What can we do with two under 3's in Brighton this Saturday?

[Holymoly321]

We're thinking of going to Brighton on Saturday with 3yr and 11mth old DS's. Obv they won't want to be dragged round the shopping lanes, so what else can we do with them to justify the long drive to Brighton?

the sea life centre?

hi custardo, we\ve been there so many times now that I\m starting to think I'm a fish! Just wondered if there were any other gems (if I had my way I'd walk round the lanes window shopping then spend the afternoon in the pub, but I dont think the boys will let me!

Go to the beach and throw pebbles at the sea, stroll on the Pier (maybe have fish and chips [yum]). There is a mini bumper car where a mates 3 yr old had a great time - almost as much fun for the parents watching their son try to maneuver the car and just going round and round in circles. If you are there later in the afternoon the starlings flock together and perform amazing swooping patterns - your 3 yr old maybe too young for this but it prompted a friends 6 yr old to ask me whether they practise!

If it is wet the Jubilee St Library has a very good kids area - and it is in the north laines so you could sneak in a couple of shops on the way.

Hmm - now what else.....

Royal Pavilion, Brighton

The Royal Pavilion is one of the most spectacular buildings in England. The Indian style exterior and oriental interior are simply stunning. Admission is currently £6.10 for adults and £3.60 for children but these prices are subject to change. The pavilion is open every day from 9.30am to 5.45pm. In the winter months opening hours are a little shorter from 10am to 5.15pm. For further details call 01273 603005 or visit www.royalpavilion.org.uk

Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Green

The wonderful Bluebell Railway takes you all the way from Lewes to East Grinstead in some style. The old steam railway line twists and turns through wonderful Sussex countryside giving you a sense of life in the early 20th century. Tickets cost £9 for adults and £4.50 for the kids every day from 11am to 4pm. In the winter, the railway only operates at weekends. For further details call 01825 720800 or go to www.bluebell-railway.co.uk

City Sightseeing Brighton
start point: Grand Junction Road, opposite Coach Station, Brighton.
Tel 01273 886200Open top bus tour - Tour highlights include the antique shops of The Lanes, the Royal Pavilion, the Seafront and the Pier. Tour lasts 50 minutes. Hop on and off at leisure. Frequency every 30 minutes.

Preston Park, Preston Park, Brighton,
BN1 6HN
Website This is a great place to take the family, walks, ponds, playground, gardens and a cafe.

Brighton Toy and Model Museum, 52/55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4EB.
Tel: 01273 74 94 94
www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk
Over 10,000 exhibits, collections from the last 100 years, examples from the world's top toy makers, models and souvenirs to buy. Meccano and other construction toys , puppets and toy theatres are on display Shop

Brighton Fishing Museum, 201 King's Road Arches , BRIGHTON, BN1 1NB,
Tel: 01273 723064
www.sussexmuseums.co.uk
This Fishing Museum contains a 27ft beach boat, prints, photographs and memorabilia of Brighton seafront life from the Regency days. It operates a 12 seater passenger boat, Skylark, off the beach in fair weather.

Queens Park, South Avenue, Brighton BN2 0BP,
Tel: 01273 293080
Website
Great family park set in a sheltered valley and formerly a victorian pleasure garden known as Brighton Park. There's a lake with ducks to feed, playground, sandpit, wildlife garden and scented garden. Cafe

Funplex, The Hyde Business Park, Aukland Drive, Bevendean, Brighton, BN42 4JE
Tel: 01273 690888
www.funplex.co.uk
Indoor Play Centre with slides, cannon arena, maze. For toddlers 2 level play frame with slide, ball pool and large baby area. Birthday Parties. Cafeteria.

Prince Regent Swimming Complex,
Address: Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1YA
Tel: 01273 685692
Website
This swimming complex is the home of four superb swimming pools, a fabulous gym and health suite. There are aqua exercise classes, swimming lessons and fun sessions for all the family.

Momma Cherri's Big House
2-3 Little East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HT
Tel: 01273 325305
www.mommacherri.co.uk Family dining - International foods, American style BBQ, 3 unique and different bars, Celebrity cooks demo. Guest DJs. Live entertainment, Children's cookery and talent contest. Fun and games for all ages.