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.

There's over 40 species of animals to discover at Wildwood
There's over 40 species of animals to discover at Wildwood

Discover Animals

@ Wildwood, near Herne Bay

All weekend and all year round

With over 40 acres of ancient woodland and a huge variety of animals, there's lots to see and do at Wildwood. Get up close and encounter wildlife like brown bears, beavers, otters, deer, wild cats, otter, snakes and lizards. At the moment Wildwood has a special deal where you can get an unlimited access to the park for a month for just £3.50 per person or £7 for a family.

More details here

Get up close to the Gruffalo
Get up close to the Gruffalo

Gruffalo

@ Kent Life, Maidstone

Sunday, July 31

A summer of family fun is now up and running at Kent Life. The attraction just off the M20, near Maidstone, is open daily, but special events include a chance to meet the Gruffalo and hear his story on Sunday, July 31. Other dates to look out for in the coming weeks include the kent Life’s first ice cream festival on August Bank Holiday Monday. For events, prices and times, call 01622 763936 or visit kentlife.org.uk

Details on Kent Life's website

Crawl, jump and slide through the giant 195ft inflatable obstacle course at Betteshanger Country Park
Crawl, jump and slide through the giant 195ft inflatable obstacle course at Betteshanger Country Park

Betteshanger Bouncing

@ Saturday, July 30

Jump, crawl and slide through the giant inflatable obstacle course at Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal. All you need to do to win is beat the clock and complete the course. The fastest through will win an annual membership to the park. Toddler bounce is also available for those with littler legs.

More details here

The Maize Maze viewing tower at Haguelands Village. Picture: Jeff Sims
The Maize Maze viewing tower at Haguelands Village. Picture: Jeff Sims

Maize Maze

@ Haguelands Village

Get lost in the maize maze this weekend with nearly four miles of path to find your way around. There's so much to do at Haguelands - have a go on the assault course, play on the climbing pyramid, giant jenga and giant snakes and ladders. You can also drive pedal go-karts and check out the vintage amusements.

For more info head to their website

The parade at the Whitstable Oyster Festival
The parade at the Whitstable Oyster Festival

Mud Tug and Street Parade

@ Whitstable Oyster Festival, Long Beach

Saturday, July 30

The annual Oyster Festival brings around 80,000 people to Whitstable Harbour and this is its last weekend until next year. This two-weekend festival is full of live performances, music, food and arts and crafts for all. You'll also get to watch the street parade, oyster eating challenge, a crabbing competition and the eagerly anticipated muddy tug-of-war battle.

For the full line up of events visit the website here

This weekend Star Wars will be showing at the Leeds Castle
This weekend Star Wars will be showing at the Leeds Castle

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

@ Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Friday, July 29

From a galaxy far, far away, the most successful film of all time comes to Leeds Castle for a truly unforgettable night of cinema under the stars. With director JJ Abrams at the helm, the Star Wars franchise has been taken to new stratospheric levels of critical and box office success. The film starts at 9.30pm and is suitable for ages 12 and above.

Click here to book tickets

Treat the kids to summer fun at Bedgebury Forest
Treat the kids to summer fun at Bedgebury Forest

Summer Forest School

@ Bedgebury Pinetum, near Goudhurst

Friday, July 29

School's out for summer and it's time to get outdoors! Bedgebury Pinetum invites the kids along every Tuesday and Friday to its summer school where activities include setting up a camp, building dens and learning how to cook in the wild. Suitable for ages seven to 12-year-olds.

Book a place here

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