What can I do with my children at the weekend in Kent?
Thinking ahead to the summer holidays?
Well before we get there we have the weekend.
Here are some things to keep you and the kids busy.
Greg James book signing, Bluewater
Saturday, July 15, from 3pm
BBC Radio One's Greg James will be at Bluewater signing his new book, co-written by the voice of Newsbeat Chris Smith. 'Kid Normal' is a novel about is the story of a child called Murph Cooper who is enrolled in a school for superheros. For more call 01322 624831.
Newington Village Festival
Saturday, July 15, from 12pm until 6pm.
The fesitval, which will take place at Newington Primary School, will go through the day. Children will be pleased to know that they will not go home bored as they will be able to take part in fancy dress, magician, tug-of-war, dance and gymnastics displays, chainsaw carver, birds of prey, classic cars, fairground, sideshows and much more.
Cherry fair, Brogdale
Sunday, July 16
A cherry pie eating contest will be on the menu this weekend – the no-hands contest for all the family to get stuck in to, or take the cherry pip spit challenge and see if you can break the Brogdale record. Head to the cherry barn to see the fascinating display and sample some of the 325 varieties growing on site. To book tickets, with 10% off until Friday, July 14, visit brogdalecollections.org or call 01795 536250.
Maze, Penshurst Place
All weekend
The maze opens on Saturday, July 15 and runs through until Sunday, September 3, plus an additional weekend of Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10. The eco fun for all the family has two routes, one for younger visitors with a shorter 10-minute journey time and a larger, more challenging option for intrepid explorers. Don’t forget to pick up a flag on your way in to wave in case you need rescuing and a fun game card to collect clues and stamps. Activities are free and included in the standard grounds admission price. Last entry 5pm. For details go to penshurstplace.com
Milkshake! Live, Margate Winter Gardens
Saturday, July 15, at noon
With classic fairytale storylines, songs and a host of Milkshake! favourites including Bob the Builder, Noddy, Fireman Sam and Wissper as well as Milkshake!’s own Milkshake! monkey and two Milkshake! presenters. For tickets to the Margate show at £15 and £13 for children go to margatewintergardens.co.uk or call 01843 292795.
Sooty and Friends picnic, Kent Life
All weekend
Young visitors can bring their own teddy for cuddly toy fun including teddy bear races, storytelling and a wooden bear hunt. You can even treat your teddy to a donkey ride, hop on a tractor for a tour around the grounds, and meet some of the other furry creatures in Cuddle Corner. Kent Life’s own resident teddy might even make an appearance! Entry is £9.95, with children aged three to 15 £7.95 and under threes free. The farm is open 10am to 5pm. For details go to kentlife.org.uk
Big Fun Run, Mote Park
Saturday, July 15
Run for fitness, charity, fun - or just for yourself - at Mote Park, Maidstone, this weekend. The Big Fun Run, which comes a week after the park held its Race for Life, is at 11am. Entry for is £15.99 for adults and £13.99 for children. For more go to bigfunrun.com/maidstone.
