Christmas is Coming...

Don't know about you but the bank balance has only just recovered from buying new school uniform and October half term... 6 weeks until Christmas!! Argghhhhhh! OK, so I love Christmas, probably more than the kids, it's not the presents but all the extra fuff. Yes, I am one of those annoying people who puts the decorations up on the 1st December! Sorry! So here's a few Christmassy suggestions for things to do with the kids between now and the big day.

Christmas Lights/Parades... If you want to go for the big day out then it's got to be a day trip to London for the 'Free' Hamley's Toy Parade on Sunday 20th November! This year Mr Tumble is starring but there is everyone from My Little Pony to Lego Ninjago characters to Paddington Bear and our current favourite Power Rangers Dino Charge! The parade covers 1.5 miles, starts at 10:30am and entertainment including meet the characters goes on until 16:30.

Closer to home look out for local Christmas Lights Switch On. Faversham Christmas Lights on Saturday 26th November is always popular especially now it is followed by the Night Market with hot food stalls and live music. If your feeling creative make your own festive lantern and enter the Whitstable Christmas Light Parade also on the 26th. Maidstone's is on the 17th November with Father Christmas, Panto stars and for the teeny boppers/X-Factor fans boy band 'Yes Lad!' If you head to Folkestone on Friday 18th November, the lantern parade makes its way from Leas Cliff Hall to Folkestone Town Hall for the light switch on then down to the harbour for a fireworks display! In Medway, Rainham has the Gruffalo, Strood has Marshall from Paw Patrol and Gillingham has Scrat from Ice Age so lots of choice. It's definately becoming a bigger event in the diary and it's free!

Christmas Markets... Having stomped around the German Christmas Market in Hyde Park some 9 years ago that later morphed into what is now Winter Wonderland London, I have grown to love a festive market and for many years being in charge of a pushchair with mulled wine in hand was an annual occur occurance! So me and the boys still love Winter Wonderland, we've done the Circus and the Ice Kingdom, but it is busy so timing is key and you will haemorrhage money letting the kids get their ride fix.

Christmas Markets are however popping up everywhere now so this year why not check out Rochester Christmas Market in the grounds of the Castle, Free Entry. There is shopping for us gift buyers (usually gifts for myself to be honest), fair rides for the kiddies, 'Snow' and Bavarian food village. If you go on the 3rd/4th December it is also the Dickensian Festival which includes Lantern Parades, Reindeer, Dickensian Characters and Victorian Horse&Carriage rides for £2.50 pp. On Friday 2nd and 9th, the fair rides are only a £1 so good for those with Pre-Schoolers.

Christmas Festival Market at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, might be worth a look too on 26th November. It is undercover in Slip 5 outside the Dockyard so it's FREE entry. Includes Santa, Reindeer, Craft stalls, Ice Skating and entertainment. And it's near the Dockside shopping outlet too if you need a few more bits.

 

We really enjoyed the Leeds Castle Christmas Market last year, with Craft stalls, Reindeer, Fair Rides, and Mulled Wine, and all the normal Leeds Castle attractions! OK so entrance tickets are expensive but your entry tickets are valid for the whole year and buy on line in advance to save so worth considering. They do have Santa too but it's probably already sold out!

Xmas Cake and Craft... So we're not all the next recruit for bake off but when it's cold outside where better to be in the kitchen with biscuits and cake! So I like a traditional Christmas Cake as I get to bake it early and keep topping it up with brandy! Then just before Christmas the kids help roll out the marzipan and icing. For the cheat option just buy a good sized fruit cake, the kids still get the fun of designing there own decoration and whose going to know! Gingerbread is also very popular in my house, we do make our own but no matter how closely I follow Mary Berry's recipe it sticks to the counter and I have to throw a ton more flour in! Or just buy them in the supermarket and get the kids to decorate, lots of tubes of icing and sweet decorations to choose from.

Last year everyone on Facebook was making sock snowmen following the you tube video. This year why not get the kids to try out these...

Salt Dough Decorations, all you need is flour, salt and some paints!!

Invest in some Porcelain Pens, then you can make your own Santa plates, Personalised mugs, Vases, you name it! My pens have been going a good few years now and still have plenty of life in them!

