Half term’s nearly here already? I only just put away my flippin’ Christmas tree. Muddy to the rescue with 18 half term saviours across Kent to keep the ankle biters entertained. Anything utterly brilliant and unmissable that I’ve left off? Let me know in the comment box below.
The Miraculous Mis-adventures of Robin Hood, Trinity Theatre, Thurs 10 – Weds 16 Feb
The perfect half-term treat for all the family – five actors, one well-loved story and plenty of comedy! This hilarious musical starring The Three Inch Fools will bring their unique brand of madcap and wildly inventive storytelling to Trinity Theatre’s stage in Tunbridge Wells. Expect original music, Morris dancing, sword fights, awful archery and hundreds of costume changes.
Circus Zyair, The Hop Farm, Fri 11 – Sun 20 Feb
They’re back with their 2022 tour with a dazzling combination of circus, music and laughter starring high energy acts from all over the world. With a heated big top, comfy seating and an electric atmosphere from start to finish Circus Zyair promises to be a truly magical experience for the whole family.
Wildlife Explorers, Leeds Castle, Sat 12 – Sun 20 Feb
This February half term become a first-class explorer at Leeds Castle! Pop on your wellies and scarves, gather the family to follow the exciting activity trail, where you’ll learn about the different wildlife that call Leeds Castle home. Join the squirrels to find the hidden acorns, discover the colourful British butterflies, and help us spot the magnificent birds, from a Robin to a Blue Tit. You’ll start your adventure in the Princess Alexandra Gardens before venturing to the Culpeper Garden, and finishing the trail by the Maze and Knight’s Stronghold Playground!
Wildwood, Canterbury
Get your wellies on and spend a great family day out exploring 42 acres of ancient woodland and get up close with more than 40 species of British wildlife from bison and badgers to wolves and wildcats. Head to their two play areas with tree-top towers, wild fort towers, climbing frame. There’s even an under-5’s play area too with swings, slides and most importantly, lots of seating for YOU!
New for Feb Half Term is their Welly Trail where you can search for hidden boots located around the park and discover which of our native British species adores the mud. Join in the Viking Bushcraft sessions (Tues 15 – Thurs 17 Feb) with resident Viking, Erik the Green or listen to Wildwood’s resident animal experts to learn lots of fascinating facts about their animals. After all that, you can warm up in the cafe with some lunch – perfect day out!
Kids For A Quid, Spa Valley Railway, Selected dates 12th – 20th Feb
All aboard! Take a steam and heritage diesel train ride between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge this half term. Calling at High Rocks and Groombridge, there’s plenty to see and do! Step off and explore the High Rocks, get a bite to eat, visit Groombridge Place or just sit back and relax. All kids aged 2-15 years travel for just £1, available on selected dates.
Dig Deep, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Sat 12 – Sun 20 Feb
Dig Deep is a hands-on half term activity for budding archaeologists to experience the thrill of an underwater discovery (whilst keeping your feet firmly on dry land!). Mini-maritime adventurers can search our giant discovery pit for surprising treasures and ship artefacts that have been buried on the seabed.
Luke Gerram’s Gaia, Rochester Cathedral, now until Mon 28 Feb
Did you love Museum of the Moon? Well Luke Jerram’s Gaia installation will be arriving at Rochester Cathedral in Feb 2022 and set to be just as popular. Gaia is detailed imagery of the Earth’s surface from NASA, providing the opportunity to see our planet in enormous scale, floating in three-dimensions. Specially made surround-sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composter, Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture. So immerse yourself in some beautiful culture and gaze upon Earth in some beautiful surroundings.
Nature Week, Hever Castle, Sat 12 – Sun 20 Feb
Get back in touch with the great outdoors this February half term at Hever Castle. Put on your wellies and head around the Lake for a free nature themed scavenger hunt. On arrival you’ll be given a bag with a list of items to find around Lake Walk. Warm up inside the Castle and listen to an interactive audio guide which is now included in the Castle & Gardens admission price. As you wander from room to room you may also notice a few creatures that aren’t normally in the Castle. Then let your little ones get creative in a free workshop. They’ll be able to paint and decorate their very own pine cone and turn them into a critter of their choice.
Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford
Release the little people! Rare Breeds Centre in Ashford has lots going on to keep the kids entertained. Children can meet and pet friendly animals, including cuddly rabbits, hamsters, new born chicks, goats and horses. And if you’re really lucky, you may even meet a piglet or two. After you’ve finished with the animals you are spoilt for choice with a load of brilliant outdoor activities, check out their Adventure Playground with zip wires, swings and tyre snakes to climb on. Or watch the Falconry displays, go on a woodland walk and lots more. Phew!
Fairy Scavenger Hunt, Whitstable Castle, Mon 14 – Fri 18 Feb
Do you believe in fairies? Come and hunt for clues around Whitstable Castle Gardens and see if you can spot all the hidden fairies. Pick up your Scavenger Hunt sheet (£1 per child) from reception 11am till 3pm, Mon 17 – Fri 21 Feb and get believing.
Superworm Trail, Bedgebury Pinetum, Explore now
There’s plenty to do at Bedgebury Pinetum – you ready? You can stomp around the 128 hectare forest, let the little ones loose in the play areas, try Go Ape but only if you’re brave enough, spot the seven large wooden Gruffalo sculptures hiding amongst the trees OR try the brand new interactive Superworm Trail! Phew!
Discover the small but mighty creatures that live in the forest and learn interesting facts about them. The new self-led trail (takes around an hour to complete) will keep your little ones entertained as they explore the forest and complete the activities in the trail pack. Set off with Superworm and become a forest superhero!
Penshurst Place, Penshurst nr Tunbridge Wells
Why not visit Penshurst Place Grounds and Gardens this Half Term? Their Adventure Playground is filled with a giant zip wire, swings, slides and is the perfect place to let the kids run wild. Visit the Toy Museum and then follow the Woodland Trail which is an encompassing 1km loop where you’ll be able to experience and the enjoy the nature around you. Not forgetting lunch at the Porcupine Pantry (located outside, next to the visitor centre), they have a delicious selection of small hot lunch plates, cakes, scones and breakfasts.
Superhero School, Once Upon A Wish Events, Tunbridge Wells, 15 Feb
Do you wanna be a superhero? Join Spidey, Wonder Woman and the American Captain at The Masonic Hall in Tunbridge Wells where you can learn how to be the best superhero ever with this jam-packed event. Kicking off at 10:30am enjoy 1.2 hours of dancing, games, craft activities, magic and assault course challenges! As well as photo opportunities and receive an exclusive certificate at the end. £20 per child (under 2s are free with paying sibling) which includes squash and biscuits plus there’s a tea and coffee station available for the bigger kids.
Chocolate Workshops, Temper Temper, Southborough, 16 & 17 Feb
Calling all sweet tooths! Let your little ones get stuck in at Temper Temper’s chocolate workshops made for children aged 5+. All equipment and ingredients will be provided and the workshop is 2 hours long – so you can drop them off and collect after the workshop is finished. Lunch next door in Tallow anyone? £25 per child – one day is already sold out so get in quick!
Wingham Wildlife Park, Wingham
Boasting of more species than any other zoo in Kent including a variety of primates, big cats and penguins, lemurs, meerkats and otters to name a few! Wingham Wildlife Park is perfect for your little animal-lovers with an indoor play area PLUS a Dinosaur Zoo too for any Jurassic-mad mudlets. We’d also really recommend booking one of their interactive, hands-on animal experience and meet their Cheetahs, Giraffes, Penguins or Meerkats!
Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for kids, The Gulbenkian, Fri 18 Feb
World record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo is back in Canterbury this February. Known for making mad music with his mouth, join in and become one of his sonic superhero’s sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged 1 or 101! Tickets are £10 each.
Half Term Paddle, Canoe Wild, Canterbury, Sat 19 Feb
Come along to our special family paddle in February half term – for you and your little ones! 10am -1:30pm. Guided trip along the River Stour with our coaches to see the wildlife and beautiful scenery the river has to offer. £60 per boat for 6+ years.
Kent Life, Maidstone
Warm up warm and pop your wellies on for a fun day out at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park in Maidstone! There’s tons to do at this 28-acre working farm and visitor attraction, discover more than 200 farmyard animals including donkeys, alpacas, sheep, pigs and goats. Sit and watch their farmer themed shows in their Big Top – all undercover in case it rains. Visit the Kent Owl Academy and enjoy a fantastic owl flying demonstration, meet the meerkat family, step back in time and visit the Vintage Village. Plus there’s the indoor and outdoor play areas, farm rides on the land train or tractor and not forgetting cuddle corner!
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