Things To Do With Kids In Kent – East Kent Highlights

See Kent highlights of what to do with your little ones, and not so little ones in the county – area by area, for all the family. So whether toddlers or teens in tow – there’s plenty to do and see.

♣ = Seasonal Opening Hours

ALL AGES

 Wingham Wildlife Park
Canterbury
Nestled just outside the beautiful cathedral city of Canterbury, this family-owned park, in its 26 acres, has the largest number of animal species out of all wildlife parks and zoos in Kent. From monkeys to jaguars, red pandas to penguins, there is a huge range of animals and birds that visitors can expect to see on their visit to the park. There are also tigers, flamingos, bats and lots more exotic and extraordinary species to see and learn about. With animal talks and feed times, experiences, a dinosaur zoo and an indoor play area, there is lots to do too.

Victoria Memorial Recreation Ground
Canterbury
Large grassed area with football pitches and a children’s play area. Also home to a number of events throughout the year and activities for all ages.

Howletts Wild Animal Park
Canterbury
This animal park features over 390 animals, including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, gorillas, tigers, leopards, monkeys and lots more. This conservation charity enables some of the animals to go back to the wild in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation. At Howletts there are a plethora of things to do and see: you can join animal talks, see wild beasts being fed, visit the education centre and explore the animals of the Ice Age and discover a world lost in time, and lots more.

Tree Top Challenge – Howletts
Canterbury
Located within Howletts Wild Animal Park in Canterbury is an outdoor adventure experience that involves climbing and making your way through an exhilarating high ropes course. Suitable for explorers over 1.2 metres tall, the course will show you what the park looks like from a monkey’s perspective.

Westgate Punts
Canterbury
Punt trips on the Great River Stour, meander through tranquil gardens and countryside with an abundance of wildlife, the local nature reserve and see some of Canterbury’s city historic sights. Pick a route and relax, or if you go on a Park & Ride you can take the boat back to your car. Great for all ages.

The Grove Ferry Picnic Site
Canterbury
The Grove Ferry Picnic Site is an open space with canoe hire, boat rides and a children’s play area next to the Great Stour River with lots of wildlife to see. With play and easy access trails to enjoy – all ages can enjoy this outdoor waterside space.

Treasure Trails – Canterbury
The clues for this Treasure Trail take you through the historic Canterbury City centre and its green parks, passing many attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage City. You’ll even uncover fascinating stories from Canterbury’s ancient past. Takes around two hours, in a two mile loop, with clues texted if you get stuck during this mission to crack the clues and codes.

The Marlowe
Canterbury
Regional theatrical venue with a programme that includes national and international productions such as musicals, plays, ballet, opera and classical concerts. The Studio and The Kit present some of the country’s smaller-scale shows as well as workshops and are even home to Marlowe’s Escape Room – The Ghost Room.

Sturry Road Community Park
Canterbury
One of the largest community-led greenspace regeneration projects in the UK. With over 10,000 native trees and shrubs already planted, the project has created a brand new 18 hectare public park on land previously used as a landfill site. On the outskirts of Canterbury, it serves both as a city park and as an environmental community project with a play area, skate park, games sections and BMX track

Canoe Wild
Canterbury
Canoe, kayak and paddleboard hire at two sites –  Grove Ferry and Fordwich. They also offer guided tours, sunset and sunrise, courses, lessons. Plus raft building, multi-activity sessions, guided paddles and more. Indoor lessons are available in the Winter.

Badgers Hill Farm & Cidery
Canterbury
Home to a range of animals including horses, birds and sheep. It also has a small play area with a shop, garden centre and cafe that visitors can explore.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Canterbury
Art gallery, library and visitor information centre situated in the heart of historic Canterbury, that has lots in its collection including silverware, mosaics, and sculptures. Collections include children’s favourites Rupert Bear and Bagpuss. Lots of activities for children with special events throughout the year.

Memorial Recreation Ground – Broadstairs
Broadstairs, Thanet
Large park right next to the train station in Broadstairs. It now has a children’s play area, tennis and sports courts and also a skate park so lots of space and activities for children of all ages.

Quiz Trail – Broadstairs
Broadstairs, Thanet
Learn more about the history of Broadstairs in a self-guided walk that will take you on an easy to follow circular route, exploring all of the ‘must see’ places in the area. Fun for family and friends as you take part in different activities and work out clues along the way to discover your final answer, with an opportunity to enter a prize draw at the end. There are also lots of local stories and facts for you to learn, all presented in short snippets giving you the highlights.

