From Betteshanger Park to the Slime Blaster Express at Quex Adventure Farm Park in Birchington there is plenty of fun to be had in Kent this half term
It can be tricky keeping the kids entertained.
But our readers also know a thing or two about keeping busy while the kids are off school, so we asked them for some help as to the best things to do and see in Kent and this was the response.
Quex Adventure Farm Park, Birchington
The most recommended place was Quex Adventure Farm Park in Birchington which has a farm, golf, jumping pillows, play parks, a maze and a tractor ride.
You can even take a goat for a walk. The farm is also getting in on the festive fun with a host of Halloween-themed attractions including a family friendly Trick or Treat Trail in the Spooky Woods, a Bewitched Pumpkin Picking Patch and ‘The Slime Blaster Express’.
If your youngsters are feeling brave enough to face the Creepy Characters in The Spooky Woods and survive their terrible tricks they might be rewarded with a Spooktacular Sweet Treat. KentOnline reader Helen Hart said: “Quex Adventure Farm Park Trick or Treat Halloween Trail is brilliant!!” Tickets for children are £19.45 and include The Trick or Treat Trail, a Halloween treat, 1 pumpkin per child, a trip aboard the Slime Blaster Express and access to Quex Adventure Farm Park Facilities (weather dependant) To book click here.
Lower Halstow Scarecrow Trail, Sittingbourne
Janine Martin suggested Lower Halstow’s scarecrow trail put on every year with the help of residents and members of the school’s PTA who are encouraged to transform the village into a world of scarecrows. Children can follow the trail and see how many they can spot.
Last year’s theme was fairytales and nursery rhymes with the winning house recreating a scene between a wicked witch and Sleeping Beauty. This year the scarecrows will be decked out as heroes or villains and there are expected to be as many as 33 figures. The trail runs from 3pm on Friday October 20 to Sunday October 29th starting at ME9 7ET.
Kent Life, Maidstone
Three people said Kent Life was the place to go this half term. As well animals, the farm is packed with activities including pedal tractors, outdoor play areas and a three-floor indoor soft play area. And if you don’t fancy walking around the site there are alternative ways to get around including a land train and tractor trailer rides. In keeping with the time of year the farm is also decked out for the scary season with brave visitors getting the chance to trick or treat on the doors of some historic houses to see who is lurking behind.
This year also sees the opening of Sandling Hollow‘, a charming vintage village that has fallen under the enchanting spell of mischievous spirits creating a world of eerie theming, captivating sounds, and a spine-chilling haunted forest-thicket walk.
You can finish off your spooky day with a mesmerising Light Projection show at 5pm on one of the most haunted houses in the UK. Tickets are £10 for adults and children. Pre-booking is essential by clicking here.
Stanhill Farm, Birchwood Road, Dartford
First opened 10 years ago, the Pumpkin Patch has always proved hugely popular as people of all ages go along to select their own pumpkins to take home and carve. Visitors are encouraged to grab a wheelbarrow and head down to the patch to find a huge array of pumpkins in various different sizes. There is also a great chance for a photo opportunity, surrounded by a sea of autumnal, orange colour.
Spooky Halloween trail and Boonies assault course in the dark, Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal
For those who are not afraid of the dark the Terror Trail at Betteshanger Country Park offers an immersive experience which promises to scare even the bravest of visitors with live characters lurking in the woods, at night. With the darkness adding an extra layer of fear visitors will encounter eerie settings and sound effects as they wander along the forest path. And that’s not all. After the trail, the intrepid explorers must complete a night-time obstacle course designed to test their physical and mental agility, finishing with a blood-red mud slide to wrap up your journey. For younger visitor The Halloween Woodland Trail is £14 per ticket. Book here. For the braver adventurer The Terror Trail is £10 per person and suitable for ages 12 years plus. Click on this link.
The Reindeer Centre, Capralama Farm, Pluckley Rd, Bethersden, Ashford
Three of our readers recommended The Reindeer Centre, insisting it’s not just the place to go at Christmas. As well as meeting donkeys, lambs and guinea pigs in the farm’s barn there is also some spooky Halloween fun to be had for those brave enough to walk the tunnel of terror and the creepy witches path.
Open daily from October 21 until October 31 from 11am until 5pm, visitors are invited to come along in fancy dress and enjoy the scarecrow pumpkin patch, have fun in the scary scenes selfie rooms, join the monster mash dance crew on the stage and create some spooky crafts. Prices are £13.50 for children and £11.50 for adults. There is no need to book.
Outdoor Pursuits UK, Wormdale Farm, Wormdale Hill, Newington, Sittingbourne
Three of our readers were keen to encourage parents to visit Outdoor Pursuits UK to try out a range of activities including quad biking, clay shooting, rifle shooting and land zorbing. There is also the chance to try the new Splatmaster Challenge for eight to 10 year olds with a new pump-action experience allowing the younger generation to experience the thrills of paintball with lower impact markers for just £25 per child for two hours.
Anyone over 11-years-old can also try their hand at the traditional British sport of clay shooting, which originated in 1875. To find out more click here.
Role Play Rascals, Stone Street. Faversham
Our readers with very small children were keen to nominate Role Play Rascals as their ideal half term outing. Billed as a unique, immersive play centre it promises to offer imagination role play with a difference “where your little ones can immerse themselves in play, be who they want to be and let their imaginations go wild”.
Areas to explore include a pirate ship, train, rocket, garage, aeroplane, supermarket with props on offer including cars, dinosaurs, superheroes, capes, costumes, thrones, crowns and a unicorn meadow. A two-hour session costs just £7. To book click here.
