Bluewater is known as one of Kent’s top retail destinations but, in more recent years, the Greenhithe shopping centre has branched out to offer a range of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, without a shop in sight.

Families watching the pennies might prefer to spend their money on things to do with the kids rather than a new pair of trainers these days. Thankfully, from picturesque picnics to thrilling ziplines, we’ve got nine things to do at Bluewater that don’t involve shopping.

Explore the Pirate Cove Adventure Park

The pirate-themed play area is the perfect place to get out and enjoy a bunch of family-friendly activities in the fresh air. The park’s flagship activity is its adventure golf, which takes you through two 18-hole courses full of swashbuckling obstacles. You can also set sail on the miniport boats and electric shark-themed boats, or stay on dry land with the junior Land Rover off-road adventure.

Find out more online here.

Follow the outdoor nature trail

The shopping centre is surrounded by beautiful lakes, quarries and wildlife, so it only makes sense that there is a nature trail taking visitors through the area. Young children can follow the Very Hungry Caterpillar-themed signs which will take them through play areas, bug hotels and stepping logs, set to audio recordings of readings from the childrens’ book, read by pupils from the Stone St Mary’s CE Primary School.

Nature trail leaflets can be picked up at Bluewater or printed off at home. Prizes for completing the trail can be collected from the Guest Services desk. Find out more online here.

Jump, bounce and climb at Gravity

Indoor trampoline park Gravity opened at Bluewater in 2017 and has since become a popular attraction with visitors. The wall-to-wall trampolines are perfect for playing games such as dodgeball and practising your tricks and skills, all under the supervision of trained staff. There are also a number of unique events, such as HIIT fitness classes and SEN sessions, regularly taking place inside.

If trampolining isn’t your cup of tea, the Gravity Rocks climbing walls might be for you. There are 13 rock climbing challenges for visitors to take on, each with their own exhilarating routes and obstacles to tackle.

Find out more online here.

Play in the Dinotropolis park

This dinosaur-themed indoor play park is a great place to take boisterous kids and budding palaeontologists to burn off some energy and get up close to prehistoric creatures. The play area features animatronic dinosaurs, three levels of soft play, interactive games, raptor racing and, when it’s time for a break, the Fossil Cafe is open with hot and cold refreshments. Whether you want to get involved in hands-on activities in the Discovery Cove or brave the thrilling slides in the Dino Jungle, there’s plenty to do.

Find out more online here.

Take on a high-flying adventure

Hangloose, which opened at Bluewater last summer, is a great activity for older thrill seekers. The adventure park is home to England’s longest zipline, taking adrenaline junkies on a high-speed journey over the cliffs, and also recently opened its own giant swing. The swing is 50 metres high, overlooking the lakes and nature areas, and gives riders a zero gravity experience. One of our KentOnline reporters even braved the swing when it first opened back in August.

Hangloose also features the UK’s only skydive machine, which is currently closed due to engineering works, and has plans to open further attractions such as a bungee jump and climbing wall in the future.

Find out more online here.

Test your driving skills

If you’re under 17 but already have the itch to start driving, Bluewater’s Young Driver school could be just what you need. Children over the age of 11 and 4ft 8in tall can get behind the wheel of a dual control Vauxhall car with a fully qualified instructor and learn the basics of driving. Get to grips with braking, changing gear and even reversing around the training area, complete with give way ‘junctions’ and parking areas, with your instructor.

Young Driver lessons take place adjacent to the Blue multi-storey car park. Find out more online here.

Tuck into a picnic by the lakes

While a picturesque setting might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of a shopping centre, the lakes at Bluewater are a truly relaxing spot to enjoy a quiet picnic lunch. Find a patch of grass or one of the many picnic benches and unwind as you watch the ducks hop in and out of the water and breathe in the fresh air, all as you look out over the lakes. When you’re finished with lunch, you can follow one of the dedicated walking or cycle paths and explore Bluewater’s 50 acres of landscaped parkland.

Find out more online here.

Walk through a winter wonderland

This year, Bluewater’s festive celebration, Believe, returns to transform the shopping centre into a beautiful Christmas grotto. There will be an indoor Christmas cavern, where children can say hello to Santa’s elf and reindeer before meeting the man himself and receiving a special gift to take home. There will also be an outdoor undercover ice rink, suitable for all weathers, and Winterland, the outdoor Christmas fair. Enjoy traditional funfair rides, exciting thrills and, for the first time this year, the 40 metre high Observation Wheel which will capture spectacular views of Bluewater and the surrounding area.

Winterland is open from Saturday, November 12 to Sunday, January 8. The ice rink is open from Thursday, November 17 to Sunday, January 1. Believe is open from Friday, November 25 to Saturday, December 25.

Find out more online here.

Watch a film at the Showcase Cinema

Who doesn’t love a trip to the cinema? The Showcase Cinema de Lux at Bluewater, located on the top floor, has 17 screens showing the latest Hollywood blockbusters, as well as flashback favourites and family films. There are two supersized XPlus screens with Dolby Atmos sound and laser projection, and also the VIP Gallery service which includes access to the exclusive Gallery bar, recliner seats with temperature control, and a complimentary sweet or savoury bento box to snack on during the film.

Find out more online here.

You can also sign up to the free Showcase Insider loyalty programme for discounts on tickets, food and drink, exclusive rewards and members-only screenings.