We know what it’s like, there are those days when the kids are bored, you’re tired of doing the same thing and you’re wracking your brains for something new to keep them entertained. Well, that’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up some of the best ideas and tips for fun family days out in Kent, from steam railways, to high rope adventures and go karting excitement. So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our selection and start earning some Brownie points!
Wonderworks
Margate has recently welcomed a wonderful family attraction to the town, where you can experience the wonders inspired by the UK’s best known hobby brands – Hornby. From model trains to James Bond cars, there's plenty of family-fun to be had over at Wonderworks.
Chartwell
The home of Sir Winston Churchill is the perfect family pit-stop. With 80 acres of grounds to explore there are plenty of adventures to be found. Family favourites include the bantam chickens and the life-size playhouse called Marycot in the gardens. Out in the woodlands enjoy lofty views from the two-story treehouse before sliding back down to earth, test your balance and agility in the old bomb crater and reach for the sky on the swings. Children and National Trust members under 5 go free.
Kent's Castles & Gardens
Let's have a think... Where to take the little ones to let off some steam, all whilst stepping back in Kent's history and soaking in a break taking view? Why a castle of course! And as we approach the warmer months, exploring Kent's gardens is a great way for your energised little ones to have some fun, and let's be honest a walk in the fresh air is something the parents can enjoy too!
Dreamland
As everybody's favourite vintage theme park, this land of dreams needs no introduction. Of course you have a whole selection of vintage rides, including the Big Wheel, Margate Express and Hurricane Jets, but there’s also the Roller Room. So strap on your skates, round up the family and head to Margate, because this is one dream you won’t want to wake up from.
Stay: Just 10-15 minutes from Margate, Liberty Cottage sleeps up to seven, making it perfect for a big family getaway to the coast.
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
So iconic is the Romney, Hythe and Dymchuch Railway that we happen to think any visitor to Kent ought to take a spin on it, and if you have youngsters in tow, it’s a must. Starting off in the seaside town of Hythe (for real Brownie points, don’t forget to pick up an ice cream), it’s all aboard the miniature railway, which steams along the coast to Dungeness. For the ultimate family day out, be sure to check out their Special Events throughout the year.
Penshurst Place
Yes, it’s a perfectly preserved manor house with some of the finest gardens in the county, but did you know Penshurst Place is also a top day out for children? With a Toy Museum (arguably the best kind of museum there is), Woodland Trails, and an Adventure Playground, this beautiful estate is a firm favourite for a historic day out. Feeling hungry? Head to the Porcupine Pantry for a delicious lunch.
Betteshanger Park
With miles of traffic-free tracks and trails, wildlife and regular family events, a day out at Betteshanger Park should be on every family’s list. Hire bikes, test out your archery skills, take on a geocaching treasure hunt and take your little ones out on an adventure. Be sure to visit the Kent Mining Museum whilst you're there too! This adventure is about to get even bigger.
Stay: Oldestairs House is minutes from the beach, sleeping up to ten guests, so why not make this a big family get-together? The kids will love the games and TV room, while parents can relax in the large garden.
Emmetts Garden
Enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the gardens, fresh air and wide-open views at Emmetts Garden. Head to the meadow for a picnic or pick something from the games cupboard to play with. Check out the Wild play area for some imaginative outdoor fun and head to the Old Stables Tearoom for a drink or something to eat.
Go Ape Bedgebury
If you’ve got a head for heights, it doesn’t get much more dramatic than high up on the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. Swing through the trees on high ropes and whoosh along zip wires on an adventure the whole family can enjoy. Or why not tackle the cargo nets and fly down the Tarvan Swing with gusto in the Treetop Challenge. Bonus points if you can do a better Tarzan call than your little monkeys!
Howletts Wild Animal Park
With a variety of animals big and small, not to mention the chance to meet Animals of the Ice Age, Howletts is a family favourite. Whether the kids are fascinated by giant anteaters or in awe of the elephants, you’ll find plenty of creatures to keep them wild at heart.
Wildwood
Little ones will love Wildwood and with plenty to keep them busy, you’ll love it too. The Wildwood Trust's mission is to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife, so you'll have the chance to learn about their work and come nose to nose with over 200 species, set in 40 acres of ancient woodland.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
With a family ticket that can last all year, you and the kids can visit this Kent icon again and again, so you’ll be delighted to hear about the latest child-friendly event going on at the Dockyard this spring and summer. Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks will give mini seafarers the chance to explore the tales of iconic shipwrecks, brought to life in large-scale LEGO models. Spanning more than 3000 years, this exhibition includes thousands of LEGO bricks and the chance to learn about each ship’s story.
Dover Castle
Discover 2000 years of history at Dover Castle. Travel deep inside the White Cliffs to explore the atmospheric Underground Hospital within the Secret Wartime Tunnels or immerse yourself in the royal court of King Henry II in the Great Tower. With the brand new Dover Castle Under Siege exhibition, the whole family can learn about the forgotten siege of 1216-17, which stopped the English throne from falling into French hands, and even get hands-on at the Siege! Play area.
Stay: You've had your taste of Kent's castles, so we're keeping things indulgent with our next stay. Sleeping up to 12 guests, Stone Hall Farmhouse comes complete with tennis courts, fireplaces, large gardens and more, all just 20 minutes from Dover Castle.
Aqua adventures, mini golf and more in Dover
It’s time to get adventurous in Dover, with Whitemill Wake and Aqua Park providing aquatic fun for all ages, and Roman Landings adventure golf boasting 18 holes of water features, rafts and plenty more challenges to take a swing at. For the historians, Sandwich Medieval Centre offers medieval crafts and skills demonstrations, while Dover Museum & Bronze Age Boat Gallery houses the world’s oldest known sea-faring boat, thought to be 3,500 years old! Mini petrol heads, head straight to the Dover Transport Museum, where over 50 historic road vehicles, a large-scale model railway and life-size street scenes are all on show. While the four-mile trip on the East Kent Railway is the perfect full-on family day out, granny and gramps too, Wingham Wildlife Park is made for the wild at heart, with wallabies, penguins and more to be met.
Subterranean fun in Margate and Ramsgate
We’re going underground in Margate with the mystery of Shell Grotto, a 70ft winding underground passage decorated with 4.6 million mosaiced shells! While Margate Caves is another of Margate’s curiosities, an underground world under the town. Ramsgate Tunnels is another intriguing underground network, which will take you on a journey back to World War Two when these tunnels were home to more than 1000 people as part of the Civilian Deep Shelter Air Raid Precaution scheme.
Canoe Wild
Families, it’s time to take to the water with Canoe Wild. Learn a new skill and enjoy a great value day out with family friendly paddles up the River Stour, and even family sunset canoe paddles from spring until summer. Spot wildlife, enjoy the views, try your hands at something new and see the river in a whole new light.
Knole
There are plenty of things for families to enjoy on a visit to Knole. Try a walk in the parkland along one of the marked walking routes. Climb the steps in the Gatehouse Tower and enjoy panoramic views from the top. Discover the historic showrooms, with a family-friendly spotter trail and prop boxes to enhance a visit. There's also a bookshop with an area dedicated to children's books, toys and games, and a café where you can get drinks, snacks and lunch.
