Great days out in Brighton with the kids

Brighton & Hove is a versatile city which offers something for everyone. That’s why its long been the UK holiday destination of choice for families, couples, groups and pensioners. In this guide we’ll look at some of the best things to do in and around Brighton with the kids.

Brighton Pier

The pier in Brighton is always a hit with kids of all ages. Situated right in the middle of Brighton city centre and only a short walk from the train station and city centre cark parks the pier is packed with more than enough amusements and entertainment to keep the kids amused for an afternoon or even more.

The pier is completely free to get on and you only pay for the rides you go on, food you eat or games of chance which you inevitably lose!

The pier has 2 amusement arcades which feature the latest video arcade games, dance machines and simulators. There’s also fun games like grabbers, and the dolphin derby.

At the far end of the pier is a funfair which consists of around 10 rides including a helter skelter, ghost train, waltzer, 2 roller coasters a log flume, dodgems and a scary looking thing which propels you into the air at high speed! Plenty to entertain the kids there. There’s also a few smaller rides suitable for younger children.

More info on the official Brighton pier website

The Brighton Sealife centre

The sealife centre is an aquarium which was actually originally called the Brighton aquarium opening in 1872 making it the oldest commercial aquarium left operating in the world today. Quite a claim. The sealife centre does not lack any excitement for kids because of its age, in fact part of the attraction is that the aquarium is set in the original building making it a slightly era underwater adventure.

Tickets can be brought on the door or in advance on the website if you want to save money and you should allow at least 3 hours to get around and take in all the exhibits. A great choice if you need to entertain the kids for an afternoon and its raining.

Brighton marina

Brighton marina is located about 2 miles from the centre of Brighton. You can access it either by road (free parking is plentiful at the marina), public transport from the city centre or by strolling along the seafront from the Pier, just stick to the promenade and you can’t miss it.

At the marina you’ll find lots of fun indoor stuff to do with the kids. There’s a multiscreen cinema showing the latest releases, a ten pin bowling alley and arcade, kids playground, lots of restaurants and the chance to wander around the harbour itself and check out the boats.

You can also organize introductory sailing day trips for the whole family which leave from the marina (advance booking required).

These are just a few of the great attractions on offer in Brighton suitable for kids of all ages. If the suns out of course you can always just head to Brighton’s award winning beach.

John McElborough lives in Brighton & writes for Brighton Hotels Online. For a everything from Brighton bed and breakfasts to family hotels in Brighton see the website and book online.