Just as quickly as the leaves have turned their Insta-worthy shades of red, yet another half term break has snuck up on us in here in Kent! It’s true - the long, hot summer seems as though it was here just yesterday, but fear not – venues across the county have been busy cooking up a boredom-busting itinerary of fun ready to entice little ones next week! We've got all you need for Halloween right here too, so believe us, there's definitely enough going on in Kent to keep little monsters entertained until the school bell chimes once more...
Pirate Stew at Historic Dockyard Chatham
Ahoy matey! Who dares come aboard arrrg ship?! Of course, Historic Dockyard Chatham are ready to introduce little one’s Long John McRon, Ship Cook, and his intrepid pirate crew as the bestselling children's book Pirate Stew inspires a discovery trail around the dockyard ready for this half term. This hilarious story aimed at 4-7 year olds comes to life with the help of a special recipe booklet and treasure map – perfect for any swashbuckling little ones!
Canterbury Cathedral
Little adventurers need to head to historic Canterbury Cathedral this half term as Gregory Gargoyle has hidden 10 of his favourite facts around the Precincts ready to be found! Follow Gregory’s map and answer his tricky quiz to bag yourself a cathedral prize! Kids will love this educational but fun day out… and with Canterbury Cathedral’s Kids Go Free offer still on, we have a feeling parents will enjoy this one too!
Fright at the Museum: Spider Stories
Ignite those spidey senses as you explore The Beaney Museum in Canterbury with Anansi, the famous web-slinging trickster of African folklore who will take you on a trail around the museum – and you’ll unlock a very special exhibition should you solve his trick or treat puzzles! We recommend a trip to this one on Saturday 30th October for their Spooktacular, dimmed-lights experience to really get in that Halloween spirit!
Halloween storytelling and garden trail at Penshurst
Dare you enter the bone-chilling atmosphere of the ancient Baron’s Hall during Halloween? For this is the time of year when the Hideous Hag of the Hall stakes a claim on her territory and holds her audience spell-bound with her tales of toil and trouble. Making herself completely at home with her cauldron and firepit, the Hag will take delight in telling her child-friendly tales throughout the day from 25th – 28th October, whilst her audience will be able to fortify themselves with hot chocolate beforehand!
The Battle of Britain Memorial
Immerse yourself in the world of Britain's aircraft force on the war-torn frontline in 1940 at The Battle of Britain Memorial. Their scramble experience makes for a moving and reflective exhibit that is equally interactive and fun - sit in the cockpit and see who can shoot down an enemy aircraft, and be mesmerized watching their short film explaining what life was like for the pilots during the summer of 1940. Best of all? It's buy one get one free this whole half term at the memorial.
Treats at Macknade
There are plenty of spooky treats in store for the whole family to enjoy at Macknade Faversham and Ashford this October Half Term! Starting on Saturday 23rd October, customers can explore the stores to discover devilishly delicious goodies and treats to take home, ideal for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Designed with little imps in mind, there will be a fun pumpkin trail to follow, collecting the letters along the way to reveal a mystery phrase and claim a sweet prize, plus a free kid’s activity sheet, packed with fun things to do including recipes, colouring in and word searches.
Royal Engineers Museum
Half term kicks off on Sunday October 24th with ‘UXBs to IEDs’ a special event dedicated to looking at the past and present bomb disposal work of the Royal Engineers. See search dog displays and find out why they are often used in explosive ordnance disposal. Tour their galleries to explore how the Royal Engineers became the Army’s bomb disposal experts, and try out search equipment with Sappers from 101 Engineer Regiment!
The Wild Classroom at Belmont House
Fancy some foraging in the autumnal gardens of Belmont House this half term? Perfect for families, Wild Classroom have got everything you need for an outdoorsy and culinary day out, including a tour of their spectacular gardens before cooking up your seasonal treats over fire in the spinney! This unique event is sure to inspire the whole family to get outdoorsy this October!
Wider Experiences Bike Rides
Take the opportunity to teach the little ones a new skill this half term - it's never too early to start them riding and never too late to teach them the right skills to ride on the road safely and confidently! Set the kids up for a lifetime of fun outdoor adventure with a cycling lesson or experience with Wider Experience. Lessons and experiences are for all ages and abilities and a how to ride as a family session is also available during that week.
A seaside adventure in The Isle of Thanet
From a boredom-busting day in the darkness at Margate Caves to fresh air-fuelled fun on the beach with a Coastal Explorer's Pack, Thanet certainly has a few ideas to keep the kids entertained. Round up the little ones and head to the coast for the perfect seaside day out!
English Heritage - Richborough Roman Fort
Calling all future Indiana Jones’! Richborough Roman Fort will be offering free guided archaeology in action tours of the excavation of the amphitheatre ready to inspire and educate the whole family – even the adults!
Canterbury Festival
Who’s heading off to join the circus? Canterbury Festival is here for half term, ready to put a smile on the face of every member of the family! Start the week with Mr Pineapple Head and the professional silliness perfect for making the little ones laugh with his visual comedy. Time-travelling magicians will be back with deception and delight perfect for the slightly older jokers, and make sure to get your tickets early for the amazing, high-flying card spinning Card Ninja! Expect many thrills, stunts and a hall full of laughter at the must-see performances this half term.
