Things to do in Kent this weekend

Looking for things to enjoy with the kids this weekend after getting them back to school this week?

The summer holidays may be over, but there's still plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained in Kent - from the chance to explore the county's stunning coastline to steam train rides, there's no shortage of things to do on your doorstep.

Here's seven ways to keep the children entertained this weekend, brought to you by My Kent Family.

1 HopFest, Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden

Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9 from 10am to 5pm

Take a journey through the Hop Gardens at this fun, family festival.

Heritage steam trains will be running through the countryside between Tenterden and Bodiam every 45 minutes throughout the day.

Face painting, swing boat rides and games will all be on offer, plus Punch and Judy shows, balloon modelling and live music.

There will also be a display of old-fashioned vehicles, vintage stalls, locally brewed real ales, homemade cakes and a barbecue.

To find out more, or book tickets, visit kesr.org.uk

2 Cinderella auditions, The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Saturday, September 8, from 9.30am

Budding performers will love this chance to appear in Cinderella alongside panto stars at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

The show, which will take place over Christmas, is set to feature ex-Eastender Harry Reid, Phil "Mister Maker" Gallagher and Coronation Street's Sally Lindsay.

Organisers are looking for young female performers, aged between nine and 15.

They must be able to commit to the production from Thursday, November 8 to Sunday, January 6.

For more information, visit the auditions page at evolution-productions.co.uk

3 Weald of Kent Country Craft Show, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge

Friday, September 7 to Sunday, September 9 from 10am to 5pm

Enjoy live music, workshops and vintage-style children's rides at this fun family workshop - set in the beautiful grounds of Penhurst Place.

With rural craft demonstrations, terrier racing and even tree canopy climbing, it's a great way to keep children of all ages entertained.

There will also be more than 150 exhibitors, showcasing everything from bespoke furniture to handmade clothing.

To find out more, or book tickets, visit thecraftshows.co.uk

4 Hop Hoodening Festival, Canterbury Cathedral

Saturday, September 8 from 11am

Celebrate the hop harvest in style with fun dance display in Canterbury.

This year marks the 66th annual hop hoodening festival, used to bless Kentish hops.

It will kick off at 10.50am outside the cathedral, with a procession featuring nine teams of Morris Dancers.

At 11am there will be a service in the cathedral nave, attended by the mayor of Canterbury - with more dancing.

From 12.15pm, the fun will continue across the city, as the hop queen and her princesses distribute the flower across Canterbury.

5 There was an old lady who swallowed a fly... The Woodville, Gravesend

Sunday, September 9 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm

The People's Theatre Company is bringing one of the world's best loved nursery rhymes to life with this family-friendly show.

Perfect for adults to enjoy with their children, it is a great chance to relive the delights of a tale we all know and love.

Complete with sing-along songs and colourful animal characters, it's a great introduction to theatre for the little ones.

To buy tickets, or find out more, visit woodville.seatlive.com

6 Walk for Parkinson's, Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Sunday, September 9 from 10am

Take a walk through the grounds of Leeds Castle to raise money for Parkinson's UK at this family-friendly event.

You can either walk three or eight miles, taking in many beautiful aspects of the park, including the lake - home to birds, ducks and geese.

Venture through acres of parkland and gardens, against the backdrop of one of Kent's much-loved castles.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s in advance, or £15 and £10 on the day.

Participants need to have raised a suggested minimum sponsorship of £50 to take part, and will gain free entrance to the castle after their journey.

7 SALT Festival, Folkestone Quarterhouse

Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9 from 10am to 9pm

If you're looking to find out more about Folkestone, why not visit the SALT Festival of the Sea and Environment?

Activities include children's workshops, fishing lessons, the animal den plus rock-pooling, fossil-hunting and mosaic making.

Perfect for the whole family, the event also features some exciting talks, such as the confessions of an amateur beekeeper, and the story of the first British woman to swim the English Channel.

Ticket prices for each event vary - to find out more about what's on offer over the weekend, visit quarterhouse.co.uk