This post is part of our “10 of the best” series, showcasing the best things to do in cities all around the UK. Next up is Sam, a blogger from Kent who blogs over at dovecottageblog.com and knows all the best days out around her stomping ground! Enjoy!


Hey there! I’m Sam and I blog about home interiors and DIY over at dovecottageblog.com. I focus on transforming my first, very small and ordinary house, into my dream country cottage, predominately through DIY and budget high-street finds. I believe anywhere can be a home if you fill it with things you love!

Anyway, if you’re ever down my way in Kent and are stuck for things to do with your kids, here are ten family days out, with something for everyone – from daredevils to animal lovers, history buffs to the artistic type.

Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

The theatre regularly shows interactive child-friendly shows such as The Gruffalo’s Child, and there’s a cinema which often shows Disney classics. The café is the perfect setting for lunch afterwards too. Look out for their Boing festival every August, during which they host a weekend of family activities.

Dreamland, Margate

The ultimate in throwback vintage British seaside entertainment, this really is the perfect summer holiday trip out. The theme park itself is home to all the retro rides and amusements you would expect from waltzers to rollercoasters, dodgems to crazy golf. There’s even a roller skate room! And when you’ve had enough of all that, it’s just a stone’s throw from one of the best sandy beaches in the South East.

The Hop Farm, Faversham

Hop Farm is home to llamas, goats, donkeys and reptiles, amongst others. However it’s not just a farm, there’s truly something for everyone here. Keep the little ones entertained with indoor entertainment shows, bumper cars, laser quest and even giant jumping pillows!

Wildwood, Herne Bay

This is definitely one for the summer months, as it can get quite muddy on-site. An animal park full of the best of the British countryside, expect to see deer, beers, foxes and wolves. There’s also a couple of large outdoor play areas to let the kids burn off some energy, and if you come by public transport you get in for half price.

Go Ape, Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle itself is a lovely day out, with the opportunity to have a picnic in the grounds overlooking the moat, get lost in the giant maze, or become immersed in the history of the castle and its 500 acres of land. However if your kids (over 10’s only) are into something a bit more adventurous, then this zip wire adventure will go down a treat. There’s also off-roading forest Segway for anyone that would rather keep their feet on the ground.

Mudpie Pottery Painting, Sandgate

If your children are the artistic types, then why not let them try their hand at pottery painting? The Mudpie centre has a number of different activities from painting your own pottery, to building a teddy bear, and even have hand and foot prints taken of your newborn. You can even hold children’s (or grown up!) parties there, if you’re looking for something a bit different.

Jump In Trampoline Park, Tonbridge

Kids bouncing off the walls at home? This is surely the perfect way to burn off some of that summer holiday energy! When they get fed up of bouncing there’s dodgeball, a giant air bag and drop slides to tempt them too. A ‘tots n’ toddlers’ and sensory sessions for the under 5’s run during term times.

The Canterbury Tales

Situated in the middle of Canterbury town centre, the museum is the perfect afternoon out following some retail therapy for the adults. Kids can dress up like romans, whilst experiencing the sights and smells of Medieval Kent. This is definitely a more educational one, with the historic literature of Chaucer taking centre stage.

Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford

The only rare breeds centre in Kent, expect to see lots of farmyard animals from sheep to horses, chickens to goats, as well as smaller animals like guinea pigs and rabbits, which children can have a cuddle with in the playbarn. The butterfly tunnel is particularly sweet, and there’s even an outdoor paddling pool perfect for a cool down during a hot summers day.

Diggerland, Strood

In a nutshell, this one is somewhere children (& adults!) can drive and operate real life diggers, dumper trucks – do I need to say anymore really?! And if you’re not interested in driving a JCB, then there’s always the dodgems and go-karts. Definitely one for the daredevils in the family!

You can find Sam at: