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Home › Donut Guides › Things to Do with Kids › Brighton
Things to Do in Brighton with Kids
Brighton is a classic seaside day out for families: a pier full of rides, a pebble beach, the world's oldest operating electric railway and a palace that looks like it came from a fairy tale. This guide is organised by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Lanes doughnut tour winds through Brighton's famous little streets, so it's a tasty way to start a family day by the sea.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: The beach, the seafront promenade, The Lanes, Preston Park, the Royal Pavilion Gardens
- Rainy day picks: SEA LIFE Brighton, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum
- Sweet treat: Our Brighton doughnut tour welcomes kids 2 and up
Kid-friendly things to do in Brighton, by neighborhood
The seafront
Brighton Palace Pier
Rides, arcades and doughnuts by the sea. Walking the pier is free.
Volk's Electric Railway
A little seafront railway, the oldest of its kind still running.
British Airways i360
A glass pod that rises high above the seafront.
Parent tip: Bring water shoes. Brighton's beach is pebbles, not sand.
The Lanes and the city
The Lanes
FreeNarrow streets full of shops and treats, home to our doughnut tour.
Preston Park
FreeA big park with a playground and gardens.
Day trips
Devil's Dyke
FreeA huge valley on the South Downs with big views and space to run.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids welcome, ages 2 and up). Our Lanes Doughnut Tour walks Brighton's famous little streets with stops for fresh doughnuts and stories about the city along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Brighton's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Brighton guide lists the city's best doughnut shops by neighbourhood, and Best Christmas Doughnuts in Brighton covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: The seaside
- Morning: doughnut tour in The Lanes.
- Brighton Palace Pier.
- Beach time.
- Volk's Electric Railway.
Day 2: Palaces and fish
- Royal Pavilion.
- Lunch.
- SEA LIFE Brighton.
- The i360 at sunset.
Day 3: Outdoors
- Preston Park.
- Picnic.
- Devil's Dyke.
- Fish and chips on the seafront.
Brighton with kids by season
Holidays
- Burning the Clocks: a lantern parade to the beach on the winter solstice.
- Christmas lights: the city centre and The Lanes light up.
- Winter seaside walks: crisp days on the promenade.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Christmas Doughnuts in Brighton.
The rest of the year
- Spring: quieter beaches and sunny days.
- Summer: busy beaches and festivals.
- Autumn: fewer crowds and mild days.
- Winter: cosy museums and holiday lights.
Brighton with kids FAQ
Is the Brighton doughnut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, and guides set the pace for families.
What are free things to do in Brighton with kids?
The beach, the promenade, The Lanes, Preston Park and the Royal Pavilion Gardens.
Is Brighton beach sandy?
No, it's pebbles. Water shoes make it much more comfortable.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
SEA LIFE Brighton, the Royal Pavilion or Brighton Museum.