Considering a first-time day trip to Brighton with kids? Brighton is a super easy day trip from London that you simply must do. Brighton, originally named Brighton and Hove, is one of the UK’s most popular destinations. Home to the country’s only Grade I listed pier and even the oldest cinema, this seaside resort packs a lot of historical charm. For a family ready to explore “London By The Sea”, here are 11 fun things to do in Brighton with kids. Brighton walking map included.
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What To Know About Brighton In England
Vibrant shades of blue and red reflect the personality of this energetic East Sussex seaside resort. It’s no wonder Brighton England’s cheerful surroundings make it a fun place to visit with kids.
Even if your intention to visit Brighton is set on experiencing its main attractions, Brighton is perfectly situated on the south coast of England for enjoying all that it has to offer from the outside.
Located within a 2 hours drive from London, Brighton is an artsy coastal destination for salt therapy seekers and a seaside walk. Whether you spend a couple of hours or an entire day in Brighton, this day trip checks the boxes not just for the kids but the parents, too. Although many attractions were closed during our visit due to the pandemic, a day trip to Brighton is worthwhile anytime.
Fun Things To Do In Brighton
If the Palace Pier and other attractions are closed on the day of your visit, there is still plenty to see. Brighton is more metropolitan than its neighboring Kent seaside towns, offering a different variety of fun things to do in Brighton with kids.
1 – Try Crab From A Brighton Crab Shack
Crab from Sea Haze
A really fun thing for the kids to experience in Brighton is eating cold crab right out of the crab shell! You can order crab from Sea Haze or any one of the many crab shacks along the Brighton Beach promenade for the whole family to try.
2 – Picture With Brighton’s Larry The Lobster
Larry The Lobster
This bright 6’+ tall lobster stands next to Sea Haze in Brighton just a short walk east of the Brighton Palace Pier. It might be the most social lobster in England. Take a photo and upload it to any one of the lobster’s social media pages.
3 – Picnic On Brighton Beach
Rent chairs or picnic on Brighton Beach
Order fresh seafood from a local business or bring your own for a picnic on Brighton Beach. We did a bit of both!
We packed a lunch and a blanket to spread out on the beach and enjoy the sounds and smells of the ocean. However, we did not plan for the strong cool breeze or all the pebbles!
Brighton Beach is covered in small pebbles and is not a sandy beach. Although I had seen pictures and read about the Brighton Beach pebbles, it didn’t resonate until we were physically there. Brighton certainly mixes up your souvenir beach collection if your kids enjoy collecting seashells.
However, for a cool windy day in Brighton with kids, pebbles win over sand any day!
After a few minutes of sitting on the pebbles, which are quite warm on a sunny day, we found refuge from the wind by not sitting so close to the shore.
You can rent beach chairs to enjoy your picnic or day in Brighton, too.
4 – Walk The Seafront Exhibition
The Brighton Beach Exhibit
There is a really cool art exhibition on the beach in front of the Grand Hotel between June and October that showcases 40-47 images from the Brighton & Hove Camera Club. The Brighton & Hove Camera Club is one of the largest and oldest photographic clubs in England, with 159 members of all ages and abilities.
Unlike most art exhibits, this one is fun for kids because it’s set up like a small maze of rock pillars from which the art is mounted. They can have a wander around deciding which one is their favorite. It makes for a great photo backdrop, too!
5- British Airways i360
British Airways i360
Although closed on our day trip to Brighton, the British Airways i360 is still a site to see from the ground. In fact, there’s a bit of an optical illusion as you walk toward and away from it. The kids will think it’s moving – even I thought so!
For the best 360° views of Brighton, kids that love heights, roller coasters, and other cliffhanger rides will absolutely get a kick out of this Brighton attraction. Book i360 tickets in advance to ensure a time slot and to save money by booking online.
6 – Splurge on Local Ice Cream At Ice Cafe
Flat 106-107 50 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 1NA England
Ice cream in Brighton on a warm day is a must
There are many locations along the Brighton promenade to buy gelato, but this shop is further away from where most crowds seem to gather. The bright fun colors attract the kids, and there is no shortage of flavors or toppings to select from at The Ice Cafe. They also offer vegan.
7 – Check Out The Upside Down House
Kings Road Arches, 42-43, Brighton, BN1 2NL, UK
The Upside Down House in Brighton
Probably the most interesting thing to see for the kids in Brighton is the Upside Down House. It’s literally a house upside down! Aside from the fact it’s upside down, the bright turquoise color makes this Brighton attraction hard to miss.
Although this kids’ playhouse was closed on our day trip, it was fun to see and another great family photo opportunity unlike any you’ll ever take.
8 – Snap The Brighton Beach Bandstand
Brighton Beach Bandstand
Probably my favorite photo spot for a day in Brighton is from the Brighton Beach Bandstand. This Victorian bandstand that underwent a major restoration in 2009 is worth a close look. The tile floors and intricate canopy are a photographers dream. If you’re looking for the best family photo to captivate your day trip to Brighton, any angle from this bandstand will be perfect.
9 – Play Mini Golf Or Zip Line On Brighton Beach
Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TB
Brighton Beach Crazy Golf
Whether you prefer the ground or from above, you can enjoy Brighton Beach from either angle.
For kids that want a little competition on their day out in Brighton, hit the mini-golf course on the beach. Choose from Brighton Beach Crazy Golf which is next to the Pier, or further along the promenade at Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf.
This mini golf course is perfectly situated on Brighton beach offering the best views.
Located right next to mini golf is Brighton Zip. The zip line was closed on our day in Brighton, otherwise, this active family would have chosen the seafront aerial view!
10 – Stroll The Royal Pavilion Gardens
Royal Pavilion Gardens
As you drive towards Brighton Pier and The Lanes Car Park, you can’t miss The Royal Pavilion Gardens on your right. This stunning pavilion is captivating and open to the public for picnicking and strolling the gardens.
The Royal Pavilion is the former seaside royal residence for Prince Regent (George, Prince of Wales) in 1811, and King George IV in 1820. The palace is built in Indo-Saracenic style which is why you feel transported to India vs the coast of England when you see it for the first time.
Be sure to walk through the gardens on your day in Brighton. You might even catch a musical performance!
11 – Admire The Street Art In The Lanes
The Lanes street art in Brighton
The Lanes is known for its unique boutiques, traditional pubs, and tea rooms, but it’s the street art that might catch your kids’ attention the most.
Walk the famous narrow lanes that originally served the old fishing town Brighthelmstone, window shop, and discover your favorite Brighton street art. This circus one is the kids’ favorite!
Where To Park For Your Day Trip To Brighton
Black Lion St, Brighton BN1 1ND
The most convenient car park for a walk along the seafront in Brighton with kids is the Lanes Car Park. It’s located immediately across the street from the promenade, not far from the Palace Pier and a gateway to The Lanes.
Two colorful contrasting houses in The Lanes
And not only is it a great place to park but upon pedestrian exit of The Lanes car park is the perfect portrayal of colorful and architecture side-by-side differences for any anglophile enthusiast.
Where The Toilets Are For Your Day In Brighton With Kids
Essential for any day trip with kids is knowing where the toilets are! There are a couple of easy options along or not far from the Brighton promenade:
- There is a pop-up toilet station across from Beach Break Fish & Chips. Use postcode BN1 1NB.
- Across from mini-golf. Use postcode BN2 1PS.
- The Royal Pavilion Gardens has a very clean and no queue bathroom compared to the toilets on the promenade. Use postcode BN1 1EA.
Brighton Day Trip Map
With this Brighton map, expect approximately 4 miles of walking.
What To Pack For A Day In Brighton With Kids
Although Brighton might not be far for daytrippers, when traveling with kids be sure to pack these essentials:
- Picnic blanket – I love the fold-up ones with a handle for easy travel.
- Collapsible water bottles – These are brilliant for kids and less stuff mom has to carry.
- A warm coat or jumper in the event it’s much cooler than you predicted.
- Hand sanitizer. It’s a seemingly obvious staple for everyone to carry in their pocket or purse, but also easy to forget. This Cath Kidston one is fun for kids to slide in a back pocket and so cute they actually want to use it.
- Kids scooters. The Brighton promenade is a great place for kids to ride while adults walk.
Final Tips On Things To Do In Brighton With Kids
For a fun experience in Brighton with kids, arrive before noon. The Brighton promenade gets busier as the day goes on and queues start to build for use of the toilets. By 3 on a Sunday, the wait can be up to 30 minutes.
For shopping, I added Mia beach on the seafront to visit on our next Brighton day trip. And North Laines for shopping and to see more street art, too. We ran out of time to walk to North Laines, but it’ll definitely be on our list of things to do in Brighton on our next visit.
For kid’s activities inside, add SEALIFE, the oldest aquarium in the world, to the list. You’ll definitely see the building using the map of things to do in Brighton with kids but be sure to check in advance for opening dates and hours.
For more day trips like Brighton, find more inspiration with these pretty UK destinations with kids.
Looking for another day trip in England? Try these.
- St Albans Travel Guide 2021
- 2 Day Jurassic Coast Road Trip
- Moving abroad? Use my ultimate MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST