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The 30 best things to do with kids in Kent

Keeping the kids entertained throughout the year can often be a cumbersome task. So to help parents here is a list of the 30 best things to do with kids in Kent.

Khadija Taboada

By Khadija Taboada

Families in Kent have an incredible range of activities and venues for children, both indoors and outdoors.

Kent is labelled as the "Garden of England" and as such there is dozens of outdoor experiences than your average county!

So don't be surprised if you see more than one wildlife park, that you may or may not have been to.

Finding ways to keep your children entertained all year round can be tough, so when inspiration dries up and your children are after a new adventure, take a look at this detailed list of the 30 best things to do in Kent.

Whether you make it your challenge to visit every destination (and tell us about all the fun you have), or want to use it as a guide to help you plan your family outing - this list has what you need.

Think we've missed something out? Or that a destination needs knocking off the best child friendly destinations list?

Let us know by emailing info@inyourarea.co.uk

So here goes, in no particular order...

Best outdoor activities for your kids in Kent

Dreamland

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Where: Marine Terrace, Margate, Thanet, Kent CT9 1XJ

Rides, rollerskating, events and a children's soft play area, there are so many adventures to be had at Dreamland.

Whether you're a thrill seeker, enjoy the dodgems or are ready to take on the big wheel - this is the location for you.

Entry into Dreamland is free, with options to pay as you go on the rides, or purchase a wristband for the day, with cost varying depending on height.

Website: dreamland.co.uk/


Betteshanger Park

Where: Sandwich Road, Deal, Kent CT14 0BF

This outdoor adventure offers so cycle trails, an outdoor play area and archery tag as well as the chance to experience nature and wildlife up close.

Whatever you're doing, look out for frogs, newts, water voles, dragonflies, butterflies, spiders, jays, waxwings, kestrels and owls as you explore Betteshanger Park.

Entry into Betteshanger is free by foot or bike, but vehicles are subject to a fixed fare to enter.

Website: betteshanger-park.co.uk


Wingham Wildlife Park

best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-Kent-2Credit: Robert Elsmore

Where: Rusham Road, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent CT3 1JL

Create some unforgettable memories with the tigers, wolves, leopards, snakes, birds and meerkats at Wingham Wildlife Park.

The park has a wide range of animals from carnivores, to herbivores and amphibians to reptiles - the venue even has a dinosaur zoo where the T-Rex, Velociraptor and more are all brought to life through high-quality models.

Regular demonstrations and feedings times operate throughout the year, with entry prices based on age and whether they are bought online in advance or on the door.

Website: winghamwildlifepark.co.uk


Buckmore Park Kart Circuit

Where: Maidstone Road, Chatham, Medway, Kent ME5 9QG

Put the pedal down and speed away on this outdoor kart racing circuit, with plenty of fun to be had for families, including children as young as four!

This face paced adventure offers one of the UK's most advance karting venues, with 12 turns, and 1,000m of track lovers of speed to reach that 80 miles per hour limit.

Cost can range depending on the age of the driver, or the driving experience selected.

Website: buckmore.co.uk/


Diggerland

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Where: Medway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood, Kent ME2 2NU

Dumper trucks, mini Landrovers, diggers, robots and more to ride, drive and operate in Kent.

But it's not just about the construction machinery on site, with an indoor play area, dodgems and rides to enjoy as part of your Diggerland adventure.

Prices vary dependent on age, with free entry for careers and children under a certain height. Tickets booked in advance are given a discount.

Website: diggerland.com/


Howletts Wild Animal Park

Where: Bekesbourne Lane, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL

Head to the zoo and come face to face with more than 400 animals across 50 species!

From elephants to gorillas, rhinos, tigers, monkeys, wolves and leopards - they are all nestled away in their 100 acre park home - welcoming visitors throughout the year.

Additional attractions at Howletts is the chance to learn about animals of the Ice Age, the treetop high ropes course and animal interactivity experiences.

Ticket discounts are given to guests that prebook and pay online, with entry based on the age of visitors.

Website: aspinallfoundation.org/


Hop Farm Family Park

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Where: Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge TN12 6PY

This iconic and historic spot in Kent is a family centred park with animals as well as indoor and outdoor attractions to enjoy throughout the year.

Let your children enjoy a driving experience, rides, jumping pillows and an outdoor playground. When it's a bit miserable outside, you can make the most out of the bumper cars, shows and soft play also on site.

Entry comes at a set price, with additional fees for some activities during peak visiting times.

Website: thehopfarm.co.uk/


The Historic Dockyard Chatham

There are also a range of indoor activities to enjoy

Where: Main Gate Road, Chatham ME4 4UY

Overflowing with history, this location offers children the chance to explore three warships, learn about submarines, wander through the steam and steel exhibit as well as burn off some energy in outdoor play areas.

The dockyard also hosts fairs, steam trains and a range of activities for its guests throughout the year.

Tickets bought in advance are cheaper, with family packages available.


Haguelands Village

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Where: Burmarsh, Romney Marsh, Kent TN29 0JR

Play Giant Jenga, dig for treasure, bounce around on hoppers or the bouncy castle AND meet Alpacas!!!

