Things to do in Kent during February half term 2020
Superheroes to spies, Morph workshops to moon installations. So much to see and do crammed into one week can only mean one thing - a half term holiday!
Here's our guide to some of the biggest and best events in Kent for the kids...
Kids Go Free, Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury and Port Lympne Reserve near Hythe
Until Saturday, February 29
Kids go free at two popular Kent wild animal parks during February half term.
A full paying adult can take up to three children with them free of charge to either attraction providing that tickets are booked online in advance.
For full details about the offer please click here.
Comics exhibition, The Beaney, Canterbury
Saturday, February 8 until Sunday, February 22
The Comics: Explore and Create Comic Art will be a chance for comic fans of all ages to discover an eclectic mix of both original and iconic comic art, alongside work by current children's comic creators. Spot Desperate Dan and Dennis the Menace alongside superheroes Captain America, Wonder Woman, Superman and the Hulk. The interactive exhibition will also offer visitors the chance to create their very own settings, characters and stories using playful props and costumes. Admission requires a ticket that can be booked in advance. Adults are £6.50 and children aged three to 15 are £5. Learn more and book here.
Museum of the Moon, Rochester Cathedral
Wednesday, February 12 until March 4
A giant replica of the moon is coming to Kent. The sensational artwork is seven metres in diameter and features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. To celebrate the arrival of the glowing installation will be a range of activities to inspire youngsters both before and during the February half term break. These include space-themed activities for toddlers and a number of craft classes for children. Entry to the Cathedral to see the moon during the day is free, there are additional charges ranging from £3 to £10 to take part in the school holiday workshops on offer. All the details here.
Circus Zyair at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood
Friday, February 14 until Sunday, February 23
Treat to the kids to a spectacular show with this high-energy spectaclular beneath a big-top tent.
Clowns, acrobats and jugglers will be amongst the performers. The show lasts an hour and a half with an interval and can be the perfect addition to a visit to the Kent attraction which includes children's rides, play areas and plenty of creatures in The Animal Farm.
Buy tickets for the circus online at www.zyair.co.uk For more information about visiting The Hop Farm click here.
National Trust properties county-wide
Saturday, February 15 onwards
The National Trust is encouraging families to get muddy, messy and back to nature with a series of trails, craft classes and activities at its Kent properties. For a complete round-up of every event happening, and the cost of each to take part, please click here.
Half Term Explorers, Leeds Castle
Saturday, February 15 until Sunday, February 23
Become a first-class junior explorer in the grounds of Leeds Castle during half term. The exciting outdoor adventure trail will guide you through the grounds and if you can complete the various puzzles and challenges you will be rewarded with a chocolate prize! Start your adventure through the Princess Alexandra Gardens before conquering the Maze and completing a quiz in the birds of prey area. Normal admission charges apply and there is a small additional £1 charge for the activity booklet. Learn more here.
Kids for a Quid, Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells ids for a Quid at the Spa Valley Railway in February Half Term
February 15, 16, 20, 22 and 23
Affordable fun for the whole family is available with the Spa Valley Railway's half term offer.
With kids travelling for just £1 on certain dates it means a family of two adults and two children can enjoy an action-packed day out for just £22 when booked in advance online. Book at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/
Amazing Inventions, Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge
Saturday, February 15 until Sunday, February 23
Learn about the origins of some of the items we use every day in an amazing inventions trail! Step through the gardens and help find the hidden items as you discover the history behind the amazing creations and the modern technology that exists because of them. Visit the Woodland Trail and the Adventure Playground as part of your visit. To learn more click here.
Aardman Workshops, Dreamland Margate,
Saturday, February 15
Aardman Animations will host a series of workshops on February 15 at Dreamland where ticket holders can craft one of their favourite Aardman characters and watch a few of their favourite films.
Workshop tickets cost £12 (or £10 for Dreamland members) and include access to the screenings. Learn more here.