Or if its all too much effort, pop along to Little Potters in Sittingbourne, and drink tea while the kids decorate various ornaments for the grandparents Christmas presents!

 

Visit Santa... I confess that we are on it when it comes to the annual Mums'&Kids' outing to visit Father Christmas! Yes in September the kids go back to school and someone texts 'I know but... Santa?!' Gone are the days of easily booking a free visit to see Santa at Harrods without getting up at 5am to beat the net mums and stumping up some cash! But as my 8 year old is now very aware, Santa is everywhere in all shapes and sizes. So here are some suggestions of where you can see the big man in Kent with your wish list this year...

Check out Dover Port, I know sounds bonkers right?! but in Cruise Terminal One, Western Docks there will be an indoor ice rink and Santa's Grotto! Book Ice skating for those aged 5+, for 45 minute session, 2 adults/2 children £28. Santa is there weekends from 19th November and everyday in the week before Christmas. It's £10, receive a gift and don't forget to post your letter to Santa in the special post box for him to read later. There is also a Christmas Market on Saturday and Sundays.

Dreamland, Margate have Santa's Grotto taking pride of place under the Scenic Railway. From 3rd -24th December book in to become an honorary Elf, help collect up the Christmas baubles, mix the magic Reindeer food and get a gift and photo with the man himself for £9.95 (Members £8.95). For the under 2s meet Santa and have a photo for £3.50. Make day of it by visiting the Frosted Fairground or head inside to the soft play or roller rink!

Want something more traditional, Alexander Centre, Faversham have a fantastic Father Christmas. You can book to visit him in the Mayors Parlour on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December, £6 per child. They can also participate in some Christmas crafts, the tea room is open and a Christmas Market for those last minute buys.

Or why not visit Santa in his Woodland Grotto and get some fresh winter air at Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend. Take the Christmas trail around the woods and solve the clues to find Santa at his grotto. See Santa for £6, (book online) then why not stop for a hot choc in the visitor centre and a play on the adventure playground.

If you visit any of these festive venues and want to share your pics and reviews or tips, go to the Facebook Page! Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Grove Ferry Picnic Area

If your looking for somewhere different to go with the kids for a picnic and a play you can't go wrong with a little trip to Grove Ferry (Upstreet near Canterbury). We've been going here on and off for the last 6 years and if like us you own Kayaks or Canoes there is a good entry point to the River Stour.

There is a large grass area with a few picnic benches but recommend you take a picnic rug. Great for the kids to run around and play games, there are a few large trees so you can find some shade if you need it. The River Stour runs alongside and the grass slopes up towards the riverside path so relatively easy to spot if the kids are venturing that way.

There is also a play park with swings, slides etc it is the wooden variety. It has a wooden fence all the way around with one gate so good for those with littlies who like to escape.

If  you want to make the most of your visit you have a few options. The riverside path is part of the Saxon Shore Way and the Stour Valley Way so you can take a little stroll away from the park down river, it's a rough path so better for a toddle then a pushchair. If your hardcore or have older children you can follow the paths out of the park and go stomping for miles and miles. Look out for the boats passing by, the ducks and general wildlife including dragonflies and butterflies. 

To see the river in all its glory why not take a trip on the water with Grove Ferry River Trips. 

The boat pick up point is from the pub near the bridge, although it is completely independent of the pub itself. It runs weekends from mid March through April, Wed-Sun from April and everyday through the Summer holidays, trips start from 12 and run hourly through the afternoon. The boat will take you up or down stream depending on the tide and the weather. It is advisable to book especially at peak times although you can just turn up as we have in the past, next trip time is usually on the board and it's first come first served. Its £9 for adults and £5 for kids for approx 50 minute trip. The kids love it and the Skipper always makes you feel welcome no matter your age. Check out the website for further details or Facebook page.

If your feeling adventurous or have bored teens, why not try a spot of canoeing. Wild Canoes is based here and you can hire a canoe complete with buoyancy aids and life jackets for the littliest. Paddle up or down stream, in either a Canadian canoe (fits 2 adults and 2 Children under 10) or a duo kayak (for 2) for an hour for £20. This is great fun, again it's worth booking in advance at peak times but they are usually set up so you can just ask on the day on the off chance. Check out the website for lots of other options, including half day guided tours from Fordwich to Grove Ferry (and a lift back).

