Stuck for ideas this weekend? Browse our pick of family days out in Brighton, from world-class museums and wildlife parks to hidden gems right on your doorstep. We include prices, age suitability and what to expect so you can plan ahead.
Brighton's classic seafront pier, with funfair rides, arcades, food stalls and a soft play centre for younger children. A small admission fee applies at busy times, but anyone with a BN postcode can get a free Local Residents Card covering the holder and up to three guests. Check ride height limits and opening times on the website before you go.
Official info →Opened in 1872, SEA LIFE Brighton is the world's oldest continually operating aquarium, with more than 5,000 creatures inside a restored Victorian arcade. Children can get hands-on with ray and shark eggs at the rockpools, and the glass-bottom boat ride over the Ocean Display is a paid add-on worth booking ahead.
Official info →The i360's glass pod glides 138 metres up for wide views over the city and along the coast. It reopened under new owners after closing in December 2024. It is a cashless venue, so bring a card, and check opening times on the day before you set off.
Official info →The extraordinary Regency palace in the middle of Brighton makes a memorable visit for curious children, and the audio guide (small extra charge) includes a children's tour. Standard tickets give free return visits for a year, and in a family of at least one adult and two children one child goes free. The ground floor is buggy-friendly; the first floor is stairs only.
Official info →A family zoo east of Brighton that mixes animals with lots of play: water play, mazes, indoor play, free children's rides and SPARK, a large immersive play experience. It is designed around younger children and works well as a full day out with under-10s. Pick up the free Animal Spotter Book when you arrive.
Official info →Days Out vary by age, timetable and provider style. Parents usually get the best results by checking practical details first: location, session length, costs, age range, booking terms and how the provider handles safety and communication.
Shortlist options that fit your normal school run, weekend routine or holiday dates before comparing extras.
Ask about trial sessions, what is included, staff checks, cancellation terms and what your child needs to bring.
Keep one backup option nearby in case a class is full, a camp sells out or weather changes your plans.
Many offer free entry, family trails, hands-on exhibits, lockers, cafes and school holiday activities.
Zoos, farms, aquariums, nature reserves, beaches and forest trails are strong all-weather or seasonal options.
Castles, theme parks, climbing centres, swimming pools and adventure playgrounds work well when children need to burn energy.
A good day out is not always the biggest attraction. Parents usually get a better result by matching the outing to travel time, weather, food needs and how much energy everyone has left at the end of the week.
Choose a local museum, library event, short trail, garden centre, cinema, cafe-plus-playground or a familiar park with one new thing added.
Look for outdoor space, climbing, swimming, bikes, beaches, country parks or attractions with several activity zones and places to pause.
Prioritise venues with buggy access, baby-change facilities, safe toddler areas and enough challenge for older siblings.
Before travelling, check step-free access, quiet spaces, Changing Places toilets, sensory guides, wheelchair hire, buggy storage and whether carers enter free. If your child finds busy places difficult, search for relaxed sessions, early openings or quieter weekday slots.
Libraries, museums, soft play, swimming, indoor climbing and covered markets can rescue a wet weekend.
Water play, beaches, lidos, farms, forest trails and evening picnics make the most of longer days.
Light trails, pantomimes, city museums, short walks and hot-chocolate stops can be easier than full outdoor days.
A paid attraction can be good value when it fills most of the day, suits the whole age range and avoids extra costs once inside. If the visit is mainly for one short activity, compare a free museum, park trail or local activity session before booking.
Useful next read: planning family days out. For lower-cost options, see free things to do with kids or browse activity-led ideas in children's activities.
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