Kent County Show 2018: what's on offer for families

by Angela Cole

There's so much for children of all ages to get up to at the Kent County Show this weekend.

From fairground rides, to football fever and shows with some punch.

Pack up the family and head out for a day of fun and farming frolics...

Livestock at the Kent County Show Picture: Thomas Alexander

Have your kids got the World Cup fever? If so they can let off some steam at the KM stand at this year's show.

The KM Media Group has teamed up with Gillingham Football Club to offer a Kick Up Challenge - youngsters can kick the ball into the goal and see if they can beat the fastest score of the day.

Or with the Target Challenge, improve their goal scoring skills with a game testing aim and accuracy.

To get to play the games, just take along the voucher printed in your What's On this week, or pick up a KM at the show, at stand 303 next to the Alan Day building in the centre of the showground.

Young visitors to the stand can also pick up a free goody bag with their KM paper, which is packed with treats including a handy bottle of water, a special animal mask and a bookmark or bug, or a free Panini world cup sticker book or a LOL sticker book.

You'll also be able to meet the kmfm Street Team and have a go at making a paper fortune teller. kmfm will also be broadcasting from the show, with Rob Wills on site with his Drivetime show on the Friday and look out for KMTV out and about filming the highlights.

Here's what else you won't want to miss if you have little ones:

PONY RIDES

Young visitors to the show will be able to ride ponies for free. Ash and Toby the ponies from Pony Parties Kent love to be groomed, pampered, glittered and plaited.

The rides will be available from 10am all three days of the show around the showground - find them in the Country, Game and Canine area.

The Household Cavalry Musical Ride will be at the Kent County Show for 2018

TRACTOR TED

Everyone's favourite little green tractor will be riding in again to bring some bouncy fun for youngsters. The giant inflatable Tractor Ted bouncy castle will be at the show on all three days, where little ones can learn all about farming as well as having a bounce. Families will also be able to try welly wanging and an activity trail.

PUNCH & JUDY

Little ones will be pleased as punch when they find the traditional, free entertainment in the Heritage Area. Children can watch a free Punch & Judy show on all three days of the show at 10.30am, noon, 2pm and 3.30pm. That's the way to do it!

Families will be able to enjoy Punch and Judy shows

IN A SPIN

Take a spin in the helter skelter and take a ride around the carousel in the traditional fairground. The fairground will be next to Entrance 5, and the helter skelter at Entrance 4.

Heritage vehicles at the Kent County Show Picture: Thomas Alexander

The Kent County Show, organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, is on Friday, July 6, Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8 at the Kent Showground at Detling near Maidstone.

Children get a taster of the Kent County Show at its schools event in May, the Living Land Picture: Martin Apps

Tickets cost £20.70 in advance and £23 on the gate, £6.30 for children in advance and £7 on the gate and £45 in advance for a family of two adults and two children, and £50 on the gate. Online discounts end at 11pm tonight. Under fives go free. Car parking is free.

To book, call the ticket hotline on 01622 633060 or visit kentshowground.co.uk/visit/buy-your-ticket