Discover more in Kent
Fairy-tale castles, historic royal residences and the home of Churchill can all be found in Kent.
Family-friendly places in Kent
Let little explorers loose in the outdoors. They'll love squelching in mud kitchens, scrambling across natural play areas and running free across open meadows, whatever the weather. When it's time to refuel, grab a coffee and kids lunchbox from the café or pitch up a picnic blanket on the lawn. There's no need to book in advance for most of our places, and with wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths they are ready to welcome you.
Top things for families to do in Kent
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Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell
Meet the royal residents of Chickenham Palace, or pop into the enchanting ‘Marycot’, a little brick house built by Sir Winston Churchill for his daughter Mary. Climb the two-storey treehouse and reach the sky on the swings in the Old Quarry. Chartwell is a great place to play and let imaginations run wild.
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Family-friendly visits to Knole
Book into the Knole Fawns toddler group on Friday mornings. There's babyccino coffee mornings and stories on Mondays too. Discover the royal treasures in the showrooms using the new children's spotter trail. Go deer spotting on a stroll around the parkland.
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Family days out at Scotney Castle
Swing, climb and squelch in the Badger & Pepper play area. Peer into the moat to spot the swish of a fishy tail. Can you find the dinosaur footprint in the rocks of the Old Quarry, a relic from when iguanodons roamed?
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Emmetts Garden
Guard the fort and hop into the enchanted fairy ring in the new natural play area, located just past the Old Stables Tearoom. Can you walk across the balance beams without falling off? Why not challenge each other to see who can build the biggest den? Play the giant wind chimes and clamber to the top of the climbing frame – the fun is never ending.
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Family activities at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Head to the natural play area down by the lakes for den building. Meet the resident dragon and find the fairy door hidden in the trees. Pick up a free seasonal spotter sheet from visitor reception.
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Visiting Ightham Mote with the family
Celebrate the season with autumn eye spy. Race through the living willow tunnel, practice your balancing skills and make mud pies in the natural play area. Change of clothing advised!
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Family-friendly things to do at Bodiam Castle
Experience the feeling of walking over the bridge, through the gatehouse and stepping back into Medieval times. Spy the original portcullis, ancient stone unicorn, murder holes, gun loops and medieval bread oven. Pick up a new illustrated autumn spotter sheet or try the castle trail with Nosy Crow.
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Family-friendly things to do at Bateman's
Drop in for story time in the garden, with short sessions perfect for little imaginations. Run free in the natural play area with swings, see-saw and climbing frames. Look out for the wise old owl perched atop the carved oak tree. Inside, meet the 120-year-old doll 'Crocus', who was given to Rudyard Kipling’s little girl, Elsie. She was so well loved; her nose has rubbed off with kisses.
October half term and Halloween in Kent
There are tricks and treats galore at our places in Kent for spooky season. From ghostly trails to secret curses and even pumpkin parties, discover spine-shivering family fun for October half term.
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Ightham Mote
Boo! Can you find the naughty ghosts hidden around the garden? Plus crafts like ‘Make a Witch' and 'Spider Biscuits'.
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Emmetts Garden
Tackle a mushroom-tastic trail as part of Emmetts’ Fungi Festival. Play games on the meadow, and hit the wild play area with climbing frame, balance beams, play net and more. Book the family in for workshops including graffiti and crafts, inspired by the beautiful fungi found here. Suitable for all ages. Trail runs 19 Oct to 3 Nov, 10am to 5pm. Workshops subject to charge, see website.
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Scotney Castle
The ancient clock has ceased its chiming, stuck on 31 October at 11.59pm. As time stands still the creatures of the castle grow restless, forced to relive Halloween forever. You’ll need to keep your wits about you as you venture through the gardens to solve the riddles and crack the curse. Will you be the ones to restart the clock? 26 Oct to 3 Nov, £3 per trail plus admission
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Chartwell
In the run-up to his Halloween party, Jock, Chartwell’s resident cat, has lost his pumpkins! Grab a map and follow the family activity trail to help him find them. Come dressed in your paw-some Halloween costumes too. Wave to the residents of Chickenham Palace and pop into the Marycot playhouse in the Walled Garden. Leave time to explore the grounds with two-storey treehouse, swings, see-saw and adventures in the Canadian Camp.19 Oct to 3 Nov, 10am to 5pm. Details TBC
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Knole
Book onto a craft session for the chance to create an autumn wreath inspired by the colours of the season, and make spooky paper pumpkins. 29 October, 10.30am and 1.30pm, £5 plus admission. Pre-booking essential
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Smallhythe Place
There’s a chill in the air at Smallhythe this half term, with a new family trail inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Shakespeare’s famous plays. 26 Oct to 3 Nov, details TBC
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Quebec House
Get into the spooky season with autumnal displays at the 18th century home of General James Wolfe. Explore the dark side of Mrs Wolfe's recipe book and enjoy Halloween-inspired treats from our volunteer cooks.
October half term and Halloween in East Sussex
Jump across the county border for more spook-tacular fun for October half term.
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Bodiam Castle
Join a thrilling quest to save the castle from the clutches of a wicked warlock. Follow an immersive family trail with magical lights, spooky characters and a witch’s cauldron. Complete all the challenges to become hero of the castle and claim your prize. Halloween costumes for magical, spooky photos are welcome – there’s even a ‘Quest dressed’ costume competition on select weekends (19, 20, 26, 27, October and 2, 3 November). 9 Oct to 3 Nov, 10am to 5pm, £3 plus admission, suitable for 4 to 8 year olds
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Bateman's
Follow in the footsteps of author Rudyard Kipling as he discovers what his cheeky Scottie dog Malarkey has been getting up to around the house and garden. Follow the trail at your own pace – suitable for families with primary school aged children. Don’t miss the natural play area near the car park, with beautiful wood engravings inspired by Kipling and his much-loved tales. 5 Oct to 3 Nov, 10am to 4.30pm. £2 per trail with admission (includes small prize)