The Grove Ferry Inn is next to the park, it has lots of seating outside along the river and a large garden with a some pigs and chickens. So if you fancy a drink or a coffee, and somewhere else for the kids to play, give it a try. They do food, although it was always on the pricey side and I haven't eaten there since the management changed

There are 2 car parks, one through the gates thats along side the park or if it's busy one opposite the entrance gate. £1.20 weekdays and £2 weekends. The pub also has a car park but only if you are a customer. There are public toilets including disabled which are reasonable and clean. 

Best for: Under 12s
Recommend: Picnic, Picnic Rug
Time: 3-4hrs

Rain, Rain Go Away...

May Half Term weather here in Kent this week is ultimately disappointing so thought I'd give you a quick brainstorm for the rest of the week for places you could check out. Unfortunately there are not many free activities inside so also included payable and good value ideas.

Museums/Galleries - Many towns and cities in Kent have a small museum or gallery, read my earlier blog on 'Inside in Canterbury' for the low down on the museums there. Many museums are also free or discounted for locals. Some might only kill an hour or so but it stops the kids killing each other! Theres usually some extra activities laid on in the school holidays. Check Out these free ones The Beany,Canterburyhttp://canterburymuseums.co.uk/beaney/; The Turner Contemporary, Margatehttps://www.turnercontemporary.org/; The Maidstone Museum, Maidstonehttp://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/; The Guildhall Museum, Rochesterguildhallmuseum; The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum, Manston.http://www.spitfiremuseum.org.uk

Cinema - So the latest films seriously hurt the wallet but Cineworld have 'Movies for Juniors' which are usually films that are 6-12 months old. On every morning in the holidays for only £1.50 per person prebook online at https://www.cineworld.co.uk/ . Also check out your local independent cinemas they are cheaper than the multi plex but still often have recent kids film on and the popcorns usually cheaper too!

Swimming Pool - So obviously not free but if you want the kids suitably worn out for a dvd afternoon swimming is good bet. We went to Swallows in Sittingbourne this morning, which was great as they had all the floats and pool toys out, the wave machine going a few times then an inflatable obstacle course for the those that can swim 25m and the flume, for £13 for the 3 of us plus parking it wasn't too tragic! Check out your local pool timetable for half term activities or try somewhere new.

Art Cafés - Now there are lots of these places across the county. Normally buy an ornament or some crockery and paint away. With father's day coming up you have the perfect excuse, who can resist a one of kind mug created by the kids. We particularly like Little Potters in Sittingbourne, you can chose to decorate in acrylic or proper paint that needs firing. For the littliest ones there is a soft play if they are very much a splash and dash artist. And most importantly plenty of tea/ coffee and snacks available to keep you going. Check out... Little Potters, Sittingbournehttp://www.littlepotters.com/index.html; Espression, Canterburyhttp://www.espression.co.uk/; This Art of Mine, Maidstonehttp://www.thisartofmine.co.uk/; Ceramics Cafe, Doverhttp://www.ceramicscafe.com/.

Indoor Skate Park - Revolution in Broadstairs is all undercover with enough ramps,  bowls and jumps to keep all skateboard and scooter kids busy. If you already have the wheels, bash hat and various pads then it's only £6 for 2 hours. If your kids are new to the skate park or your a bit worried about the little ones Revolution run 2 hour learn to scoot group lessons everyday through the holidays but you need to pre-book. Check them out at http://www.revolutionskatepark.co.uk

Woods - So it's not indoors but it's also not totally freezing out there! Wait for a gap in the showers and grab the wellies and waterproofs and go for a stomp. You might only manage 30 minutes but at least your out. Our faves for a stomp are Perry Woods, Selling nr Faversham and Kings Wood, Ashford....

Shopping Centre - They want you to shop and spend money but first they have to get you there. Many shopping centres and garden centres now put on free or cheap kids activities in the holidays to entice you through the door. Dobbies garden centres have the 'little seedlings club' with prebookable free activities. Check out your local websites to see what's on near you.

You can't spend all week at home or stuck in the ball pit, give something else a try!

Reculver

We have been visiting Reculver's infamous towers and the beach for years for days out but now it has the added bonus of a new adventure playground!

