It's half term here in Kent, a chance for the whole family to have some fun. However, if you don't know what to do or what's best suited for you children and their age group you may be frantically searching google for help! Visit Kent is here for you and your family and to help you have a memorable week, so we've created a list of some of the best child-friendly attractions Kent has to offer, from adventuring out and meeting Jurassic beasts to riding vintage steam trains, we're sure there's something for everyone here in Kent this half term.
Please note that some attractions may be closed or partially closed from the 18th of February due to safety concerns around Storm Eunice. Please check our partner websites for the latest information before traveling.
This half term take a trip back in time to Victorian England with the Charles Dickens Great Expectations Trail! Follow Dickens' pet, Grip the Raven, to find clues that will reveal the characters and story of this beloved Rochester-based classic. Plus you can discover your own Dickens character name! There's also an eye-spy trail available for the under-5's, so we know this experience will be loved by the whole family... and with free admission and just £1 for the trail, this is a fun but fascinating day out that won't break the bank!
Dive back to Dickens here... Rochester Guildhall Museum
Credit: Hever Castle
From the 12th of February to the 20th, kids and adults alike can enjoy Hever Castle's Nature Week! Visitors can head to the lake for a free nature themed scavenger hunt (wellies are advised!) Then head to the Think Tank classroom for a free Cone Critters workshop, where children can paint and decorate their very own pine cone and turn them into critters, or head into the castle and spot the various different types of wildlife hiding in the rooms!
Learn more here: Hever Castle
Open from 9am until 4pm, Wingham wildlife park is a great day our for little adventurers, from seeing exotic animals, to prehistoric predators, you can see everything here at Wingham, with an option to hand feed certain animals and see the only Moon Bears here in the UK, Wingham is a must for young ones.
Meet the Moon Bears here: Wingham Wildlife Park
Credit: teller_marie
Leeds Castle is a fantastic day out for young ones, with plenty to do! Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the castle and learning about its rich history, afterwards you can try and solve the Leeds Castle hedge maze and enjoy exploring the grotto at the end. A fun day out for everyone!
Explore here: Leeds Castle
Credit: Spa Valley Railway
Full steam ahead! Have a family adventure this half term at Spa Valley Railway, enjoy a relaxing train ride through Wealden countryside between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, calling at High Rocks and Groombridge. The whole family will enjoy exploring the famous Spa town and riding vintage steam and diesel engines.
For more visit: Spa Valley Railway
Credit: Lost Island Adventure Golf
Based in Margate, just over 100m away from Dreamland is Lost Island Adventure Golf. Located at the back of the flamingo arcade, this 18 hole course features Aztec-jungle themed decor, ambient music and sounds, picture spots and a guaranteed fun day out. Even better, when you are done you can visit the arcade as you come out!
Putt a hole in one here: Lost Island Adventure Golf
Credit: ericas57 on Tripadvisor
Home to several bowling champions, Bugsy's Bowling is located minutes away from the beaches of Margate and features 12 gold standard lanes! Besides from fantastic bowling here youngsters will enjoy playing arcade games at the activity centre and playing a game of pool while they wait! You can also purchase hot food and drinks here cooked in Bugsy's kitchen too.
Book a lane here: Bugsy's Bowling
Folkestone Ski Centre is open all year round and excellent for beginners. Featuring a 60-meter dry slope, children can experience multiple types of snow sports here from skiing to snowboarding, there's lots of fun to be had here.
Book here: Folkestone Ski Centre
Credit: Michael Pitts
New for 2022, opening on the 12th of February, Chatham Dockyard is proud to welcome Diving Deep: HMS Invincible 1744. Visitors will get the chance to tread the seabed virtually and investigate the exciting finds from the HMS Invincible. This exhibition tells the story of Invincible, her capture, the lasting contribution she made to the Royal Navy fleet and her subsequent sinking and rediscovery by a fisherman in 1979.
Dive deep here: Chatham Historic Dockyard
Credit: Battle of Britain Memorial
Located between Folkestone and Dover, this memorial and museum is an excellent choice for older children who are interested or learning about WWII. Guests can see replica aircrafts of iconic WWII planes like Spitfires and Hurricanes and can learn about the history of them. Guests may also visit the wing an indoor visitor centre where they can learn more about the battle of Britain.
Children will love some of the free events Canterbury Cathedral are offering this half term. From making their own clay gargoyle model on the 15th to the 17th of February to a free safari adventure with map available from the visitor centre, to a hidden history hunt with Gregory the gargoyle!
For more information about Gregory and his adventures, click here!
Explore the wonderful world of Wonderland in this exclusive VR immersive experience at Ashford Designer Outlet. Bookings are available from the 8th of February until the 20th from 12pm to 7:30pm.
To make a booking, click here: Alice in VR Wonderland
