Days out for the whole family in Kent during the May half term

It’s that time again; the kids are off school for a week and you need to think up some ideas to keep them entertained.

But don’t worry because the weather is warmer, the days are longer and there are plenty of things to do all over the county, from nature trails to craft workshops, to get the whole family out of the house.

Enjoy outdoor activities and animal encounters this half term. Picture: Kent Life

ACTIVITIES

KENT LIFE, Maidstone

Get your kids out in the fresh air this half term with a series of outdoor activities at Kent Life. This family-friendly farm is a great place to introduce children to animals, with a critter cuddle corner as well as farmyard friends such as sheep, pigs, donkeys and alpacas. There will also be nature crafts, orienteering sessions and a forest school.

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Details: Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4 at Kent Life in Maidstone. Book online here.

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM, Maidstone

The Maidstone Museum is known for its regular school holiday craft sessions, and this half term is no exception. The theme is dinosaurs, and children can get stuck into activities such as designing their own dinosaur mask, drawing dino footprints and claws and, to complete the look, crafting their own T-rex tail. There are three sessions per day and spaces fill up fast.

Details: Tuesday, May 30 to Thursday, June 1 at Maidstone Museum. Book online here.

ORCHARD THEATRE, Dartford

If you’ve got a Broadway baby on your hands, they can get first-hand training from theatre professionals this half term. The West End Workshops will see cast members from shows such as Moulin Rouge, Heathers and Legally Blonde teach children dance numbers and songs direct from the London stage.

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Details: Select dates from Tuesday, May 30 to Friday, June 2 at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. Book online here.

Children can meet Peppa Pig on the platform at Groombridge. Picture: Spa Valley Railway

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY, Tunbridge Wells

Jump on a train from Tunbridge Wells and travel through the Kent and East Sussex countryside until you reach Groombridge, where a special someone will be waiting for you. Children’s favourite Peppa Pig will be on the platform throughout the day, ready to greet fans and take plenty of photos.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29 at Spa Valley Railway, departing from Tunbridge Wells. Book online here.

CASTLES

DOVER CASTLE

There’s a royal celebration taking place at Dover Castle and, for one week only, kids rule. The English Heritage site will be putting on activities with a nod to the recent coronation, including create-your-own story sessions, a theatre show all about the history of coronations and, to top it all off, a free crown to wear during the day.

Details: Tuesday, May 30 to Sunday, June 4 at Dover Castle. Book online here.

Grab a paintbrush and get creative at Hever Castle’s Art Week. Picture: Hever Castle and Gardens

HEVER CASTLE, Edenbridge

If your kids love getting creative, they can let their artistic side loose at Hever Castle. During the school holidays there will be lots of artsy activities, including free art challenges, face painting and a tour of the grounds by none other than Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4 at Hever Castle in Edenbridge. Book online here.

Watch a medieval battle play out before your eyes. Picture: Leeds Castle

LEEDS CASTLE, Maidstone

Join the action-packed weekend of combat and battle at the Queen’s Joust. This equestrian event will see brave medieval knights charge towards each other and clash lances for a chance to win the royal seal of approval. There will also be traditional music and dancing, medieval food and drink and workshops in blacksmithing and weaving.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29 at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone. Book online here.

THEATRE

ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, Tunbridge Wells

The Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society are putting on their production of a true classic this week. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, based on the book by Ian Fleming and the 1968 film starring Dick Van Dyke, features much-loved musical numbers, colourful set design and, of course, a spectacular flying car.

Details: Wednesday, May 31 to Saturday, June 3 at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. Book online here.

See your favourite characters come to life during Milkshake Live. Picture: Alive Leisure

CENTRAL THEATRE, Chatham

This half term, not one but two brilliant family shows will be visiting Chatham. First up is Milkshake Live, which brings characters such as Paddington, Noddy and Blue’s Clues together in one fun-filled show. Then, later in the week, Airbrush Productions will be performing their version of comedy musical School of Rock, based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage adaptation.

Details: Milkshake Live takes place on Saturday, May 27 while School of Rock runs from Thursday, June 1 to Saturday, June 3, both at the Central Theatre in Chatham. Book online here.

Sing your heart out with the Total Pop Party performers. Picture: Parkwood Theatres

HAZLITT THEATRE, Maidstone

Whether you’re a Mixer, a Swiftie or an Arianator, you can sing along to the biggest hits by your favourite pop stars at Total Pop Party. The concert-style show sees live singers perform pop perfection by the likes of Little Mix, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo and more.

Details: Thursday, June 1 at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone. Book online here.

MOUNT EPHRAIM, Faversham

Experience captivating live theatre in a beautiful open-air setting with This Is My Theatre. The Sussex-based touring theatre company will be performing Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows, with folk music and classic characters such as Mole and Toad of Toad Hall. Bring a picnic, chairs, blankets – and a raincoat, just in case.

Details: Sunday, May 28 at Mount Ephraim in Hernhill, near Faversham. Book online here.

WILDLIFE

MANOR PARK, West Malling

Pick up a pencil and trail sheet and follow the route around this country park. The trail, which takes around one hour, will take you through the woodland with activities to complete along the way. Hand your sheet back to the cafe at the end to receive a prize.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4 at Manor Park in West Malling. No need to book, simply turn up and purchase a trail sheet from the cafe.

ROMNEY MARSH NATURE RESERVE

Take a stroll around this stunning reserve and try to spot the wildlife that inhabit it, such as butterflies, newts and dragonflies. Follow the special half term wildlife trail through the reserve’s grassland and ponds to find the hidden clues, solve the puzzle and win a prize. You can also stop off at the Visitor Centre to enjoy a drink and snack before you leave.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4 at the Romney Marsh Nature Reserve. No need to book, simply turn up and purchase a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre.

Admire the incredible animals at Wingham this half term. Picture: Facebook/Wingham Wildlife Park

WINGHAM WILDLIFE PARK, Canterbury

Enjoy a range of free activities during the school holidays with Wingham’s Love Your Zoo Week. The special offer brings unique experiences, such as a reptile touch table, dinosaur artefact displays and animal arts and crafts, to the wildlife park at no extra cost. The timetable varies each day, so check online before you visit.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4 at Wingham Wildlife Park near Canterbury. Book online here.