Time to round up the family! With summer fast approaching, we know just how important family time is, no matter how much the younger members of the family may disagree! Once the technology is away and the school term ends for summer, we’re certain you’ll be able to get them on board for a family event they’ll be sure to love.
Whether you're looking to teach your little ones a thing or two with a summer's paddle or are looking to entertaine the whole family with some fairy tale magic, our round up of these summer events in Kent will make the perfect day out for your young ones.
Bring your picnic blankets and let your hair down in Leeds Castle’s brand-new musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Rapunzel. This exciting production will have the whole family captured by its catchy songs and remarkable characters, as they take you on a magical story with some interactive moments that may involve a water gun or two!
For a spellbinding summer, round up the family, hop on your broomsticks and fly over to Hever Castle to experience a series of free hands-on activities. Join their resident sorcerers to learn about all things wizardry, including magical creatures and the trick of the trade. With spells to be learnt and wand waving techniques to master, there’s no question the Potter lovers in the family will have a spelltacular time! Oh, and don’t forget to fully immerse yourself into this event and arrive dressed as your favourite characters, we’ve heard the best dressed will get a certificate!
Big Pete is back! He’s large, he’s strong and he weighs 7.5 tons! So you have probably guessed we are not referring to a human being, but only one of Europe’s largest Monster Trucks. Watch this powerful beast along with other fantastic monster trucks as they leap 15ft high and put on an impressive show for all you crazy truck fans. There is so much more to experience on the day including motorcycle stunts and action packed stuntman shows too!
Biddenden Tractorfest is set to make an unforgettable entrance to your summer this August. With the registered charity, Kent County Agricultural Society and a group of volunteers working together to make this day as fun and affordable as possible. Expect to see local crafts and businesses, as well as tractor rides, arena displays and children’s entertainment along with local artisan food & drink and fantastic live music, to name just a handful of the attractions you’ll expect to find at this event.
The Herne Bay Pier is getting in the summer vibes this August by bringing you a Summer Nights Family Disco. Expect to see DJ5 hosting your evening, bringing you the sounds of all the family favourites that will make you dance the night away. You’ll be pleased to hear the much-loved Beer on the Pier, Hut 19 and Food Court will be open to help fuel your evening of family fun!
Bringing you a summer packed with entertainment, ready and waiting for the whole family to enjoy, with some “special treats” arriving for the summer holidays. With rides and attractions ranging from the Giant Jumping Pillows to the Magical Castle, or why not spend some time visiting their lovable animals? Prepare for some splashing fun with the Bumper Boats or get your cameras at the ready, as you may spot some of your children’s favourite TV characters!
Cinderella is welcoming you and your mini princes and princesses to the ball this summer with an enchanting open air theatre production of the fairy tale we all know and love. Join Belmont House and the magical kingdom as they take you all on Cinderella’s journey to a magical ball. Little ones can truly immerse themselves into the story and dress up as their favourite characters, but there’s nothing to stop parents channeling their inner Disney side too!
You Shall go to the Ball!
For new-walkers trying to find their feet or energetic toddlers looking to let off some steam. Your little ones can make the most of the soft grass at Penshurst Place, as well as ponds filled with vibrant coloured fish and birds that nestle in the surrounding trees, all making the perfect sensory experience for your tiny tots. Alongside this, you can find the Adventure Playground with a toddler area for your little runners.
Young paddlers will learn the waves of the water and have the chance to become young independent paddlers with Canoe Wild this summer. There’s a chance to learn new skills and make new friends, whilst paddleboarding or kayaking on the waters. Why not book all 6 lessons, allowing your mini swimmers the chance to achieve their Paddle Star Award?
Round up your little explorers, it’s time to wander the beaches of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate! Coastal Explorers are turning your family's trip to the beach into an adventure, offering packs filled with equipment that will help you all along the way. With the chance to learn essential explorer skills, little ones will soon become a pro seaside researcher!
The Micro Museum in Ramsgate are giving younger children the chance to experience all the fun and excitement that comes with playing on vintage computers and games. There are many age-suitable games to test out and experience, as well as the opportunity to embark upon a toy hunt around the museum, where little gamers can earn a certificate!
Your little ones will be in for a sweet treat when spending the day at Solley’s Farm, and so are you! The ice cream parlour has a variety of over 15 yummy flavours for everyone to try, from Blue Bubble-gum to Chocolate Brownie, who doesn’t love cooling off with a delicious treat on a summer's day!? Why not arrange your family's visit at a weekend and explore the farm on a Tractor Ride?
Now, this day out will most definitely get all the family in that feel-good summer mood. When we finally see some glorious weather, we all know we have to make the most of it. So, what better way to do that than with soaking up the sun and having some splashing fun at Strand Open Air Pool! Bringing your families dreamed about abroad holiday to Kent, with an outdoor adventure pool and activities ranging from crazy golf to a miniature railway, there is something for all the family to enjoy!
The open-top bus is back and making its way to the Isle of Thanet! Tour the hottest destination of The Isle of Thanet this summer on the 69 route, taking you through Stone Bay, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. See the sights from high up before departing at one of Thanet’s destinations. Wherever you and your family are heading, arrive in style!
Head over to Broadstairs this summer for their Folk Week event taking place this August. Begin the day of fun at the bandstand, where little groovers can take part in the free daily morning Hobby Horse Club and participate in singsongs, dances and games! Expect to see performances from a fire blowing mascot that goes by the name of Clarence the Dragon and the galloping festival mascots, the Hooden Horses. Surrounded by goodies, music and craft stalls, this is an event you and your little ones don’t want to miss.
Does your little one have a passion for trains? Then this may be the perfect event to keep them entertained this summer. Join Bredgar and Wormshill railway this August for a Model Railway themed event. The event involves a Model Railway Exhibition held in the engine sheds, with fantastic layouts to view, along with trade stands. There will also be a competition taking place outside the Tea Room. Tell your little ones to bring their favourite teddy and dress them up to compete in the Best Dressed Teddy Competition! We have to mention about the Teddy Bear Hunt that will be taking place throughout the day. Tell your mini investigators to put on their hunting hats and search for 12 hidden teddy bears around the park to receive a free gift if they find all 12!
Book a Wild Classroom experience this summer and take your little chefs through the beautiful orchards of the National Fruit Collections at Brogdale. This Kids Cooking Session will teach them the ways of outdoor cooking and develop the skills required to be the ultimate wild chef. An enjoyable day for the family to spice up your summer with some delicious, healthy, seasonal fun!
Get the family together for a captivating day out at Port Lympne and experience all there is to offer. Would you believe there are 900 animals to discover, yes you heard right, 900! From super-swinging gibbons and cheeky squirrel monkeys to majestic tigers and powerful rhinos, but, that not all that’s in store. Why not take your little monkeys back in time as they come face-to-face with RAWSOME life-sized creatures, in the UK’s largest dinosaur forest!
