Brighton Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Brighton
This weekend itinerary for families in Brighton strikes a perfect balance between free, engaging activities and worthwhile ticketed attractions, ensuring a memorable experience for children aged 3-12. Many attractions offer family tickets or online booking discounts, which are highlighted to help manage your budget. For rainy days, consider alternatives like Funplex (an indoor soft play area for ages 0-12), the Brighton Toy and Model Museum, or Hove Museum's 'What's in the Box?' exhibition (running until April 2026). Always check official websites for the most current opening hours and booking requirements.
Friday Evening - Cozy Discoveries & Seaside Charm
Friday, January 2Library Story Time
Start the weekend with a relaxing and free storytime session for pre-school children and their caregivers.
These sessions are designed to engage young minds with stories and songs. This activity is subject to school term dates, so please confirm with the library closer to the date. If not running, a visit to a local park is a great alternative.
Perfect for younger children (up to age 5) to wind down before dinner. Libraries offer accessible facilities including restrooms and stroller access. Sessions typically last 15-30 minutes. If not running, head to a nearby playground like The Level for some outdoor play.
Jubilee Library is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Limited street parking might be available nearby, but public car parks (e.g., North Laine NCP) are a short walk away. The area is flat and stroller-friendly.
Palace Pier Fun
Enjoy the classic seaside entertainment at Brighton Palace Pier.
Kids will love the arcade games, traditional fairground rides, and the soft play area (Palace Play) for younger ones. It’s a lively spot for an early evening stroll and dinner.
Suitable for all ages, with specific rides for younger children and thrilling options for older kids. Restrooms and baby changing facilities are available on the pier. The pier also has numerous family-friendly restaurants and kiosks offering traditional fish and chips or doughnuts. Consider purchasing an unlimited rides wristband for better value if planning multiple rides.
The pier is a short walk from the city centre and seafront bus stops. Parking is available along Madeira Drive (paid) or in nearby car parks. The pier itself is flat and accessible for strollers.
Saturday - Under the Sea & Coastal Adventures
Saturday, January 3SEA LIFE Aquarium
Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Brighton, the world's oldest operating aquarium.
Explore various themed zones, witness sharks, rays, and turtles, and walk through the impressive underwater tunnel. It's a fantastic educational and engaging experience for all ages, perfect for a morning adventure.
Ideal for children aged 3-12 who are fascinated by marine life. The attraction is fully accessible with ramps and lifts, and includes baby changing facilities and on-site cafe. Allow 1.5-2 hours for your visit. Booking online in advance is highly recommended for specific time slots and often provides better prices.
Located directly opposite Brighton Palace Pier, accessible by numerous bus routes. Paid parking is available along Madeira Drive. The entrance is ramp accessible, making it easy with strollers.
Beachfront Picnic & Play
After your aquarium visit, head to Hove Lawns for a budget-friendly picnic lunch.
This expansive green space next to Hove Beach offers plenty of room for kids to run and play, providing a relaxed break with sea views.
Great for energetic kids to let off steam. Hove Beach is generally quieter than Brighton's main beach, making it ideal for families. There are public restrooms available nearby. Pack a packed lunch to save money, or grab affordable takeaway from a nearby cafe. Stroller-friendly promenade access.
A pleasant walk along the seafront from SEA LIFE. Numerous local bus services run along the seafront. Paid street parking is often available along Kingsway.
Greyhound Racing Thrills
Experience the excitement of live greyhound racing at Brighton & Hove Racing.
This can be a unique and thrilling family outing, with races happening throughout the afternoon and early evening. The Saturday, January 3rd event has a 10% discount applied.
A different kind of entertainment that kids aged 5+ might find exciting, watching the dogs race. Food and drink are available for purchase on-site, but no outside food or drink is permitted. Ensure children are supervised. Racing starts at 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 3rd, but arriving earlier allows you to get a good spot and see the atmosphere.
Accessible by car with on-site parking. Several bus routes also serve the area around Nevill Road. Consider a taxi for convenience with young children.
Family Dinner Treat
Enjoy an early, relaxed family dinner at a kid-friendly restaurant.
Brighton offers many options with children's menus and welcoming atmospheres.
Choose a restaurant with a dedicated children's menu or options suitable for picky eaters. Many places offer early bird specials. Check for facilities like high chairs and baby changing. This early timing allows for a relaxed evening before bed.
Brighton has excellent public transport. Many family restaurants are centrally located or easily reachable by bus. Parking may vary by location.
Sunday - Royal History & Park Play
Sunday, January 4Austen Christmas Finale
Experience 'A Very Austen Christmas' at the Royal Pavilion, concluding its run on January 4th.
Step back in time to a Regency-style celebration with themed Christmas trees, a family-friendly trail, seasonal scents, carols, and costumed characters. A delightful cultural and immersive experience.
Excellent for children aged 6+ who can appreciate the historical setting and themed displays. The family trail will keep younger ones engaged. Restrooms and cafes are available. Allow 1.5-2 hours for your visit. Free with Royal Pavilion admission.
Centrally located and easily accessible by foot from most parts of central Brighton. Public bus routes stop nearby. Paid parking is available at the NCP Theatre Car Park or other city centre car parks.
Preston Park Play
Head to Preston Park, Brighton's largest urban park, for some outdoor fun.
It features an excellent children's playground with slides, swings, and climbing frames, as well as ample open space for running around and games. A perfect way to burn off some energy after a morning of discovery.
Ideal for children of all ages, with different play equipment for various age groups. Plenty of space for ball games or simply relaxing. Public restrooms are available. Consider bringing a frisbee or ball for extra fun. Ice cream vans are often present on good weather days.
Preston Park is easily reachable by bus from the city centre. It also has free street parking available on surrounding roads, though it can get busy on weekends.
Sweet Treat & Departure
Conclude your memorable weekend with a special family treat, like ice cream or cake, at a local cafe. This provides a gentle wind-down before heading home and preparing for the week ahead.
A relaxed end to the weekend, giving kids a reward for their good behavior. Many cafes offer kid-friendly snacks and drinks. This early timing ensures families can get home and into their evening routine without rushing.
Choose a cafe conveniently located for your onward journey, either near Preston Park or easily accessible by public transport from the city centre. Parking availability will depend on the specific location.
This weekend itinerary for Brighton can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.