What can I do with the kids in Kent this weekend?
The weekends go by so quickly, don't they?
We've got a list of seven things you can do this coming weekend.
And you can take the kids as well!
1. Family Arts Award Day, Maidstone Museum
Saturday, November 18
The Egyptian-themed Discover Arts Award is suitable for ages five and over, and draws on the museum’s newly opened Ancient Lives gallery, looking at different art forms and learning about the museum’s Egyptian collection, before creating their own artwork. At the end of the day, they get a certificate and their work will be moderated by the team for Arts Award certificates. Some of the children’s work will also be put on display in the gallery. Places are limited to 15 children, accompanied by an adult and runs from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are £20. To book go to maidstonemuseum.org
2. Meet the Dragon, Beaney Museum, Canterbury
Any day except Mondays
There’s an actual dragon lurking at the Beaney – but don’t worry, he’s very small! The draca (or dragon) was found in the Kentish soil, and weighs in at just 1.15g. Made from gold and reduced to miniature, It takes the form of a three dimensional decorated pendant, with a small suspension loop set at the back of its head and is a minute 18.35mm wide. It dates from around the 9th Century AD and is Treasure under the Treasure Act 1996. It was recently acquired by the museum with support from Arts Council England, the Victoria and Albert Museum and The Headley Trust. Visit Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 5pm and Sundays from noon to 5pm. Entry is free. For more, go to canterburymuseums.co.uk
3. Almost Always Muddy, Turner Contemporary, Margate
All weekend
An immersive storytelling experience for children aged five and over, join the Likely Story Theatre and Kirsty Harris in their junk yard playground of treasures to build them a place to tell their story, a Hero’s Quest. The Foyle Room will be filled with materials from tubes and fabric to pallets to create a space for stories, with music. Showings will be at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday and 10.30am and 1.30pm on Sunday and cost £10 for an adult and one child. To book, visit turnercontemporary.org
4. Design your own party clothes, Herne Bay Seaside Museum
Launching on Saturday, November 18
As part of its regular weekend activity days for children on Saturdays and Sundays, the museum in William Street launches its children’s competition this weekend to design party clothes inspired by the 1920s. Pop along for the free activity. For more details call 01227 367368 or go to theseasidemuseumhernebay.org
5. Grotto event, Hempstead Valley, Gillingham
Saturday, November 18
Father Christmas will take up residence in his grotto on Saturday, November 18 at 1.30pm, when he will be joined by kmfm’s Garry Wilson and Dame Nellie Night Nurse, one of the stars of the Central Theatre’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. The grotto features characters including penguins and will be open daily from Saturday, November 18 until Christmas Eve, with entrance costing £5 per child, iwhich will include a wrapped gift. There is no entry charge for any accompanying adults. For more details go to hempsteadvalley.com
6. Ice rink opening, Tunbridge Wells
Friday, November 17
Have you started your Christmas countdown yet? Organisers of ice skating in Tunbridge Wells have, with tickets going on sale for sessions at Calverley Gardens this festive season. Running from Friday, November 17 to New Year's Day, the amphitheatre will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with stylish skating, festive food and drink, music and shopping inspiration. For tickets visit thelittleboxoffice.com/darrylcurcherevents
7. Christmas lights switch-on, West Malling
Sunday, November 19
The switch-on event is on Sunday, November 19 this year from noon through to 5.30pm, with the switch being flicked around 5pm by members of the cast of this year’s Maidstone pantomime, Peter Pan. There will be real reindeer, an ice rink for the children and Santa’s Grotto plus the high street will be crammed with street food, mulled wine and stalls.
