Outdoor children's activities in Kent
Ever left climbing the walls because your little monkeys are?
Kent has dozens of facilities and attractions for energetic daredevils that can put those clambering skills to good use, burn off some energy, perhaps learn new skills and most importantly – sleep soundly come bedtime.
Go Ape
Release your little charges into a forest adventure complete with canopy exploring, trail blazing, obstacles and even a zip wire.
Bedgebury Forest near Tunbridge Wells and Leeds Castle both host Tree Top Junior Adventure courses.
They are designed for Tarzans aged six to 12 but if your child is under six but over one metre or over 12 years of age contact Go Ape for more information. Places do need to be booked in advance.
More information at www.goape.co.uk
Bewl Water Country Park
Walk, ride, cycle, fish or picnic. The reservoir in Lamberhurst has a raft of activities for little adventurers.
Bicycles can be hired from the site if you don’t have the means to bring your own while an excellent split-level adventure playground with an embankment slide, wooden forts, towers and bridges awaits children aged six to 12.
Cyclopark
Just off the A2 at Gravesend is the superb Cyclopark. With facilities including a skatepark, children’s playground, multi games area and cafe there is plenty to keep active families on their toes.
The park also runs Strider balance bike sessions for youngsters and a gentle introduction to cycling for slightly older riders. Places on some activities may need to be booked in advance.
The Chatham karting circuit has a number of wheelie-good opportunities for budding young drivers aged four and over.
Regular ‘Turn up n Drive’ sessions are run for those keen to have a go at the motor racing sport while there are Family Friday Fun sessions running during some school holidays in which driving slots for your children can be booked in advance.
JetStream Tours
If your kids have a need for speed, an adrenaline filled boat ride up the Thames could be the activity for them.
Jetstream Tours based in Medway run regular speed boat trips on the river in which you can see everything from a U-boat relic to local seals and porpoises. Trips can be subject to the weather and minimum height restrictions may apply.
Chatham Ski Centre
It’s not all about skiing and snowboarding at the ski centre, there is some serious downhill fun to be had off the slopes.
A toboggan ‘Cresta’ run takes riders through 700 metres of tree lined track and is the longest in the UK. You control the speed of the car with a brake handle and there is no charge for parents riding with children aged four to seven. Children eight and above must ride alone while the attraction is not available to those under four.
Sno-tubing sessions are also available at weekends for children four and over. Long sleeved clothing and a pair of gloves are recommended and Sno-tubing can be combined with rides on the toboggan to give children a multi-activity day.
