Summer Holiday Events In Kent
SUMMER HOLIDAY EVENTS IN KENT
2024
From free festivals and exciting nature trails to thrilling adventures and fascinating discoveries, Kent is a playground for young imaginations this summer.
Discover a world of fun with our comprehensive guide to children’s events across the county. It’s time to fill that Summer Kent events calendar.
We’ve divided the Garden of England into North, West, East and South to highlight the best children’s activities and events for families during the school holidays.
For more events see our Ideas and Inspirations blog posts. These include our free events in Kent highlights, and our children’s trails in Kent blog feature. We’ve got the movies covered with our Film blog for the latest releases, plus the Carnivals, Country Shows & Fayres In Kent round-up and Family-Friendly Festivals in Kent. We’ve hundreds of great ideas – see our Days Out With Dad In Kent, our adventure blog with adrenalin activities including quad biking and 4×4 trials, axe throwing or hunting down paintball targets, and lots more. Fancy heading for a safari or goat sanctuary then check out our Animal Experiences In Kent feature, and for history, heritage, fun and quirky collections see our Museums in Kent round-ups.
Looking ahead to Christmas? Then check out our Pantomimes In Kent guide with the top Pantomimes in Kent for 2024.
Check out the bottom of the feature for amazing Kent summer deals, including free entry for kids, affordable train and bus rides, and much more!
By Julia Roy
NORTH KENT
Events in towns and villages in Dartford, Gravesend, Isle of Sheppey, Maidstone and Medway areas.
Meet the three musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis along the way as they befriend D’Artagnan at Cobtree Manor Park in Aylesford, in Maidstone in Hazlitt Theatre’s fourth annual Open Air Tour. Having left his family behind to follow his dreams of becoming a musketeer, D’Artagnan is taken on an adventure of a lifetime by the trio in this outdoor production. The tour is perfect for the Summer holiday diary. On the 20th of August 2024. Also at South Park in Maidstone on the 23rd of August at 12Noon, and at Bearsted Green, by the cricket club in Maidstone on the 23rd of August 2024 at 6pm. Also at Little Fant Farm in East Farleigh in Maidstone on the 24th of August, at Blacksmiths Barn, Bearsted, in Maidstone on the 25th of August and tickets are from just £5.
This Summer little ones can go on a teddy bear hunt to find the hidden teddies in Medway. The Teddy Bear Trail is at Eastgate House at Weekends & Bank Holidays from the 20th of July to the 1st of September 2024.
For the school Summer holidays in Maidstone, there is a range of creative activities at Millmead Staplehurst. Enjoy Kids Shimmer Slime Workshops, and at The Crazy Comic Club author and cartoonist, James Parsons leads this workshop at the garden centre. There is also the Our Amazing Animal World a fully interactive animal experience and Games On Wheels with a gaming bus. Our Amazing Animal World on the 12th, 21st and 27th of August, Kids Shimmer Slime Workshops on the 14th of August, The Crazy Comic Club on the 20th of August and Games On Wheels on the 29th of August 2024.
At Millmead Gravesend little ones can enjoy a Superhero party with Masco Moments full of fun, with non-stop music, dancing and games. There is a S.E.N superhero party too. Plus, Kids Shimmer Slime Workshops – At The Crazy Comic Club author and cartoonist, James Parsons leads the workshop. There is also the How to Train Your Dinosaur Show, Messy Play at the Seaside. Kids Monster Mashup Clay Workshops and more. The Superhero party Masco Moments and the S.E.N. Superhero Party are both on the 15th of August. The Kids Shimmer Slime Workshops are on the 16th and 30th of August, The Crazy Comic Club on the 6th and 19th of August, the How to Train Your Dinosaur Show on the 20th of August, Messy Play at the Seaside on the 21st of August, Master Builders – LEGO Play on the 27th of August and Kids Monster Mashup Clay Workshop on the 30th August 2024.
Millmead Gravesend is also hosting the Our Amazing Animal World interactive animal experience at the garden centre. The pet rescue sanctuary, Our Amazing Animal World brings some of their rescued pets a fully interactive animal experience. Get up close and learn some fascinating animal facts too! 13th, 14th, 22nd, 23rd 28th and 29th August 2024. For the school Summer holidays enjoy the Millbrook Mad Hatter’s Crazy Golf in Gravesend at the garden centre at their 9-hole course filled with fun features and obstacles that everyone can play. From the 11th of August to 1st of September 2024.
