Family days out and Christmas fun for the kids this weekend in Kent

Celebrate the start of December with some traditional family fun at one of these top days out...

1. Frosted Fairground, Dreamland, Margate

From Friday, December 1

Dreamland's big Christmas attraction opens to the public on Friday, December 1. The Frosted Fairground includes a large ice rink with room for 150 skaters, a grotto and lots of live entertainment on the main stage. To book go to dreamland.co.uk/events.

2. Wreath making workshop, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal

All weekend

Unleash your creative side at the country park near Deal. There will be plenty of experts on hand to help visitors use natural materials found around the park. Wreaths cost £30 each, and up to four people can team up to make one. Warm drinks and mince pies are included. This family workshop is part of a range of festive activities in the run-up to Christmas at the park. Book at betteshanger-park.co.uk/Christmas

3. Santa special, Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden

All weekend

The ever popular Santa Specials combine the tradition of a steam train with the smell of hot chestnuts and festive music. Some dates are sold out but there are still tickets remaining for this weekend. Journeys run from Tenterden and include a visit from Santa while on the train. At Tenterden Station a beautiful Victorian carousel provides unlimited free rides. To book visit www.kesr.org

4. Artisan market, Canterbury Tales

All weekend

Market stalls will line the atmospheric streets of the Canterbury Tales attraction for a Christmas shopping experience with a difference. Craftspeople from across the South East will be selling jewellery, Christmas gifts, foodie treats and much more. Entry to the market is free. To find out more, visit canterburytales.org.uk or call 01227 696 002.

5. Christmas market, Brogdale

Sunday, December 3

For more festive fun head to the the home of the National Fruit Collection, near Faversham. Children can take a ride on a miniature railway through the frosty orchard to Santa’s grotto, hunt for the secret door on the elf trail and say hello to Carlos the friendly goat. After all that, they can wander over to the Apple Barn and see the fantastic owl display. Entry is free but there's a small charge for some of the activities. More info at www.brogdalecollections.org

6. Christmas, Hever Castle

Until Christmas Eve

Christmas fun at Hever Castle takes place Wednesdays to Sundays and then daily from December 11 up until Christmas Eve. Young visitors who have not booked to visit Father Christmas in his grotto may get the chance to meet him in drop in sessions in the Toy Workshop (December 16, 17, 21, 22 and 23). Tickets cost £8 and can only be bought in the grounds on the day. For further information about Christmas activities and prices, see hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on

7. Santa's Grotto, Howletts Wild Animal Park

All weekend

Christmas has arrived at the animal park near Canterbury. Every weekend until Saturday, December 23 there's the chance to see Santa is in his grotto. Children can meet the main man and his elves at 30 minute intervals from 10am to 4pm. Entry is £10 per child, including a gift plus there's free admission to the grotto for adults. To book and for more details visit aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/whats-on/santas-grotto/