It’s the middle of July and you know what that means - we’re speedily approaching the school summer holiday!
With six weeks to fill, keeping the kids entertained can be a daunting prospect. But with so much to see and do right here in Kent, it’s the perfect opportunity to teach your little ones some new skills or just let them enjoy themselves! And remember, if you and the kids are out and about in Kent this summer, share your photos with us using #SummerinKent
Throughout July & August, Maidstone Museum is running workshops to create your own crazy, magical characters from gollums, to trolls and dragons. Perfect for when the kids feel like getting their hands dirty and unleashing their creativity! Arts and crafts Maidstone
Not only is Rochester Castle steeped in history and worth a visit alone, but throughout the summer you can step back into the 11th century and craft your own flags, royal portrait and even castle! And, if you’re in the area, Upnor Castle and Temple Manor are hosting family craft days, where you can create everything from jellyfish sun-catchers through to pirate treasure and crusader helmets! Get crafty
You'll be spoilt for choice on a day out at Penshurst Place this summer! Every Sunday the grounds will be soaring with falconry exhibitions showing how these rarely sighted birds capture their prey, while the garden will be turning theatrical with pantos returning for summer. Or why not put your children's orienteering skills to the test with the puzzle of the Maize Maze, back by popular demand for the holiday! Spend summer days at Penshurst
When you think of summer driving, it doesn't get much better than putting the roof down and enjoying a tour! With stops at top attractions such as the Royal Engineers Museum, The Historic Dockyard and Fort Amherst, the Medway Open Top Bus is the perfect way to discover Rochester and Chatham this summer, so all you need to do is hope the skies stay clear. Take the tour bus through Medway
Hever Castle is well known for being the home of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s ill-fated wives - but Henry himself was a keen jouster in his younger years. Complete with a Royal Box, you'll find scenes of authentic action, falls and fights as the annual Summer Jousting Tournament takes place at the castle throughout the summer. Joust at Hever
Just because school is officially out, it doesn’t mean your youngsters have to skip their learning. At Port Lympne you can jump on a safari truck to hear about animals from across the world, or step back to the Jurassic period for sightings of life-size dinosaurs in the forest! If that wasn’t enough for a fun filled day, there’s even animal-themed weekends so you can become an expert in individual species from rhinos through to tigers. Unusual discoveries at Port Lympne
Football might not be coming home, but it's arrived at Dreamland for the summer! Put your child's (or your own) skills to the test with Yo Street Zone for the chance to go against some of the UK’s best ‘panna football’ players. And if your skills don't live up to Harry Kane's, brand new rides in the park are the perfect way to feel uplifted! Get your kicks at Dreamland
The beautiful setting of Smallhythe Place is playing host to summer-only nature-themed arts and crafts sessions. Visitors of a young age can relax under the cow byre while creating their summertime creations or get involved in the summer theatre series, covering Shakespeare to Dad’s Army – perfect for all ages! Relaxed countryside crafts
Across Kent, if you ask for a hidden gem, Igtham Mote usually appears on the list! If you want to find out why this summer, there are plenty of great family-friendly events going on this holiday to make it even better day out for everyone. Throughout the holidays, there will be family events such as mini-beast family trail in the garden through to Tudor Day and a Family Gardening Day! Ightham summer discoveries
The last family that owned Scotney Castle were the Hussey's, and in the late 19th century the children would explore all that the extensive gardens offered. Your little ones can walk in their footsteps on their trails, as well as building dens and rafts to creating wild art, with Scotney's 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾! Get outside at the castle
Are you looking to give your kids the perfect outdoors themed distraction, whether that be archery, high ropes or learning how to survive in the wilderness? Well, Rock UK at Carroty Wood could be the perfect place for the family, as they are offering sessions for all of those and more throughout the summer! Get active in the countryside
Throughout August, your kids' schoolbooks may be locked away, but the learning doesn't have to stop. Gravesend Market in West Kent are offering various school holiday drop ins, covering a wide range of topics from science to sand art and shows by birds of prey. Broaden your little ones minds
If you are simply after some beaches to take the summer days as they come and take it easy, the Isle of Sheppey could the ideal place. With their award winning beaches to swim at, such as Leysdown and Minster, and host of natural marine life there's even something to keep the kids busy - especially with the handy Sheppey Shoreline guide to what you can find. Seagoing discoveries on the Isle
Come face to face with life size animals scattered throughout Bluewater Shopping Centre, including an 18ft giraffe! Simply purchase a £1 map from a concierge and once you've completed the quiz on your way around the centre, you'll get an animal related prize. And once you have done all the exploring, The Beach at Bluewater is the perfect place to chill on those warmer days. Explore at Bluewater
Not only is Chatham Dockyard a world class attraction, but it comes alive during the summer. This year, it has welcomed 'Brick History' which is an exhibition that tells the 400 year history through LEGO® - of course there is a play area full of the bricks too! Not only will history be on show, but Doc. Yard and Bunsen will be experimenting with mysterious gases for an interactive science show, as well as the return of Pirates on HMS Gannet. Experiment and build at Chatham Dockyard
We'll be regularly updating our events page over the summer so be sure to check back to find out what else is going on around Kent!
