Time to round up the family! With summer fast approaching, we know just how important family time is, no matter how much the younger members of the family may disagree! Once the technology is away and the school term ends for summer, we’re certain you’ll be able to get them on board for a family event they’ll be sure to love.
Whether you're looking to teach your little ones a thing or two with a summer's paddle or are looking to entertain the whole family with some fairy tale magic, our round up of these summer events in Kent will make the perfect day out for your young ones.
Port Lympne
Get the family together for a captivating day out at Port Lympne and experience all there is to offer. Would you believe there are 900 animals to discover, yes you heard right, 900! From super-swinging gibbons and cheeky squirrel monkeys to majestic tigers and powerful rhinos, but, that not all that’s in store. Why not take your little monkeys back in time as they come face-to-face with RAWSOME life-sized creatures, in the UK’s largest dinosaur forest!
Did we forget to mention the host load of events taking place in August, perfect for your little ones this summer?! We hear, PAW Patrol, Bluey & Bingo and Hey Duggee are all set to make an appearance to the park, making the PAW-FECT chance for them to meet their cartoon heroes...And just to top it all off, this is all included in the cost of your ticket! Book today to save disappointment.
Fun for young explorers at Canterbury Cathedral
Explore the amazing history and craft of the Cathedral with interactive activities including stonemasonry, clay making, and storytelling. New for this summer is Gregory Gargoyle's Nature Trail! From a huge Baobab Plane Tree to a 20-foot wooden War Horse nicknamed Joey – there’s lots to discover in our beautiful gardens! This summer, use Gregory Gargoyle’s clues to explore our outdoor spaces and see what you can uncover hiding amongst the plants! Return your completed trail to the Cathedral Shop to claim your free prize!
Medway Summer Trails
This Summer, children can complete the Medway Summer Trails for a chance to win tickets for family fun all across Medway! Start the trail at any of the following places: Rochester Castle, Upnor Castle, Eastgate House, Temple Manor or The Guildhall Museum to pick up your free lanyard and stamp booklet and begin the trail! Once you complete the different trails at each venue, you can earn a stamp and badge.
Collect all 5 badges to claim your ultra-special Sea Plane badge, and be entered into a draw to WIN a bundle of family tickets for loads of attractions across Medway!
Credit: D_Keano
Leeds Castle
Bring your picnic blankets and let your hair down in Leeds Castle’s brand-new musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Rapunzel. This exciting production will have the whole family captured by its catchy songs and remarkable characters, as they take you on a magical story with some interactive moments that may involve a water gun or two!
Monster Slam
Big Pete is back! He’s large, he’s strong and he weighs 7.5 tons! So you have probably guessed we are not referring to a human being, but only one of Europe’s largest Monster Trucks. Watch this powerful beast along with other fantastic monster trucks as they leap 15ft high and put on an impressive show for all you crazy truck fans. There is so much more to experience on the day including motorcycle stunts and action packed stuntman shows too!
Solley's Ice Cream Parlour
Your little ones will be in for a sweet treat when spending the day at Solley’s Farm, and so are you! The ice cream parlour has a variety of over 15 yummy flavours for everyone to try, from Blue Bubble-gum to Chocolate Brownie, who doesn’t love cooling off with a delicious treat on a summer's day!? Why not arrange your family's visit at a weekend and explore the farm on a Tractor Ride?
Pirates and Knights at Dover Castle
Join Dover Castle this summer for Pirates (30th-31st July) and their Knights tournament (27th - 29th August). Sail back in time and immerse yourself in this pirate event with shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities, there’ll be plenty of piratical fun for the whole family. Take action in the ultimate test of strength and skill at the Dover Castle Knights’ Tournament. Swords will clash and the winner will be decided in the Grand Melee finale. Immerse yourself in medieval life in the encampment, where you can meet people from the Middle Ages, witness hand crafts, weapon repairs, cooking and life at camp.
Biddenden Tractorfest
Biddenden Tractorfest is set to make an unforgettable entrance to your summer this August. With the registered charity, Kent County Agricultural Society and a group of volunteers working together to make this day as fun and affordable as possible. Expect to see local crafts and businesses, as well as tractor rides, arena displays and children’s entertainment along with local artisan food & drink and fantastic live music, to name just a handful of the attractions you’ll expect to find at this event.