Now two main starting options depending on the age of the kids and the time you've got. With the little ones I head straight along Reculver Lane until you reach the dead end and the car park which is £1 to park all day. They usual open up a field for additional parking at peak times but it can still get rather busy. Alternatively with the bigger ones you can instead head for Bishopstone Road at the other end of the country park, where you can park and then take a half hour stroll along the Saxon Shore Way cliff top walk to Reculver.

There is lots to do in Reculver so take your pick or do everything. When the tide is out head west of the car park down on to the beach under the cliffs. This is a fantastic area for rock pooling, there is no access for pushchairs to the beach so walk down or use carriers for little legs. You don't have to go far to find some interesting specimens but the rock pools stretch a long way out so plenty to keep everyone busy. If your not sure where to start Kent Wildlife Trust runs guided rock pool sessions in the summer with the Education Officer and volunteers for a small charge. Check out the website for details. This is also the section of the beach you are most likely to find 'fossils' but don't get too close to the cliffs for safety reasons.

Next to the car park is the new adventure play park. A combination of a castle and pirate theme with lots of access points, rigging, ramps and climbing walls. Steering Wheels, telescopes and perescopes for the little ones. There are swings, slides and some more challenging bits for the big ones.

Unfortunately the council has yet to update the seating with still only a handful of old picnic benches set out on the grass but they are useable but take a picnic blanket if you think it might be busy. They are also a bit short of rubbish bins after busy weekend so you might need to take your rubbish home. There are public toilets which are clean and functional, with a disabled and baby change (if it's locked the visitor centre has a key). The toilets are open all day but specific hours change depending on the season.

The Visitor Centre is run by Kent Wildlife Trust. The centre offers displays and information on Reculver, it's history and the local wildlife. There is a gift shop and books about the area, if it's not busy ask if you can see the Mammoth tooth fossil. The centre is usually open everyday except Wednesdays between April and September.

 

 

 

 

You can also take a walk up by the towers this is fully accessible paths with information boards about the Towers and the Roman Fort. Follow the path past the towers and take a walk, scoot or cycle East along the sea wall by the pebbly beach. If your feeling energetic you can walk or cycle all the way to Minnis Bay a good 40 minute bike ride or couple of hour walk. We usually go so far then go on to the beach for some stone skimming then make our way back.

 

If you are truly worn out by all that, stop at the King Ethelbert pub for some refreshments or a hearty lunch or dinner. I can also recommend the traditional cafe for a cuppa and a bacon sarnie. They also do take outs and stock ice creams if you need to cool down.

Its also worth noting that once a year there is access into the towers looked after by English Heritage, which allows you to climb up inside and get some fantastic views. This is part of Heritage Open Day and is normally in September, check the website for details.

Best For: Everyone
Recommend: Scooters, Bikes, Buckets and Nets.
Time: 2-6 hours

Riverside Country Park

Discovered this fab country park by the River Medway in Gillingham last year with the help of some friends!

The main focus for the kids is the large adventure playground located just behind the visitor centre. With plenty of slides, swings and climbing frames to keep them busy. We particularly like the sunken pirate ship. As usual I can always trust my kids to go a bit off piste, they had lots of fun rolling down a little artificial hill on the playground rather than using the purpose built slide and why not?!?

I particularly like the layout of this play park with various sections for little and bigger ones. The whole area is mostly visible from the picnic benches so you can keep an eye on the bigger ones at a distance! Or spot a run away toddler pretty quickly, and only a couple of exit gates which always helps.

Like all the best play parks there is a cafe serving the usual drinks, snacks and Ice cream. There are also good toilet facilities  including baby change and disabled, located at the front of the visitor centre.

If you can drag yourself away from the play park take a walk along the accessible paths opposite the visitor centre. We had great fun with the erm,  sound tube thingy on the way...

With views over the Medway there is plenty of wildlife to spot on the mudflats and marshes. With the little ones just go for a little wonder or take a pushchair but its easier with alterrain wheels on the substrate paths. For a short circular walk approx 45 minutes take the path out on to the peninsula out to Horrid Hill, the path loops around and takes you back the way you came. Click here for the route Horrid Hill Walk For the bigger ones and teens take a stomp up river along the path or get on those bikes. It's also a good place to walk the dog.

