Things to do with kids in Kent

Kent, known for good reason, as the Garden of England. Rich in history, heritage and stunning countryside there’s so much to see and do, here we have “Things to do with kids in Kent”.

Hever Castle 

Where? = Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Price?=  Admission prices can be found here 

Things to do with kids in Kent

 

We recently enjoyed a fantastic day out at Hever Castle. We were so lucky with the weather, a beautiful, crisp, sunny day and as it was half term there were all sorts of activities on for the children to enjoy too. Hever hold lots of family friendly events through the year, so its worth checking their website to see what’s on. 

You can tour the castle itself which is magnificent, and a great opportunity for a history lesson about Henry VIII and his many wives, most notably, Anne Boleyn, who once lived at Hever Castle. The moat, gardens and extensive grounds are beautifully kept. There’s plenty of open spaces for games and picnics. There’s a fabulous little maze to explore, as well as a shop crammed with fascinating gifts etc. Don’t miss the Dolls House Museum next to the gift shop – absolutely exquisite display of miniatures. 

Then, there is the adventure playground. It is quite a statement to make, but my children have both announced that Hever has the best adventure playground in the South. And they have been to many.  There’s is an enormous, purpose built, solid castle, complete with slides, rope bridges, tunnels etc. The children played easily for over an hour, and were only convinced to leave with the promise of an ice cream. When it comes to days out with kids Kent, Hever has a huge amount to offer. 

Bedgebury Pinetum

 Where – Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SL

Info/prices – For year round opening times and admission cost click here 

We loved Bedgebury so much we have returned almost every week since our first visit. If you’re looking for  hearty outdoor fun and adventure then this is your place. We packed a picnic and the kids bikes and scooters ( an excellent guide can be found here ) in to the car and set off. There are three main cycle tracks, one for family use and the other two are for much more serious cyclists. The black track looks particularly challenging. The family track is easy to negotiate and there are plenty of play areas to stop at and enjoy on the way around. 

There’s a fantastic Go Ape centre in the centre of the forest, which you would need to book separately. There are plenty of picnic areas and a fun Highway Rat trail for the younger ones. There’s a coffee/ice-cream hut at the biggest of the play areas. 

There’s a large café and toilet facilities at the beginning/ end of the trail, as well as beautiful gardens to explore. 

We have managed to spend entire days here, the children and the dogs absolutely love it. They go home tired , filthy and very happy. 

Swanley Park

Where – New Barn Road, Swanley, BR8 7PW

Ok, so Swanley Park is definitely more of a fine weather venue – in bad weather it would just be an average park. But in better weather, particularly summer time, it really comes into its own with lots of fun on offer for all the family. 

There’s a paddling pool/ splash zone, a large boating pond on which you can hire row boats and pedaloes, as well as mini tree top nets and a fantastic miniature railway to get you from the car park to the main park. Sand play areas, acres and acres of open space and a café open during the summer season. 

A cracking day out for all the family. During the summer time this venue should definitely rank in Days out with kids Kent searches!

The Hop Farm 

Where – Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent 

Info and pricing – for all necessary info before you visit click here 

 

We cant have a Things to do in Kent for kids round up and not include the mighty Hop Farm. The Hop Farm offers masses of choice of fun and adventure for the whole family. Attractions include Jumping Pillows, Laser Quest, Childrens Rides, Adventure playgrounds, and live shows on certain days. There’s also plenty of opportunity to meet the wide range of creatures on the animal farm. Plus, there’s plenty of food and drink options for when all your adventuring gives you an appetite. 

The Hop Farm holds lots of exciting seasonal events throughout the year so its well worth keeping an eye on the website so you don’t miss out. 

Chislehurst Caves 

Where – Caveside Close, Old Hill, BR7 5NL

Info/Price – For all admission info click here 

Things to do with kids in Kent

 

Things to do in Kent for kids

Ok, so you may not need a whole day to visit the Chislehurst Caves, but if you find yourself with a spare couple of hours then you must go. The caves are so unique, and hold so much intrigue and mystery, you can’t help but be fascinated by them. 

The caves are a labyrinth of man made tunnels, forming a maze covering over 6 Hectares. They are up to 30 metres deep in places. They acted as an underground town and the largest deep air-raid shelter outside London, protecting over 15000 people every night during the Blitz. Many believe, with rather good reason,  that the caves are infact haunted. 

Tours of the caves are provided by well informed and passionate tour guides who are only to happy to answer questions on the way round. 

There’s a café, serving home cooked food, a picnic area and a gift shop too. 

I guarantee an educational, exciting and ever so slightly spooky adventure awaits you at Chislehurst Caves. 

Chatham Dockyard

Where – The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE

Info and pricing – For all info regarding admission click here 

Things to do in Kent with kids 

A visit to The Historic Dockyard Chatham – one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage destinations and the world’s most complete dockyard from the ‘age of sail’ – will prove to be quite an adventure.

There are three historic warships to climb aboard so you can discover over 100 years of life at sea. There’s the Victorian Naval Sloop HMS Gannet, Second World War Destroyer HMS Cavalier, and Cold War Submarine Ocelot.

Visit the Steam, Steel and Submarine display which tells the story of the 19th /20th Century dockyard and you will find yourself at the heart of Chatham’s incredible shipbuilding heritage. There are no less than three play areas for the smalls to explore too, so that’s sure to keep them happy. 

As well as all these fantastic attractions to explore, the Dockyard’s varied programme of events and activities are popular throughout the year.

The Canterbury Tales 

Where – St Margarets Street, Canterbury, CT1 2TG

Info/pricing – For all admission info click here 

 

At the Canterbury Tales, meet the costumed guides, walk alongside Chaucer’s pilgrims and revel in the recreated medieval scenes as five colourful tales of love, infidelity, intrigue, courtship and death are brought vividly to life. You can experience the sights, sounds and smells of medieval England; a unique and theatrical introduction to Canterbury and its famous literary connection.

The five tales you will enjoy being recreated in front of you at the Canterbury Tales are The Knights Tale, The Millers Tale, The Wife of Baths Tale, The Nuns Priests Tale and the Pardoners Tale. A wealth of education provided in a fun and imaginative way. 

Port Lympne 

Where – Ashford, Kent CN21 4PD

Info and pricing – All admission info can be found here 

things to do in Kent with kids

So, you could say that I’m not a fan of zoos, and Princess D positively hates them. Port Lympne is not a zoo for all the following and crucially important reasons which I have taken directly from their website – 

  • Port Lympne is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals and wherever possible they aim to send animals born there to protected areas of their natural habitat where they can live free – just as they should be.
  • They always make sure that the animals come first, from enclosure design to diet, no expense is spared. They grow their own herbs and vegetables and source their meat from trustworthy suppliers.
  • They design their own enclosures with the animals in mind, so there’s lots of natural foliage and furniture to provide shelter and camouflage.
  • They never lock the  animals into viewing areas, so, just like in the wild, it may take some time to spot certain animals.
  • They promise to do their best to provide a fantastic visitor experience, whilst not forgetting the primary reason they are  there – to ensure the survival of endangered animals.

I’m sure you are already convinced that a trip to Port Lympne has to on your list. As well as meeting all the animals and supporting such a worthy cause, there’s over 600 acres to explore, plus keeper talks, a dinosaur park and restaurants.  There are also two play areas to allow your own little monkeys to let off steam. 

I hope this post as given you lots of inspiration for family days out. Remember, there’s nothing more important than making memories. 

Things to do in Kent with kids 

If you enjoyed being inspired, check out our “Easter Egg hunts in Kent 2018” post or perhaps you fancy something a little different with Go Ape at Alexandra Palace