New things to try with the family in Kent in 2019
A new year, new beginnings - what about trying something new with the family this year?
Whether it be a new hobby or fresh experience there is plenty to try out across the county.
Here are five we think you and the kids might enjoy embarking on in 2019:
Geocaching, Betteshanger Park near Deal
Geocaching runs all year round at the country park and is the ultimate high-tech search for buried treasure!
You’ll use a handheld GPS receiver to navigate to the multiple ‘cache’ (treasure) locations around Betteshanger.
It's a great opportunity to get the kids out and take in some exercise all while exploring a new environment. Geocaching is fun for all ages and is perfect for youngsters as it combines outdoor play with team building and problem-solving.
There’s no requirement to pre-book, simply pick up your kit from the cycle hire outlet. It costs £5 and the route takes around 45 minutes to one hour depending on how quick you are. Learn more at www.betteshanger-park.co.uk
Family cycle, Cyclopark, Gravesend
You don't need to be an army of bicycle owners to get out and about on two wheels.
What's more, for families concerned about taking their young cyclists too near the roads, one state-of-the-art facility in the county has the answer.
Gravesend's Cyclopark is offering both cycle and helmet hire packages for families and can point you in the direction of off-road bike trails to safely explore.
The sporting attraction, which also has a cafe, play facilities for youngsters, a skate park and bmx area is a popular place for families with children and teens of all ages, and can provide the perfect active adrenaline -fuelled outing the entire tribe will enjoy.
A £35 family offer which includes hire, a voucher to get some refreshments in the on-site cafe and free parking is currently available. The package must be booked in advance and more details can be found at www.cyclopark.com
Orienteering Course, Leybourne Lakes Country Park
Put your family's navigation skills to the test thanks to a new course available now.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has been working with Dartford Orienteering Klubb to produce a new orienteering course at Leybourne Lakes Country Park for all to enjoy. The
course will give children and adults the chance to practice navigation skills to try to find the ‘marker posts’ positioned around the site, using a leaflet or mobile phone app for guidance.
The leaflet is available onsite or to download and print at home at www.tmbc.gov.uk/llcp. The course, open to the public year round, is also available to download via the Sporteering app.
Maria Heslop, council member for Community Services said: “It’s really good to have yet another facility open to the public at Leybourne Lakes Country Park where both adults and children are able to learn and use new skills in the beautiful surroundings of the Country Park. I hope that many of our visitors take the opportunity to try out the orienteering course, while enjoying everything the park has to offer.”
The ultimate family staycation with Airbnb Plus, various Kent locations
From a rustic stable in Sissinghurst to a restored pub in Deal a number of unique homes in East Kent are now available to rent for the ultimate family staycation.
Airbnb Plus has launched in East Kent offering a new tier of premium homes in the county, which also includes a fisherman's cottage in Broadstairs and a former school house in Whitstable.
Airbnb says with the launch of Airbnb Plus the chosen properties allow families to stay with all the comforts of home, hopefully taking the stress out of holidays.
To learn more about the properties available to book visit www.airbnb.co.uk/plus
Parent and toddler trampolining, Kent trampoline parks including Gravity, Flip Out, SOAR and Jump In
Leave the big kids behind and embark on an activity just for you and the little ones, thanks to the growing popularity of dedicated parent and child trampoline sessions.
All of Kent's trampoline parks are running timetabled sessions for small children during which they can explore all or certain parts of the park without the presence of older visitors.
The dedicated sessions give parents and their smallest charges more space to play, learn and build confidence at their own pace, say organisers, as well as giving them the opportunity to socialise with other children of a similar age. And parents must lead by example - as all toddlers must be accompanied by an adult.
Age ranges and sessions times vary, please check with your nearest attraction.
www.gravity-uk.com for Maidstone and Bluewater
www.flipout.co.uk for Ashford and Chatham
www.soartrampolinepark.co.uk for Gillingham
www.gojumpin.com for Tonbridge