Summer Nights Disco on the Pier
The Herne Bay Pier is getting in the summer vibes this August by bringing you a Summer Nights Family Disco. Expect to see DJ5 hosting your evening, bringing you the sounds of all the family favourites that will make you dance the night away. You’ll be pleased to hear the much-loved Beer on the Pier, Hut 19 and Food Court will be open to help fuel your evening of family fun!
Hop Farm
Bringing you a summer packed with entertainment, ready and waiting for the whole family to enjoy, with some “special treats” arriving for the summer holidays. With rides and attractions ranging from the Giant Jumping Pillows to the Magical Castle, or why not spend some time visiting their lovable animals? Prepare for some splashing fun with the Bumper Boats or get your cameras at the ready, as you may spot some of your children’s favourite TV characters!
Belmont House and Gardens
Cinderella is welcoming you and your mini princes and princesses to the ball this summer with an enchanting open air theatre production of the fairy tale we all know and love. Join Belmont House and the magical kingdom as they take you all on Cinderella’s journey to a magical ball. Little ones can truly immerse themselves into the story and dress up as their favourite characters, but there’s nothing to stop parents channelling their inner Disney side too!
You Shall go to the Ball!
Penshurst Place
For new-walkers trying to find their feet or energetic toddlers looking to let off some steam. Your little ones can make the most of the soft grass at Penshurst Place, as well as ponds filled with vibrant coloured fish and birds that nestle in the surrounding trees, all making the perfect sensory experience for your tiny tots. Alongside this, you can find the Adventure Playground with a toddler area for your little runners.
Canoe Wild
Young paddlers will learn the waves of the water and have the chance to become young independent paddlers with Canoe Wild this summer. There’s a chance to learn new skills and make new friends, whilst paddleboarding or kayaking on the waters. Why not book all 6 lessons, allowing your mini swimmers the chance to achieve their Paddle Star Award?
Coastal Explorers
Round up your little explorers, it’s time to wander the beaches of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate! Coastal Explorers are turning your family's trip to the beach into an adventure, offering packs filled with equipment that will help you all along the way. With the chance to learn essential explorer skills, little ones will soon become a pro seaside researcher!
The Micro Museum
The Micro Museum in Ramsgate are giving younger children the chance to experience all the fun and excitement that comes with playing on vintage computers and games. There are many age-suitable games to test out and experience, as well as the opportunity to embark upon a toy hunt around the museum, where little gamers can earn a certificate!
The Strand Leisure Park
Now, this day out will most definitely get all the family in that feel-good summer mood. When we finally see some glorious weather, we all know we have to make the most of it. So, what better way to do that than with soaking up the sun and having some splashing fun at Strand Open Air Pool! Bringing your families dreamed about abroad holiday to Kent, with an outdoor adventure pool and activities ranging from crazy golf to a miniature railway, there is something for all the family to enjoy!
Stagecoach Open Bus Top
The open-top bus is back and making its way to the Isle of Thanet! Tour the hottest destination of The Isle of Thanet this summer on the 69 route, taking you through Stone Bay, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. See the sights from high up before departing at one of Thanet’s destinations. Wherever you and your family are heading, arrive in style!
Broadstairs Folk Week
Head over to Broadstairs this summer for their Folk Week event taking place this August. Begin the day of fun at the bandstand, where little groovers can take part in the free daily morning Hobby Horse Club and participate in singsongs, dances and games! Expect to see performances from a fire blowing mascot that goes by the name of Clarence the Dragon and the galloping festival mascots, the Hooden Horses. Surrounded by goodies, music and craft stalls, this is an event you and your little ones don’t want to miss.
Bredgar and Wormshill Railway
Does your little one have a passion for trains? Then this may be the perfect event to keep them entertained this summer. Join Bredgar and Wormshill railway this August for a Model Railway themed event. The event involves a Model Railway Exhibition held in the engine sheds, with fantastic layouts to view, along with trade stands. There will also be a competition taking place outside the Tea Room. Tell your little ones to bring their favourite teddy and dress them up to compete in the Best Dressed Teddy Competition! We have to mention about the Teddy Bear Hunt that will be taking place throughout the day. Tell your mini investigators to put on their hunting hats and search for 12 hidden teddy bears around the park to receive a free gift if they find all 12!
Wild Classroom
Book a Wild Classroom experience this summer and take your little chefs through the beautiful orchards of the National Fruit Collections at Brogdale. This Kids Cooking Session will teach them the ways of outdoor cooking and develop the skills required to be the ultimate wild chef. An enjoyable day for the family to spice up your summer with some delicious, healthy, seasonal fun!