Haguelands is packed full of games, adventures, with a maize maze open from July until early September, it's the perfect location to visit with the whole family.

Cost depends on the activity, with meet and greet packages available with the alpacas.

Website: facebook.com/Haguelands/


Port Lympne Reserve

Where: Aldington Road, Lympne, Hythe, Kent CT21 4LR

Another conservation area tucked away in Kent, home to a range of animals including gorillas, wolves, cheetahs, giraffes and lions.

In fact, 700 animals across 90 species call Port Lympne their home, with incredible hands on experiences through the safari.

Tickets are cheaper when booked online, with separate prices for adults and children.

For those hoping to go that extra mile when it comes to immersing themselves in nature, there is the chance to stay in lodges with a view right into the enclosures of the lions, tigers, wolves and rhinos among others!

Website: aspinallfoundation.org/wildlife-park/


Leeds Castle

best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-Kent-5Credit: Scott Wright Photography

Where: Maidstone ME17 1PL

Discover Leeds Castle, its expansive gardens, the on site maze and wildlife all part of the venue that has been standing for 900 years.

With regular events held for families including jousting tournaments, this is a great way to spend the day! There are even adventure play areas and falconry displays to keep your little ones entertained.

There are two options for tickets, general admission and admission with added benefits of using the castle train and ferry.

Website: leeds-castle.com/


Kent Life

Where: Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU

Run wild in the outdoor play area, burn off steam on pedal tractors, leap on the bouncy castle or take a ride on the adorable donkeys at Kent Life.

There is plenty of outdoor fun to be had, with farmyard animals including sheep, pigs, horses, goats, rabbits, and alpacas.

Entry varies during off peak and peak times with adults and children paying set prices.

The site also has an indoor play area for children to enjoy.

Website: kentlife.org.uk


Force 10 Paintball

best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-Kent-6Credit: Bill Hails, Flickr

Where: Chatham Hill, Chatham ME5 8UD

Take to the battlefield with your friends and family and overcome them in combat by pelting them with paint balls!

Use tactics and skill to make your way through 25 acres of ground, with specialised zones set to challenge you and the kids.

Worried about other players? There are specialised junior sessions you can book your family into.

A range of packages are available offering combat time, and additional paint balls to keep the game going on longer.

Website: force10paintball.com/kent/


Grosvenor Hall

Where: Kennington, Ashford, Kent TN24 9JZ

Zipwires, a rope park, canoeing, archery, laser, outdoor play areas and a safe freefall jump from a suspended platform, children can do it all!

There are 35 different activities on offer at the Kingswood venue, with an indoor swimming pool and a 25,000 square foot sports hall open for a range of activities.

Kids can sign up for a full day of adventure, or make it a five-day experience, cost varies depending on what package is chosen.

Website: kingswood.co.uk/grosvenor-hall/


Wildwood Discovery Park

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Where: Canterbury Road, Herne Common, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 7LQ

Come nose-to-nose with British wildlife past and present, with more than 200 native animals spread across the 40 acres of forest.

As well as being able to see a range of animals, children can also make the most of the adventure playground with Kent's biggest drop slide, tube slide, wild fort and tree-top towers!!

Entry prices vary depending on age, with annual unlimited visit memberships also available to purchase.

Website: wildwoodtrust.org/


Pirate Cove Adventure Park

*Where: External Winter garden Bluewater shopping centre, Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent DA9 9SF

An outdoor crazy golfing adventure that spans the seven seas! With its pirate theme families are asked to brave any stormy weather and play all year round like a pirate would!

There is 36-holes of swashbuckling adventure, split in to two daring challenges - can you take them on?

Tickets are available online and in person, with prices depending on the age of the golfer.

Website: piratecove.co.uk/


Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation

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Where: Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Dartford, Kent DA4 0JB

Eagles, falcons, owls and an Andean condor Eagle Heights is one of the UK's largest Birds of Prey Centres.

As soon as you walk through the gates, you will come face to face with 100 raptors! Plus there are flying demonstrations and information about all the birds.

Entry prices are based on age, with discounts offered to students, seniors and disabled guests.

Website: eagleheights.co.uk/


Swanley Park

Where: New Barn Road, Swanley, Sevenoaks, Kent BR8 7PW

Grab a canoe, play nerf wars, play mini golf, head to the racing zone, or bound around on the bouncy castle, there are so many season adventures to be had at Swanley Park.

For those warmer days, the paddling pool and sand pit will make you feel as if you were lapping up the sun at the seaside - and let's not forget the outdoor play area.

Each activity in the park has its own prices, and non-residents will also have to pay for parking, so make sure you check before you visit.

Website: swanleytowncouncil.gov.uk/swanley-park/

Best indoor activities for your kids in Kent

Dover Castle

things-to-do-with-kids-in-Kent-10Credit: Neil Holmes/getty

Where: Castle Hill Rd, Dover, Kent CT16 1HU

This medieval castle was founded in the 11th century and has been described as the "Key to England" due to its significance throughout history - so what's not to love?

