February half term in Kent kicks off on 17th February, a chance to catch your breath, spend some time with the kids and generally look forward to time spent together as a family. With so many family days out and so little time, we’ve gathered together the best half term plans in Kent, sharing our top ideas for days out with the kids and fun events, specially organised by attractions across the county.
Oliver! At The Malthouse, Canterbury
We’re jumping straight into the theatrical with our first day out as Oliver! will be coming to the stage at The Malthouse Theatre in Canterbury. Follow the story of the famous orphan in this theatrical masterpiece, which brings to life the work of Charles Dickens. Sure to capture the imagination of your little ones, this musical is the perfect chance to show your little ones the magic of the stage.
Canterbury’s museums
In Canterbury the museums offer a fantastic great value day out. Head to The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge for fantastic exhibitions and collections, all completely free to enter, or dive into Canterbury’s Roman past with a visit to The Roman Museum which offers low cost entry for children, and a real family friendly insight into life in Roman Britain.
Wildwood Trust
The wild at heart will love our next location, The Wildwood Trust, a 40 acre park in the heart of the Kent countryside. Home to more than 200 British species, including bears, wolves and arctic foxes, it offers a fab family friendly way to see wildlife in their natural habitats. For real wildlings, we recommend booking them up a Junior Animal Experience. Choose between the Reptile Experience, Wallaby Experience (our favourite) or the Junior Zookeeper Experience for the chance to get hands on learn about how the animals are fed and cared for.
Coastal discoveries
The Isle of Thanet will always be one of our top choices to blow away the cobwebs and quell those cries of “I’m bored”. This half term wrap up warm and pick up a Coastal Explorer Pack from Margate or Broadstairs and get stuck in with all the equipment you need for an afternoon of marine discovery. Unpack activity cards, ideas for trails, essential explorer skills and marine identification gear for a day out packed with adventure.
Fun filled days out in Thanet
If the weather turns, Jump Inc at Westwood Cross is a great spot to burn off excess energy with an indoor trampoline park, laser tag and more to make them jump for joy. While the subterranean worlds of Shell Grotto, Ramsgate Tunnels and Margate Caves are true hidden gems, delving into the area’s curiosities, mysteries and wartime heritage. For a day out to keep teenage minds ticking over, check out Thanet’s Escape Rooms, while Lost Island Adventure Golf is brilliant for Interactive AR Darts and family favourite, adventure golf.
Turner Contemporary
Another free family favourite, Turner Contemporary’s ever-changing exhibitions and galleries are sure to capture the imagination of budding artists, while the Sculpture Playscape in the Core Learning Studio is a fascinating interactive artwork from Leap Then Look which encourages kids of all ages to explore, encouraging visitors to create, take photographs and most of all, play, in this incredible space.
The Wonderworks
Remember when we mentioned rainy day ideas, The Wonderworks is right up there as a multi-generational family favourite. Visit the immersive experience and step into the world of Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Corgi and Pocher, getting hands on with models, kits, displays and the history behind some of UK’s most loved toys.
Keepers Cottages
You’ve made it through the first few weeks of term, it’s time to pack your bags and escape for a few days with the whole family. From big beautiful coastal properties like The Pink House in Deal, Flamingo House in Whitstable and Oldestairs House in Kingsdown, each made for big family gatherings, to the more cosy The Abode in Sandwich, Star Cottage in Whitstable and then favourite Sea to Sea in Hythe and Liberty Cottage in Broadstairs, each of these cottages offers the perfect home from home. What’s more, many of these top choices are pet friendly, so you don’t even need to worry about who’s taking care of the family pooch while you’re away.
Betteshanger Park
Betteshanger Park, situated between Deal and Sandwich, is a wonderful 250-acre country park with a whole host of activities like cycling, fossiling, geocaching and archery. Made for adventurous families, including those tricky teens, this is a great way to get the whole gang out for some fresh air. Whilst here visit the Kent Mining Museum, telling the story of the Kent Coalfields from the discovery of coal to the closure of the mines.
Dover discoveries
In Dover the options are endless. Get up close to nature with a visit to Samphire Hoe, a reserve crafted from the spoils of the Channel Tunnel, relax and enjoy the first signs of spring at Kearsney Parks, try out your swing at Roman Landings Adventure Golf, or meet penguins, chimps and moon bears at Wingham Wildlife Park. For more indoor fun, The Sandwich Guildhall Museum has an original Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest, while The Dover Museum & Bronze Age Boat Gallery is an award winner with an actual bronze age boat right on site!
Dover Castle
High up on those White Cliffs of Dover, history is in the making at Dover Castle. Join characters from the past and experience heritage-inspired hijinks and fun at their half term event. Trust us, Dover Castle is a full day out, so get ready to head underground in the Secret Wartime Tunnels, let little soldiers take on the brand new Siege play area and experience the new Dover Castle Under Siege exhibition, an interactive exhibit about the forgotten tale of the 1216-17 siege.