Spellbound Summer at Hever Castle
Join Hever Castle from the 23rd of July until the 31st of August for a magical summer event offering a hands on approach with a series of activities young children will love. With lessons from magical wizards teaching spells and learning about magical creatures, children will enjoy a day out here and can come dressed up as fairy-tale characters.
Chequers Kitchen - Summer Cooking School
Chequers Kitchen are offering two cooking classes one for 8 to 12 year olds and one for 10 to 14 year olds.
This is an opportunity for children to spend three days with them learning to cook a lovely variety of dishes with a wide range of cooking skills. They will have fun and learn valuable cooking skills for life. On top of this they'll gently encourage the cautious ones to try new dishes and flavours!
The Scramble at The Battle of Britain Memorial
Youngsters love hands-on activities, and The Scramble Experience at the Battle of Britain Memorial has lots to see and do, including the chance to ‘shoot down’ enemy aircraft from the cockpit of a mock-up Hawker Hurricane. A unique film tells the story of the 1940 aerial conflict that changed the course of World War Two, while outside attractions at the clifftop site include a replica Spitfire and Hurricane.
Port Lympne & Howlett's
For a captivating day out for the whole family, why not bring your little monkeys to meet Port Lympne’s little monkeys? With hundreds of animals ranging from super-swinging gibbons and cheeky squirrel monkeys to majestic tigers and powerful rhinos, Port Lympne Reserve is sure to delight young adventurers as they immerse themselves in a wonderful world of wildlife.
Exploring 600 acres of parkland, you’ll also come face-to-face with prehistoric life-sized creatures in the UK’s largest dinosaur forest, set amidst three acres of beautiful natural woodland. Marvel at the tremendous T Rex, stare at the Stegosaurus, feel the terror of the Pterodactyl and scream at the spectacle of the Spinosaurus!
If you’re looking for a fantastic family day out filled with amazing animals, stunning views, plenty of food and drink options and a warm welcome, book your tickets for Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve here
Clip' N' Climb - Thanet
Clip ‘n Climb Thanet is a new 5,000 sq ft fun climbing centre, located at the Westwood Retail Park in Broadstairs. The climbing arena features over 15 colourful and unique climbing challenges designed to appeal to all age groups and abilities.
Challenges include the popular Stairway to Heaven, an impressive 7-metre Vertical Drop Slide and ValoClimb which uses the world’s first interactive gaming technology to combine climbing with gaming. Younger climbers will also soon be able to take part in regular toddler sessions that cater specifically to children aged 2-4 and their families.
Diggerland
There’s buckets of fun to be had at Medway’s ultimate adventure theme park. Diggerland is aimed at 4-14 years with loads of activities, rides to enjoy this summer. Located just a 15 minute drive away from Chatham, children are sure to enjoy an adventurous day out.
Buckmore Karting Circuit
Buckmore Karting Circuit are offering open junior sessions for over 8s where they can learn and train their driving skills. Bucmore will soon be offering Bambino training sessions for 6-7 year olds so keep your eyes peeled for updates. Fun fact - Buckmore Park is the place where Lewis Hamilton was discovered!
The Octonauts Come to The Royal Historic Dockyard Chatham
From 28 May – 4 September join Captain Barnacles and the Octonauts on an interactive, activity-based adventure through the tides of maritime history, learning the key skills needed to join the Octo-Crew. Free as part of admission ticket to The Historic Dockyard
Jousting at Hever Castle
The Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors once more for the annual Jousting tournaments The popular annual Jousting Tournaments return to Hever Castle on 16 and 17 July.
The Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal box. The Knights of Royal England’s tournaments provide the very best in jousting and medieval entertainment. Approximately 1¼ hours of spectacular action, stunts, falls, fights and galloping horses, a warmup, introductions, fanfares, professional commentary, and music throughout the show.
Bring a blanket to watch the tournament from the two acre field or watch the joust in style from the medieval spectator stands (£2 per seat). Then choose which knights you support and cheer them to glory. Test the skills you have seen on family and friends by buying mock shields, swords and armoury and finish your day off with an refreshing ice cream or cold drink.
Fly With Me Festival
On 20th August, kites will be taking to the skies over Dover as part of an immersive multi city kite festival to mark the anniversary of the fall of Afghanistan. Celebrating the ancient Afghan craft of kite flying, kites will fly in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, accompanied by music, theatre and dance, all artforms previously banned by the Taliban during the occupation of the country.
