10 Best Family Experiences: Brighton East Sussex

You’ll find Brighton’s perfect blend of Victorian charm and modern thrills irresistible for family adventures. Start with the iconic Brighton Palace Pier‘s fairground rides, then explore Sea Life Brighton‘s underwater tunnels with 5,500 sea creatures. The Royal Pavilion’s dragon-decorated rooms will captivate kids, while Brighton Beach offers pebble shoreline fun and sandy play areas. Don’t miss the 300-metre Brighton Zip for older children or Jungle Rumble‘s prehistoric crazy golf for all ages—discover what makes each experience truly unforgettable below.

Brighton Palace Pier: Victorian Charm Meets Modern Thrills

Where can your family step back in time while enjoying cutting-edge thrills? Brighton Palace Pier delivers both Victorian elegance and modern excitement in one spectacular location. You’ll walk across 85 miles of planking spanning 2.5 acres, where your kids can experience fairground rides and roller coasters against a backdrop of ornate cast-iron arches and the iconic 1920s clock tower.

This Grade II* listed pier has entertained families since 1899, once hosting Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel before their Hollywood fame. Today’s attractions blend seamlessly with original features like the oriental-style pavilion and decorative minarets.

Located opposite Old Steine in Brighton’s city centre, you’ll find easy access for day trips. As Brighton’s sole surviving operational pier, it’s England’s finest pleasure destination. When evening arrives, the pier transforms into a magical wonderland illuminated by 67,000 bulbs.

Sea Life Brighton: Underwater Adventures for All Ages

Since 1872, Sea Life Brighton has captivated families with mesmerizing underwater adventures that’ll leave your kids wide-eyed with wonder.

You’ll discover 5,500 incredible creatures including sharks, rays, green sea turtles Lulu and Gulliver, and ancient jellyfish species dating back 500 million years.

Don’t miss the spectacular Day & Night experience—a 750,000-litre coral reef that simulates a complete 24-hour cycle.

Your children will love walking through the underwater tunnel with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the UK’s largest collection of sharks and rays under one roof. The unique Glass Bottom Boat Ride provides an extraordinary perspective as you glide over swimming turtles and sharks below.

Book online tickets to guarantee entry and enjoy free rescheduling flexibility.

Under 2’s enter free, making it budget-friendly for families.

Located conveniently opposite Brighton Palace Pier, you can easily combine both attractions for an unforgettable day out.

Royal Pavilion: A Dazzling Journey Through History

While most palaces feel untouchable and formal, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion transforms history into an exciting adventure your kids will actually enjoy. You’ll discover an extraordinary palace that looks like it belongs in Aladdin, complete with bulbous domes and minarets that’ll spark your children’s imaginations.

Inside, you’ll explore rooms filled with dragons, palm trees, and glittering Chinese decorations. The Great Kitchen’s cast-iron palm trees create a jungle-like atmosphere that fascinates young visitors.

Your family can wander through opulent rooms where King George IV once threw lavish parties. The palace even served as a military hospital during WWI, treating over 2,300 soldiers from the Indian Army.

The palace attracts 400,000 visitors annually, so book ahead during peak times. Interactive exhibits help children understand royal life, making history accessible and entertaining.

Don’t miss the stunning Music Room’s acoustics – let your kids experience how sound travels differently here.

Drusillas Park: Europe’s Award-Winning Small Zoo Experience

After exploring Brighton’s royal grandeur, your family will find a completely different but equally magical experience just 20 minutes away at Drusillas Park. This award-winning 10-acre zoo perfectly targets children aged 2-10 with over 1,600 animals across 196 species, including red pandas, penguins, and sloths.

You’ll love the interactive experiences – kids can feed lorikeets, compare their abilities to animals in Zoolympics challenges, and collect stamps throughout enclosures.

The adventure rides like Safari Express and Toucan Twister add extra excitement, while Go Bananas! playground keeps younger ones entertained.

Don’t miss Europe’s first Hello Kitty attraction and the walk-through Lemurland. What began as Drusillas Tea Cottage in the 1920s has evolved into this beloved family destination through decades of careful development. Open year-round except Christmas, tickets start from £22 online. Book ahead for this Telegraph-rated top family attraction.

Brighton Beach: Sun, Sand, and Seaside Fun

Nothing beats the classic appeal of Brighton Beach, where your family can experience one of England’s most iconic seaside destinations just 15 minutes’ walk from the railway station.

Your kids will love exploring the distinctive pebble beach, which transforms at low tide to reveal sandy play areas perfect for building castles.

The beach sports centre offers volleyball and soccer for active children, while the eastern section features playground equipment and mini-golf.

You’ll find deckchairs for relaxing while little ones play, and lifeguards patrol during summer months for safety.

With over 1,650 hours of annual sunshine, Brighton ranks among England’s sunniest spots.

Palace Pier’s attractions draw millions yearly, making this an unforgettable family destination. The area sits beautifully between the South Downs and the English Channel, creating a stunning natural backdrop for your seaside adventure.

