Seven things to do with the family in Kent

by Jenna Dobbs

The summer holidays are flying by and we've reached the halfway point, but are you now running out of fun family activities?

We've picked some great days out to enjoy with the little ones, all of which are right on your doorstep.

Here's seven things to do with the kids in Kent this weekend.

Kitesurfer Lewis Crathern at Ramsgate sands
Kitesurfer Lewis Crathern at Ramsgate sands

1 National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships, Ramsgate

Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19, from 9am to 8pm

With a record-breaking kitesurfing destination right on Kent's coastline, why not give the sport a try?

Active Ramsgate will be presenting part of the British Kitesurfing Championships on the town's beach this weekend, alongside free taster sessions.

And for those not keen on taking a dip there is plenty of other fun to be found in the town or on the waters edge.

To find out more, click here or email info@britishkitesports.org

The circus-themed event will be held on Saturday
The circus-themed event will be held on Saturday

2 Circus Day at Whitefriars, Canterbury

Saturday, August 18 from 9am to 6pm

Clowning around is no joke - so why not send the kids off to circus school for a fun day out at Whitefriars shopping centre?

With facepainting, arts and crafts, live music and character walkabouts, there's something for everyone at the free event.

There will also be family yoga, crazy golf and adult craft sessions the following day, if circus-themed activities aren't for you.

For more information, click here

Gear up for some truck-themed excitement
Gear up for some truck-themed excitement

3 Truckfest, Hop Farm Family Park, Beltring

Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19 from 9am to 5pm

Truckfest South East is returning to the Hop Farm, providing a fun day out for enthusiasts, families and the road haulage industry.

It will feature a huge variety of trucks, from giant American machines to customised vehicles, alongside fairground rides and live performances.

World-famous Monster Trucks will be on hand to thrill crowds with their daring tricks, and organisers have also promised special celebrity guests.

Adult tickets cost £17 for a single day, and under 12s go free unless staying for the weekend.

Find out more at thehopfarm.co.uk

The Sweet Home Sweethearts at last year's 1940s Spring Fair. Picture: Steve Crispe
The Sweet Home Sweethearts at last year's 1940s Spring Fair. Picture: Steve Crispe

4 Family summer fair - 1940s style - at Fort Amherst, Chatham

Saturday, August 18 from 1pm to 7pm

Fort Amherst will open its gates in true 1940s style for a day of family fun.

With the air raid precautions room open, alongside guided tours, explore more than 300 years of fascinating military history.

There will also be a craft fair, afternoon teas, barbecue, open bar, dancing and other entertainment.

Visit fortamherst.com for more information - but be careful, some people think the former civil defence centre is haunted.

Seal and wildlife watching trips will take place throughout the summer. Picture: Victoria Sutherland/Kent Wildlife Trust
Seal and wildlife watching trips will take place throughout the summer. Picture: Victoria Sutherland/Kent Wildlife Trust

5 Seal and Wildlife Watching Trips, Ramsgate Royal Harbour

Saturday, August 18 at 4.30pm

Take an exciting journey into a National Nature Reserve, where you can see an active seal colony alongside a wide range of beautiful birds.

Each trip is timed carefully to coincide with tidal flows for the best chance to see the animals in their natural habitat.

Tickets cost £20 per person, and the experience lasts around an hour and a half - just don't forget your camera.

For more information, and to book your place, visit seasearcher.co.uk

Last year's Sheppey Carnival Queen and Princesses. Picture: Matthew Walker
Last year's Sheppey Carnival Queen and Princesses. Picture: Matthew Walker

6 Sheppey Summer Carnival, Sheerness High Street

Saturday, August 18 from 5.30pm

This popular seaside carnival returns for another year, featuring floats, fancy dress and the popular Miss Sheppey pageant.

The procession will kick off at New Road, Sheerness at 5.30pm, before making its way through the town centre.

There will also be stalls in the Broadway, and organisers have encouraged Kent residents to "come down and have a good time".

For more information, email sheppeysummercarnival@yahoo.co.uk, or call 01795 667927.

Belmont House and Gardens. Picture: Kevin Allen, Skyscan
Belmont House and Gardens. Picture: Kevin Allen, Skyscan

7 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at Belmont House and Gardens

Sunday, August 19 from 2pm

The whole family can join Alice as she stumbles into the magical world of Wonderland for this colourful summer performance.

Characters will include the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and terrifying Queen of Hearts - all dressed in Victorian costume.

Organisers promise the event will be filled will song, dance and original music, and children under the age of three go free.

Adult tickets are £15 and £10 for under 16s - for more information, click here for more information.

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