What can I do with the kids this weekend in Kent?

by Emma Grafton-Williams

Are you looking for inspiration for family events?

Then let My Kent Family come to the rescue. Every week we search the county for some great ideas to keep you entertained.

Thomas the Tank Engine will be at Spa Valley Railway
Thomas the Tank Engine will be at Spa Valley Railway

A day out with Thomas

@ Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells

Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10

Meet the most famous steam train around this weekend at Spa Valley Railway. Kids can meet Thomas and his steam and diesel friends as they take it in turns to pull the special trains to and from Tunbridge Wells West. Attractions at the station include the Imagination Station, face painting, temporary tattoos, Thomas films and vintage penny machines.

Click here for more details

Get your dancing shoes on at the Dreamland family rave
Get your dancing shoes on at the Dreamland family rave

Big Fish Little Fish

@ Dreamland, Margate

Saturday, April 9

Set sail on the seven seas and join the award-winning Big Fish Little Fish at Dreamland for a nautically themed family rave. Children can unleash their creativity at the craft tables, making themed accessories, sculpting play-doh or joining in on a giant colouring mural. Kick back in the baby chill area with soft mats and beanbags or let your toddler waddle in and out of pop up tents and tunnels in the toddler play zone. With a licensed bar, free glowsticks, transfer tattoos, classic tunes plus a smoothie to take home there's certainly plenty going on.

Book tickets here

Set in the summer of 1958, Gease is the story of Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko
Set in the summer of 1958, Gease is the story of Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko

Drive in cinema screening of Grease

@ Giles Lane Car Park next to the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

Saturday, April 9

Are you hopelessly devoted to cinema? The Gulbenkian in Canterbury will be screening the hit film Grease (PG) outside. The classic 1970s film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, comes with the chance to snap up American diner specials including milkshakes, burgers and fries. The film will be shown on a giant airscreen - an outdoor inflatable screen. There will be a seated area with a sound system, while cars can tune in via an FM frequency.

For more information click here

Men and Girls Dance production by Fevered Sleep kicks off its UK tour at the Folkestone Quarterhouse. Picture: Karen Robinson
Men and Girls Dance production by Fevered Sleep kicks off its UK tour at the Folkestone Quarterhouse. Picture: Karen Robinson

Fevered Sleep - Men and Girls Dance

@ Headquarters, Folkestone

Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9

Men and Girls Dance is a new stage show celebrating the rights of adults and children to be together, to play together and to dance together. The show was devised and choreographed by artistic directors David Harradine and Sam Butler and features young Kent girls performing alongside five professional male dancers. The show has a suggested audience age of 12 and above.

For more information click here

One of the mini golf courses at Pirate Cove Adventure Golf
One of the mini golf courses at Pirate Cove Adventure Golf

Mini golf

@ Pirate Cove Adventure Park, Bluewater

Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10

Take a break from the shopping and show off your putting skills at this Florida-style adventure golf park at Kent's biggest shopping centre. There are two 18-hole courses to pick from and they're both plenty of fun. The adventure park at Bluewater also had pirate pedalos and remote controlled galleons making it a fun adventure for all ages.

For more details click here

Mister Maker And The Shapes Live! is coming to the Marlowe Theatre
Mister Maker And The Shapes Live! is coming to the Marlowe Theatre

Mister Maker and his friends

@ The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9

This is Mister Makers's first ever live theatre tour. The show is packed full of party adventures, audience interaction, super songs to join in with and, of course, The Shapes.

Book your tickets here

A Royal Naval ship at Chatham Historic Dockyard
A Royal Naval ship at Chatham Historic Dockyard

Exploring the Age of Sail

@ Historic Dockyard Chatham, Medway

Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10

The Historic Dockyard Chatham has a fantastic range of attractions, iconic buildings and historic warships to explore. Visitors can learn how to make rope from costumed guides, discover the stories behind the men who served on the attraction's three historic warships and delve into the 400-year history of the dockyard through its museum galleries. Stop off for a bite to eat at the Wagon Shop Canteen or at the Commissioner's Garden marquee or bring your own picnic to enjoy at one of the grass areas around the site.

Go to the websiteto book tickets

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