Open Top Bus – Route 69 ♣
Broadstairs, Thanet
The Open Top Bus operates on the Route 69 loop service from Broadstairs Stone Bay to Ramsgate Boating Pool, as well as during key events. Passing key landmarks and attractions in Broadstairs and Ramsgate.

Treasure Trails – Broadstairs
Broadstairs, Thanet
This trail takes you on a journey around the main parts of the quintessential seaside town that includes the beach and promenade. The trail covers the varied and rich history of the town including its links with the novelist Charles Dickens. Follow the clues and you will unlock the town’s stories during this themed walking treasure trail that take around two hours to complete and is suitable for ages from six years old. Each booklet is enough for four to five people.

Lillyputt Minigolf
Broadstairs, Thanet
Described as a championship designed, heritage minigolf course based on Arnold Palmer’s original designs, complete with the all-important windmill. Located right next to the bandstand and promenade, it is a firm favourite with locals and tourists and has been in Broadstairs for over 100 years.

Joss Bay Beach
Broadstairs, Thanet
A popular beach during the high season, with lots of water sports and a hill for little/big ones to roll down.  It is also favoured for surfing, with the Joss Bay Surf School located on the beach. This sandy stretch is named after notorious smuggler Joss Snelling. There is a Joss Bay Leisure inflatable play area during the peak season, as well as a kiosk and café, and Lifeguards are present during the Summer.

Joss Bay Surf School
Broadstairs, Thanet
Surf school with over 20 years’ experience of lessons including surfing and paddleboarding. Equipment hire is also available based at the popular Joss Bay Beach in Broadstairs.

Revolution Skatepark & Climbing
Broadstairs, Thanet
Revolution Skatepark & Climbing in Broadstairs offers open sessions, lessons and courses, including BMX sessions. Bring your own equipment or hire and buy what you need on site. The climbing wall offers trials and tasters if you book in advance.

Dreamland Margate
Margate, Thanet
This theme park has adventure rides, slides, a big wheel and flying chairs to list a few of the thrills on offer, not forgetting the iconic scenic railway, this restored park has rides, indoor and outdoor event spaces, as well as a roller disco, indoor children’s play area and lots more. Hoping to return fully in 2022, 2021 sees a number of events and openings.

The Shell Grotto Margate
Margate, Thanet
This a unique place – a shell grotto with a fully unknown heritage, that has an arresting impact on those that visit. You move around the grotto in awe of the shells it is made of. The heritage of this space is a mystery, however, what is known is that it was found by the son of Mr J Newlove who, while digging for a duck pond, came across a tunnel covered with shells and hence the grotto was discovered.  There are 4.6 million shells in 70ft of winding underground passages leading to a rectangular chamber, with shells creating a swirling profusion of patterns and symbols, it is an unusual and unique place to visit that continues to amaze visually as well as historically.

Clayspace Studios
Margate, Thanet
Pottery and ceramics studio space plus teaching facility for the whole community, offering adult and family drop in sessions as well as short courses for all ages. Their aim is to provide inspiration and support for anyone wanting to work with clay at all levels of ability and experience.

Strokes Adventure Golf
Margate, Thanet
An 18 hole mini golf course overlooking Westbrook Bay in Margate which incorporates rockscapes, plants and water features as visitors use skill to defeat the mini golf challenges.

Lost Island Adventure Golf
Margate, Thanet
Indoor adventure mini-golf where you can explore the mysterious island while you putt your way through a dense jungle, secret shack and a ferocious dinosaur. Set inside the Flamingo Arcade, it is adventure crazy golf in a unique setting.

The Margate Caves
Margate, Thanet
The caves were originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th Century and from 1863 were welcoming visitors until its closure in 2004. Now reopened for everyone to explore.

Hornby Visitor Centre
Margate, Thanet
The Hornby Visitor Centre Museum charts the history of some classic toys including rare products on display from brands such as their namesake Hornby, Airfix and Corgi. There is also a Thomas the Tank model train line and you can try out the Scalextric track that is on display.

