Charge into the summer holidays head first with help from our guide for things to do across Kent:

DINO EXPLORERS, HEMPSTEAD VALLEY

Get up close to the Gillingham shopping centre's very own Parasaurolophus, Stegosaurus, Dilophosaurus and T-Rex with the summer-long adventure Dino Explorers. The new summer holiday roarsome friends will stomp stomp into the centre from Monday, July 29 where they will set up home until Sunday, August 18. Visitors can have their pictures taken with them or join in with dino themed activities including a dino hunt in search of clues across the centre for a chance to win goodies. Activities will be open throughout the day but adult supervision of children is required at all times.

THE BEACH, BLUEWATER

Thrill seekers can take a side order of rides with their shopping as the Dartford shopping centre hosts The Beach through the summer holidays for another year. Along with plenty of sand and deck chairs, there will be activities including bubble making and puppet shows on Friday, July 26. Other activities include circus activities on Friday, August 2 and a pirates' treasure hunt on Monday, August 5. Entry to The Beach is £3 with under threes going free and tokens for rides being paid for separately. details at thebeachbluewater.com Magician Jamie Raven is also staging a magic school throughout the holidays.

CAMPFIRE TALES AT CANTERBURY TALES

Gather round the campfire as Canterbury's ancient storytelling traditions are revived every Friday evening in the Medieval Story Garden during the summer holidays, starting on Friday, July 26. You’ll hear tales of knights, wizards, witches and also some magic between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Entry is £9. Book at canterburytales.org.uk or call 01227 696002.

THE BEACH AT CHATHAM HISTORIC DOCKYARD

It may be near the River Medway, but the dockyard is very close to the beach this summer holidays. There will be a beach, complete with traditional beach huts, deck chairs and... plenty of sand, all between Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, September 1. The beach will be filled with nostalgia from British seaside holidays, so socks with sandals are permitted. There's also lots of other attractions happening. Details at thedockyard.co.uk

JOUSTING, HEVER CASTLE

The annual jousting tournaments are back on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, and again on three weekends in August. There is also the Knights and Princesses school for little ones. Visit hevercastle.co.uk

For more summer holidays events to try across Kent click here

GROOMBRIDGE PLACE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

The Wizard of Oz returns to the attraction near Tunbridge Wells this summer, from Saturday, July 27 to Sunday, August 11.

There will be two live performances a day in the new outdoor forest theatre. More details at groombridgeplace.com

DREAMLAND, MARGATE

School’s out and summer's here and the family fun at the Margate amusement park runs throughout the holidays until Sunday, September 1 with the Roller Coast Festival. Until Sunday, July 28 it will be Superheroes Week with a So You Wanna Be a Superhero stage show, the superhero disco and the chance to meet Iron Man, Spider-Man and the Transformers. There will also be an open air showing of Captain Underpants on Sunday afternoon. Young visitors can also learn cartooning tricks and build their own x-ray specs. Find out more at dreamland.co.uk/events

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN, NATIONAL TRUST

Youngsters can have a go at Big Tree Climbing at Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst on Monday, July 29 and Monday, August 12 with experienced instructors and a harness. It costs £20 per person, plus normal admission costs. It is one of a number of activities the trust is running at sites across the county including walks and butterfly or ant trails. Many run through to Sunday, September 1. To find your nearest go to nationaltrust.org.uk

PENSHURST PLACE

The historic estate has its Maize Maze - this year in the design of a hot air balloom - running until Sunday, September 1, and also has a series of Summer Sundays, which also run through to Sunday. September 1. Activities include falconry shows from 11am to 5pm; children's crafts from 11am to 4pm, and garden pantomime shows from 1pm to 3pm. Find out more at penshurstplace.com/whats-on.

KENT LIFE, MAIDSTONE

Animals are ruling the holiday roost until Sunday, September 1, with ferret racing, feeding and grooming sessions at the heritage farm park in Lock Lane, Sandling. Big Top performances include the Animal Show this weekend, through to Monday, July 29, and Flip the Clown's Fantasy Show until Friday, August 2. Book at kentlife.org.uk

WESTWOOD CROSS SHOPPING CENTRE, BROADSTAIRS

Youngsters can be transported to a land inspired by Alice in Wonderland's adventures at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs, starting on Saturday, July 27, and running until Monday, August 12. Activities will range from croquet with the Queen of Hearts to hat making with the Mad Hatter - and Alice herself may even pop in too. Find out more at westwoodx.co.uk

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