Kent is bursting with family-friendly things to do this summer. Whether you're looking for wildlife encounters, historic castles, open-air theatre, adrenaline-filled adventures or simply a great place to stay while you explore, Kent has it all. Here's your guide to making the most of the school summer holidays from Friday 22 July - Friday 1 September.
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Hever Castle
Experience over 600 years of history at the romantic moated 14th-century Hever Castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, surrounded by award-winning formal gardens set in 125 magnificent acres. The summer holidays bring a packed programme: jousting tournaments by the Knights of Royal England, falconry displays, the water maze and two playgrounds including the impressive Tudor Towers wooden play castle.
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral's summer season, Makers, Rulers and Leaders, is a celebration of the remarkable women who shaped the Cathedral's past, running throughout the school holidays with six weeks of free family friendly crafts and activities inspired by figures including Queen Bertha of Kent and Queen Elizabeth I. Children go free every day, and families can also enjoy free Wednesday mini talks, the Canterbury Children's Literature Festival from 10 to 12 July, and the Mother Nature Open Gardens on selected Saturdays in August, when rarely seen private Cathedral gardens are opened exclusively to visitors. With admission tickets valid for a full year and unlimited return visits included, it makes for outstanding value.
Leeds Castle
Surrounded by over 550 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, Leeds Castle offers the perfect family day out this summer. From 22 July to 31 August, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of seasonal activities, including a NEW Summer Trail through enchanting woodlands, all included with admission. Explore the Maze and mythical underground Grotto, discover the Castle’s fascinating history, meet majestic birds at the Birds of Prey Centre, or enjoy even more family fun at the adventure golf course and playgrounds, including Knight’s Stronghold and Squires’ Courtyard. Better still, every admission ticket gives visitors the freedom to return again and again throughout the year, making Leeds Castle the perfect place to enjoy a summer full of adventure.
The Big Cat Sanctuary, Smarden
This world-renowned conservation centre near Smarden is home to around 40 cats across 12 species - the only place in the UK where you can see all five big cat species. Big Cat Fest 2026 runs across 10 incredible days from 29 July to 9 August, offering wildlife experiences, keeper talks, training demonstrations, live entertainment, family activities and street food. Every ticket directly supports the charity's vital conservation and rescue work. Overnight lodge stays, Big Cat Encounters and Photography Days are also available year-round for a truly unforgettable Kent experience.
View Hotel, Folkestone
Perched on Folkestone's famous Leas, View Hotel offers an unforgettable seaside experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the English Channel from its boutique rooms. Its Cliffe Lounge Bar & Kitchen serves everything from hearty breakfasts to traditional Sunday roasts and afternoon teas, making it a wonderful base for exploring all that Folkestone has to offer this summer. The hotel is just a short stroll from the Harbour Arm, the Creative Quarter and the Leas Cliff Hall.
Folkestone Harbour Arm
From April to September on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, the heart of the Folkestone Harbour Arm transforms into a constantly rotating community of independent street food traders and pop-up bars, bringing fresh energy and new flavours to what has become Kent's foodie destination of choice. The popular free summer cinema returns, and the iconic Wuthering Heights Day on 26 July sees hundreds of Kate Bush fans dancing by the sea. Plus, free weekday family workshops return. From creative activities to hands-on experiences, these sessions are designed to keep little ones entertained while grown-ups relax and enjoy the Harbour Arm. There will be a raft of activities for visitors to join in from African drumming to arts & crafts and skateboard sessions.
Brogdale Collections, Faversham
Set in over 150 acres of beautiful Kent farmland near Faversham, Brogdale Collections provides access to the National Fruit Collection, one of the largest collections of fruit trees in the world, holding over 3,000 varieties of apples, pears, plums, cherries, grapes and nuts. Daily guided orchard tours run from April to November, with seasonal tractor tours available from June to October. With an on-site café, interactive weather station and wildlife garden, it's an educational and enjoyable day out for all the family.
Royal Engineers Museum
The Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham tells the story of Britain's military history, with exhibits of national and international significance housed in its impressive galleries. Children love the interactive WWI trench experience and the dress-up areas, while history enthusiasts will be transfixed by Wellington's map from Waterloo, a fragment of the Berlin Wall and an extraordinary collection of military vehicles including a Harrier jump jet. Entry is great value and the friendly on-site café offers a welcome rest mid-visit.
Quex House and Gardens & The Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington
Quex House and Gardens, home to the Powell-Cotton Museum, celebrates a very special year in 2026, the centenary of the Powell-Cotton Trust, with a programme of new family events, displays, exhibitions and trails at its beautiful home in the heart of Birchington. The museum's world-famous natural history dioramas, featuring incredible scenes from Africa and Asia, are genuinely unlike anything else in Kent. Tours of the manor house, seven acres of gardens including a walled kitchen garden, and a varied events programme make this a wonderfully rich day out for all ages.
