What better time to make fun, lasting memories than during the six-week school summer holiday? Whether big or small, there are endless opportunities for budget-friendly adventures and experiences across Kent – the perfect season in the perfect place to create memorable moments together, where quality time can be both organised in advance or a spontaneous day out.

In the Garden of England, six weeks can be packed full of activities to suit every family with ease; whether you are wildlife-lovers eager to get closer to nature, action-sport enthusiasts looking for your next adventure, history-seekers or simply searching for affordable ways to keep the children entertained, Kent is sure to have it all and more.

A Walk on the Wild Side

For families looking to enjoy a wildlife-led day out, Howletts Wild Animal Park is a must-visit this summer. Home to more than 390 animals, the park is renowned for its incredible collection of rare and endangered species including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK and the country’s largest groups of gorillas, leopards and monkeys.

Set across 90 acres of parkland, Howletts offers a day of adventure for all the family, with the chance to get up close to some of the world’s most fascinating animals. Families can learn about the park’s pioneering conservation work, breeding programmes and reintroductions of rare and endangered species to the park and throughout the summer holidays, visitors can also enjoy free animal talks and feeding sessions – all included in the entry ticket.

Little explorers can continue their wildlife-led exploration through the woodland walk, where life-sized prehistoric creatures can be discovered. If you are lucky, you could encounter a woolly mammoth or sabre-tooth tiger hiding amongst the trees. 

When it is time to recharge, head to one of the cafes, restaurants and kiosks on site. Serving a selection of lunches and refreshments such as locally sourced sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee, the warmer weather offers ice cream and cold drinks to help cool down, too.

Rare Breeds Centre

Heading across the county to Woodchurch near Ashford, you can spend a day out at the Rare Breeds Centre. Set within 120 acres of working farmland and countryside, the centre is dedicated to protecting some of Britain’s rarest native farm animals. Families can enjoy pig feeding and tractor rides, and woodland walks across farmland – along the way, you’ll discover a variety of rare animals so it’s a really fun day out to learn about the UK’s native species.

While you’re there, be sure to visit the Royal Golden Guernsey goats, classified as a rare breed in the UK. The breed was almost extinct during the Second World War and the breed’s survival is entirely credited to Miss Miriam Milbourne, who managed to hide a small group of her goats from German soldiers. 

Once the war had finished, her brave act initiated a breeding programme which managed to successfully bring the breed back from near extinction. The Royal Golden Guernsey goats are just one of the incredible rare breeds at the centre, each telling stories of survival and resilience. The centre offers a special opportunity for both children and adults to learn about the importance of conservation and protecting Britain’s rare breeds.

Budget-Friendly Fun 

The Shell Grotto.

For families looking to make the most of the summer holidays without stretching the budget, Kent is jam-packed with affordable days out that promise entertainment for all ages. 

Heading to the seaside town of Margate, the mysterious Shell Grotto is a hidden gem for families to explore. Descending into a subterranean labyrinth, you will find walls decorated with more than 4.6 million shells covering every corner of the caves. The attraction has been fascinating visitors since 1838 and to this day no one knows exactly why it was built. 

The caves are perfect for families of all ages as children can explore the patterns and shapes, spotting out different shells from cockles, whelks, mussels and oysters, while adults can enjoy learning about the cave’s intriguing history. Better still, it’s a budget-friendly option, with tickets priced at £6 for adults and £2 for children.

Once you have emerged from the grotto, why not spend the rest of the day on Margate Main Sands? The wide, sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles and paddling in the sea, and of course no trip to Margate would be complete without a visit to Morrelli’s Gelato where you can enjoy fresh artisan gelato in flavours such as rich chocolate and sweet strawberry.

Diggerland

For families looking for something a little more action-packed, head west to Diggerland, an adventure park where children and adults can get behind the controls of real diggers. The park has over 20 rides and attractions including the Skyshuttle, which lifts visitors 50 feet into the air for panoramic views across the park.

While you are there, you can have a go at driving diggers and racing go-karts, so families will be thoroughly entertained. Younger children can burn off some energy in the indoor and outdoor play areas, while parents can take a well-earned break in the on-site cafe that serves a range of freshly prepared food and cooling refreshments. Children under 90cm can visit free, making it an even more affordable day out for those with younger children.

Discover Historical Happenings

Image by: Ollie Dixon

For families eager to learn more about Kent’s extensive history, the county is home to a wealth of historic wonders and educational days out. Starting off at arguably one of the most famous castles in Kent, Hever Castle was once the beloved childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. Visitors can learn about how these walls shaped the young queen’s life over 500 years ago.

Through August, the castle will host a packed calendar of events including falconry displays from Willow’s Bird of Prey Centre. Visitors can see these incredible birds of prey – from barn owls to golden eagles – swooping in action. Over the bank holiday weekend, Hever in History is set to thrill as the castle steps back in time with re-enactments from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century. Families can discover authentic weaponry and armour, alongside a chance to meet the Knights of Royal England who are back for another year to compete in the jousting tournament.

Heading north, visit the historic towns of Rochester and Chatham, the former housing the medieval Rochester Cathedral – the second oldest cathedral in the UK – and the latter home to The Historic Dockyard Chatham where families can embark on the ultimate family adventure on Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail, a self-guided trail that takes visitors on a journey across the world’s six oceans while also offering the chance to visit the historic dockyard.

While on the trail, you will come face-to-face with marine life from across the world, from emperor penguins in Antarctica to the bobtail squid found in the English Channel. The trail is packed with fascinating discoveries as you track down real-world dangers and take on challenges to find out how you can help protect marine wildlife.

Action-Packed Pursuits 

Go Ape, Bedgebury Pinetum

For families searching for high-speed thrill adventures and endless entertainment, a must-visit destination this summer needs to be Buckmore Park. Widely regarded as the UK’s favourite kart circuit, the track has welcomed some of the biggest names in motorsport, giving visitors the chance to race on the same world-class stage.

Since opening in 1963, Buckmore Park has served as a platform for amateur and professional racers, making it ideal for adrenaline junkies and racing beginners. Junior karting is available for children aged six to 15, with a range of experiences to suit all abilities ranging from 30-minute race sessions and training programmes for dedicated junior clubs to lessons for six and seven-year-olds. 

On the track, you can aim to improve your technique, practice twists and turns, while parents can enjoy 30-minute adult practice sessions and races; tailored for a thrilling experience, the course is accessible for all ages and abilities.

Before heading home, refuel with an evening at Fields at Aylesford, which is just a 10-minute drive from Buckmore Park. The gastro pub has a traditional feel and high-quality ingredients inform its many tasty dishes from classic fish and chips to mushroom risotto and a kids’ menu that offers classic dishes including creamy sausage and mash, and fish goujons served with skin-on fries and garden peas.

For families who aren’t afraid of heights and enjoy a thrilling challenge, Go Ape offers an action-packed day out. For the ultimate test of braver, head to Bedgebury Forest, with thrilling high rope courses strung up at both locations. Why not embark on the Treetop Challenge? Suitable for adults and older children aged 10 and above, the course lasts around two-and-a-half hours with tree-to-tree crossings, a Tarzan swing and iconic zip lines. 

For younger children, the Treetop Adventure offers a gentle introduction to the treetops, with a one-hour ropes activity session for children over one metre tall. Those aged between six and 10 can test themselves on Treetop Adventure Plus, a step-up from Treetop Adventure, with trickier platforms to take on and bigger zip lines to conquer. Go Ape offers high-rope activities catered to each member of the family for a day out packed full of unrivalled fun and memorable moments.