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
Saturday, February 15 until Sunday, February 23
The Historic Dockyard Chatham has uncovered some important secret intelligence and is looking for a new recruit of spies to help them decipher it this February half term!
Navigate the Dockyard and uncover the mysterious world of spies and secret agents during this school break. Get hands on with spy craft sessions and climb aboard HMS Ocelot, a real-life spy
submarine. With both an indoor and an outdoor trail the weather, say organisers, will not foil your mission. February’s Mission Explore activities are free and included as part of your entry ticket. Tickets are also valid for a year. More information at thedockyard.co.uk
Living with Nature, Hever Castle
Saturday, February 15 to Sunday, February 23
Discover more about wildlife and nature with a week of themed activities at Hever Castle. Watch falconry displays, take part in children's activities, create hedgehog or bumblebee in free craft workshops or feed the birds and fish with food purchased from the castle.
Not all activities are daily so it is best to check timetables ahead of visiting. Stay up-to-date by clicking here.
Get Hands On With History, Dover Castle
Saturday, February 15 to Sunday, February 23
Dover Castle is calling all super sleuths, secret agents and investigators! Sharpen detective skills with hands-on training in disguise, code cracking and clues at the English Heritage attraction in February.
Historical performers Heuristics will be teaching vital skills in codes essential to your mission. Families will also be able to join a series of adventures across the castle, looking for clues and code words to crack the hidden secrets before returning to HQ to claim a reward.
Adult tickets are £20.90, concessions £18.80, children £12.50 and family tickets £54.30. English Heritage members are free. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/dovercastle
Story time with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe
Monday, February 17 to Thursday, February 20
Taking place every day between 10am-6pm, this classic children’s book will be told in a 20-minute interactive show. Children will take part in a craft activity and get to meet the caterpillar himself. The activity costs £3 per person and places are limited so guests keen to take part should head to the event box office outside M&S on the lower level to reserve a place on the day.
Fans of the Hungry Caterpillar can pair their visit with a walk, scooter or cycle around the Nature Trail which takes in lakes, play areas and will take you past a giant wooden caterpillar sculpture!
More details at bluewater.co.uk
Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal
Monday, February 17 until Friday, February 21
Target archery, battlezone archery, team building tasks, geocaching and mountain bike trails will all be among the activities available to book and take part in at Betteshanger. There will also be orienteering, learn to ride a bike sessions and forest school fun in the woodland. To learn more about all of the half term events please click here.
Peppa Pig's Best Day Ever, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury
Wednesday, February 19 and Thursday, February 20
Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig and it’s going to be her best day ever! There are six performances of the interactive show across two days of half term and the latest Peppa Pig Live performance is promising songs, games and laughter. Book your tickets by clicking here.
Half term family film fun, Revelation, Ashford
Wednesday, February 19
Loveashford Film Club is back for 2020 with a double bill of Disney family films. 101 Dalmatians and Lady and the Tramp show at Revelation this half term. Tickets cost just 50p per film and are available on the door of the event only. Find out more on www.revelationashford.co.uk
Family friendly priced goodies will be available at the Curious Brewing sponsored bar and under 16’s must be accompanied to the screenings by an adult. 101 Dalmations is being shown at 1pm and Lady and the Tramp at 3pm.
Total Pop Party, King's Hall, Herne Bay
Thursday, February 20
Total Pop Party celebrates modern day pop legends including Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pink and Jess Glynne. With singing, choreographed dance routines and plenty of entertainment, the event is billed as an excellent introduction for children who may be considered too young for big concerts in much larger venues later at night.
There is even a dance class being held for children before the concert, which families can book for a small extra charge. To learn more please click here.
Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham
Throughout half term
Ring in the Chinese Year of the Rat with some 'rat-inspired' play during half term. Children can create their own hand puppets as part of craft events as well as visit the Chinese collections which display the Chinese zodiac sign. Activities run from 11am to 3pm each day & cost £2.50 in addition to standard admission prices. All the details here.