Hever Festival Theatre
The Hever Festival Theatre presents its 2026 season at the stunning purpose-built Two Sisters' Theatre within the Hever Castle Estate, with performances also extending to Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place, offering acclaimed drama, world-class music, intimate concerts and family favourites throughout the summer - perfect for treating teens. With its transparent roof revealing the stars above, there's no finer way to spend a summer evening in Kent.
Great Comp Garden
A hidden gem in the Sevenoaks countryside, Great Comp Garden near Borough Green offers acres of magnificent gardens. With sweeping lawns, richly planted borders, unusual shrubs and tranquil woodland walks, it's one of those rare places that genuinely slows you down. Summer is a wonderful time to visit as the garden reaches its peak, an ideal companion to a day at nearby Penshurst Place or Hever Castle, and a peaceful antidote to the summer holidays' busier moments.
Battle of Britain Memorial
Perched on the White Cliffs between Dover and Folkestone, the National Memorial to the Few is one of Kent's most moving and important sites. The Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall lists the names of all those known to have taken part in the Battle of Britain, while replica Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft stand nearby as reminders of the iconic machines they flew to victory. The Wing visitor centre houses the thrilling Scramble Experience, now included in entry, alongside a café with stunning Channel views and a well-stocked shop. Open daily throughout summer, it's a profound and memorable family outing.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham invites visitors to return to the Age of Sail, when the dockyard built mighty ships that toured the world's oceans, with three historic warships to explore, interactive museum galleries, and Master Ropemakers at work using centuries-old techniques. Step aboard HM Submarine Ocelot, a Cold War submarine, explore HMS Cavalier and ring the bell aboard the Victorian sloop HMS Gannet. With a packed programme of seasonal events throughout summer, it's one of the most compelling and best-value days out in Kent. What's more, this summer check out the UK debut of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition and see the ocean like never before, with 116 award-winning photographs from around the world. Little oceanographers will love Steve Backshall's Awesome Oceans Family Trail. Take on an action-packed adventure across the world's oceans, encountering marine creatures along the way through six different ocean zones. Spy the Bobtail Squid, see giant Dwarf Minke Whales, and learn about Emperor Penguins in Antarctica.
Bloom Stays
Bloom Stays offers a hand-picked collection of over 100 holiday homes across Kent and Sussex, from countryside retreats and designer beach houses to coastal pads and vineyard cottages. Whether you're looking for a Folkestone seafront hideaway within walking distance of the Harbour Arm, a rural retreat near the Big Cat Sanctuary, or a Wealden cottage to use as a base for Hever and Penshurst, Bloom Stays has something to suit every kind of summer holiday.
Holiday Inn Dover
Ideally placed for exploring the dramatic White Cliffs coast, the Holiday Inn Dover is a reliable, family-friendly base for summer visitors to east Kent. With easy access to Dover Castle and the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, it's perfectly positioned for a jam-packed summer. The hotel's comfortable rooms, restaurant and leisure facilities make it a practical and welcoming choice for families looking to make the most of Kent's coastline and heritage.
Penshurst Place & Gardens
Penshurst Place is one of the grandest and most perfectly preserved manor houses in England, complete with an extraordinary medieval Baron's Hall. Children can build dens on the Woodland Trail, tackle the Adventure Playground, and explore the Toy Museum, while adults enjoy the staterooms and the Porcupine Pantry Café. Plus with events going on throughout the holidays, kids will want to return again and again. Enjoy Wild Wednesdays with Camp Wilderness with campfire cooking, axe throwing and archery, take on the Summer Garden Trail with its hidden clues and secret riddles, enjoy amazing entertainment with Safari Saturdays and theatrical animal workshops, or settle in for Storytelling Sundays and the chance to take part in the tale of Treasure Island!
Rare Breeds Centre
A working farm near Woodchurch, the Rare Breeds Centre is home to many rare and native breeds of farm livestock, from pigs and sheep to horses, chickens and cows. This summer, the fun goes up a gear with Farmyard Summer Fun, running daily from 20 July to 31 August 2026. Alongside firm favourites like pig racing, tractor-trailer rides, Meet the Animal sessions, a butterfly tunnel, woodland walks and outdoor playgrounds, each day of the week brings its own themed activities — from Farmyard Olympic Mondays and Nature Explorer Tuesdays to Water Play Wednesdays, Tractor Mania Thursdays and Farm Fiesta Fridays. A daily foam party, giant games on the field, face painting and a giant sandpit (with deckchairs for the grown-ups) round out a packed programme that makes this one of Kent's most varied and lively family days out this summer. The Granary Restaurant offers freshly cooked food throughout your visit.
Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa
Ideally located just off Junction 3 of the M2, Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa offers superb leisure facilities including an indoor heated pool, well-equipped gymnasium and a full luxury spa with a range of body and beauty treatments. The hotel's elegant Squires Restaurant holds a well-deserved reputation for fine food. Perfectly positioned for the Historic Dockyard Chatham, the Royal Engineers Museum and Leeds Castle, it's a great base for a summer break in the heart of the Garden of England.
Stagecoach Thanet Open Top Bus
For a memorable day out along the coast, the Stagecoach Thanet Open Top Bus is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026 with a refreshed fleet and an extended route. Running daily from 22 July to 31 August between Minnis Bay, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, the iconic Route 69 is one of the most fun and flexible ways for families to explore Thanet's clifftops, golden sands and harbour towns. New for this year, the route now includes Broadstairs High Street, bringing passengers closer to the beach, independent shops and places to eat. Tickets can be bought from the driver or via the Stagecoach Bus App, with under 5s travelling free and a group day ticket available for up to five people.
Go Ape Leeds Castle and Bedgebury
Located within the Leeds Castle grounds, Go Ape Leeds Castle is home to three thrilling high-ropes courses and two axe-throwing lanes, offering adventures for every member of the family. The flagship Treetop Challenge sees adults and older children zip above the valley with the castle gleaming below, while younger children can enjoy the Treetop Adventure from just one metre tall.
Set within the spectacular Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Go Ape Bedgebury is another favourite for little monkeys and tricky teens. Brand new for 2026, Forest Biking has arrived at Bedgebury, offering bike hire for everything from gentle family rides to more experienced trail cycling through the beautiful woodland. The classic Treetop Challenge with its 170-metre zip wire and dual Tarzan Swings remains a highlight, alongside Treetop Adventure for the youngest explorers.
Ashford and Tenterden
Ashford is packed with summer fun for all the family. Flip Out is a thrilling indoor adventure park offering nine different activities, including trampolines, Ninja obstacle courses, stunt zones and slamball - perfect whatever the weather. Explore the beautiful gardens and open-air theatre events at Godinton House, or head out to the stunning Kent Downs for family walks along the Wye Downs. The Wye Downs offer spectacular countryside views for all ages.
Tonbridge and Malling
There's something for every family in Tonbridge and Malling this summer. Tonbridge Castle invites families to explore its gatehouse, great hall, winding stairs and motte, with breathtaking views across the town and a lovely enclosed lawn for picnics. Tonbridge Castle hosts a music weekend in early July with party vibes and family fun across three evenings, while Tonbridge's outdoor swimming pool and riverside walks offer great free days out.
Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells is a brilliant summer base for families. Hop aboard the volunteer-run Spa Valley Railway for a heritage steam train journey through beautiful Kent and Sussex countryside, with a programme of special family events throughout the year. Dunorlan Park offers a boating lake, natural play area and picnic lawns, while Scotney Castle's enchanting National Trust estate features a natural play area, woodland trails and family workshops. The famous Pantiles is perfect for a leisurely summer stroll.
Sevenoaks
Nature lovers will be in their element in Sevenoaks this summer. Kent Wildlife Trust's Wilder Holiday Club offers activity-packed days at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, designed to inspire children's love of nature. Eagle Heights, home to one of the UK's largest bird of prey centres, wows families with soaring flight displays and a wildlife sanctuary featuring meerkats, alpacas and huskies.
Nestled in the stunning Darent Valley near Shoreham, Castle Farm is one of Kent's most magical seasonal destinations and a highlight of the summer holidays. In July, the farm's famous lavender fields burst into fragrant purple bloom (late June to late July) — with a variety of events you can enjoy with all the family. Come mid-August, the fields transform into a sea of golden sunflowers, guaranteed to delight children and adults alike, and you can PYO stems to take home. The farm shop and coffee cart are open throughout the summer holidays Tuesday to Sunday, stocked with locally grown produce, lavender gifts and seasonal treats — ideal for a relaxed trip out with the family.
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
Kent's classic family friendly adventure, take a nostalgic miniature train journey on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. Explore this unique corner of Kent in style, visiting local beaches, taking a countryside stroll, or just enjoying the summer breeze from their carriages.
Rochester
Step back in time this summer in Rochester! At the Guildhall Museum, follow the Dickens Animals Trail, get crafty making Victorian houses and chicks in eggs, and enjoy storytelling sessions bringing a servant's mischievous chick to life (booking essential for storytelling). Just up the road, Rochester Castle bursts with medieval magic - strike your own coin with Frodi the Moneyer, handle real weaponry, try on armour and discover exactly what it took to become a knight.
Eastgate House will be throwing The Teddy Bears Picnic Show on 26th July. Enjoy this fun and interactive show, with song and dance, and bring along your favourite teddy bear and a picnic for a fantastic afternoon. Plus, Every weekend in the summer holidays, discover The History of Toys Trail for all ages.