Undercliff Walk: Scenic Strolls With Marina Views

Beyond the bustling pier and pebbles, the Undercliff Walk offers your family a peaceful escape with some of Brighton’s most spectacular coastal views. This 3-5km pathway stretches from Brighton Marina to Saltdean, perfect for little legs with its flat terrain and stunning white cliffs towering alongside.

You’ll find plenty of pit stops with free toilets at Marina, Ovingdean Cafe, and Rottingdean’s Molly’s Cafe. Kids love watching waves crash over walls during winter visits, while summer brings calmer seas and ice cream vendors. For families wanting flexibility, Brighton Beach Bikes at the pier offers convenient bike hire for exploring the route at your own pace.

Take buses 27, 14, or 12 for easy transport, or park free at Roedean School. Remember pedestrians have priority over cyclists, making it safer for families. Plan 1-2 hours for the full experience, checking weather updates before visiting.

Brighton Zip: Adrenaline-Pumping Aerial Adventures

While your younger children might prefer the gentler thrills of the pier, older kids and teens will find their hearts racing on Brighton Zip’s spectacular aerial adventure. You’ll soar 30 metres above Brighton Beach on England’s longest south coast zip line, covering 300 metres of pure adrenaline rush.

The dual zip option during summer lets siblings race each other to the beach landing.

Your family will love the panoramic views stretching from Palace Pier to the Seven Sisters cliffs.

Single rides cost £18, while dual tickets are £32 for two people.

Add a £4 video wristband to capture those priceless expressions!

Brighton Zip operates weekends and holidays, making it perfect for family getaways and school break adventures.

After your adventure, grab fish and chips at the rooftop bar while reliving every thrilling moment.

Jungle Rumble: Prehistoric Crazy Golf Under Neon Lights

After soaring through the skies, bring your adventure-seeking family down to street level for Jungle Rumble’s prehistoric crazy golf experience. You’ll find two thrilling 18-hole courses at 286 Madeira Drive – the waterfall-laden Caveman Course and jungle-themed Treetop Course.

Your kids will love the neon-lit prehistoric setting, while you’ll appreciate the 1-2 hour play time that keeps everyone engaged.

The venue’s 70-180 seater roof terrace offers stunning sea views where you can refuel with fish & chips or milkshakes. You’re just steps from Brighton’s seafront, and there’s convenient onsite parking. The location is easily accessible via the Volks Electric Railway, making it a breeze to reach from Brighton’s Palace Pier.

The courses cleverly balance skill and luck, making them perfect for all ages. Pro tip: arrive during their 9 AM-9 PM operating hours for the best experience.

Brighton Marina Water Sports: Lake Adventures for Kids

When your family craves aquatic thrills, Brighton Marina’s Lagoon Watersports delivers the perfect blend of adventure and safety for young water enthusiasts. Your kids can start with stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking in sheltered waters before progressing to ocean adventures. The experienced instructors provide wetsuits, life jackets, and detailed safety briefings, ensuring everyone’s comfortable.

Popular activities include sailing on responsive Delphia 24 keelboats and ZapCat powerboat driving—no license required! Jet Ski rides offer high-speed excitement for £135 per hour, while powerboat adventures cost around £37.50 per person. The facility also offers specialized team building activities alongside their regular watersports programs.

The marina’s location provides easy access with nearby cafes for post-activity treats.

Most activities accept walk-up bookings, though advance reservations work best for larger groups seeking Sussex coastline wildlife spotting.

Pier Pressure Escape Rooms: Brighton-Themed Puzzle Challenges

Brighton’s rainy days transform into exciting opportunities at Pier Pressure Escape Rooms, where your family can explore the city’s rich history through immersive puzzle adventures.

Located on Upper North Street, this award-winning venue offers Brighton-themed experiences like “Loot the Lanes,” where you’ll work together to save local heritage through clever puzzles.

Your kids will love the variety of challenges involving numbers, words, and visual clues that don’t rely on traditional padlocks.

Teams of 2-9 players can participate, with children under 14 needing adult accompaniment.

The friendly staff provide in-character hosting that keeps everyone engaged.

Sessions last 1-2 hours and cost from £32 per player.

Choose from five distinct adventures including the 60s murder mystery “Modrophenia” or the energetic 90s “Raver Quest” for different skill levels.

Book online for free cancellation up to seven days ahead, and use Churchill Square car park for convenient access.

The Sum Up

You’ve got amazing family adventures waiting in Brighton! Start with the pier’s classic rides, then plunge into Sea Life’s underwater magic. Don’t miss the Royal Pavilion’s sparkly rooms – kids love the dragon decorations. Pack snacks for beach time and book Brighton Zip early for the best slots. Remember comfortable shoes for Drusillas Park walking. Whether you’re solving escape room puzzles or playing prehistoric golf, Brighton’s got something special for every family member!