Kids events in Kent for the Summer holidays include The Game Is Afoot at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Set in 1887 Chatham Dockyard is awash with whispers of treachery and rumours of secrets being sold to foreign lands. This sparks a scandal that threatens the very foundation of the Royal Navy. Confidential plans and drawings of torpedo vessels and torpedoes have been leaked and the hunt for Torpedo Turncoat has begun. Little ones must help crack the case, make a detective kit and follow the clues. From the 27th of July to 1st of September 2024.
WEST KENT
Events in towns and villages in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells
Enjoy four weeks these Summer holidays of free kid’s events in Kent with the Family Fun Days in Sevenoaks at various locations. These fun and games run by the Sevenoaks District Council are for children aged 12 and under, though may not be suitable for very young children. They include arts, crafts, competitions, and sports around the areas. Also running alongside at eight venues are free football for children aged between 5 and 12 years run by the Millwall Community Trust which has teamed up with Kellogg’s (for these sessions, you have to book using a Kellogg’s promotional code, found on their boxes). From the 29th of July to 23rd of August 2024.
At the Big Top, Big Fun event at Scotney Castle in Tunbridge Wells take part in their Summer of Play programme. Test your stilt-walking skills, have a go at juggling, plate-spinning and diablo, conquer the ring of fire and balance your way safely across the tight rope. From the 27th of July to 1st of September 2024. At Knole’s Summer of Play in Sevenoaks there’s plenty for little ones to enjoy and keep them busy. They can pick up an adventure pack to explore the parkland, find mini-beasts and see which birds they can spot around Knole. For fun and games there are cricket, boules or croquet and borrow a set to play with. If there’s a bit of a breeze then they also have kites to play with. From 22nd July to the 1st September 2024. In Sevenoaks at Emmetts Garden enjoy their Summer of Play event with play equipment and toys for fun on the meadow. on the 20th July to 2nd August , 4th to 12th, 14th to 21st and 23rd to 31st of August and 1st September 2024.
In Tonbridge head for Camp Wilderness! at Penshurst Place and Gardens for a range of activities including archery, axe-throwing and s’more-making along the Woodland Trail with the outdoor pros at these drop-in sessions. From the 24th of July to the 28th of August 2024.
Also, Penshurst Place in Tonbridge has a Summer Crafts event with a range of crafting activities in The Old Coach House. On Tuesday and Thursday from the 25th of July to the 29th of August 2024. Plus Joe’s Bows with laser clay shooting and falconry shows on Saturdays from 27th July to 31st August 2024 – see our listing for what’s on what day. Also, don’t miss The Wind in The Willows storytelling event on Sundays from the 28th of July to the 1st of September 2024 at Penshurst Place.
At the Jousting Events at Hever Castle see displays of daring and skill with stunts, falls, and fights this Summer as the Knights of Royal England demonstrate their action displays in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. The knights battle it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat, competing for points to find the ultimate champion. On the 13th and 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th July, and 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 23rd to 26th and 31st of August, and 1st of September 2024.
For Hazlitt Theatre’s fourth annual Open Air Tour around Maidstone this year meet the three musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis along the way as they befriend D’Artagnan. Having left his family behind to follow his dreams of becoming a musketeer, D’Artagnan is taken on an adventure of a lifetime by the trio in this outdoor production of the Three Musketeers at Surrenden Field (King George VI Playing Field), Staplehurst in Tonbridge on the 21st of August 2024. Tickets are just £5.
In Tunbridge Wells, Discovery Days at The Amelia offers free activities to inspire and engage children; they can create their dinosaur puppets, enjoy printmaking, and also make fossils and skeletons. The See Iron in the Weald session offers the chance to see live ironwork and a working forge in the courtyard and enjoy related crafts.Drop in sessions on the 31st July, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 9th, 10th, 14th, 16th , 17th, 21st, 23rd and 24th August 2024.
Outdoor theatre in Sevenoaks includes The Immersion Theatre company’s magical musical Peter Pan at Emmetts Garden. See as the mischievous Peter embarks on an awfully big adventure, introducing Wendy Darling to the lost boys, the cheeky Tinkerbell, the hilarious Smee, and a host of other exciting characters. However, she also has to encounter the feared villain, the infamous Captain Hook! On the 22nd of August 2024.