Dane Park
Margate, Thanet
Dane Park in Margate is a popular space with leisure and sports facilities, including multi-use ball games area, football areas and large open grounds to explore, with wooden sculptures, children’s play area.

Bugsy’s
Margate, Thanet
Tenpin bowling alley Bugsy’s is a family-run business that has lanes for general bowling, leagues for adults and juniors, as well as being accessible for those with limited ability.

Ramsgate Main Sands
Ramsgate, Thanet
A beautiful sandy beach that has a play area, with swings and inflatables (seasonal/fees apply). It is east to the Royal Harbour and is approximately 250 meters long, with a pedestrian promenade running the length of the sand. Home to cafes, an arcade and restaurants with the Royal Harbour beside it. Host to a number of special events including festivals and a carnival throughout the year, with RNLI lifeguards during the Summer season.

Created To Treasure Pottery & Castings
Ramsgate, Thanet
Pottery studio with a large range of pottery pieces to select from to paint bisque with ceramic paints, or attend a workshop and create a ceramic, stonecast or 3D casting of all ages or your pet.

The Monkton Nature Reserve
Ramsgate, Thanet
Situated in an old chalk quarry, this was set up in 1985 as a nature reserve and is also home to a Field Study Centre is a geological and archaeological museum. On the reserve, visitors can see flora, fauna and wildlife including a breeding pair of Turtle Doves, Jackdaw, Little Owls and Kestrels, grass snakes and the rare water vole. Younger visitors can take part in activities including the ispy-like Monkton Meander, the Dinosaur and Enchanted Fairy Trails and more.

Pegwell Bay Country Park
Ramsgate, Thanet
Pegwell Bay Country Park has great views of Sandwich and Deal and the park acts as the entrance to the Sandwich & Pegwell Nature Reserve (please see our separate listing for more details), where you can find rare flora, fauna and wildlife. There is a public bird hide, a children’s play area and events including a weekly parkrun.

Rascal Bay Adventure Golf 
Ramsgate, Thanet
Based at Manston Golf Centre, Rascal Bay Adventure Golf is a mini golf course with 18 holes that features animal and safari themes. Also available for children’s parties.

Quex Park
Birchington, Thanet
Quex has a host of attractions including Adventure Golf, The Secret Garden Centre, a Craft Village, the Quex Maize Maze and The Field of Fun, Paintballing, Jungle Jims indoor and outdoor play area and many more. It is also home to events throughout the year.

Quex Adventure Golf ♣
Birchington, Thanet
The 18 hole adventure golf, with a backdrop of mini lakes, real ducks and ‘ruined’ building is part of the Quex Activity Centre – October to December.

The Quex Craft Village
Birchington, Thanet
The Quex Craft Village set in converted farm buildings includes a pottery studio, egg carvings and lots more with some children’s workshops and activities available.

Maize Maze ♣
Birchington, Thanet
Maize Maze has two giant mazes with interactive quizzes and the Field of Fun offers barnyard ballgames, a woodland adventure trail more. There are also mini electric tractor rides and a Cheeky Chickens tractor ride (fees apply) around the site, as well as a Moonlight Night where you can explore the maze by torchlight.

Jumping Pillows and Field of Fun ♣
Birchington, Thanet
Tickets include entry to the jumping pillow, woodland agility course, ball games and an animal area in this Field of Fun at Quex Park – a great place for little ones to enjoy a range of activities..

Paintball at Quex
Birchington, Thanet
Battle it out in different arenas and lead your team to victory during your paintball session fighting for control of bases.

Kidz Paintball
Birchington, Thanet
Kidz Paintball is a toned down version of paintballing that has been designed specifically structured with children in mind. The course includes different themed arenas and you will be provided with all protective equipment and clothing. Up to date marker guns are used and fully trained marshals are on site.

Woodland View Alpacas
Birchington, Thanet
In Birchington at the Quex Park Estate, you can meet and greet Alpacas and enjoy trekking experiences alongside these unique animals. Approximately a 2 hour experience with the walking element expected to last about 90 minutes, depending on the pace on the day.

Powell-Cotton Museum
Birchington, Thanet
Although the house, museum and gardens are currently closed for public visits whilst they are reimagining the museum, there are a number of organised events and programmes in which they will be open for.

