What's On in Kent

Jack and Nancy’s Dockyard Adventure by Quentin Blake

Venue: The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Website: https://thedockyard.co.uk

For the first time this Spring, step into a real‑life storybook at The Historic Dockyard Chatham as Jack and Nancy leap from the pages of Sir Quentin Blake’s much‑loved tale and into an unforgettable...

Chinese Zodiac Trail

Venue: Fort Amherst

Website: https://fortamherst.com

To celebrate the year of the horse, Fort Amherst brings you a new interactive hunt around the grounds. Meet the Emperor and then hunt around the grounds to find all of the animals included in the Chinese...

Combat Laser Tag Parties

Venue: Ruxley Woods

Address: Sandy Lane

Website: www.combatlasergames.com

Kids of any age (school year 1+) can celebrate their birthday, enjoy a fun family outing or a spectacular sports team social. Every laser tag game includes unlimited squash, unlimited bullets and loads...

Crazy Fun at Hastings Adventure Golf

Venue: Hastings Adventure Golf

Website: www.hastingsadventuregolf.com

Home to the World Crazy Golf Championships, Hastings Adventure Golf boasts three imaginatively designed 18-hole courses - Pirate, Adventure and Crazy. They have delicious fish and chips, homemade gelato,...

Dartford Junior Parkrun

Venue: Central Park, Dartford

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/dartford-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in whatever...

Falconry Displays

Venue: Hever Castle

Website: www.hevercastle.co.uk

On selected days in July and August be entertained by the falconry displays from Willow’s Bird of Prey Centre. Watch these incredible birds in action and learn more about the ancient art of falconry....

Foal Farm Mini Market

Venue: Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre

Website: www.foalfarm.org.uk

The Mini Market is held on the last Sunday of each month. Its a great opportunity to pick up some bargains and visit the animals at the same time. The charity shop, pet shop and tearoom are open and all...

Prehistoric Adventure at Dinotropolis

Venue: Bluewater

Website: www.dinotropolis.co.uk

Dinotropolis is Kent’s ultimate dinosaur-themed soft play destination – perfect for curious kids and adventurous families. Explore three thrilling levels of soft play, packed with slides, climbing...

Princess Christian's Farm

Venue: Princess Christian's Farm

Website: www.princesschristiansfarm.org.uk

Princess Christian’s Farm is a unique environment for service users with a learning and/or physical disability. Available to anyone within a disability within the County of Kent. The farm has over 100...

Ruby Plants a Radish: May half term trail

Venue: Ightham Mote

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore the house and garden whilst learning about how things grow in this trail inspired by the book Ruby Plants a Radish. From digging and planting to spotting busy bugs and colourful vegetables, the...

Up Close Animal Experiences

Venue: Princess Christian's Farm

Website: www.princesschristiansfarm.org.uk/buy-tickets

Join your favourite farm animal for an up close and personal animal encounter. The experience includes some initial safety training, fun facts about your chosen furry / scaly friend and 30 minutes of hands-on...

Inflatable 5K

Venue: Brands Hatch

Website: www.ukrunningevents.co.uk

Whether you're taking part for the first time or just after laughs and adventure, the Inflatable 5K is for everyone. Choose your distance - 2.5k, 5k, 10k or 15k (based on laps) and enjoy a course packed...

Road Meets Rail

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Road Meets Rail is a celebration of working steam in all its forms. Its return is something many have been looking forward to, and Bluebell Railway are thrilled to welcome back this much-loved event for...

RYA Discover Sailing Open Day

Venue: Medway Yacht Club

Website: www.medwayyachtclub.com

Ever wondered what it feels like to glide across the water, powered by nothing but the wind? Now’s your chance to find out! Join Medway Yacht Club for an exciting Club Open Day and discover the thrill...

Dinosaurs Live!

Venue: The Central Theatre

Website: www.medwayticketslive.co.uk

Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world-renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up...

