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

by Ellis Stephenson

Are you looking for some activities that might keep the children busy over the weekend?

Look no further than our weekly guide of things which will keep your youngsters happy until they have to go back to school.

Scroll down to see what is on the agenda.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea
The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Tiger Who Came to Tea, Theatre Royal, Margate

Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? Neither of them expects who they see – a big, stripy tiger! The musical play from the much-loved children’s book by Judith Kerr was adapted by David Wood and comes to Kent after a hit West End season, bringing the tea-guzzling tiger and his teatime mayhem to the theatre with magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. To book for shows at 3pm, 11am and 2pm, call 01843 292795 or visit Theatreroyalmargate.com.

The Girl and the Giraffe is one of the puppet shows at a new season at Dreamland
The Girl and the Giraffe is one of the puppet shows at a new season at Dreamland

The Girl and the Giraffe, Dreamland

Sunday, October 8

One day, as Girl is playing in her garden, she spots something peculiar on the other side of the fence. Climbing high to get a better view, she comes face to face with...Giraffe! This storytelling puppetry show is seen through a child’s eyes and is part of Dreamland’s first puppetry festival. Showtimes are at 10am and 2pm, and are recommended for ages three to six. Tickets cost £8. To book visit dreamland.co.uk/events.

Invicta Dynamos play at Silver Blades Gilllingham, just a five minute drive off the M2
Invicta Dynamos play at Silver Blades Gilllingham, just a five minute drive off the M2

Ice hockey, Gillingham

Sunday, October 8

If you can't bear the thought of another Sunday on the sofa, head to Silver Blades Gillingham to see Knt's only ice hockey team in action. The Invicta Dynamos will be taking on the Basingstoke Bisons in a must-win encounter. If the kids like their sport fast and furious, it's the perfect way to round off the weekend. Adults pay £10, under 15s a fiver and a family ticket (2+2) costs £28. Face off is at 5.15pm. More at invictadynamos.co.uk

I spy an exhibition of children's author Michael Foreman's work
I spy an exhibition of children's author Michael Foreman's work

Painting with Rainbows, Chatham Historic Dockyard

All weekend

Journey through a world of storytelling and illustrations, in a caring world without conflict, that celebrates the importance of friendship through the work of children’s book illustrator Michael Foreman. There will be artwork on show alongside playful props and costumes, storytelling and reading corners, plus the chance to catch ribbons of hopes and dreams from the Tree of Hope. The exhibition is in the No.1 Smithery. For more details visit thedockyard.co.uk or call 01634 823800.

Westgate Parks is holding a Scarecrow Trail
Westgate Parks is holding a Scarecrow Trail

Scarecrow trail, Westgate Parks, Canterbury

Saturday, October 7

Do you have a passion for making things? Perhaps you could team up with the kids and enter a scarecrow into the Westgate Parks compeition. There's a chance of bagging one of the three awards that are available. On the day of the trail the Friends of Westgate Parks will give out trail sheets for £1 each with a map showing where all the scarecrows are. Votes for the best scarecrow can be cast by members of the public on the day. Don't forget to check out the excellent play area while you're at the park.

Pick your own pumpkin this autumn
Pick your own pumpkin this autumn

Pumpkin Moon, Maidstone

Saturday, October 7

A Pick Your Own Pumpkin business which started out last year is to return for a second year with an even bigger range. Last autumn, Charlie Eckley launched Pumpkin Moon at Boarley Farm in Sandling, Maidstone, offering a day out picking pumpkins and squashes. The working farm had 13 different varieties and proved hugely popular with visitors. This year Charlie will launch Pumpkin Moon on Saturday, October 7 with a staggering 50 plus types of pumpkin, squash, gourds and sweetcorn.

Domhnall Gleeson as Alan Milne and Will Tilston as Christopher Robin Milne in the new film Goodbye Christopher Robin
Domhnall Gleeson as Alan Milne and Will Tilston as Christopher Robin Milne in the new film Goodbye Christopher Robin

Goodbye Christopher Robin, in cinemas across Kent

This new family film gives a glimpse into the relationship between beloved children's author AA Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie-the-Pooh. Along with his mother Daphne and his nanny Olive, Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bringing hope and comfort to England after the First World War. But with the eyes of the world on Christopher Robin, what will the cost be to the family?

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