian architecture of the aquarium adds a unique charm, and the walk-through ocean tunnel is a highlight not to be missed. SEA LIFE often runs themed events and interactive exhibits, making it one of the most engaging things to do in Brighton with kids.
Useful information about SEA LIFE Brighton
Location
Marine Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 1TB.
Opening hours
Opening hours for SEA LIFE Brighton vary throughout the year. During the summer school holidays, it is open 9:30am – 6pm most days. The full visiting hours can be viewed here.
Costs
There are different options when it comes to buying tickets. If you know when you’re planning your visit for, you can book an advance standard ticket online which is the most cost effective of the ticket options. If your plans change, you can reschedule the date for free up to 24 hours prior to arrival which is handy! Tickets start at £15 per adult.
Alternatively, they offer a flexi-ticket which allows you to arrive any time on the day of your choice for £24.50 per adult. This one is a good choice if you don’t want to be tied down to a specific time.
Other options include The SEA LIFE Package for £28 per adult when booked online which includes entry into the aquarium as well as an immersive SEA LIFE virtual reality experience and a mission pack or guidebook.
If you’re travelling with a little one, they offer an adult and toddler (aged 5 and under) ticket for £15 when booked online. It’s worth noting that this ticket option is only available Monday to Friday during school term-time though!
Is SEA LIFE Brighton dog friendly?
Assistance dogs are welcome at SEA LIFE Brighton, but pets are not admitted.
Parking
The closest car park to SEA LIFE Brighton is the NCP under the Waterfront Hotel which is just a short walk from the entrance.
Access
SEA LIFE Brighton is accessible for wheelchair users and those with prams. The entrance is accessed from the promenade onto the seafront using the ramp where you’ll find an underpass for the aquarium.
There is only one area of SEA LIFE Brighton which does not have full access and this is the Ocean Display in the auditorium. This display can be seen from the Ocean Tunnel which is accessible however.
For full details about the accessibility, visit their website here.
Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Step into a world of nostalgia at the Brighton Toy and Model Museum. This quirky gem houses a fascinating collection of vintage toys, model trains, dolls, puppets, and more. It’s not just for adults reminiscing about their childhood, kids love exploring the detailed displays and miniatures.
Useful information about Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Location
52-55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 4EB.
Opening hours
The museum is open 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Friday and 11am – 5pm on Saturdays.
Costs
Adults are £8, children (aged 4 to 15) are £5, senior citizens (60+) are £7, and students (with valid ID) are £5. They also offer family tickets for up to two adults and three children for £17. Adult and carer tickets are priced at £5.50.
Is Brighton Toy and Model Museum dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome in the lobby of the museum, but not permitted in the ticketed museum area.
Parking
There are a number of options when it comes to parking near the museum. You could park in Station car park on Stroudley Road or Trafalgar Street car park.
Access
The museum is located within a Victorian building, but modifications have been made to enable wheelchair access to almost every public area. There is an access ramp for standard sized wheelchairs but the museum has some tight corners inside so some larger mobility scooters may not be able to access the gallery.
Brighton Marina
Brighton Marina is more than a place to dock boats! It’s a thriving hub of family entertainment. Whether it’s a rainy day or you just want to catch the latest blockbuster film, you’ll find an eight-screen Cineworld Cinema here. There is also a Hollywood Bowl with ten-pin bowling which is fun for all ages as well as amusements and arcade games. Thrill seekers will also love LaserZone where kids from six years old can join missions and enjoy laser tag.
Teens will enjoy the shopping on offer at Brighton Marina. There is a mix of big-name stores and local outlets, including fashion, outdoor gear, and convenience shops. There are also several restaurants with family friendly menus, making it easy to enjoy a day out.
In the warmer months, you can get out on the water too! Enjoy a sightseeing cruise, fishing trip, or high-speed RIB adventure (ideal for older kids). Jet ski and paddleboard are also available to hire.
Useful information about Brighton Marina
Location
You’ll find Brighton Marina by heading to the seafront and turning left onto the A259. If you’re driving, use the postcode BN2 5UT for the multi-storey car park.
Opening hours
The marina is open 24/7 for public access with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues typically open morning and until afternoon / evening.
Is Brighton Marina dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the marina’s walkways. Some boat tours allow dogs too but it’s always best to check in advance.
Parking
The multi-storey car park at Brighton Marina offers free parking for up to four hours (a rare bonus in Brighton!). There are 1500 spaces and you’ll find disabled parking on level 1 East and level 6 East. Parent and toddler bays are located on level 1 East and West.
Access
There is step-free access throughout the marina, making it pram and wheelchair friendly.
British Airways i360
Want to show the kids Brighton from above? The British Airways i360 is a futuristic glass observation pod that rises 450 feet in the air, offering panoramic views of the coastline and South Downs. Designed by the creators of the London Eye, this architectural marvel provides a unique perspective of the South Coast.
While it’s a thrill for kids, it’s also a calm and accessible experience for families of all ages. It’s one of the more unique and memorable things to do in Brighton with kids and makes for incredible photos!
Useful information about the British Airways i360
Location
Lower Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2LN.
Opening hours
The opening hours for the British Airways i360 change throughout the year so we’d recommend checking their website here so you can plan for your visit.
Costs
Tickets are cheaper when they’re booked online but you can turn up and pay on the day too. Pre-booked tickets are £18.50 for adults, £16.50 for senior citizens (60+) and £9 for children (4 – 15 years old). On the day tickets for adults are £20.50, £18.50 for senior citizens and £10 for children. Little ones aged 0 – 3 are free.
Tickets are £55 for the skywalk experience and £90 for the climb experience. The minimum age for both of these experiences is 12.
Is the British Airways i360 dog friendly?
No animals or pets, except guide, hearing dogs and other assistance dogs, are permitted on the Brighton i360.
Parking
If you’re looking to park for your visit, Regency Square car park is just over the road from the i360.
Access
The i360 is wheelchair and pram friendly.
The Upside Down House
Located right by the seafront near the i360, the Upside Down House is exactly what it sounds like – a house turned completely on its head. This topsy-turvy experience offers visitors the chance to walk on ceilings, pose with upside down furniture, and capture mind-bending photos that defy gravity. It’s a quirky spot for taking playful photos and enjoying lots of fun with the family.
You’ll experience a variety of rooms, including a living room with a jukebox, a kitchen, and even a vault room featuring the Mona Lisa – all designed to be upside down.
Useful information about The Upside Down House
Location
You’ll find The Upside Down House at 42-43 Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2LN.
Opening hours
It’s open every day between 10am – 8pm.
Costs
It’s £7.95 per person for a ticket and children aged 3 years old or under are free.
Is The Upside Down House dog friendly?
The Upside Down House isn’t dog friendly but guide dogs or ADUK (or equivalent) assistant dogs are permitted.
Parking
The nearest car park is Regency Square car park which is a short walk from the attraction.
Access
The ground floor of The Upside Down is part-accessible for wheelchairs. Guests can access it via a temporary ramp which leads into the inverted experience with plenty of photo opportunities. The house has two floors with a spiral staircase and no lift or ramp alternative. The main entrance is also only 80cm wide.
Prams are not permitted inside the house and can be left in the ticket office terrace.
Stay in Brighton
Whether you’re enjoying the seaside or exploring museums, there are countless things to do in Brighton with kids that cater to every age and interest. The combination of outdoor adventure, quirky attractions, and classic seaside charm makes Brighton the perfect destination for a family holiday.
Our collection of holiday lets in Brighton includes large houses, modern apartments, and stylish cottages so you’ll be able to find the perfect base for your stay. Pack your buckets and spades and get ready for an unforgettable Brighton break with the family!
EXPLORE OUR HOLIDAY LETS IN BRIGHTON