Michael Rosen: NICE!

Venue: Trinity Theatre

Website: https://trinitytheatre.net/whats-on/

Poetry legend Michael Rosen celebrates his 80th birthday with a brand-new live show! Michael looks back at a lifetime in poetry, performing beloved classics including Hot Food, No Breathing and Chocolate...

Open Air Theatre - The Handlebards present 'As You Like It'

Venue: Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

Website: www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

In usual HandleBards style, expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter. This is an outdoor production, so take a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig...

As You Like It

Venue: EM Forster Theatre

Website: www.handlebards.com

Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally...

Flowers and Friendship Bracelets

Venue: Orchard Theatre

Website: https://trafalgartickets.com

Get ready for a dazzling explosion of Music, Dance, and Excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes to the stage! Join them for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from the...

May Half Term at Leeds Castle

Venue: Leeds Castle

Website: www.leeds-castle.com

This May half-term, take the whole family to Leeds Castle for a day packed with fun, exploration, and unforgettable experiences. From the famous maze and three exciting playgrounds to breathtaking woodland...

May Half Term: Peg Pals

Venue: Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

Website: www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Visit during May half term for some creative craft fun making peg pals. They provide the pegs and bits and bobs, you bring the imagination. Activity is drop-in 10am-4pm in the Garden Room. No pre-booking...

May Half-Term: Dragonfly Trail

Venue: Scotney Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

This May Half-Term, follow the dragonfly trail to discover the life of these little creatures. Take part in activities around the garden and learn more about dragonflies on the way.The trail costs £2...

Mystery Mission at Dover Castle

Venue: Dover Castle

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

A top-secret message has gone missing at Dover Castle – Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message. If you’re...

Plant Hunters Tales and Trails

Venue: Hever Castle

Website: www.hevercastle.co.uk

Follow the Plant Hunters Trail through the beautiful castle grounds and uncover hidden botanical treasures along the way. Learn surprising plant facts, discover the dangers faced by early explorers, and...

The Queen’s Joust

Venue: Leeds Castle

Website: www.leeds-castle.com

Visit Leeds Castle for their medieval jousting event this May bank holiday for an exhilarating display of combat and action, elegant and unusual equestrian, and medieval living and feasting.

Bank Holiday Wild Weekends with Camp Wilderness

Venue: Penshurst Place

Website: www.penshurstplace.com

The bushcraft pros from Camp Wilderness will be visiting the Woodland Trail at Penshurst Place on May Bank Holiday Weekend, providing amazing wilderness activities for children, included in admission to...

Medieval Magic

Venue: Lullingstone Castle

Website: www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Step back in time to experience the authentic sights and sounds with 'living history' displays (including live firing of cannons and mock battles!), character dress, campfires, tents and medieval weapons,...

World of Wizardry

Venue: Horsted Keynes

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Travel by steam and into a world of wizardry as Horsted Keynes Station transforms into a spellbinding realm of enchantment and adventure.Throughout the day, children will enjoy a rotating programme of...

Ice Age Adventure Live

Venue: Malthouse Theatre

Website: https://malthousetheatre.co.uk

Brace yourselves for a mammoth mission in the frozen world of Ice Age Adventure Live! Journey back in time to meet incredible prehistoric animals in the coolest family show this side of the arctic circle!...

Kentish Folklore Stories at the Castle

Venue: Rochester Castle

Website: www.visitmedway.org

Join Rochester Castle during the late bank holiday to hear captivating Kentish folklore, brought to life by a medieval storyteller. Under 5's go free. 10.30am-4.30pm.

WiFi Wars

Venue: Trinity Theatre

Website: https://trinitytheatre.net/whats-on/

A completely unique theatrical experience for ages 6+, WiFi Wars turns the audience into the stars of the show. Using smartphones and tablets, participants compete as teams and as individuals in games,...