There is a large pond which is good for a spot of pond dipping. They run bug hunt sessions in the school holidays for a small charge but make sure you book in advance. They also run beginners bird watching, and Art & craft activities, check out the website for details Riverside Country Park Events

The car park is free and a reasonable size although it can get rather full in the school holidays. 

Best For: Everyone
Recommend: Bikes
Time: 2-4 hrs

Boing Festival!

The Boing Festival isn't until the end of the summer but as the tickets for the not free bits are already on sale I thought might as well blog about it now!
This Free Family Festival is on August Bank holiday weekend, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August this year. It takes place in and around the Gulbenkian Theatre on the University of Kent campus in Canterbury. Not only is it FREE to enter, it's FREE to park and there are plenty of FREE shows and activities alongside the ticketed events and workshops. Spend a few hours, all day or both days whatever suits you.

Being all about introducing children and families to drama, music, and dance the line up changes every year but the style is still the same. If going to the theatre is a very rare occurance or you've never considered watching dance theatre or your not sure if your littliest ones will sit still long enough to enjoy it, this is a great opportunity to give it a go. Like most Summer events you'll get more out of it when the weather's reasonable but there's plenty to do regardless.

The free shows are aimed at everyone although some will appeal more to one age group than another. They normally run twice a day both days so you don't have to miss anything and are mostly held outside so you can wonder in and out as you please.

Last year's favourite performance for us was 'Fragile' which consisted of dancers using enormous cubed scaffold frames and 3 large diggers, what child could resist dance, music and construction equipment! The boys loved it!

We also followed the story of the fabulous Lyma Bird and helped to find the missing baby birds, interactive theatre at its best!

There were also some Pirates in Treasure Island and a toddlers disco. In between the shows we ate some bbq (you can take a picnic), had a drink and hung out near the ART31 music stage. There were also free face painters, balloons and art activities.

This year I am particularly looking forward to checking out...'Kapow' "Three of planet Earth’s greatest superheroes are getting ready to battle it out for the title of ‘Most Supreme Superhero… Ever’". Click here for a taster Kapow Trailer.

Also want to give The Silent Disco a go with the stars of Cbeebies 'Spot Bots' Three Half Pints... and 'Ride' especially good for teens! But there's lots more free shows and we might even book up for some of the ticketed shows and workshops this year although we might struggle to fit it all in! For full listing of free and ticketed shows Click Here or follow on Facebook. The family films and workshops are yet to be confirmed.

Best For: Everyone - Toddlers to Teens
Recommend: Picnic Rug; 
Time: 4-6hrs

Swanley Park

We absolutely love Swanley Park! It's definitely a favourite 5 star summer destination for us as we can't wait to get in the splash pool when the suns out! But the biggest plus for my boys is the mini trains, wooo, wooo!

We start our visit by parking in New Barn Road for £2 all day, pay on the door. We usually choose to travel in style to the opposite end of the park and wait at the little platform for the mini train. They do have a carriage you can put Pushchairs in too so you won't miss out. Trains run from April through to end of September at weekends and weekdays in the school holidays. We get a return fare which is £1 kids £1.50 adults or £4 family of 4. Or if just one way is 70p and £1. The kids love it and all the volunteers running it are fab. Mine particularly like watching the trains going on the turntable and waving to the drivers. Follow their facebook page for info. Swanley New Barn Railway

The train deposits you right next to all the action. If it's a hot day the splash pool is where it's at, the pool, grass area and little toddler play ground is surrounded by fencing and gates which helps if u have speedy toddlers. The grass area can get busy if it promises to be a hot day so either get your spot early (10-10:30am) or later in the afternoon when people tend to move on. If you don't fancy sitting on the ground you can hire a nice stripey deck chair! The pool has a flat section of rubbery matting with various points that randomly squirt water, which is great for everyone. Then there is the adjoining paddling pool which is deeper in places than others but shallow, so won't get near your knees. Access is completely free!

