Days out for teenagers in Kent Summer 2017

A growing number of Kent attractions are proving that they can be down with the big kids. Five suggestions for enticing the teens this summer...

Skate Park

A trip to a skate park is usually enough to entice even the most hard-to-please teen from their bedroom.

One of the best around is within Gravesend's Cyclopark but if the weather isn't great the indoor Revolution Skatepark and Climbing Centre in Broadstairs is a great place to hang out.

At the other end of the county Unit One Skatepark in Rochester describes itself as a venue for skateboarders, scooters, BMX and inline where young people can improve skills and socialise in a safe environment.

For more see revolutionskatepark.co.uk, unit1skatepark.co.uk or cyclopark.com

Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre

Ride a toboggan down the longest stretch of track in the UK or take a large inflatable sno-tube to slide the slopes. Fun and always popular with thrill-seekers of all ages, you can simply get on and enjoy a ride and no prior experience is needed.

Riders have to be four and above to climb aboard. And all riders under the age of eight must ride with someone aged 16 or over.

Combined toboggan and sno-tube packages are sometimes available.

Contact the ski centre for more details and for operating times during holiday periods on 01634 827979 or visit jnlchatham.co.uk for further details.

Dreamland Margate

It's the attraction guaranteed to amuse all the family - big and small. The Margate theme park reopened this spring with a new look and pricing structure.

Bursting with vintage rides, family favourites and lots of fun Dreamland has a packed summer timetable not to mention a prime position on the seafront.

The park is free to enter and thrillseekers can either pay-per-ride or purchase wristbands on the day or in advance.

There is also a roller room, the chance to meet reptiles and other creatures in the ark and a packed programme of live music.

Visit dreamland.co.uk for more

Room Escape Games

Let your teenagers take on a challenge like no other - and we're not talking cleaning their bedrooms!

Kent has a number of the challenge style rooms including those in Canterbury (Escape Kent), Gravesend (The Panic Room) and Fort Amherst in Chatham (Escape Plan Live).

Working in teams you need to solve a series of problems, usually against a clock in order to escape a locked room. This could provide the perfect antidote to boredom for your young adults and their friends as they exercise the grey matter to escape.

Trampoline Park

Dodgeball, basketball hoops, wall-to-wall trampolines and foam pits a plenty. If you think your teens could benefit from some exercise then a trampoline park could be the place to take the plunge.

As well as open jump sessions there are dedicated sessions for various age groups and activities as well as late night openings.

There are currently trampoline parks in Maidstone, Chatham, Gillingham and Ashford - with another set to open at Bluewater later this year.