'Every Bunny is a Yoga Bunny': Interactive storytelling with author Emily Ann Davison

Venue: Knole

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

This interactive storytelling session led by Emily will incorporate some gentle yoga moves from the story and even some bunny art and craft! This event is suitable for children aged 2-7 years old. All...

Fireman Sam Live! The Lost Pirate Treasure

Venue: The Woodville

Website: www.woodville.co.uk

Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling...

May Half Term Make It! Crafts 2026

Venue: Maidstone Museum

Website: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Join Maidstone Museum for May half term with three days of Japanese themed Make It! craft sessions for children. 3 sessions per day – 10.15am, 11.30am and 1.30pm. Suitable for ages 4-11. £3.75 per...

The Detective Dog

Venue: Trinity Theatre

Website: https://trinitytheatre.net/whats-on/

Based on the beloved book by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie, The Detective Dog is a delightful and inclusive production for Deaf and hearing audiences. Expect puppetry, music and sensory surprises in...

Family History Workshop

Venue: Bentliff Library

Website: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/

Learn about your family history with Kent Family History Society, who will be able to offer advice on starting your genealogy journey, or support you in accessing databases. They’ll be resources for...

Pinocchio - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Dartford Central Park

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

A wooden puppet runs away, hoping to find fun and adventure, but instead finds demanding bosses, con-artists and peer-pressure. How can Pinocchio ever become a real boy when even lies told to cover up...

Rumble Wrestling - Ladies Over the Top

Venue: The Woodville

Website: www.woodville.co.uk

Rumble Wrestling returns for their half term May show with the final of the Golden Grappler plus Ladies action in the main event plus the return of regular Rumble roster favourites. Rumble bring a great...

Wildlife and Colour: Photography Workshop for 7-11 year olds

Venue: Scotney Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Participants will learn how to use focus, focal distance, shutter speed and the burst setting to capture the wildlife in their surroundings sharply. For more info or to book - visit https://sharpshotsphotoclub.co.uk/scotney-castle-kent/

Adventures in Science

Venue: The Alexander Centre

Website: https://thealex.org.uk

Join ‘The Magical Mr West’ on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert, Mr West demonstrates the fundamental principles of scientific enquiry, exploring...

Meet a Samurai – Children’s Workshop

Venue: Maidstone Museum

Website: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk

A hands-on workshop led by a Japanese Samurai in celebration of the Japanese exhibition. Ideal for ages 4 – 11 years.11am-3pm. Tickets £3.75 per child. An adult must stay with children. Booking is essential.

Seed Bombs at Shorne Woods

Venue: Shorne Woods

Website: www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/kent-country-parks/find-a-kent-country-park/shorne-woods-country-park

This is the perfect activity for kids who love to get creative and a little bit messy. Using soft clay discs, kids will tuck in a secret mix of meadow seeds and soil, roll them into "Seed Bombs" and wrap...

SEND Family Crafts – May Half Term 2026

Venue: Maidstone Museum

Website: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone Museum are creating some SEND friendly craft activities for families with children with SEND and their siblings. This time they are Japanese themed with guided and open ended craft opportunities....

The Singing Mermaid

Venue: Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Website: www.thegulbenkian.co.uk

With a cast of three talented performers, enchanting puppets, music and songs by Barb Jungr (We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, Michael Rosen’s Chocolate Cake), this stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and...

Rude Science

Venue: Assembly Hall Theatre

Website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Expect enormous bottoms, f*rt machines, snot cocktails, vast whoopee cushions and ear-wax-oozing mannequins in this celebration of the fascinating bodily science essential to life. The show transforms...

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

Venue: Trinity Theatre

Website: https://thepantaloons.co.uk

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse...

Pinocchio - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Tonbridge Castle

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

A wooden puppet runs away, hoping to find fun and adventure, but instead finds demanding bosses, con-artists and peer-pressure. How can Pinocchio ever become a real boy when even lies told to cover up...

