Seven things to do with the children in Kent this bank holiday weekend

by Ellis Stephenson

The three-day weekend is a perfect opportunity to get out and about.

Treat your little ones, or not so little ones, to one of our days out around the county.

Scroll down to see what's going on over the coming days.

You could be enjoying an ice cream like this youngster

1) Kent Life, Maidstone

Cool off at the Maidstone heritage farm park this Bank Holiday Monday with the return of the Ice Cream Festival.

With plenty of tasty treats to tuck into and sample, ice cream vendors, chocolatiers and sweet stalls galore, the indulgent festival will see a visit from Kent’s Simply Ice Cream, and Kelly’s of Cornwall.

There will also be a 40s flavour with music from the Boogie Woogie Gals and the chance to visit all the usual attractions, including Cuddle Corner, Paint-a-Pot studio, outdoor and indoor play areas, and the Vintage Village.

Entry, between 10am and 5pm, is £9.95 and £7.95 for children between three and 15. For details call 01622 763936 or visit kentlife.org.uk.

The bOing! festival is bouncing back in Canterbury

2) bOing! Family Festival

The creative, international family festival bOing! returns to the Gulbenkian in Canterbury on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27.

Free to enter, with some shows ticketed from £6, it features storytelling, performance, art and some mind boggling experiences, including the Pentalum Luminarium, a maze of colourful paths and soaring domes, visited by thousands last year.

For details of what’s on and to book advance tickets, visit boingfestival.com or call the information line on 01227 769075.

The world's biggest bouncy castle is at Dreamland today

3) Dreamland, Margate

It has 1,143 cubic metres of air inside it and stands at almost 13 metres. The World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle is at the Margate venue until Saturday, August 26.

It is open from 11.30am every day, and a 10-minute bounce costs £3.50. #

Some 100 people – both children and adults – can bounce together at the same time. For details go to dreamland.co.uk

The prehistoric prowlers are at the Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells until Bank Holiday Monday Picture: Andy Payton

4) Royal Victoria Place

Dino Live with its gang of prehistoric prowlers has its last weekend at the Tunbridge Wells shopping centre, taking visitors through a unique journey spanning more than 250 million years.

Visitors can see the dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus rex, Ceratosaurus, Iguanodon and the lesser-known Kentrosaurus move, roar and even breathe.

Young visitors can have their picture taken with a baby T-rex and there will be craft workshops.

The displays are open until Bank Holiday Monday, between 9am and 6pm, or 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays, and entry is free.

Dino Draw workshops are also being held on Saturdays between 10am and 5pm and Sundays between 11am and 4pm. Children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Steve Oates casts an expert eye at the Brogdale Cider Festival Picture: Chris Davey

5) Brogdale Cider Festival

All weekend

Entertainment at this year's Brogdale Festival includes archery, pig racing, wellie wanging and trifle eating, while visitors feeling peckish can try a hog roast, halloumi burgers, crepes, jambalaya, churros and hotdogs.

Brogdale Cider Festival is on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 between 10am and 5pm both days.

Entry on the gate is £9 and £5 for children.

Dogs on leads are allowed at the festival but not in the orchards. For details go to brogdalecollections.org A free shuttle bus will be running from Faversham mainline train station to Brogdale throughout the weekend.

6) The Wind in the Willows

Sunday, August 27

The Wind in the Willows comes to Belmont House in Faversham when a search for a picnic spot turns into the most hilarious of escapades.

The musical, family show will be presented in traditional costume and features a woodland parade during the interval for audience members to join in with.

Tickets cost £15 or £10 for ages 16 and under. Under threes are free.The grounds are open from 1pm, with the show starting at 2pm. To book visit belmont-house.org

The Little Mix Experience. Picture: Stephen Vincent

7) Little Mix Tribute

Saturday, August 26

There won't be many sad songs when the Little Mix Experience, above, take to the stage.

Paying tribute to one of the most popular UK girl bands with songs from DNA to Black Magic. The show comes to the Margate Winter Gardens on Saturday, August 26. To book visit margatewintergardens.co.uk or call 01843 292795.