Wildwood
Herne Bay
With over 200 native animals set in 40 acres of ancient woodland and its conservation projects aim to save the most endangered native mammals. You can walk around the site and see deer, birds, boars, rodents, snakes, mice, foxes, wolves, and a host of other animals in their natural habitats. If you want to find out more there are talks and experiences you can participate in to find out about the animals and Wildwood’s work. There is a play area with Kent’s largest drop slide, a wild fort to explore and lots more.

Herons Leisure Centre
Herne Bay
This leisure centre has a 25 metre pool, with a learner pool and a beach are there are family and teen training sessions, water babies classes for little ones, water polo, a crèche for children under 5 years, kids circuits and even kids combat classes. Plus amily fun time sessions on Saturday and Sunday with flume, inflatables and floats.

iFun Mini Golf
Herne Bay
Experience the outdoor 18 hole mini golf course at iFun Sundancers amusement arcade that is suitable for all ages. This centre that has been owned by the same family for five generations.

Swalecliff Skatepark
Whitstable
Swalecliff Skatepark is split into two sections, one with a bowl and then the plaza style street section for skateboarders to enjoy.

The Whitstable Sports Centre
With a 25 metre pool, with a learning pool, gym, exercise classes on offer, badminton facilities as well as a four-court sports hall. The centre also offers Waterbabies courses, plus teen, family training sessions in the gym, Sports Hall activities for 12+ years, including badminton and 5-A-Side football. On Saturday and Sunday there is Family Fun Time, with inflatables and floats. Summer Holiday Activity Camps are also available.

Oyster Coast Watersports ♣
Whitstable
Oyster Coast Watersports rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards, teach power boating, run a summer kids club and also offer a selection of sailing and windsurfing hire and courses. Also Paddleboarding, evening SUP trip, sailing and windsurfing taster sessions, as well as lessons are available. Plus run the Whitstable Boat Trips that include seals spotting and the Maunsell Forts. April to September.

Role Play Rascals
Faversham
A large children’s role play centre in the heart of Faversham where your little ones can immerse themselves in play, be who they want to be and let their imaginations go wild. As well as being a mini town for real life and occupational role play, they also offer fantasy role play areas with princesses, crowns, superheroes, capes, costumes, trains, dinosaurs, rockets, a garage and a supermarket.

Faversham Pools (Outdoor Pool ♣)
Faversham
These pools attracts nearly a quarter of a million visitors a year to its indoor and outdoor pools and has recently been nominated in the Top Ten Lidos by a national newspaper. There are three heated outdoor pools: the 33m outdoor pool features diving boards, a paddling pool for the little ones to enjoy and the wild-water rapids pool with a splash zone. The trio offers a great family day out in the main Summer months, with the heated indoor pool open all year round, which also features a Jacuzzi area and a shallow beach area in their learner pool.

Faversham Recreation Ground
Faversham
In the town centre plans are afoot to improve the play area and skate park, adding an outdoor performance space, and reinstatement of some areas of historical planting and paths for a sustainable future for current users and to encourage others to explore the 20 acre open space.

The Faversham Miniature Railway ♣
Faversham
Based at Brogdale Farm this is the only 9inch gauge miniature railway open to the public in the UK and is based at the National Fruit Collection Orchards. You can ride on the 1.2 miles of track through the spectacular orchards, with each ride taking about 15 minutes, with three platforms, eight road crossings, and even two signal boxes.  March to November.

Joe’s Bows
Faversham
Joe’s Bows offer falconry, laser clay shooting and archery experiences. Also includes axe & shovel throwing based at the Mount Ephraim Gardens (please see our separate listings for more details on the gardens).

The Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway ♣
Sittingbourne
At Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway (SKLR) you will find two standard gauge steam locomotives and where the area overlooks Milton Creek, you can see across to the Conyer bank and out into the Swale Estuary and the Isle of Sheppey beyond. It also has an award-winning wildlife garden and a children’s play area, with special events including a Steam and Beer day, Easter Egg Hunt, Teddy Bears Picnic and Santa Specials. There is also the Grovehurst Dockside Miniature Railway to explore behind the café at Kemsley Down. May to September

Milton Creek Country Park
Sittingbourne’s newest green space and is 128 acres that houses a natural play area, a community events space, as well as an extensive network of paths through areas of meadows, scrub and aquatic habitats, home to an array of species, such as the Shrill Carder Bee – very rare and major importance to the ecology. Visitors can find an array of fauna, flora, and wildlife, an Art in the Park event plus lots more events and activities during the year.

