Does it feel like we just finished the Christmas break and already the kids are back with us for a week away from school? Yes, it’s true, half term is just around the corner! If you are struggling with ideas on how to fill this time, we’re on hand with a whole list to keep the little ones busy – whether it be nature, history or something a little more active.
Fairytales at the castle
Put your imagination to the test and head down to Dover Castle to uncover a range of personalities from England’s history and delve into the stories and tales from how the castle played its part in the country’s past. Throughout the week, the castle will put on adventures which are sure to spellbind even the most grown up of your group.
Enchanted characters
Penshurst Place continues the fairy tale theme with a trail around the 11 acres of gardens, where children can collect clues from characters from the enchanted forest to reveal a hidden message. As well as the gardens, the house and all of the other stately homes' areas such as the house and toy museum are open during February half term, so you can get your history fix too.
Nature exploration
Spring is knocking (almost!) on the door and nature is starting to appear across the county. Learn and discover with Hever Castle’s Living With Nature event, a chance to learn how to create natural habitats for wildlife in your garden and even take away your own bug hotel!
Glorious golf
If you fancy something a little more active, head over to Tudor Park for their golfing half term camps for children. One of the best courses for nurturing young golf talent - the Tudor Golf Course - will be running two camps per day. One for five to nine-year-olds and one for 10 to 15-year olds. Youngsters can go for a single morning session to find their feet or really get into the swing of things with sessions throughout the week.
Gargoyles at Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral will be hosting local artist Greg Stobbs for workshops to create gargoyles to inspire a brand new Cathedral Gargoyle mascot. During the drawing-based workshop, youngsters will not only will get a sneak peak of the new lion gargoyles which will soon be pride of place on the cathedral roof, they’ll also have a chance to create their very own character which will help inspire Greg’s design of the final mascot!
Scavenger Hunt at Betteshanger Park
It's time to put your tracking skills to the test at Betteshanger this week! Tackle the obstacles and trek across the park to find the 16 hidden picture clues. Water jumps, rope swings and balance beams are all waiting to trip you up, so watch your footing and don't forget to keep any eye out for those clues!
February Fun and Frolics at Kent Life
Take the kids out for a visit to the farm and enjoy a day packed with fun, including tractor rides, a bouncy castle and shows in the big top. Little ones will even catch their first glimpse of spring as they meet the new born lambs frolicking in the farmyard.
Chinese Year of the Dog at Royal Engineers Museum
The Royal Engineers Museum celebrates its links with China this week. Take inspiration from the collection of beautiful Chinese silks and create your own shoulder bag, or craft your own sock puppet dog in honour of the Chinese Year of the Dog.
Children's Week on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
This week, steam through the countryside and enjoy a good old fashioned trip on the railway with the whole family. Craft activities will be running all week for Romney Rover ticket holders, and Romney Bear will be making special guest appearances, so don't miss out on the chance to meet the bear himself!
At Ightham Mote this week, children will delight in the tale of the "The Elf Mound" on a trail through beautiful gardens. Along the way, stop off at Discovery Den to get stuck into some wild art, and then burn off some of that half term energy in the natural play area.
Head to the events page here to find even more taking place across the county!
