ad. Penshurst Place & Gardens has unveiled an action-packed programme of family activities this summer, with six weeks of dinosaurs, pirates, bushcraft adventures, creative crafts and interactive trails – all included with standard garden admission.
Running from 22 July to 31 August 2026, the historic Kent estate is transforming its beautiful gardens and woodland into an outdoor playground filled with hands-on experiences designed to encourage children to explore, discover and have fun in the great outdoors.
A different adventure every day
Whether your little ones dream of meeting dinosaurs, learning woodland survival skills or setting off on a pirate treasure hunt, there’s something different to enjoy throughout the week.
Families can also make the most of Penshurst Place’s Adventure Playground, Woodland Walk, Toy Museum, Porcupine Pantry café and 11 acres of Grade I-listed gardens, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring.
Hunt for hidden bees every day
Throughout the summer holidays, children can take part in the popular ‘Where Could They ‘Bee’?’ Garden Trail.
Armed with a free trail sheet collected from the Visitor Entrance, young explorers can search the gardens for oversized hidden bees, solve clues and uncover a mystery word while discovering more about the plants and wildlife that call Penshurst Place home.
Running daily between 10am and 5pm, it’s the perfect way to encourage children to slow down, explore and enjoy nature together.
Get creative in the Coach House
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Old Coach House becomes a creative hub where children can enjoy animal and sports-themed craft activities.
Designed to inspire young imaginations, the sessions give children the chance to make their own holiday keepsakes while taking a break from the more energetic outdoor adventures.
Craft sessions run from 11am until 3.30pm.
Learn bushcraft skills in the woodland
Every Wednesday, the Woodland Trail comes alive as Camp Wilderness returns with one of Penshurst Place’s most popular family activities.
Children (and adventurous grown-ups!) can try their hand at archery, axe-throwing, fire-building, woodland games and even campfire s’mores making, all while learning practical outdoor skills in a safe and engaging environment.
Camouflage and concealment games also take place at 12 noon and 2.30pm, adding an extra challenge that encourages teamwork, observation and problem-solving.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to swap screens for the great outdoors and enjoy some family time together.
New for 2026: Wild Safari Saturdays
Brand new for this summer are Wild Safari Saturdays, bringing dinosaurs and fascinating creatures to life through interactive performances and hands-on family fun.
Running every Saturday from 25 July to 29 August, costumed performers will roam the gardens as fearless explorers, prehistoric dinosaurs and incredible animals, sharing fascinating facts while inviting children to join in with games and challenges.
From testing your speed against a cheetah to balancing like a flamingo or coming face-to-face with towering dinosaurs, every performance is designed to get children moving, laughing and learning through imaginative play.
Performances take place at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, with surprise animal encounters happening throughout the day.
Pirate adventures every Sunday
The week finishes with a swashbuckling adventure as Aardvark presents The Hunt for Penshurst’s Treasure every Sunday.
Packed with colourful characters, audience participation and plenty of laughs, this lively panto-style storytelling experience invites families to help uncover hidden treasure while enjoying a magical journey through the gardens.
Performances take place at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm.
A brilliant family day out this summer
Whether you’re searching for hidden bees, mastering bushcraft skills, creating crafty masterpieces, meeting dinosaurs or joining a pirate crew, Penshurst Place has created a summer programme packed with memorable experiences for children of all ages.
With all activities included in the price of standard garden admission, alongside access to the historic gardens, woodland, playground and café, it’s an easy and affordable way to enjoy a full family day out during the school holidays.
If you’re looking for fresh air, adventure and plenty of opportunities to make summer memories together, Penshurst Place is well worth adding to your summer holiday plans.