In need of something to lift your spirits after a miserable winter? We’ve curated Kent’s ultimate hotlist of thrilling indoor and outdoor activities with the whole family in mind, each guaranteed to deliver a surge of adrenaline and excitement. For those who’ve been cooped up all winter and are ready to blow off some steam (and honestly, aren’t we all?), Kent’s diverse range of thrilling adventures are the perfect way to get active again as brighter skies emerge.

Whether you’re craving fresh air or heart-pounding excitement, from soaring through the skies to splashing into lakes and pushing your limits, these action-packed experiences are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. By Nuala Armstrong & Mia Chapman

Outdoor Thrills

Bluewater’s Hangloose Adventure

Fun fact, the biggest swing in Europe can be found right on your doorstep and I bet you didn’t even realise! Greenhithe’s Bluewater Shopping Centre is home to this mammoth swing as part of its much-loved Hangloose Adventure offerings. Known for its stomach-flipping drop, but also its beautiful views of the striking chalk cliffs and glistening lake, the swing towers the height of a 22-storey building and hoists its participants up 50 metres as they await the thrilling free fall. 

Bluewater also boasts Skywire, the country’s longest zipline suspended over the iconic former quarry (which is over 720 metres long and reaches immensely high speeds) alongside an outdoor skydiving machine, inflatable water park and high ropes course. 

Go Ape at Maidstone’s Leeds Castle is one for those who love heights and physical adventure. Climbing from tree top to tree top while only being clipped on by a harness is exciting, but also inclusive of younger children with its array of smaller courses and safety features so brave little ones can participate too. Take on high-rope courses of varying levels, soar through the woodlands on a 250-metre zipline or even try your hand at epic axe throwing challenges. 

Who doesn’t like a bit of spring fun in the water? Whitemills in Sandwich is known for its giant inflatable aqua park where groups and families can jump, climb, slide and splash their way around a balance-challenging obstacle course. Suitable for all skill levels, Whitemills’ supportive clubs, sessions and coaching also promise endless exploration for both budding and seasoned wakeboarders. 

St Andrews Lakes in Rochester is also home to an amazing aqua park – which is doubling in size this month! – as well as kayaking, pedalos and a revitalising wellness centre for those who seek water adventures a little on the calmer side. Over in Lydd, Action Watersports features a vast array of activities, from flyboarding and water skiing to open-water swimming.

Action Watersports

For the petrol heads out there, a driving experience at Brands Hatch Motor Racing Circuit is certain to thrill. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to take a Grand Prix-style single-seater racecar for a spin around the iconic track, or experience the rush of a high-speed Superride as a passenger beside a professional racing driver. Promising just as much of a rush, how about flying? At Headcorn Aerodrome take to the skies on a legendary spitfire or vintage plane, or experience the ultimate adrenaline-rush with aerobatic wingwalking. If you’re feeling particularly daring, an exhilarating tandem skydive from 12,000 feet also awaits at the renowned aerodrome, inviting you for an adventure of a lifetime as you soar, glide and steer your way back to solid ground with an expert instructor. 

If you’re interested in trying something new, head to Nuts4Climbing in Tunbridge Wells, where you can scale dizzy heights on a high-quality outdoor climbing course expertly tailored to your skill level and ability. Learn to climb with confidence with a knowledgeable coach in a safe yet endlessly fun environment built with discovery and all ages in mind. 

Indoor Adventures

Sometimes spring can be disguised as a summer month, but in reality it can still be a little chilly and wet. That’s why we’ve considered indoor options for you thrillseekers, so you can embark on a day brimming with unforgettable challenges, despite what the weather may throw at you. 

BattleKart Sittingbourne

BattleKart Sittingbourne offers an exciting way to spend a not-so-outdoor-friendly spring afternoon, with a wide range of electric karting games so you’re not just putting your race skills to the test – it’s a fun, family-friendly experience that creates light-hearted competition as you battle it out to win! While we’re on the theme of ‘battles’, Battlezone Laser-Tag in Ashford, Laser Quest Tunbridge Wells and Hyperspace Laser Tag in Folkestone, all offer incredibly immersive group activities where hunting down your opponents and aiming for the perfect laser beam shot creates for a battle like no other.  

For those up for a challenge in high-intensity and against-the-clock conditions, an escape room is just the thing. Rather than a usual escape room experience however, why not try Maidstone’s Prison Island? This immersive experience involves 25 uniquely themed rooms to move between and complete before time runs out, each designed to test your physical and mental skills with timely pressure. 

A tried-and-true family favourite, Kent’s wealth of trampoline parks are an all-round hit for blowing off steam, staying active and keeping the littles occupied, often coming fully-equipped with more than just trampolines for a family outing to remember. Soar in Gillingham features a wipeout, battle beam and knockout wall, Flip Out in Ashford boasts ninja tag, laser quest and soft play, while Gravity at Bluewater comes complete with fitness sessions, climbing challenges and a much-loved arcade.  

For more Kent day out inspiration, click here to read our latest issue.