The splash pool is directly outside the café which sells everything from tea, cake, burger & chips to ice cream and buckets & spades! Usually along side there is a small bouncy castle and a few ride on mini bikes for a small charge. The toilet block is just to the right of these. They are not great loos and when it's busy  the queues for the ladies can be huge so not good with a desperate child in tow. Recommend you take any opportunity to make the kids go when it's quiet and take a porta potty if anyone's a bit hit and miss!

So you've had plenty of splashing, ate your picnic, played on the littlies play bit and got sand everywhere, now what?!... Pack up your kit and head over to the play park which has equipment for the little and big ones all within a fenced area. It has all the usual slides, climbing frames, swings and climbing wall, plenty to keep them busy. There isn't much shade on a hot day so don't forget your hats! Obviously the surrounding area consists of the 'park' so lots of grass for running around, playing ball games and trees if you need some shade. And there's usually an ice cream van parked up should you not be able to cope without a 99!

Home time? Not quite if you've got a few quid to spare. The pond/mini lake normally has row boats, pedalos and kayaks for hire. There are usually plenty to go around and everyone gets a life jacket or buoyancy aid just in case. We've also done a bit of pond dipping here, there are a few points that make it easy to access the water and you can usually spot a dragonfly or two.  We usually take the train back to the car but it is a pleasent walk if you still have the energy.

Please note this season the park amenities are under new management, they have already added a new mini golf course which we are looking forward to checking out. There are also various events held at the park throughout the year including outdoor cinema, fireworks, inflatables week so check them out on Facebook. Swanley Park 

Best For:Toddlers; Under 12s;
Recommed:Kids Swimwear, Picnic Rug, Porta Potty, Football.
Time:3-6hrs

Lower Leas Cliff Coastal Park

Lower Leas Cliff Coastal Park in Folkestone is definitely in my top 10 'Destination Play Parks'! If you look up from the beach you wouldn't even know it was there hidden between the trees...

There are car parks at either end of the park but we park at the harbour end as there's plenty of spaces and it's relatively cheap. The car park on the left opposite the Leas Lift is £3 for 4-12hrs (In the Winter it's free to park on the road) There are also good public transport links to Folkestone taking you in to the town centre which is a short walk to the seafront and the park.

When you enter the park from the harbour end you walk through well laid out gardens. There are various pathways to wonder around including bridges and great views of the sea. The boys love to run around the different routes or use their scooters or bikes! The main route and some of the other paths are wheelchair accessible. This section of the park is also relatively flat. There are plenty of benches and picnic spots and the kids particularly like sitting on the grass ampi-theatre.

When you reach the 'Fun Zone' the first play area you come to is the sunken pirate ship! Complete with crows nest, ships wheel, communication pipe and rigging! There are benches in the playground but also opposite for the oldies. All the play apparatus in the park is surrounded by sand which is always a hit with the littlies. The good thing about the pirate ship is the toddler and primary age kids can play together and they only disappear from view when venturing inside the broken ship.

Walk up hill to the next little stop where you'll find the Spiders Web and then on from there is the 'big adventure play'. This huge construction incorporates, traditional and tube slides, ladders, stairs, tunnels, bridges and zip wires! And if that all sounds far too tiring there are lots of benches for taking it easy. Obviously aimed at the Over 5s it spans both sides of the path and is a hive of activity so make sure the big ones know where to find you! Just behind the benches to observe all this adventuring is the start of the under 5s section...

...there is a suspended boat and a net hammock again surrounded by sand. If you walk up to the next level there is a little wooden house and various tipping and sieving devices for playing with the sand. There are further sections with the wobbly ride on things and a another construction type bit for shifting sand (with a handy stop your toddler from escaping gate).

By which point I'm usually in serious need of a wee and a cuppa! But luckily this is the top of the park where the public loos are, with baby change/disabled loo too. If you walk down the steep slope between the loos and the park ranger hut you will probably be forced to stop at the sand pit and the sit on diggers. But don't worry just a little further down some steep steps there is the café!  (not very buggy friendly but do - able,  less steps is if you go around and come up from the beach) They do the usual variety of teas and coffees with various cakes and lunches on offer. And of course the obligatory summer ice creams! I usually abandon the buggies, kids and other adults and opt for take outs; But there is a large veranda over looking the beach for eating in protected from the wind by plastic surround or some tables inside.

