Summer has arrived, and parents, that has got to mean it’s time to start planning how on earth you’re going to keep your little ones entertained this summer. Six weeks may seem endless, but with beaches, family friendly events and a whole sweep of attractions on offer in Kent, we’re here to help you make those plans, make those memories and reduce that stress!
Dover Castle
It’s Medieval Season at Dover Castle, with jester workshops, archery, storytelling, squire training and lessons in courtly etiquette set to transport you to life in medieval times. With a different activity every week, this summer may just be the chance to get yourselves an English Heritage membership! For those little ones who are more sea-farers than land-lovers Pirates! on 5th – 6th August will be packed with stories of history’s most famous pirates, with tales of booty, bounty and barnacles on board – arrrrrrrrgh!
Ightham Mote
It’s time to meet the Tudors at Ightham Mote. Five weeks of exciting Tudor trails, performances, activities and fun are waiting to be discovered. Take on the Shield Trail for a wander into Ightham Mote’s past, get into the festival spirit at the Tudor Weekend on 29th – 30th July, get crafty on Tuesdays throughout August, and enjoy hands-on history demonstrations, ranging from crime and punishment, to feasting and battles and tournaments. If your kids have been learning about the Tudors, this is THE place to bring them.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Join the team of Octonauts as they return to the Dockyard this summer for their Deep Sea Adventure, venturing into the deepest parts of the ocean to make brand new discoveries. Think you've got what it takes to join them? Grab your map and log, and head on out with the team of explorers to solve mysteries, identify creatures from the deep, and earn yourself the honorary title of Octo-Agent. We'll see you there!
Walmer Castle
All summer long, Walmer Castle will be hosting adventures with their Summer Explorer Quest. While parents will no doubt be captivated by Walmer’s iconic gardens, we can guarantee the kids will be more excited by the historical quest through the grounds, particularly as there’s a certificate to be won! Better yet, online bookings save 10%.
Bloom Stays
Bloom Stays has some incredible accommodation, ranging from little country cottages to grand manors, but if you want to get the whole family together, we recommend checking out Old Harrow Barn in Egerton. Sleeping 11 people and with a cinema room, games room and hot tub, this is one for those big family getaways, with granny and gramps in tow. For even bigger get-togethers, Perry Farm in Wingham sleeps 14 and is a true country house experience.
Ashford Designer Outlet
Why not treat the entire family to a day at Ashford Designer Outlet, with huge savings on over 100 designer brands and when we say the entire family, we mean everyone! Dogs are welcome in most of the stores and cafes, just look for the pawprint logo in the window. Now there is even more to do for all the family, with an outdoor Joy Garden featuring deck chairs and cosy bean bags, perfect for catching some sunshine after your retail therapy
Hever Castle
Summer is set to be big at Hever Castle. The calendar is packed with jousting events, falconry displays, and the Heroes and Villains School! Little ones will be trying their hands at activities, challenges and more, testing out their skills and even learning a few secret signs and calls! These skills will come in handy as they're called on a quest to defeat the villain and be the last hero standing. Dress up in your finest crusader costume and prepare to prove that sometimes heroes really do wear capes.
Kent Cookery School
If you’ve got a budding chef in the house, Kent Cookery School’s 5-week adult and child course has got to be on the hitlist. Each week you and your mini-Jamie Oliver will flex your culinary muscles with five different sessions, learning the art of doughnut making, tasting and making Mexican street food, trying your hard at Thai street food, sharpening up your skills with a pasta making workshop, and rounding off the summer with a Neapolitan pizza class.
Dreamland
Is it really the summer holidays if you haven’t enjoyed ice-cream-fueled fun and laughter by the coast? Everyone’s favourite vintage theme park in Margate is here to bring a little colour to your summer, with rides, roller skating and adventure golf to be discovered. Enter for free and pick up the Mega Saver Deal, getting 20 tokens for just £40. With many rides costing just one token a go, there’s a whole lot of excitement to be had.
The Isle of Thanet
And speaking of fun by the coast, let’s get down there. Little learners will be able to get hands-on with Coastal Explorer Packs this summer, or even enjoy Thanet Coast Project Seashore Safaris for the chance to learn about the area’s rocky chalk shores and fascinating rockpool worlds. For those slightly less sunny days, the Hornby Visitor Centre is the perfect place to take the kids and maybe even the grandparents for a glimpse of those iconic toys past and present. While the Crab Museum spills all the secrets on these remarkable creatures of the coast.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Hey Duggee, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Bluey and Bingo and PJ Masks are all making an appearance at Howletts Wild Animal Park this August! Yes, with a new favourite character arriving each week, your little ones will have the chance to meet their heroes alongside Howletts’ many, many animals. Meeting Peppa Pig and spotting the Howletts elephants – what a day! Plus with the Howletts and Port Lympne Annual Pass offering unlimited visits for a year, you may just want to come back each week and meet the whole gang.
Chiddingstone Castle
The Festival Theatre will be making a grand entrance stage right at Chiddingstone Castle this summer with live theatre in the Orangery. Choose between The Grimm Sisters, Peter Pan Slapstick Picnic or the Jungle Book and enjoy a relaxed, totally family-focused outdoor theatre experience that’s made for 3-11 year olds. Bring along a picnic blanket, chill out and enjoy the entertainment in the most picturesque theatre setting in town.
Medway
There’s a whole barrel of fun going off at Upnor Castle this summer as children are invited to track down gunpowder barrels to help answer questions all about the soldiers who once lived here. Of course, there’s a badge up for grabs, and even a special stamp to be collected! While just up the road Fort Amherst will play host to the Sticks ‘n’ Stone Festival, which aims to help provide young people with the tools they need to develop wellbeing, healthy living and mindfulness skills in amongst a whole lot of fun, including climbing, yoga, skating and plenty of games.
Knole
See Knole in a whole new view this summer as frames big and small will be popping up along a brand new frames and paintings trail through the park. Spy terrific views of the house and gardens, uncover paintings and be sure to get snapping along the way. Better yet, the trail is completely free as part of your entry to Knole and suitable for kids big and small.
Leeds Castle
This summer Lady Baillie’s former home has launched its very own beach for sunshine revellers and families to enjoy a beach experience in the heart of the countryside as part of their entry fee. Bring along the bucket and spade, bag yourself a deck chair, and tuck into ice creams overlooking the Great Water. Perfectly positioned opposite the Maze & Grotto, little ones will be in the prime location to enjoy some of the castle’s other family favourites, including two playgrounds, the obstacle course, and the birds of prey. We’ve even heard they may be a few more sandy surprises to enjoy too, with special beach events still to be announced.
