Discover the best of Kent and plan unforgettable adventures with your dad. From historic sites to thrilling animal encounters, we’ve got ideas for every interest, so you can make Father’s Day every day with our Days Out With Dad in Kent feature.
Show your dad how much you appreciate him with a memorable day out in Kent.
By Sophie Bland
Did you know the story of Father’s Day actually starts with a daughter’s heartfelt wish? See our Father’s Day in Kent feature for fascinating history and global traditions for this speical day.
Plenty more to do and see with our Things To Do in Kent category, and for events in Kent, check out our What’s On section.
Festivals in Kent offer great days out with dad in Kent- find something for your dad this weekend, or buy tickets to one of his favourites coming up. See our guides to fop Festivals in Kent and find the best food and drink festivals in Kent. We also have a list of the best family-friendly festivals in the Garden of England and the best of Kent’s music festivals. To keep spending in check, find the top free festivals in Kent. If carnivals, country shows and fayres are more his thing, we’ve got that covered, and we have the ultimate guide to Pride in Kent events too!
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For great days out with dad in Kent that offer a taste of local excellence, explore our Vineyard Tours & Tastings in Kent feature. This comprehensive guide highlights the beautiful Kentish vineyards perfect for leisurely tours and delightful tastings of acclaimed English wines. Beyond the vines, our Brewery, Gin & Vineyard Tours in Kent category is your go-to resource to uncover even more fantastic locations across Kent where you can sample and enjoy the county’s finest craft beers, artisanal gins, and more.
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Tracing your family tree is a particularly unique and touching activity, mapping and visiting the ancestral locations you discover may also be a perfect chance for some quality bonding time. Perhaps a distant relative was once a servant to royalty who lived in the medieval Dover Castle, or maybe you have ancestral links to one of the many Archbishops of Canterbury who held Rochester Castle throughout the 12th Century. Other notable historic sites to visit include the beautiful Hever Castle to the notable SS Richard Montgomery wreck in the waters off the Isle of Sheppey. Whatever your ancestral links, there are plenty of historic sites and museums around Kent for the family to explore. See our Museums in Kent guide for a comprehensive list of cultural gems from seaside delights, aviation history, agricultural displays, town treasures, heritage collections, nature and lots more. In addition, see the Art & Culture category under Things To Do in Kent menu.
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Another particularly memorable way to enjoy time together is to connect generations. Tying in with family history, perhaps Grandad lived through World War II, maybe even fighting in it – a trip to The Shoreham Aircraft Museum, the aviation links of the Barne Wallis statue in Herne Bay, or the RAF Manston History Museum may provide a truly special way to be together and to link generations. Furthermore, the variety of museums and galleries situated around Kent provides the perfect days out with dad in Kent (or Grandad), interested in history or art. See our History & Heritage in Kent filter under art & culture in the Garden of England for more ideas and places to visit.
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For any driving fans, whatever the age, Bayford Meadows Karting offers the perfect opportunity for budding racers to test their speed. Furthermore, it boasts a 1100m MSUK-licenced circuit and a 300m leisure track and in addition, both adult and junior karting are offered. Alternatively, book in at Brands Hatch Driving Experience in Sevenoaks to give your Dad a chance to race in rally cars, 4x4s and more. Additionally, a professional could take the wheel. Whatever your Dad’s racing dreams, these unique driving experiences for great days out with the male role figure in your life in Kent.
For lots more adventures behind the wheel, see our 18 Adventure Activities In Kent feature for ideas and inspiration under the Driving Drama heading!
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Thinking about all the hours Fathers have traipsed around after their kids in shopping centres, footing the bill and saying the right thing about the newest trending shoes, it’s only right that they get some retail revenge. Great days out with could mean you are treating him to a new fashion fix. There are many shopping centres around Kent that provide the perfect opportunity whatever his style or interest. Both Lakeside and Bluewater boast over 300 shops, with Ashford Designer Outlet being the perfect place for a discount, as well as having over 90 stores and 14 restaurants. See our Shopping category under activities for more places to shop.