They are also running free Family Forging drop-in sessions at The Amelia. To celebrate the age-old craft of Blacksmithing in the Weald these craft activities feature a live blacksmithing demonstration, a short film, and talks with craft sessions. From the 21st to 24th August 2024.
Summer holiday fun in Sevenoaks, The Adventures of Jock Trail at Chartwell. The original Jock was a gift to Winston Churchill on his 88th birthday, and in this trail based on the furriest resident, follow the paw prints around the gardens and take part in free family activities! From 20th July to the 1st September 2024.
At the Park Safaris at Tunbridge Wells Common join Dr Ian Beavis (Research Curator at The Amelia) for this fun, lively and informative trail. Learn about how to look for insects and identify local varieties, all under the watchful guidance of Dr Beavis who will be on hand to offer advice, expertise and interesting facts. Each child will receive their own bug spotter card to report what they find. On the 22nd of August 2024. Also at Crane Valley Local Nature Reserve in Cranbrook on the 27th of August, and the Grosvenor And Hilbert Park on the 29th of August 2024.
Summer holidays in Kent include Selby Spies: Spies, Plots and Uprisings at Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks. Featuring reenactments of Elizabeth I and the Spanish Armada, Mary Queen of Scots, and more. Also new for summer 2024, discover the shadowy story of the Selby family with the Intrigue at Ightham Garden Trail. 22nd to 24th August 2024: Plots, Spies and Crowns: 11am-3pm, 29th to 31st August: Challenges, Uprisings and Battles: 11am-3pm and the Trail from the 22nd of July to the 1st of September 2024: 10am-5pm.
Celebrate The Gurffalo’s 25th birthday with the Gruffalo Party Trail (£4) at Bedgebury Pinetum for the Summer. The interactive family trail features party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. Pick up the pack from the information point, and follow the trail to search for balloons, pine cones, apples and the Gruffalo himself, and complete fun activities and rubbings as you go along. Plus there’s a quest to find hidden Gruffalo character signs and enjoy some sporty challenges. This free activity will run from 23rd July to 16th September 2024. Pick up an activity leaflet before you set off from the information point. Also, check out the Tree Safari (free) where you can learn how to read a tree label and identify which country a tree is from then colour in the tree safari explorers map. From 24th July to 30th August 2024, free. Plus Meet Gruffalo on the 25th of August who will appear appear at various times throughout the day.
Adventures In Time Travel at Hever Castle in Sevenoaks. Little ones can help the adventurers stuck in time, find the lost key to help them make their way back home. With hands-on activities and challenges, this family fun adventure includes meeting a knight, joining in a sword battle and finally balancing the counterweights to unlock the door and safely return home. From the 24th of July to 3rd of September 2024.
Also at Hever Castle in Sevenoaks, get up close to weaponry and suits of armour, try them on for size, and watch the battles commence at the Hever In History event. Immerse yourself in different periods of history with encampments and re-enactments depicting the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. There will also be falconry and jousting displays. From the 24th to 26th of August 2024.
In Tunbridge Wells see the outdoor production of Great Expectations at Scotney Castle. From the misty marshes to the dusty, dirty streets of London, follow as Pip journeys through adversity to discover the true nature of his ‘great expectations’ in this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ popular and atmospheric novel. On the 25th of August 2024.
There is a new children’s Squerryes’ Vineyard Trail at Squerryes Winery in Sevenoaks for the Summer holidays in Kent. Pick up a trail sheet from the Vineyard Café and little ones can follow the trail and answer the questions to solve a puzzle in this fundraiser for Hospice in the Weald. From the 12th of July to 1st of September 2024.
Summer holiday events in Sevenoaks in Kent include Himalayan-themed Family Fun at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. Little ones can enjoy creative drop-in events including making paper plate mandalas, dream catcher weaving, shadow puppet making, and yeti making. Different themes for different weeks for lots of family fun. From 20th July to 1st September 2024.
SOUTH KENT
Events in towns and villages in Deal, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe
Summer Explorer Quest at Walmer Castle in Deal in Kent. Follow the quest through the gardens and complete all the challenges, for family fun with a historical twist. There is also the Summer Explorer Quest at another English Hertigage property, Down House in Orpington, at Charles Darwin’s family home. Embark on this quest through the gardens and complete all the challenges for a fun adventure with a historical twist. Both from the 20th July to 1st September 2024. At their Summer Quest at Walmer Castle Noble, the castle’s trusty guard dog, has lost his shadow and needs the help of little adventurers to find it! Join Noble and his friends on a Summer quest to search for his shadow throughout the grounds and gardens. From the 1st of July to 1st of September 2024.
