Seven things to do in Kent this weekend
Autumn is well and truly here, with its rich colours, changing leaves and falling temperatures.
However, despite the cold, there's still plenty of great places to take the family in Kent.
Here's seven things to do with the kids for the first weekend in October:
1 Tenterden Folk Festival, High Street, Tenterden
From Thursday, October 4 to Sunday, October 7
This four-day festival of folk song, dance and crafts is a great way to celebrate some great Kentish traditions.
Just outside of Ashford, it will feature free events, friendly pubs and of course, a huge helping of family fun.
Enjoy the town's historic buildings while watching the procession, or exploring the stalls on the Recreation Ground.
For more information, visit tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk
2 Apple & Cider Fayre, featuring Basil Brush, Kent Life, near Maidstone
Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7, from 10am to 5pm
Celebrate the apple harvest in style with this fun celebration of all things autumnal.
Meet animals in the farmyard, take a ride on a tractor, or grab a slice of homemade cake.
Children can also enjoy a bouncy castle, and a Basil Brush show in the Big Top, while sampling a glass of hand-pressed apple juice.
For more information on travel, timings and ticket prices, visit kentlife.org.uk
3 Survival Junior, Betteshanger Park, Deal
Saturday, October 6, from 10am to 12pm
Let the kids get stuck in with this fun junior obstacle course, specially designed for fearless children aged between eight and 15.
They'll run, jump, swing, wade and crawl through the 2.5km course, and all finishers will be rewarded with a t-shirt and medal.
Friends and family can watch from the sidelines, or give the 10km adult version a go, if they dare.
For those brave enough, full details and registration information are available at betteshanger-park.co.uk
4 The Greatest Showman cinema night, Baypoint Sports Club, Sandwich
Saturday, October 6 - doors open at 5pm
If you've got any pint-sized Greatest Showman fans, this open-air cinema night could be the perfect way to keep them entertained.
The Baypoint Sports Club will be showing the film on the big screen, and you can even stay in your car if the cold gets too much.
Horror film IT, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, will be screened later in the evening for any brave parents.
To find out more, visit baypointsportsclub.co.uk
5 Cranbrook Apple Carnival, Cranbrook, near Maidstone
Saturday, October 6, all day
This exciting apple-themed event is back for a 12th year to celebrate everyone's favourite local fruit.
It will feature apple pressing, cider stalls, street food, dancing, stalls, a fancy dress competition and more.
The quirky day out will also feature a market and craft fair, alongside a performance from the popular Red Breros.
To find out more, visit cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk
6 Countryfile Ramble for Children in Need, Alexander Centre, Faversham
Sunday, October 7 from 11am to 2pm
Take a family walk along Faversham's beautiful Saxon Shore as part of the Countryfile Ramble initiative.
The event will be raising money for Children in Need and feature the five-mile Two Creeks walk from Faversham to Oare.
Participants will meet at the Alexander Centre at 11am, stopping halfway at the Shipwright's Arms for refreshments.
Organisers have proposed a minimum donation of £5 per person, and £2.50 for children. Find out more here
7 Walking with Goats Experience, Buttercups Sanctuary, Maidstone
Saturday, October 6, from 2pm to 4pm
If you've got an animal-lover in the family, why not take part in this unique stroll through the countryside?
Accompany one of the mischievous creatures as they feast on foliage, while learning about local history from walk leaders.
You can even take plenty of snaps with your new friends, and grab a cup of tea at the Old Goat Tea Room when you're finished.
Booking is essential - for more information visit buttercups.org.uk
