Seven things to do with the family in Kent this weekend

by Jenna Dobbs

While the summer holidays are drawing to a close, it's certainly not all doom and gloom.

Once you've kitted out the little ones in new uniform and spent a fortune on stationary, why not do something fun as a family?

From circus performances to Napoleonic history - here's seven things you can do in Kent this weekend, brought to you by My Kent Family.

Cirque Berserk! is back in Kent
Cirque Berserk! is back in Kent

1 Cirque Berserk! Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Saturday, September 1, with showings at 2pm, 5pm and 7.45pm

After sell-out West End runs and tours over the last two years, the UK’s biggest theatre-circus spectacular, Cirque Berserk! is back in Kent.

Combining contemporary artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunts, it promises guests a danger-filled spectacle like no other.

Audiences can even see the world's most dangerous circus act - the legendary motorcycle Globe of Death.

To find out more, or book tickets, visit cirqueberserk.co.uk, or marlowetheatre.com

Why not visit one last barbecue to say goodbye to summer?
Why not visit one last barbecue to say goodbye to summer?

2 Great Big BBQ Fest, The Hop Farm, Tonbridge

Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2 from 9.30am to 6pm

Head down to The Hop Farm for one of the biggest barbecues in Kent.

With local producers and suppliers, eating competitions, live cooking demonstrations and live music, it's a great way to see out the summer holidays.

There will also be children's entertainment, fairground rides, plus local beer, cider and top British chefs.

Find out more here, or click here to buy tickets.

Demelza Hospice Care for children
Demelza Hospice Care for children

3 Farnborough Fair, Farnborough Church Fields

Saturday, September 1 from 12pm to 5pm

Kent charity Demelza Children's Hospice has teamed up with Farnborough Village near Orpington to provide this fantastic family fun day to raise funds.

It will include stalls, refreshments, tug-of-war and a dog show plus circus skills, pony rides and a fancy dress competition for children.

Tickets cost £1 for under 16s, £2.50 for adults and £5.00 for the whole family.

To find out more, visit demelza.co.uk - or contact Sue Ellis on 07715 860504 to volunteer on the day.

Fireworks in Dymchurch this weekend
Fireworks in Dymchurch this weekend

4 Firework Display, Dymchurch Amusement Park, Dymchurch

Saturday, September 1 from 8pm to 10pm

Why not visit Dymchurch Amusement Park for a fun day out with the family, complete with a beautiful firework display.

Squeeze out the last drops of summer on the dodgems, or take a ride on the spooky ghost train.

The park also boats a crooked house, teacups, log flume, Ferris wheel and snake slide, amongst other fun rides.

Find out more here

Glen Robinson demonstrates how a Napoleonic solider fires a musket. Picture: Phil Lee
Glen Robinson demonstrates how a Napoleonic solider fires a musket. Picture: Phil Lee

5 Napoleonic Weekend, Hole Park, Rolvenden

Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2 from 10am to 5pm

Why not take a look back in time at one of the biggest Napoleonic re-enactment events in Kent.

Organised by the Napoleonic Association of Great Britain, it will include re-enacted battles, a period tented camp, horses, guides and even sessions for children.

Stalls, activities, a hog roast and real ale tent will all add to the event's historic atmosphere.

Find out more at holepark.com

Go behind the scenes at Meopham's veterinary hospital. Picture: Think Stock
Go behind the scenes at Meopham's veterinary hospital. Picture: Think Stock

6 The Meopham Veterinary Hospital Open Day, Wrotham Road, Meopham

Sunday, September 2 from 10am to 2pm

Perfect for animal lovers of all ages, this family day out is a great way to raise some money for the RSPCA.

It is set to include a dog show, coconut shy, face painting, tours of the practice, careers advice, a tombola and raffle.

See behind the scenes of the facilities at the centre, and find out more about how staff care for their patients.

For more information, visit meophamvets.co.uk

Visit the Medway Model Railway show for lots to see and do. Picture: Steve Crispe
Visit the Medway Model Railway show for lots to see and do. Picture: Steve Crispe

7 The Medway Model Railway Show, Fort Pitt Grammar School, Chatham

Saturday, September 1 from 10am to 5pm

Whether you're a huge fan of railways, or simply looking for something to entertain the family, why not try the Medway Model Railway Show?

A special bus service will be operating from 10.30am, serving Strood, Rochester and Chatham's train stations, as well as the Royal Engineers Museum.

It will include a single deck Dennis Dart and double decker Routemaster.

There will also be a range of exciting layouts lined up, with food and drink available at the event.

Share this story

Helpful links

Local news