UNDER 12 YEARS

Huckleberry Woods
Faversham
A small, rustic, family-run, farm animal attraction that is charming and understated. Devoted entirely to micro and miniature animals, nimals include micro pigs, miniature donkeys, teddy bear sheep, miniature chickens, ducks and alpacas, with walks with some animals, plus a children’s play area.

Faversham Activity Centre
Soft play area for children with climbing equipment, large slides, and a specific area for the under two year olds with toys and ball pool. Also has a gym and gymnastic classes at the venue (please see our separate listing for more details).

Little Potters
Sittingbourne
Little Potters is a friendly, family-run pottery painting studio with a small soft play area.

Hippodrome
Herne Bay
Hippodrome Indoor play area has play frames, slides, inflatables, ball pits and lots of activities for the little ones to explore.

Under 1 Roof
Ramsgate, Thanet
Under 1 Roof in Thanet is a children’s entertainment complex housing a multitude of activities and events including a play of play centre, lazer arena and more. They also run adult soft play evenings.

Toddlers Cove
Canterbury
Outdoor play area that is in the heart of the city. Part of Westgate Parks, which includes the Westgate Gardens, Tannery Field and Bingley Island. Wooden play structures, big swings, a wooden pirate ship and slides, even a football goal – there is plenty for little ones to enjoy.

Play Islands
Canterbury
Multi-level soft play area for lots of fun for the little ones, where they can crawl, climb, run and jump their way around the island with a dedicated Toddler Zone.

Joss Bay Leisure ♣
Broadstairs, Thanet
Seasonal outdoor play area on the beach at Joss Bay, providing hours of fun for the little ones including a bouncy castle, two inflatable slides and trampolines.

Kids Mayhem Club World
Margate, Thanet
Indoor play area with a jungle gym of climbing frames and ball pit, as well as a dedicated soft play area for ages 0-6 months. They also host parties and run monthly movie nights, Ballet Tuesdays with Bonnie the ballerina bar and Toddler mornings.

Dinky Town Thanet
Ramsgate, Thanet
Children’s indoor play centre created to enhance the fun and educational experience imaginative role play brings to a child’s early years. Their role play village has a supermarket, diner, police station, fire station and more for little ones to enjoy.

Little Seaside Town
Ramsgate, Thanet
Little Seaside Town promotes imaginative role play in a stimulating play ‘town’ environment and provides a realistic but scaled down version of a town for young children to play in and to explore safely. Each themed set is full of play props, costumes and toys to encourage children to explore and make believe.

Jungle Jim’s
Birchington, Thanet
Indoor soft play barn with climbing frames and adventure zones, slides, plus soft play areas for younger children.

Jungle Jim’s Outdoor Play Area ♣
Birchington, Thanet
The outside play area at Jungle Jim’s has swings, slides, a zip wire, adventure climbing frames, a traverse climbing wall, fitness trail obstacles, football goals, badminton net, basketball hoop, giant sandpit, a specialised toddler area and lots more. Falconry demonstrations are performed daily.

Merry-Go-Round
Sittingbourne
Indoor play area for children up to 12 years of age, with designated play areas for those aged up to 18 months, as well as an area for toddlers which includes slides tunnels and lots of toys. Slides, ball pits, ride-on cars and lots more.

PRE TEEN & OLDER

Airsoft at Quex
Birchington, Thanet
Airsoft is a military-based simulation game like paintball that is said to be much more realistic and as ‘close as you can get to actual combat without real bullets.’ BBs (plastic balls) are used in replica guns which include replica M4 assault rifles. For those aged 11 years plus.

Bedlam Paintball Canterbury
Canterbury
Bedlam Paintball Canterbury, situated just a 10 minute drive from Canterbury city centre, offers paintballing and Splatmaster (low velocity paintballing for younger players in a group) experiences. Different arenas offer themed games for you to battle it out.

Bayford Meadows
Sittingbourne
Bayford Meadows karting circuit in Sittingbourne offers karting experiences from 9 years +. Experienced or first time drivers can book a series of sessions or turn up for the Arrive N Drive time, with family sessions also available.

Picture Credit ©: Top picture Kiana Bosman/unsplash.com Bottom picture: Nikola Saliba/unsplash.com