Oh, you knew this day was coming the minute you packed them off for their first day back just a few weeks ago. It’s the day you desperately search for October half term days out in Kent, while quietly marveling at the fact that once again you’ve left it until the last minute to plan anything. But that’s where we come in. Good as ever, we’ve scoured the county, done our research and packaged all the Halloween days out and half term fun up into one handy guide to keep you sane and the kids smiling all week.
Ready to take on another holiday? We’ll be there every step of the way (well, for the planning at least).
Terrifying Tunbridge Wells
OK, we lied, it’s not that terrifying at all because Tunbridge Wells also has plenty of events for little spooks who would really rather not be spooked. From days out on the Spa Valley Railway for just a pound per child (see, we told you there was nothing to be afraid of), to ventures down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland at the Trinity Theatre, these days out are the perfect kick start to the holiday. But if you do fancy a little spooktacular fun while you’re here, make sure you check out Penshurst Place for a potions master classes and witches’ trails, or Salomon’s Estate for a little monsters’ dance party, complete with fancy dress.
Creepy Canterbury
Ooo you’re in for an adventure in Canterbury! Not only will your little one have the chance to take a spooky quest through Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, but they’ll also be tasked with assisting medieval witch, Zelda, to make a potion to finally be rid of the plague (who knew that was hanging around here?) You’ve heard of a haunted house, but have you heard of a haunted museum? On 25-26thOctober The Beaney will be transformed into a horrifying haunted house, complete with a family trail and the chance to lift the curse over the Beaney; oh, and also win an Amazon Fire tablet!
Devilish Dover
Walmer Castle and Dover Castle are having a suspiciously spooky makeover this half term. Expect the unexpected, along with creepy crafts, quests and fancy dress. At Dover Museum things are taking a turn for the mystical, with a myriad of mythical creatures to be discovered. Speaking of curious creatures, you’ll find plenty of fauna and flora on a wander through Samphire Hoe, so make sure you round up the kids for a visit when the sun peeks through the clouds this week.
Trickery in Thanet
Are you prepared to be scared? No? It’s a good job Dreamland’s family friendly maze can be undertaken by the brave and the not so brave then. Once you’ve worked your way out, it’s time to learn a trick or two on the dance floor at the devilish disco – time to break out those vampire fangs. Or why not discover the secrets of Quex House by lantern light and find a few curious creatures along the way? Or how about boning up on skeleton identification? Find out what’s inside the animals of Quex and what makes a giraffe so different to a gorilla on a bone-rattling tour of the museum.
Horrifying history
Ghostly storytelling, a scarecrow scavenger hunt, deadly delicious biscuit decorating – does this sound like something your little ghoul could (literally) sink their teeth into? You’d better head to haunted Hever Castle – don’t forget your fancy dress!
Moving memorials
With the end of October marking 79 years since the end of the Battle of Britain conflict, this week is the perfect chance to give the kids a history lesson and learn about The Few. With a special 30% family discount to The Scramble Experience at the Battle of Britain Memorial, now’s the chance to visit, with hands-on activities and a multi-media introduction to the Battle of Britain to captivate even the little ones.
Chaos at Kent Life
Are you afraid of the dark? Are you sure? 23rd October is the chance to creep on a ghostly guided tour of Kent Life, dance the night away at the Ugly Bug Ball and a listen to a chilling tale or two. And don’t worry, the park will be just as creepy by day, with hair-raising activities, pumpkin carving and trick or treating in a haunted house or two.
A night away
Go on, admit it, you’ve been dreaming about a break since you packed the kids off to school back in September, so why not treat yourselves this half term? With the Hythe Imperial Hotel’s packages you can kick back in comfort, before climbing aboard the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway for a the ultimate family escape. Next stop – relaxation.
Express yourself
Fancy a morning of shopping in Canterbury for you, followed by an afternoon of fun at the Historic Dockyard Chatham for the kids? Forget about driving – hop on the the Stagecoach Express from Canterbury to Chatham and you and the kids can enjoy a day out the whole family will enjoy, with none of the parking woes!
Berlin Wall Art at the Royal Engineer Museum
Are you looking for a fun but educational trip for you and the family? For just £2.00 per activity, head down to the Royal Engineer Museum to create a piece of art inspired by the famous Berlin wall. With just a drawstring bag and some paint, you and the family will be showing off your amazing artistic skills!
Family Fun in Folkestone
If you're a family seeking fun, head down to Folkestone this half term. A Jam-packed week full of exciting activities and events fit for everyone. From performing puppets, fashion design workshops to outdoor artwork, we can guarantee if you’re in Folkestone you will not get bored! Folkestone’s Creative Quarter also offers you and the family the opportunity to buy local artwork and more, and even gives the opportunity to watch the artists themselves painting in the gallery! Exciting right?
Ghostly Gravesend
Gravesend is most definitely treating you guys this half term! There are so many family friendly activities near enough every day - perfect for when you all need to let loose and have fun. Head down to Gravesend High street to get stuck in with some spooky science and scary stories. If you're lucky enough you might even catch the magic show! Now i'm guessing that the kids enjoy a sing song? Of course they do. All the more reason to join in with Jay Foreman’s 'Disgusting Songs for Children', for an hour of singing, laughing and endless family fun.
Aqua Park Antics
Aqua Park is enough to make anyone's competitive side seep through the surface. So head down there now to challenge the family on the giant inflatable obstacle course at Bewl Water. This day out is guaranteed to entertain not just the children but the grown ups too! It’s your last chance to explore the floating obstacle as the Park is closing at the end of October. So, head over to their website now and book your tickets as soon as possible. This is a chance I know you will not want to miss!
A Fun Packed Festival
Canterbury Festival is soon returning and we can assure you this is not one you want to leave out of your diary. Beginning on the 19th October, the opening parade alone is something you surely can’t miss. From astronauts to bag pipes, Canterbury High Street will be booming with entertainment. Excited yet? Well that isn’t all, join Captain Cauliflower and Marvin the Mischievous Moose for a performance that is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.
Really wild
Wildwood is turning positively ghoulish this half term! Put the brave faces on for sightings of creepy crawlies, a spider trail (yep, arachnophobes beware), Halloween crafts and even potion making! But it's not all frights and fears - adventurers can get stuck into bushcraft, wolf tales and even the chance to get a close up of the intriguing bat (but never fear, Dracula is nowhere to be seen).
Brilliant Bluewater
From adventures with Shaun the Sheep and clay modelling workshops, to the award-winning nature trail alongside "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", you're in for a wild time at Bluewater this month. What's more, with plenty of prehistoric fun at Dinotropolis Adventure Park and GraVity Trampoline Park, you'll find enough to keep the whole family busy for the day.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
We're journeying to the dungeon at Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway this week. Beware of ghostly goings on and creepy critters on this thrilling journey aboard the Halloween Express. Expect plenty of ghoulishly dressed guards and don't forget to put on your own Halloween best for this spooky trip.
