Family Fun in Kent: Top Castles, Wildlife Adventures, and Thrill-Seeking Days Out for All Ages
Kent offers plenty of family-friendly days out. From farms to castles, beaches to theme parks, there are lots of exciting things to do with kids of all ages in Kent and the surrounding areas. Here are some of the top attractions and activities for a brilliant family day out.
Explore Dover Castle
Dover Castle is one of the most iconic castles in England, set high on the famous White Cliffs of Dover. This medieval castle has fascinating historical sights to explore including the Great Tower, secret wartime tunnels, and Roman lighthouses. Kids will love pretending to be knights and princesses as they wander around the turrets and towers. Time your visit well and you can catch one of the re-enactment events that bring history to life.
Get Close to Nature at Wildwood
The Wildwood Trust near Canterbury is the perfect place for kids to get close to British wildlife. This large park is home to wolves, bears, owls and many more native species. Walk on the winding forest paths to spot animals in their natural woodland habitats. Don’t miss the otters, badgers and wild boar. The trust holds various hands-on events and keeper talks daily so kids can learn all about the animals.
Ride the Rollercoasters at Thorpe Park
For thrill-seeking kids and adults, Thorpe Park is home to some of the UK’s most extreme rollercoasters like Colossus or Stealth. Get soaked on Tidal Wave or brave the world’s first winged coaster on The Swarm. When they need a break from the big rides, let kids burn off energy in the adventure playgrounds. With rides and attractions themed around some of their favourite TV shows and movies like The Walking Dead and Black Mirror, it’s a fantastically fun day out.
Sun, Sand and Seaside Fun
Kent has some beautiful stretches of coastline perfect for sunny family days at the seaside if you are fostering in Kent. Treat the kids to ice creams and fish and chips, build sandcastles, splash in the sea, or take a ride on the miniature railway at Herne Bay. further along the coast, kids will love searching for fossils and shiny stones along Botany Bay beach near Broadstairs, with its dramatic chalk cliffs.
Explore Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is a beautiful moated medieval castle surrounded by 500 acres of gardens and parkland. Kids can explore the maze, grotto and underground tunnels before taking a relaxing boat ride on the river. With event days, hot air balloon rides and an aviary on site, it makes for a varied and interactive family day out.
Get Hands-On at Kent Life
Kent Life near Maidstone is a working heritage farm attraction where kids can get up close to the animals and learn about life on a farm. There’s everything from alpacas to pigs to cattle on the farm. Kids are encouraged to feed and pet the animals with the friendly farmers. Other highlights include tractor rides, the vintage village complete with sweet shop, and the giant play barn for when they need to let off some energy!
With its castles, beaches, wildlife parks, and adrenaline-pumping theme parks, Kent has so much to keep kids entertained for a memorable family day out.