Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend? Here are 7 summer events in Kent this Saturday and Sunday (6th & 7th August) to keep them occupied….
#1 Paws at the Castle – Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August
Do you have a four legged friend? Paws at the Castle returns to Hever Castle this weekend – visitors will get the chance to enter their furry friends into this popular show, with awards for the winners in each category. Owners can also get advice from experts about their dog’s behaviour as well as browsing the super selection of stalls selling dog related goodies and accessories.
Displays and entertainment from a variety of dogs including guide dog puppies and Labrador resuce dogs will be taking place throughout the day. Visit the Hever Castle website here to find out more.
#2 The boy who wouldn’t grow up – Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th August
Groombridge Place has been transformed into the world of J.M. Barrie’s much loved
story following the adventures of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook for the
month of August! These gorgeous gardens and enchanted forest will be taken over
by the characters from the story, with fantastic plays and performances taking place
daily including an interactive performance of ‘Bed Time at the Darcy’s’ and a
show called ‘Hook’s Hideout’ along with ‘Pan’s Journey,’ a 45 minute headline show.
Children are also invited to join in at Tiger Lily and The Crocodile’s workshop for
some singing, dancing and all important playing. There will also be face painting,
the opportunity to take a boat ride up the canal and meet the characters who will be
wandering around the grounds all day.
#3 Becky Boo Parties – Sunday 7th August
Beckyboo Parties have teamed up with Baby Sensory to provide fun-filled Sunday sessions every weekend this Summer at Bluewater Shopping Centre. Parents can browse the shops or have a coffee whilst the children are entertained, enthralled and engaged with activities, educational games and storytelling as well as a fun disco with lights, music, bubbles and magical surprises. Suitable for children aged 4+, Beckyboo and her team will be dressing up to take their little visitors on a Pirate, Superhero or Jungle explorer adventure.
Taking place from 12.15 to 5pm at the Baby Sensory Shop (opposite the Disney store), each session is £8 per child for 60 minutes. Session times are 12:15pm (Pirates) / 1.30pm (Jungle) / 2.45pm (Superhero) / 4pm (Jungle) – places can be pre-booked or paid on the door. Outside of the centre, Becky Boo and her team offer fantastic, fun-filled entertainment packages for private events and birthday parties (for kids aged 4-10). Contact Becky on 07840153026 or by email to beckybooparties@gmail.com. Visit Becky Boo Parties here to find out more.
Four more summer events in Kent…
#4 Tonbridge Castle Concerts – Sunday 7th August
The Tonbridge Castle Concerts kick off this Sunday in a series of free musucial concerts on the beautiful lawn of this historic venue each Sunday throughout the month. No booking is needed for this – just turn up and enjoy the live music performed by both amateur and professional bands from 3-5pm.
Guests can take a picnic for an alfresco afternoon tea or can enjoy some of the refreshments available there. This Sunday’s performance is from the Jon Hamilton Big Band. If the weather’s good, you could have a swim in Tonbridge Swiming Pool’s Outdoor Pool too or indulge in some mini-golf and outdoor play at Tonbridge Playground.
#5 48 Hour Magic Marathon – Sunday 7th august to Tuesday 9th August
Renowned Tunbridge Wells Magician, Adam Smith, and Jaclyn Rose are holding a charity event on the bandstand at The Pantiles this Sunday to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Adam, the owner of AJ Magic in Southborough, will be doing 48 hours of magic and would love to have the support from as many people as possible to keep him going throughout the event.
Adam’s mum was diagnosed with MS when he was 13 years old – despite being in immense pain, ‘she never once complained and has been the most amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend anyone could be.’ He wants to thank his mum for her support by raising money for the charity which will hopefully one day find a cure. The magic commences at 12 noon and Adam will be joined by a super selection of street performers across the three days. There will also be a raffle and lots of exciting entertainment taking place too.
#6 Ancient Egypt Family Fun Day – Sunday 7th August
As part of Chiddingstone Castle’s schedule of fun for August, they are hosting an Ancient Egypt Family Fun Day this Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
The whole family can enjoy a day out together while learning about the fascinating life of the Ancient Egyptians – the event will also leave time to explore the collection of Egyptian antiquities inside the Castle. Take an imaginary journey down the River Nile and enter the ‘Fields of Eternity’ Ancient Egyptian-themed grass maze garden – journeys are at 11am and 2pm. At 1pm there will be a fun talk – “An A to Z of Ancient Egypt” and throughout the day visitors will get the chance to handle real Ancient Egyptian objects and chat with an international Egyptologist and the Castle’s own Curator. Don’t miss the chance to make a unique Ancient Egyptian funeral mask in the Activity Room too. Find out more here.
#7 A day out at Haysden Country Park
We really enjoy visiting Haysden Country Park, especially since they upgraded the playground which now has a climbing wall, extra slide, a tunnel and more. Parking is just £1 for four hours and there’s lots to keep the children entertained – take them on a bike ride around Barden Lake and pop in to the outdoor cafe for a homemade ice lolly afterwards.
There’s plenty of outdoor seating at the cafe and surrounding the lake, so if the weather’s good, it’s a good option for having lunch alfresco. Check out the website here for info on holiday activities, many of which are budget friendly or free of charge:
If you are are making plans for the next few weeks (and months), check out the Summer Calendar here:
