Holly Price
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there are lots of family things to see, do and enjoy in Kent this summer. From observing endangered animals to taking on inflatable obstacle courses, we’ve rounded up some of the best summer holiday activities for kids in Kent below.
Family-Friendly Places to Stay in Kent
We’ve compiled a list of events, activities and things to do across the county of Kent, so that whether you’re on a family-friendly holiday or visiting from home, you can get your dose of summer holiday happiness. If you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay as a family, you can choose between pretty medieval streets and rural countryside in Faversham and Canterbury, or opt for coastal bliss on the north coast in Whitstable.
Further south, the seaside villages of Kingsdown, Walmer and St Margaret’s Bay offer relaxed charm, while Deal is a Georgian town with more hustle and bustle. If it’s nostalgic seaside fun you want, the resort towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate give the Isle of Thanet its characterful appeal.
Family-Friendly Things to do in Kent this Summer
Outdoor Cinema & Theatre
Location: Various locations throughout Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate
Dates: May to September
Stretching entirely throughout summer, families can enjoy blockbusters such as Top Gun at an outdoor cinema at The Oval Bandstand in Cliftonville, or daytime theatre performances in Broadstairs’ Pierremont Park created specifically for little ones. Find out more about the different screenings and performances here.
Taskmaster at Walmer Castle
Location: Walmer Castle & Gardens, CT14 7LJ
Dates: 19th July – 31st August
English Heritage has partnered with TV’s Taskmaster to create a hilarious day out that the whole family can enjoy. Simply book your entry to the castle (or turn up and enjoy it for free with English Heritage membership,) collect your Taskmaster scorecard and let the silliness begin. You can choose the date that best suits you by booking online here. In addition to the Taskmaster challenge, families can enjoy other onsite activities, including soft play, mini golf, den building, archery and an explorer trail.
Summertime Fun at Dreamland
Location: Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XJ
Dates: Various
Considered to be one of the UK’s oldest theme parks, Dreamland has evolved into the ultimate entertainment venue by the sea. Home to countless vintage-style rides, an arcade and a roller disco, it also hosts music events throughout the year – some upcoming acts include McFly, Olly Murs and the Sugababes. With food vendors throughout the park and popular pub and restaurant Cinque Ports just next door, it’s a one-stop shop for the ultimate family day out. Take a look at the complete events calendar and opening times here.
SUP, Kayak & Canoe at Canoe Wild
Location: Grove Ferry, CT3 4BP & Fordwich, CT2 0DE
Dates: Throughout summer
Set in a scenic spot on the River Stour, Canoe Wild offer a range of water-based activities including SUP, kayak and canoe hire, as well as guided tours and fun group activities such as raft building and summer camp sessions for children aged 8 – 16. There are even workshops to include your four-legged friend, known as doggy paddle days. Operating from two different locations just a short distance apart, Canoe Wild is the ultimate choice for those with water babies in tow.
Outdoor Activities at Betteshanger Park
Location: Betteshanger Country Park, CT14 0BF
Dates: Throughout summer
Let your little ones experience the ultimate adventure day out, with experiences such as archery, fossil hunting, forest school, the Boonies obstacle course and orienteering at Betteshanger Country Park. If you’re visiting as a group, you can even book private activities such as battle blasters or nightlining. On Saturday 16th August, the park will host Family Fest Fun, a free activity day with face painting, mini discos and a treasure hunt.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Location: Howletts Wild Animal Park, CT4 5EL
Dates: Throughout summer
Home to over 390 animals, Howletts Wild Animal Park is a 100-acre wildlife sanctuary with a specific focus on breeding rare and endangered species, with a Back To The Wild initiative that means, where possible, animals born at the park will be returned to protected areas of their natural habitat. Across the 52 species that call the park home, there are gorillas, rhinos, tigers, lemurs and wolves – among many others! From the 23rd July to 2nd September, kids’ tickets are just £10, and each week will be themed around a different animal, starting with tigers. There are lots of things for little ones to enjoy onsite, including a play area, animal meet & greets and the Creepy Crawly Experience.
Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park
Location: Wake and Aqua Park, Whitemills, CT13 9JB
Dates: Throughout summer
Another must-visit for any water babies, Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park is home to a cable wakeboarding area, floating obstacle course, open water swimming and even a sauna with cold plunge. Promising a fun day out, the 50-minute obstacle course sessions invite those aged 6 and over to tackle inflatable slides, walls, towers and humps Total Wipeout style. Even better, there’s a restaurant onsite, a welcome retreat after working up an appetite!
Shell Grotto
Location: Shell Grotto, CT9 2BU
Dates: Open every day from 16th July to 31st August
A fascinating mystery unearthed in 1835, Margate’s Shell Grotto is a 70ft underground chamber adorned entirely with shells. The walls and ceilings have been painstakingly mosaiced with 4.6 million shells – and nobody knows why. Divinely decorative and unchanged since its discovery almost 200 years ago, the Shell Grotto is a must-visit for history buffs and little mermaids alike. Interested in other underground adventures? There are also the Margate Caves, once a busy chalk mine and the Ramsgate Tunnels – the UK’s largest network of civilian wartime tunnels.
PYO at Felderland Farm
Location: Felderland PYO Farm, Deal, CT14 0BJ
Dates: Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
One of Kent’s largest pick-you-own farms, Felderland Farm is home to acres of strawberries, cherries, plums, raspberries, apples and blackberries. There is also an onsite cafe and play area – you don’t need to book, so just turn up at the farm and get picking.
Sport, Film and More at Folkestone Harbour
Location: Folkestone Harbour Arm, CT20 1QH
Dates: Various
Once the railway terminal for the Folkestone-Boulogne Ferry and departure point for soldiers on their way to the Western Front, today Folkestone Harbour Arm is a unique cultural attraction; a place to meet friends, see live music and sample the goods from nearly 30 independent food, drink and retail vendors. In ‘The Goods Yard,’ you’ll find a huge LED screen which has a movie and sports events screening programme, along with a range of food and drinks vendors.
Wingham Wildlife Park
Location: Wingham Wildlife Park, CT3 1JL
Dates: Throughout summer
Another great day out for animal lovers, Wingham Wildlife Park is home to the largest number of animal species in Kent, including penguins, tigers, red pandas and reptiles. There are also some animatronic dinosaurs to discover, along with play areas, soft play, and hands-on animal encounters.
Rare Breeds Centre Ashford
Location: Rare Breeds Centre, TN26 3RJ
Dates: Throughout summer
A brilliant mix of fun and education, the Rare Breeds Centre near Ashford is a working farm and animal sanctuary set in 100 acres of countryside. Children can meet a variety of rare-breed farm animals, enjoy the petting barn and take tractor rides through the grounds. Summer holiday events and activities include pig races, owl flying displays, and storytelling sessions. There’s also a woodland adventure trail, a hill fort, and an indoor soft play area.
