Fun Activities & Family Days Out
Palpable excitement is in the air. School runs? Done. Homework? Done. PE kits? In a cupboard never to be seen again (at least until September when the mad scramble for socks begins!). So it begs the question, what is there to do in Brighton over the six-week break?
There are, of course, those legacy items to check off the list; the upside-down house, ice cream at Marroccos, chips on the beach. If you’re visiting, there really is plenty to keep you busy. For locals, Brighton steps into its own with plenty of child-focused activities across the city.
Here is my handpicked list of some activities to keep your little ones busy over the summer.
Messy but fun!
Whilst I love the idea of creating messy play activities for the kids, the sheer thought of the cleaning renders it a Pinterest-only hobby. Thank goodness for the people who have provided a safe space for wannabe crafty parents like myself. The Painting Pottery Cafe has some fantastic workshops for children over the summer. If you’re looking for something more casual, you can just pop in and paint (though they do recommend booking in advance to guarantee a space).
If you’re looking for something outdoors, Wotamess Messy play host gorgeous forest sessions just outside Henfield. They have a range of summer sessions suitable for children up to age seven. Stop off at the Ginger Fox on the way home for some lunch; a fabulous kids menu, stunning garden and less than a 10-minute drive from the Wotamess site, it’s a no-brainer!
Make a Day of It
One Garden is one of my favourite places in Brighton. This absolute gem is perfect for a bit of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle. Pick up some delights from the deli market and have a picnic lunch. There’s an adorable-looking outdoor theatre production of Jemima Puddle Duck on 12th August.
The newly refurbished Saltdean Lido has certainly taken Brighton by storm. As well as the draw of a heated pool, there are a whole range of activities to keep you busy. I’m quite taken by the sound of a summer disco; check out their community workshops and don’t miss dining at fabulous DECO restaurant or new Kitti’s after your dip!
These Boots are Made for Walking…
From personal experience, asking children to go for a walk has been met with mixed success. In my head, it should be akin to The Railway Children, everyone will be propelled by a sense of adventure. The usual reaction ranges from an eye-rolling apathy to a flat-out refusal. However, add a coffee and cake stop to the mix and I defy anyone not to grab their shoes and head for the door.
Love art? Treat Brighton like a gallery and go on a street art walking tour. Let loose the photographer within every child, then stop at Helm Gallery to complete your arty adventure.
Blue plaque treasure hunt, anyone? Brighton and Hove boasts over 100 and finding them will allow you to discover some lesser known corners of the city. With so many incredible, beautiful and quirky buildings, there’s always a gem to uncover, even for the most local of locals! Try and find my personal favourite: the “queen of the dippers” (what a title!) before stopping at Vios Cafe and watching the world go by in Brighton Square.
It’s Showtime!
If you have any budding thespians on your hands, there’s plenty on offer. The incredible team behind the Mini Music Makers group are hosting a “play in a day” workshop on 30th July as well as two longer summer camps later in August. I have to say, based on their music classes for younger children, this is not to be missed if your little ones aspire to the stage one day.
The Theatre Royal also has some superb options for children. Be inspired by The Secret Life of Fairies (6th and 7th August), or maybe catch a matinee performance for older children. The big bonus is that gorgeous Tinto Taperia is right outside the door; an absolute favourite of mine, this is the perfect spot for a pre-post theatre meal.
Let’s make History
Brighton and Hove museums have lots going on too. Future historians might enjoy Preston Manor’s superb cookery days; take yourself back to the Victorian kitchen (29th July) or find out about World War II rations (12th August). There’s a new Cafe Rust right there for refreshments or you’re only a short walk away from Fatto A Mano in Preston Circus, should you need a little top up after your class!
Budding explorers will also enjoy the Pavilion basement tunnel tours (12th and 26th August). Once you’ve finished, you are perfectly placed to enjoy the delights of Al Duomo; with its incredible £9 children’s menu. What better way to end your outing?
Speaking of history, maybe this is the summer to take a trip on the Volks Railway. Madeira Drive is, in my opinion, a hauntingly beautiful spot and with recent developments including the stunning Sea Lanes, it has been revived as a go-to destination with more than enough to keep you and the little ones busy for the day!
Foodies of the Future
Ever an optimist, I am convinced that, one day, my family and I will spend our evenings cooking together in the kitchen, sharing our mutual love of fresh ingredients and memorable meals. For now, the current weekly food shop consists of several forms of bread product and a significant amount of prepackaged cheese. Still, I live in hope. If you do have a budding chef on your hands, perhaps you could enjoy one of Brighton Cookery School’s adult and child classes together (19th and 21st August). Alternatively, you could indulge in a Sunday pootle round the newly established Preston Park Market.
The foodie jewel in the crown has to be the Chilli Pickle’s incredible “kids eat Free” deal available this summer. We went for lunch a few weeks ago and, honestly, this is a deal you absolutely cannot miss. The children’s menu offers great choice; you might find yourself reaching for their plate rather than your own!
Keep an eye out for more ‘kids eat free’ Restaurants Brighton offers and family-friendly events all summer long.
Cecily English is a travel consultant based in Brighton. Want to find out more about her bespoke itineraries? Check out her blog Brighton to Bordeaux and Beyond or find her on Instagram at Cecily.English.Hays.Travel