Lost of family fun at the three-day Sandwich Festival – on Saturday and Sunday enjoy a medieval experience, a craft fair, a market, a barn dance, an Italian car display, live music, and a picnic concert. On Monday enjoy plenty more with classic cars, market stalls, craft fairs, a duck race, and live music. From the 24th to 26th of August 2024.
In Folkestone during the Summer holidays under 16 years olds can skate for free every Friday in August at the world’s first purpose-built multi-storey skatepark. Free More Holiday Activities at F51 in Kent. Fridays from the 2nd to 30th August 2024.
Outdoor adventures with the Wild One’s Forest School Holiday Club at Betteshanger Country Park in Deal where children enjoy the outdoors and nature, being free to explore for themselves, and developing self-confidence, self-esteem, and many other skills. Activities may include woodland crafts, lighting fires, campfire cooking, building dens, and climbing trees. There is also a weekend holiday club too. On the 24th July to 2nd August, 5th to 9th, 12th to 16th, 19th to 23rd, 26th to 30th August.
In Deal, join the park leader to find out why there are fossils at Betteshanger Country Park for the Dino Expedition: Fossil Hunter! event. On the 21st, 24th, 26th to the 28th and 30th to the 31st of August and 1st of September 2024.
EAST KENT
Events in towns and villages in Ashford, Tenterden, Thanet, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Faversham and Sittingbourne, areas.
Brilliant free Summer Theatre for children and grown-ups! Family-friendly theatre including pop up book stage effects, magical show and writing experience, puppetry and craft sessions and lots more. For grown-ups there’s music and live theatre. Outside Pierremont Hall by Applause Rural Touring. On the 31st July, 2nd, 7th, 9th, 13th, 21st, 23rd, 28th and 30th of August 2024.
Kent’s Magical Market at The Alex in Faversham little ones, and big ones too, can enjoy lots of magical entertainment, plus axe throwing, face painting, an enchanted bazaar, and the chance to meet some extraordinary special guests. On the 24th and 25th of August 2024.
Broadstairs Summer events include the annual Family Fireworks in Broadstairs on Viking Bay. This is a spectacular and popular event run by the Broadstairs & St Peter’s Town Council, with live music at the Broadstairs Bandstand and fireworks on the beach. Also, see our Summer Events in Kent round-up for more great Summer holiday activities. On the 24th and 31st of July, and 21st and 28th of August 2024.
Summer of Play at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Cranbrook in Ashford, explore a range of lawn games on the plain including archery, hobby horses, skittles and hoopla. Roll “cannonballs” to attack the wooden castle and wave ribbons in victory at this National Trust property. Craft activities include making your own Fox and Geese game boards and creating designs based on graffiti left by prisoners at Sissinghurst during the Seven Years War. From 20th July to 1st September 2024.
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Enjoy free Punch & Judy shows in Broadstairs on Viking Bay. Enjoy this classic seaside show from Ben Bamboozle and organised by the Broadstairs & St. Peter’s Town Council. On the 24th and 31st of July, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd, and 28th of August 2024.
Dover Summer events include a long weekend of all-action fun with battles of strength and skills in Clash Of The Knights at Dover Castle in Kent. There’s also a medieval encampment, with musicians playing tunes from the Middle Ages. Plus, see jester shows, hear stories, have a go at archery, and lots more. From the 24th to 26th August 2024.
Head below to find the gold with the Treasure Island Summer event at Margate Caves where little ones can explore with a pirate-themed trail. Margate events for children also include the caves’ Messy Mondays where there will be different pirate and treasure-themed craft activities weekly. Treasure Island Summer Thursday to Monday until 1st September 2024 and the Messy Monday Crafts on 22nd & 29th July, 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th August 2024.
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in Canterbury plenty of great free events for children this Summer with the bOing! Family Festival. Highlights include the Flowerbed calm zone, Kent Sport Mini Sessions, a Silent Disco, the 3D ceramics project Open Clay, and a Baby Zone. There are also theatre shows including Half A String presents The Puppet Van’s Space Chickens show. Gorilla Circus’s RPM combines acrobatics, adrenaline-pumping street dance and breathtaking roller skating set on a giant moving treadmill. Around the University of Kent grounds and venues, with additional ticketed events. On the 24th and 25th of August 2024.