American Speedfest

Venue: Brands Hatch

Website: www.brandshatch.co.uk

American SpeedFest returns for another flat-out weekend of family fun this June. Fresh additions include pro wrestling, Transformers character meet-and-greets, and the SpeedFest Cinema Corner, showing...

Dinosaurs at the Railway

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Visit Bluebell Railway for an epic adventure with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes at Sheffield Park, East Grinstead and on Set A trains throughout the weekend. This event is FREE for all travel ticket...

Dinosaurs at the Railway

Venue: Sheffield Park, East Grinstead

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Dinosaur pals return for two exhilarating days of fun in June. Even if it starts to rain, these amazing creatures will take shelter in the SteamWorks! shed, ensuring that the fun doesn’t stop. This event...

Steampunk at Eastgate

Venue: Eastgate House

Website: www.visitmedway.org

A celebration of colourful characters and crazy costumes, suitable for all ages. Learn about the weird and wonderful traditions of Steampunk – a fabulous fusion of all things Victorian and futuristic....

The Great Big Green Week

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.greatbiggreenweek.com

Children and young people are our best advocates for climate and nature and there are plenty of ways to get your school involved. Visit the website for free resource packs available for primary and secondary...

Glorious Gardens Weekend

Venue: Penshurst Place

Website: www.penshurstplace.com

Penshurst Place will be joined by a collection of entertainment to help celebrate their hlorious gardens, so expect live music, delicious cream teas, captivating floral installations, and lots of activities...

The Cat in the Hat

Venue: Trinity Theatre

Website: https://trinitytheatre.net/whats-on/

Experience the mischief with the acclaimed stage adaptation of Dr Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat. From the moment his tall, red and white-striped hat appears, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the...

4 Paws at the Fort

Venue: Fort Amherst

Website: https://fortamherst.com

Enjoy two fun packed days dedicated to our four legged friends. With exhibitions, stalls, fun competitions and amazing activities for our canine best friends. Activities included in your admission price:...

Great Big Green Week at Knole: Park walk and litter pick

Venue: Knole

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Get involved with Great Big Green Week by volunteering your time and helping to protect the parkland at Knole. Individuals or small groups of family/friends can join a park walk and litter pick to help...

Monster Truck Motorfest Kent

Venue: Manston Airport

Website: https://ramonsterevents.com/event/monster-truck-motorfest-kent

Experience The mighty Slingshot Monster Truck, Flyin Ryan - fast moving, daredevil motorbike display with huge jumps, pyrotechnic stunts, wheelies and freestyle tricks and Stuntshowsuk — Motorbikes,...

Addams Family – RARE Productions

Venue: Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Website: https://thegulbenkian.co.uk

In one fateful, hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations: change. In the...

Dirty Rotten Scramble

Venue: Hole Park, Cranbrook

Website: https://kent.wildwoodtrust.org

Dirty Rotten Scramble Races are renowned for their seriously fun mud runs and extreme trail courses. Set within the beautiful grounds of Hole Park, the course will have you slipping, scrambling and pushing...

Father's Day Weekend: Kent Kite Flyers

Venue: Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

Website: www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Riverhill welcome the Kent Kite Flyers Organisation who will be bringing a selection of kites to demo on the Old Tennis Lawn, as well as kites for people to have a go with. You can also bring along your...

Hever’s Home Front 2026 - Father’s Day Weekend

Venue: Hever Castle

Website: www.hevercastle.co.uk

Treat Dad to a Father’s Day he won’t forget as you meet a variety of enthusiastic reenactors who tell the story of the era through living history.Be entertained with the toe tapping music of Jivin’...

Hotbuckle presents: The Return of the Native

Venue: Smallhythe Place

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Hotbuckle Productions are back at Smallhythe Place with a new and lively adaptation of Thomas Hardy's "The Return of the Native".With live music, high energy, multi role playing, humour and inventiveness,...

