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The school summer holidays have arrived and bring with them the obligation to keep the kids occupied. Chris Price rounds up the attractions doing something a bit different for the six-week break.
Dickens World, Chatham
Children can learn how to act, dance and sing at the Theatre of Light Summer School from Monday, August 1, until Friday, August 26. The classes are aimed at children aged from seven to 13. It costs £90 per week.
Diggerland, Strood
Children can ride, drive and operate full-size construction machinery. Hop on dumper trucks, mini tractors and JCBs or dig for buried treasure. Families can also be swung around on the digger and dumper rides. Book ahead for driving sessions.
Farming World, Faversham
There are lots of new additions this year, including Woody, Buzz, Emily and Imogen, the British blue and simmental calves. Children get free entry to the park on Wednesday, July 27, if they come dressed as Toy Story characters for Toy Story Day. Woody and friends will make appearances throughout the afternoon. On Friday, July 29, families can have a go at falconry. Then from Monday, August 1, to Friday, August 5, it’s Superhero Week with daily appearances from children’s favourites. Children who come dressed as their favourite superhero gain free admission. Wednesday, August 3, is also the Heavy Horse Spectacular, with long reining demonstrations and ridden displays.
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
An undercover Pirates’ Play Place will keep young scallywags occupied over the summer break. Art and craft activities and party games will run from Saturday, July 23, until Monday, August 29. Children will meet Captain Flint, the mischievous parrot who is always on the look out for treasure to steal. There will also be a pirate-themed inflatable obstacle course.
Kent and East Sussex Railway
The return of the popular Kids for a Quid days means children can travel for just £1 between Wednesday, July 27, and Sunday, August 28. Families just need to visit the railway’s website and print a voucher allowing up to three children per adult to see the Weald of Kent on a vintage steam train. Board at Tenterden Town Station and take a 10-mile journey to Bodiam, perhaps stopping off at Northiam to see the new Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum. Before that Thomas the Tank Engine will visit with his friend Sir Topham Hatt (Fat Controller) from Saturday, July 23, to Monday, July 25. Jump aboard for an hour’s train ride to Wittersham Road.
Kent Life, Maidstone
A summer-long celebration of Kent Life’s woolly animals runs from Saturday, July 23, until Thursday, September 1. Sheepfest will include a daily sheep show and sheep race, teaching families about the different breeds, wool and meat. Also join the hop pickers’ workshop, have a ride on junior electric quad bikes and have a ride round the paddock on a donkey.
Leeds Castle
A new ferryboat will run from the end of the castle drive to the maze and play area throughout the summer. Journeys on the Black Swan will last about five minutes and cost £1 per person each way, under-fours free. Also running will be Elsie the Castle Train, which runs from the main entrance to the castle (50p each way). Make the effort to catch the free falconry displays from the World of Wings in a flying arena near the maze at 1.30pm and 3.30pm daily, except Tuesdays.
Penshurst Place
To mark the 200th anniversary of George IV becoming Prince Regent to his father George III, Penshurst has gone back to regency for the summer. Games from the past can be played daily from Saturday, July 23, until Sunday, September 4. On Sundays from July 31 until August 21, there will be 20-minute renditions of Pride & Prejudice. The Napoleonic Wars during the early 19th century are celebrated on Sunday, August 28, and Bank Holiday Monday, with demonstrations and costume displays.
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
Jump on the extended safari experience which takes visitors round the majority of the 500-acre park. Interactive zones like Carnivore Territory give cheeky monkeys the chance to see lions, tigers and small cats but also learn about their habitat and work that goes on to protect them. Watch the lively lemurs and admire the gorillas on the Primate Trail, before gazing on the giraffes roaming free with zebra and rhino in the African Experience.