If that wasn't enough you can then walk down to the stoney beach. There is a nice area directly below the café with some benches up against the sea wall so a good place for a play. Or take a stroll/scoot along the sea front if the kids have any energy left.You can then make your way back through the park or along the front. If you've got time you might want to take the kids on a little trip on the The Leas Lift up the cliff to the town for a small charge. The restored Victorian water balanced Vanicular is open daily from April through the Summer.

Time: 3-6hrs
Best For: Toddlers, Under 5s, Under 12s
Recommend: Picnic, Scooters, Bucket & Spades.

Inside in Canterbury

Most free places to visit are outside which is great but what if the weather is a bit grim but you still need to get out?! Here's a few suggestions for Canterbury, they don't take long by themselves but you can put them together or combine with a shopping trip or some outside play...

The Beany House of Knowledge and Art - Entry to the Beany is Free, it is located on Canterbury High Street and incorporates the Library, Museum, Art Gallery and Cafe. There are permanent displays of art and historical artefacts with activity points in each room for children. Look out for the sets of draws with an activity in each one, including making teddy into a egpytian mummy and building a stain glass window.

We also enjoy the little dress up points and playing with the toy farm in the green room. You need to stop at the activities or the kids will whizz around in 30 minutes.
Temporary exhibitions change on a regular basis so keep an eye out for those that might appeal to your children. Last months 'Star Wars Toys' was popular and my littliest liked seeing all drawings of the Clangers, Ivor the Engine etc which are up for the Firmin&Postgate exhibition at the moment. You can colour in and make a little character from Nogin the Nog out of card.

The Beany runs various events throughout the year including drop in craft activity workshops and pre-bookable workshops some for a small charge. There are monthly 'Jumping Beany' payable sessions for under 5s as well as the usual free story time and baby rythme offered by most libraries. Check the website for current exhibitions and events The Beany
Best for: Toddlers, Primary, Teens. (depending on event)
Time: 1hr+

Wyevale Garden Centre - Just outside of Canterbury at Chartham, if you purchase a cuppa in the café the kids get free entry to the soft play/ball pit room. There are time restrictions but they get long enough to run off some steam. The Garden Centre also runs little workshops in the School Holidays, including making a 'mini garden', 'decorating a gnome'! There is a small charge and they need to be booked in advance. Click Here for Website
Best For: Under 10s.
Time: 1hrs+

Pets at Home - The pet store located on Sturry Road with free parking offers childrens Pet Care Workshops at Weekends and during School Holidays. These are Free but you have to book your place in advance as spaces are limited. They are aimed at 5-11 year olds but all ages are welcome, an adult needs to accompany the children and it lasts an hour. Choose from Reptile, Small Furry, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Aquatic. Click Here for Website
Best For: 5-11yrs
Time: 1hr

For the following Museums, if you sign-up for a 'MytownMycity' card or the Mobile App as a 'local' they are usually on offer as 'Free Entry' (Offers are subject to change). I don't live in Canterbury but I do work and shop there, just go to the website. MytownMycity-Canterbury

(Alternatively the museum entry fees are £8 per adult with up to 2 Children Free or £12 for both museums. Or buy an annual canterbury museum family membership for £30 and get entry all year plus other extras)

The Roman Museum - This is a great little Museum just off the high street. The original building on the site was demolished and the archaeological dig discovered some amazing finds including the Roman Mosaic Flooring which led to the creation of this Museum underneath the new building. There are lots of different things to see but more importantly for the children, things to touch and try. The boys particularly enjoy dressing up as a Roman Soilder and making mosaics!
   
It doesn't take long to walk around but if you stop at all the activities you can make it last. There is a lift down to the museum, a buggy park and toilets with baby change. The Roman Museum
Best For: Toddlers, Primary, Teens. (depending on event)
Time: 1hr+

The Canterbury Heritage Museum - The permanent exhibitions range from Romans to Steam Trains to Bag Puss so something for everyone. This is bigger than the Roman Museum but again stop for all the children's activities to make the most of it. We particularly like writing our names in Runes and watching an episode of Bag Puss!

There are Activity Trail sheets available for 7-11yr olds. The Museum puts on additional events/activities through the year so it is worth checking the website Heritage Museum
Best for: Toddlers, Primary, Teens. (depending on event)
Time: 2hrs