Tractor Day at Princess Christian's Farm

Venue: Princess Christian's Farm

Address: Riding Lane, Tonbridge

Website: www.princesschristiansfarm.org.uk

There will be opportunities to see a variety of tractors, capture that magical photo with some vintage tractors and enjoy a tractor ride in the countryside. There will also be a variety of animals to see...

Bubble Rush

Venue: Mote Park

Website: https://fundraising.demelza.org.uk/event/bubble-rush/home

Bubble Rush is bursting with colour, laughter, and bubbles galore. Whether you run, walk, dance or toddle, this family-friendly, accessible route is designed for maximum joy. You’ll loop the course twice,...

The Cat in the Hat

Venue: Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Website: https://thegulbenkian.co.uk

From the moment his tall, red and white-striped hat appears, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and...

Headcorn International Airshow

Venue: Headcorn Aerodrome

Website: https://headcornairshow.com

Building on over a decade of celebrated heritage events, this new show promises a wider, more thrilling programme: from historic warbirds and classic jets to modern aerobatic teams and a festival-style...

Model Railway Weekend

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Bluebell Railway are pleased to announce that Ffarquhar Branch will be joining their Model Railway Weekend this June. This is a rare opportunity to see one of the most influential and historically important...

Summer Craft Market

Venue: Maidstone Museum

Website: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Step into Summer with the annual craft market. Explore a variety of small businesses offering unique items, including candles, jewellery, home decor, and knitted goods. 10am-3pm. Free entry.

The Three Musketeers

Venue: Dartford Central Park

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of scheming, romance and broad comedy. The Play contains scenes of peril, politics and passion! Suitable for...

Kent County Show

Venue: Kent Showground, Detling

Website: www.kcas.org.uk/kent-county-show

From animal shows to heritage vehicles and the helter-skelter, the Kent County Show will be full of excitement for the whole family. Join the team at Rye Street Farm Equestrian Centre for children’s...

Chatham Carnival 2026

Venue: Chatham High Street and Pentagon Centre

Website: www.nucleusarts.com/chatham-carnival

The day will be brimming with entertainment, featuring captivating exhibitions, lively demonstrations, electrifying live music, and vibrant stalls showcasing the inspiring work of local community organisations...

Creative Arts in Diversity Festival

Venue: Brenchley Gardens

Website: www.visitmaidstone.com

Enjoy a full day of live music and dance, cultural performances, creative workshops, a Parade of Cultures, fashion show, and a global food market. With activities for all ages, the festival creates an...

English Civil War Society Weekend

Venue: Lullingstone Castle

Website: www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Enjoy an action-packed weekend, including drill displays with live musket and cannon firing, children’s drill sessions, and skirmishes, while exploring the sights and sounds of an authentic encampment...

Maidstone Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Mote Park

Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...

Messy Dash

Venue: Central Park, Dartford

Website: www.wearebeams.org.uk/messy-dash

We are Beams celebrate their 30th year by getting well and truly messy! Everyone is welcome to walk, jog, dance, toddle, or run. It’s the perfect, messy fun for the whole family.Adult: £15, Child: £10,...

Schools Triathlon Days 2026

Venue: Hever Castle

Website: www.hevercastle.co.uk

The popular Schools Triathlon Days at Hever Castle, hosted by Castle Race Series, will return this year across three days in mid-summer. Pre-registered primary schools have the chance to bring students...

Family-Friendly Fun Clay Day

Venue: Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

Website: www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

As part of this year’s Sculpture Exhibition, the artists from Surrey sculpture, will be hosting a small programme of events to compliment the exhibition. This is a drop-in activity, just pop along to...

The Little Dragon and the Lost Gems Trail

Venue: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

Website: www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Armed with curiosity and a sense of fun, children can follow clues around the garden centre, searching for the hidden gems completing the dragon's quest. It's an engaging way to get kids moving, thinking...