Plenty of fun for the school holidays with the Summer Beach event at Whitefriars Shopping Centre. On selected dates, there will be live music, a beach area with deckchairs, arts & crafts, face painting, beachside picnics, Punch & Judy and lots more family fun. From the 19th of July to 1st of September 2024.
In Faversham enjoy outdoor theatre with the Merry Wives Of Windsor at Mount Ephraim Gardens. Shakespearean sleazeball, Sir John Falstaff, has fallen on hard times. He plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants to fix his finances. But, wise to his wily ways, the ladies take the opportunity to punish him by playing a series of hilarious tricks on the nincompoop knight. Expect silly slapstick, abundant anachronisms and memorable music as the critically acclaimed Pantaloons put their own innovative and interactive spin on this classic comedy. On the 25th of August 2024.
In Sittingbourne Hazlitt Theatre’s fourth annual Open Air Tour of The Three Musketeers. Meet the three musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis along the way as they befriend D’Artagnan. Having left his family behind to follow his dreams of becoming a musketeer, D’Artagnan is taken on an adventure of a lifetime by the trio in this outdoor production at Stockbury Playing Field in Sittingbourne. On the 25th of August 2024.
SUMMER HOLIDAY OFFERS FOR KIDS IN KENT
Free for Kids
At the The Historic Dockyard Chatham. One free child ticket for every full-paying adult. Offer is available to book online or at the ticket desk. Tickets are valid for multiple visits for a whole year. Offer is not valid in conjunction with any other promotion.
At Canterbury Cathedral it is free for children – aged 17 years and under go for free when accompanied by a paying adult (a maximum of 2 children per accompanying adult).
Only A £1
Train It
All year round kids go for £1 -with up to 4 children with one paying adult during off-peak services on Southeastern trains, with under 5 years are free, for children aged 5 to 15 years, it’s £1.
Bus It
Stagecoach is offering their ‘kid for a quid’ £1 add-on ticket if you have an adult bus ticket or concessionary pass. This add-on allows you to travel with one child (aged 5 to 15 years) for one day. The ‘kid for a quid’ ticket is available between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays. If you’re travelling with more than one child you can buy up to a maximum of four ‘kid for a quid’ tickets.! Children must be accompanied by the adult ticket holder at all times when travelling.
This also includes the Open Top Bus Route 69 that runs between Broadstairs Stone Bay to Ramsgate Boating Pool in Thanet.
MUSEUMS FOR FREE
Discover a wealth of free museums in Kent, showcasing fascinating collections. Explore the Salomons Museum in Tunbridge Wells, complete with beautiful estate grounds. Enjoy the outdoor spaces at the Kent Mining Museum in Deal, located within Betteshanger Country Park (parking fees apply). The Maidstone Museum boasts an impressive array of artefacts and collections, with numerous holiday events (fees may apply). In Margate, immerse yourself in the unique world of the Crab Museum, the only one of its kind in Europe. Marvel at crabs of all sizes, types, and ages, from the delicate to the indestructible, including specimens dating back a million years. See our Free Museums in Kent for a full guide.
OUTDOOR FUN
The country parks in Kent are stunning settings, boasting coastal and countryside scenery that offer a diverse range of activities for all ages and interests. Discover lakes, meadows, woods, and much more, with trails, boat rides, and park runs – there is something to cater to everyone’s tastes- with our round-up of the 9 Country Parks In Kent. Additionally, explore our What’s On pages for their latest events, and our Things To Do section for further inspiration on what to do in the Garden of England.
Lots more parks and outdoor spaces that are perfect for Summer days in all areas in the Garden of England – see our Nature & Wildlife category and our Parks & Gardens section for ideas for things to do in Kent for the school holidays.
Book now so you don’t miss the pantomimes in Kent for the festive season as tickets go quickly! Plenty of Christmas cheer including the classic fairytale of true love, magical wishes and a treasure trove of festive fun, that’s simply Genie-us – Aladdin at Tower Theatre in Folkestone.
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Picture Credit: © Top to bottom: Alora Griffiths, Ashton Bingham, rivage and Trust “Tru” Katsande at unsplash.com.
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