Weekend in Brighton
This weekend itinerary for families with children aged 3-12 living in Brighton focuses on balancing free, engaging activities with worthwhile paid experiences. Expect a mix of cultural immersion, active play, and festive fun, carefully scheduled to accommodate young children's needs, including early evenings and family-friendly dining options. Practical notes on transport, accessibility, and budget are included to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Friday Evening - Cozy & Creative Start
Friday, November 21Library Story Time
Start your weekend with a relaxing and free drop-in storytime at Jubilee Library.
Aimed at pre-school children, these sessions feature engaging stories, songs, and rhymes, offering a calm and enriching experience for the whole family.
Perfect for unwinding after school, suitable for pre-school children with caregivers, but all ages are welcome. The library has accessible facilities including restrooms. Duration: approximately 15-30 minutes. Check the library's website for exact term-time schedule and any last-minute changes.
Jubilee Library is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Limited street parking might be available nearby, but public car parks (e.g., NCP Brighton Centre Russell Road) are a short walk away. The area is flat and stroller-friendly.
Dinner at Bill's
Enjoy a delicious and family-friendly dinner at Bill's Restaurant.
Known for its extensive children's menu and welcoming atmosphere, it offers great value for a relaxed early evening meal.
Bill's offers a dedicated children's menu with two courses for around £7.45, including popular options like burgers, chicken goujons, and various desserts. High chairs are available, and the atmosphere is lively but suitable for families. Early timing allows for children's bedtimes.
Centrally located, a short walk from Jubilee Library. Public car parks are available nearby. Well-served by local bus routes, and the area is stroller-friendly.
Saturday - Regency & Pier Adventures
Saturday, November 22Royal Pavilion Christmas
Step into a festive Regency wonderland at the Royal Pavilion's 'A Very Austen Christmas'.
Marking Jane Austen's 250th birthday, this event features Regency-inspired Christmas decorations, a family trail, and a new 'Regency Play Parlour' for hands-on fun, offering an immersive cultural experience for all ages.
This engaging exhibition is perfect for curious kids and parents alike. Children aged 5-18 will enjoy the historical immersion and interactive elements. The new 'Regency Play Parlour' is specifically designed for family fun. Restrooms and baby changing facilities are available. Allow 2-3 hours for the visit. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Royal Pavilion is in the city centre. Metered street parking is limited; public car parks (e.g., NCP Theatre Car Park, North Road Car Park) are within walking distance. Well-connected by bus. The gardens are stroller accessible, and the interior has lifts and ramps where possible, but check accessibility details if needed.
Pier Lunch & Arcade Fun
After exploring the Royal Pavilion, head to Brighton Palace Pier for lunch.
Grab classic seaside fish and chips or a casual bite at Palm Court Restaurant or one of the many kiosks. Afterward, enjoy the arcade games and the vibrant atmosphere.
Palm Court Restaurant has a newly developed menu for 2025 with options for the whole family, including iconic fish and chips. High chairs are available. Arcade games offer affordable entertainment, and the general pier atmosphere is exciting for kids. Restrooms are available on the pier.
The pier is a short walk from the Royal Pavilion and easily accessible. Paid parking is available along Madeira Drive or in nearby car parks. The pier is flat and accessible for strollers.
Palace Play Soft Play
Let the kids burn off energy at Palace Play, a fantastic indoor four-story soft play area located right on Brighton Palace Pier.
It features a massive slide and a separate toddler area for younger children, making it perfect for kids aged 0.9m and above.
Ideal for children up to 1.5m tall, with a dedicated section for under 0.9m. Supervised by staff, but parents must remain in sight. Socks must be worn. A great option for active kids, especially if the weather turns. Duration: 1-2 hours of play.
Located directly on the pier, follow notes from the previous activity. Easily accessible with strollers to the entrance.
i360 Sunset Views
Experience breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Brighton, the South Downs, and the English Channel from the Brighton i360.
This 25-minute gentle glide offers a unique perspective as the sun begins to set, creating memorable family photos.
Suitable for all ages, infants 0-3 go free. The glass viewing pod is spacious and fully enclosed. Enjoy a drink from the Sky Bar onboard (optional). From 6 pm, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Arrive 20 minutes before your time slot for security checks.
Located directly on the seafront, a 10-minute walk from Brighton Pier. Public car parks (e.g., Regency Square Car Park) are nearby. Well-served by buses. The pod is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Sunday - Community & Creativity
Sunday, November 23Fairy Tale Fair Market
Immerse yourselves in a real community event at The Fairy Tale Fair, held at Brighton Open Market.
This festive market offers a unique chance to browse handmade crafts, local artisan products, and delicious treats, all in a family-friendly atmosphere.
This event welcomes families and all ages, providing a vibrant setting to find unique gifts and enjoy the festive spirit. Kids will love the visual delights and possibly small treats. Facilities include restrooms and food vendors. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Brighton Open Market is a short walk from London Road station and easily accessible by bus. Limited street parking in the area, larger car parks nearby. The market is accessible for strollers.
Hove Museum Play
Discover the Hove Museum of Creativity, one of the most family-friendly museums in the south east.
Children will adore the interactive toy gallery, designed like a wizard's attic, featuring a workshop for broken toys and a room split between modern and Victorian eras. Admission is free, offering an educational and fun afternoon.
The interactive toy gallery is a highlight for children aged 3-12, sparking imagination and offering hands-on experiences. The museum is accessible, with restrooms and baby changing facilities. Allow 1-2 hours.
Accessible by bus from central Brighton. Limited street parking available in Hove; consider public transport. The museum is stroller-friendly with good accessibility.
Coastal Playground Fun
Wrap up your weekend with some outdoor play at Peter Pan's Playground.
Located on the seafront near Brighton Pier, this enclosed playground is ideal for small children to enjoy slides and swings with a sea view. Afterwards, enjoy a final stroll along the beach.
Suitable for small children, the enclosed nature provides a safe environment for play. A café is located nearby for refreshments. Public restrooms are available along the seafront. This is a perfect way to let kids burn off any last energy before heading home for early bedtimes.
Located on Madeira Drive, easily accessible from central Brighton. Metered parking is available on Madeira Drive. Buses serve the area. The playground is directly on the seafront promenade, which is flat and stroller-friendly.
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