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For more great days out with dad in Kent, there are plenty of different activities to choose from, from axe throwing, flying experiences, balloon flights and lots more adrenaline fun. See our Activities category and the Adventure & Unique Experiences filter for lots more ideas, including balloon rides, helicopter tours, aeroplane adventures and lots, lots more. Our 18 Adventure Activities In Kent feature is the perfect round-up of adrenaline-inducing experiences for all the family.
See also our Zipwire Experiences in Kent guide, Kent offers thrilling zip wire experiences for all ages for heart-pounding adventures to unique and leisurely pursuits, be sure to explore our comprehensive.
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If you’re a beach-loving family, there’s plenty of Kent coastline to explore. Broadstair’s Viking Bay is a firm favourite in the home town of the websites editor. This timeless beach offers a tidal pool, children’s ride. There are a variety of great eateries and bars within walking distance, including arcades and shops. Alternatively, visit the beautiful Botany Bay nearby for its stunning scenery. Explore Folkestone’s Mermaids Beach, or Reculver Beach for its tranquil atmosphere, as well as the historic and navigational significance of the Reculver Towers. Discover lots more beaches for family fun under our Beaches section under the Outdoors in Kent category.
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Exploring Kent’s breathtaking natural beauty is a truly wonderful way to connect and create lasting memories with your father or significant father figure in your life. Whether it’s a peaceful stroll through a local park, an inspiring visit to magnificent estate gardens, or an immersive adventure in one of Kent’s nature reserves, the outdoors offers something special. Discover an abundance of spectacular open spaces across Kent with our dedicated Outdoors category, your guide to enchanting parks and gardens, captivating nature and wildlife experiences, and so much more waiting to be explored. Don’t miss our 9 Country Parks In Kent guide.
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If the sea isn’t enough water-based fun for great days out with dad in Kent, then the unique water sports activities around the county provide a great alternative. Oyster Coast Watersportsin Whitstable is home to a variety of activities and is the perfect trip for any active family. Try your hand at paddleboarding or sailing, or even hire kayaks by the hour. If instead, you’re looking for the ultimate water-themed day out, Lakeside AquaPark is a must-visit. The park has over 30 inflatable obstacles, including giant slides, blast bags, and balance beams, guaranteeing a fun-filled day out for all the family to enjoy and remember. Bewl Water in Tunbridge Wells has lots of watersports activities too, as does St Andrews Lakes in Rochester, with a zipwire and lots more adventures to enjoy.
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For any animal-loving families out there, the range of wildlife parks around is sure to provide a memorable experience with Dad. See our Animal Experiences In Kent feature packed full of animal farms, falconry experiences, conservation centresand lots more. Want to treat him to an overnight stay with a difference then see our Top Unique Animal-Themed Stays in Kent blog – with safaris and sleepovers this is a great days and nights out with dad in Kent idea.
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Another engaging and active idea is cycling tours, with a range of bike tours, or bikes for hire available around Kent with a variety of different experiences on offer. all over the county – whether for cycling tours, themed trails or city quizzes there’s something for everyone. Search under our Tours & Trips section and filter for the right trip for him and you!
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We all know some Dads love Golf, but rather unfortunately hauling very little ones along to an 18-hole course might not be the best decision for peace and harmony. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly option whilst still wanting to appreciate Dad’s favourite hobby, the variety of mini-golf available around Kent will surely take your fancy. For an immersive experience involving jungles, dinosaurs, fire tiki and more, visit Lost Island Adventure Golf in Margate. Located inside the Flamingo Arcade, it provides fun for the whole family, regardless of age, in a great location perfectly placed for a full family day out. If you’d rather golf in the sun, instead try out Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf.
For lots more events in Kent that are child friendly simply use our Kids See Kent tag, or select the See Kent Kids category.
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