Seven things to do with the kids in Kent this weekend

by Jenna Dobbs

Stuck for things to do with the kids now the weather's getting colder?

Don't worry, My Kent Family has got you covered.

Here's seven great ways to keep the little ones entertained this weekend.

Hovercraft rides
Hovercraft rides

1 Capstone Festival, Capstone Farm Country Park, Gillingham

Sunday, September 23 from 11am to 4pm

A free fun day out is on offer for the Capstone Festival at the country park on Sunday, September 23.

There will be lots of fun activities for children to take part in including a climbing wall challenge, hovercraft rides and pony rides.

Colourful kites will also be on display, line dancing and plenty of refreshments.

The festival runs from 11am to 4pm. Park at the main Capstone site but allow a 15-minute walk.

There is fun to be had at a theatre workshop
There is fun to be had at a theatre workshop

2 Kids' Theatre Workshop, Theatre Royal Margate

Saturday, September 22, 10am to 11am

Young thespians can get a taste of the Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre in Margate at a kids' theatre workshop as part of the Roundabout festival.

Join Darren Hill, leader of the Margate Youth Theatres, for an hour-long session for ages seven and up.

To book for the workshop, which includes a free ticket to How to Spot an Alien, visit painesplough.com/roundabout-margate

The Canterbury Bike Ride will take place on Saturday
The Canterbury Bike Ride will take place on Saturday

3 Canterbury Bike Ride, Canterbury Rugby Club

Sunday, September 23, timings vary

Hundreds are expected to get out on their bikes to join the Canterbury Bike Ride on Sunday, September 23.

First held in 2014, it is a non-competitive “sportive” event for both experienced and novice riders.

There are three distances on offer, from 25 to 80 miles, and discounts for families and under 16s.

To book your place go to canterburybikeride.co.uk

A Night to Shine will raise money for Pilgrims' Hospice
A Night to Shine will raise money for Pilgrims' Hospice

4 A Night to Shine, Pilgrims' Hospice in Ashford, Broadstairs and Canterbury

Saturday, September 22, from 7pm

The Pilgrims' Hospice A Night to Shine will raise funds for local hospice care and be sponsored by the Furley Page Foundation.

All ages can join the sponsored walks, dressed in special t-shirts and carrying paper lanterns decorated in advance in memory of a loved one.

Organisers have promised this year will be bigger and brighter than ever, and participants can choose to walk either three or six miles.

To book for one of three walks go to pilgrimshospices.org/event/

Horrible Histories is coming to the Orchard
Horrible Histories is coming to the Orchard

5 Horrible Histories, Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Saturday, September 22, from 10.30am

Find out about the Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians at this laugh-out-loud family show.

Hear the legend - and the lies - about the torturing Tudors, and find out the fate of horrible Henry's headless wives.

Learn about the fascinating Pharaohs, the power of the pyramids and the meanest mummies in Egypt.

To find out more, or book tickets, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk

The Gruffalo's child promises fun for children aged three and up
The Gruffalo's child promises fun for children aged three and up

6 The Gruffalo's Child, Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23

This family show is set to provide songs, laughs and lots of fun for children aged three and up.

Tall Stories' adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s sequel to the Gruffalo promises to provide a magical, musical experience.

To book your tickets, or find out more, visit thegulbenkian.co.uk

Stroll through the Kentish countryside while admiring a range of wacky scarecrows. Photo: Lee Hellwing
Stroll through the Kentish countryside while admiring a range of wacky scarecrows. Photo: Lee Hellwing

7 The Loose Scarecrow Festival, Chequers Inn, Old Loose Hill, near Maidstone

Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, all day

If you fancy something a bit different this weekend, why not explore the village of Loose?

Collect your quiz sheet and take a stroll through the Kentish countryside, admiring the range of wacky scarecrows on your way.

Quiz sheets cost £2 and can be purchased at The Chequers Inn, Loose Post Office and The Walnut Tree.

Tea and cake will also be served at the inn between 3pm and 5pm, in aid of cancer charity Macmillan.

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