It also happens to be the largest castle in England! Inside its walls you will find an underground hospital, medieval tunnels and the royal court of King Henry II in the tower.

As a heritage location, there is a cost to enter the grounds and experience the museum, while members are allowed in free, all other guests must pay entrance.

Website: english-heritage.org.uk/dover-castle/


Jump In

Where: Morley Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1RA

Jump for joy at this indoor trampoline park with dodgeball, a play area and specialist toddler time for unlimited fun!

The skies just the limit for your little ones who need to burn off some energy.

Sessions are priced depending on whether it is peak time, with online booking preferred. To encourage this, a walk in fee is charger to guests who visit on the day.

Website: gojumpin.com/tonbridge


Chimera Climbing Centre

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This venue also offers outdoor climbing

Where: Haslmere High Brooms Industrial Estate, North Farm Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR

Challenge your children to a climbing adventure they won't forget, make no mistake bouldering can be difficult, but it's the perfect way to get active and test your skills.

There are various climbing clubs for keen youngsters, but it should be noted the minimum age for getting involved is five.

There is no need to book in advance, just rock up and climb. Prices are split between day access and direct debit memberships - you can also hire shoes and a chalk bag on site.

Website: chimeraclimbing.com/


Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Where: New Romney Station, Littlestone Road, Littlestone, New Romney, Kent TN28 8PL

Take a ride on trains that have been running since 1927, full size steam and diesel locomotives will power their way along the 13½ miles of track from the Cinque Port town of Hythe, before terminating in Dungeness; a National Nature Reserve.

The railway also holds regular events that your children will love.

Website: rhdr.org.uk/


Clip 'n' Climb

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Where: TON Business Park, Morley Road, Tonbridge TN9 1RA

Join in with this massive indoor adventure where theme park meets indoor climbing, yes you read that right.

Families can enjoy some healthy action packed fun on any of the 33 individual and multi climber wall challenges, there's even a soft play section.

The most popular features of the venue is the Vertical Dropslide and Stairway to Heaven!

Entry can be booked online, with additional fees for using the

Website: clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk/


Hornby Visitor Centre

Where: Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate, Thanet, Kent CT9 4JX

Learn and play with all your favourite toys of the past, the activity centre invites your young ones enjoy them all!

From rare products in the Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives, to Model Railway and Scalextric layouts.

The centre also invites children to get involved with make and pain sessions, as well as a range of other one off activities.

There is a set entrance fee, with concession prices available.

Website: hornby.com/hornby-visitor-centre


Wear 'M Out

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Where: Sovereign Way, Tonbridge TN9 1RS AND Park Wood Industrial Estate, Cuxton Rd, Maidstone ME15 9YF

An indoor adventure playground as big as your imagination - and there's two in Kent!

With climbing frames, ball pits, slides and more for children to enjoy!

Costs are divided by peak and off peak hours, with special packages sometimes offered.

Website: wearmout.co.uk/


Cranbrook Museum

Where: Carriers Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JX

Period clothes, musical instruments, paintings and appliances of the past, theres all that and more at Cranbrook Museum.

This old building tucked away in Cranbook is a fun spot to take children with a passion for history and discover.

Entry to the museum is free, so its an affordable day out for the whole family.

Website: cranbrookmuseum.org


Hollywood Bowl

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Where: Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Rochester, Kent ME2 2SS

Get your bowling shoes on and hit the lanes, aim for strikes, spares and try and avoid splits wherever you can!

Bowling is fun for the whole family, with plenty of arcade games also on offer to keep your little ones entertained.

There are other bowling alleys you can visit in Kent, but TripAdvisor has ranked this one as the best.

Guests are charged per game, with some specialist offers sometimes on including family packages.

Website: hollywoodbowl.co.uk/rochester


Planet Ice, Silver Blades

Where: Gillingham Business Park, Ambley Road, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0PU

Dare to glide over the ice at Silver Blades, whatever your skill level ice skating is a great pass time for your children, whether it be summer or winter!

Whizz around on your skates or hold on to the side for support, the whole experience is thrilling.

Prices vary depending on what session you select, and whether or not you have your own skates.

Website: planet-ice.co.uk/gillingham


HyperSpace Laser Tag

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Where: Centurion Park, Caesars Way, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4AH

Ready, aim, FIRE for this adrenaline filled game of laser tag.

Is there anything more exciting than using skill, accuracy and endless amounts of energy to come out victorious after battling with your friends and family?

Admission is based on how many games you would like to play and age!

There are plenty of laser tag locations to choose from including Laser Combat in Harrietsham, Battle Sector X in Rochester, Battle Zone Laser Tag in Ashford and Lazer Rush in Whitstable.

Website: playlaser.co.uk/


Royal Engineers Museum

Where: Prince Arthur Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1UR

Are you children obsessed with military history? The Royal Engineers Museum is the place to be with more than 300 years of Corps of Royal Engineers within its walls.

The museum hosts a massive collection of weapons, rockets and jets, spanning centuries of history - you'll even find a chunk of the Berlin Wall.

Tickets can be booked online or on the door, with all purchases allowing access back into the museum for a year.

Website: re-museum.co.uk/


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