Looking for fun activities to do in Kent? I’ve handpicked experiences and things to see and do that are great for families and adults alike whatever the weather. You’ll find everything from adrenaline fuelled racing and water sports to gentle visits to see animals and creative art workshops.
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Fun Things To Do In Kent (Map)
Riding Retro Coasters and Raving at Dreamland
Step through the gates and you’re in a seaside time warp—where vintage rides like the Scenic Railway and chair-o-planes spin beside street food stalls and neon-lit arcades. You’ll wander past mirror mazes and waltzers, then grab tokens or a day pass to bounce between dodgems, helter skelters, and the Big Wheel with views over Margate beach. On weekends, the Scenic Stage explodes with live music—from pop icons to indie legends—while DJs and themed nights keep the party going. There’s art installations tucked between rollercoasters and a roller disco if you fancy skating under disco balls. Location: Hall By The Sea Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XJ Price: Free entry; rides from £3 or £24.99 for a day pass https://www.dreamland.co.uk/
Firing Rockets at BattleKart Like It’s Real-Life Mario Mode
Buckle into an electric kart and race across a digital arena where the track, power-ups, and chaos are all projected onto the floor—think Mario Kart, but you’re actually driving. One minute you’re dodging oil slicks and launching rockets at your mates, the next you’re battling for control of glowing tiles or playing football with a giant virtual ball. Game modes switch between races, snake hunts, and disco-style tile grabs, so every session feels like a new level. There’s no helmets or headsets—just pure gameplay with real steering, speed, and strategy. Read my full review of BattleKart. Location: Unit 1 Hooks Hole Farm, Chestnut Street, Borden, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8DA Price: From £21.95 per session; discounts for multiple games https://www.battlekart.com/en/sittingbourne
Bouncing, Battling, and Goat-Walking at Quex Adventure
Start by bouncing on giant air pillows before diving into paintball, gel battles, and archery sessions that turn the fields into your personal playground. There’s a maize maze to get lost in, woodland trails for goat walks, and a Toddler Village packed with sand pits, swings, and climbing frames for the little ones. Animal encounters let you feed pigs, pet ponies, and even walk alpacas, while the Jungle indoor play centre serves up pasta and chilli between slides and ball pits. If you’re feeling competitive, the 18-hole adventure golf course winds past waterfalls and mini replicas of Quex Park’s landmarks. Location: Quex Park, Park Lane, Birchington, Kent CT7 0BH Price: Activities priced individually; bundles and passes available https://quexactivitycentre.com/
Safari Trucking and Dinosaur Dodging at Port Lympne
Climb aboard a safari truck and roll through 600 acres of Kentish wilderness, spotting giraffes, rhinos, and lions roaming free like it’s a BBC nature doc with you in the cast. Off the truck, you’ll wander through the Dinosaur Forest dodging life-sized prehistoric beasts, then explore landscaped gardens with hedge mazes and picnic ponds. Animal encounters let you feed gorillas or meet spectacled bears, while kids dig for fossils or bring dinosaurs to life with the park’s app. If you’re staying overnight, glamping lodges and treehouses sit right beside enclosures—so you might wake up to a tiger yawning outside your window. Location: Port Lympne Reserve, Aldington Road, Hythe, Kent CT21 4LR Price: From £26.36 adults, £23.64 children; under 3s free https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
Whizzing Down the UK’s Longest Toboggan Track at Chatham Snowsports Centre
Strap into a toboggan and launch down a 750-metre track packed with twists, dips, and turns that feel more rollercoaster than snow sport. Each ride lasts about four minutes, and you can book single runs or bundle up for five—just make sure to pre-book, especially on weekends. Kids aged 4–7 ride with an adult, while older ones can fly solo, and there’s sno-tubing too if you fancy spinning down the slope in a giant inflatable ring. The Alpine Lodge Café overlooks the action, so you can warm up with burgers and hot drinks while watching the chaos unfold. Location: Capstone Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3JH Price: Tobogganing from £5.20 per ride; bundles available https://www.jnlchatham.co.uk/tobogganing-sno-tubing-in-chatham/
Smashing Stuff and Throwing Axes at Rage Out
Suit up in boiler gear, pick your weapon—hammer, crowbar, or baseball bat—and go full demolition mode on a room filled with mugs, keyboards, and old electronics. The soundtrack’s yours to choose, so you can rage to Eminem or smash plates to ABBA while the debris flies. After the chaos, you can switch gears and try axe throwing, where instructors help you land bullseyes like a Viking with a vendetta. It’s all safely managed, cathartic, and weirdly satisfying—especially if you bring your own breakables for extra flair. Location: 89 Bank Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1SD Price: From £30 adults, £32.50 under 18s; axe throwing £22 per person https://rageout.co.uk/
Escaping Puzzle Cells with Barely Any Dignity at Prison Island
Race through 23 challenge cells that test your brain, balance, and teamwork—one minute you’re crawling through tunnels, the next you’re solving logic puzzles while your mates shout unhelpful advice. Each room is a timed trial, and you can retry as many times as you want to rack up points and bragging rights. When you need a break, there’s a prison-themed crazy golf course and augmented reality darts that track your score like a video game. The bar’s stocked with local drinks and board games, so you can wind down or keep the competition going. Location: 60-61 High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1SR Price: From £15 for kids, £25 for adults (1 hour); other activities priced separately https://prisonislandmaidstone.com
Drive, Spin and Stack Tyres at Diggerland Kent
Climb into real diggers, dumper trucks and mini tractors, then take them for a spin around purpose-built tracks like you’ve just joined a construction crew with zero training. You’ll get hoisted 50 feet in the air on the Skyshuttle for views over the River Medway, then spin wildly in a digger bucket on Spindizzy like it’s a carnival ride built by engineers on a sugar rush. Kids can dig for treasure, steer police cars, and race go-karts while grown-ups test their reflexes stacking tyres with hydraulic claws. There’s a café for hot meals, picnic spots if you bring your own, and soft play and dodgems to round out the chaos. Location: Medway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood, Kent ME2 2NU Price: From £25.95 online; £38 on the day https://www.diggerland.com
Splashing Through St Andrews Lake Like You Own the Place
First thing you’ll do is suit up and swim 25 metres out to the inflatable aqua park—then it’s all slides, jumps, and wipeouts across floating obstacles that look like they were designed by a mischievous architect. You can rent kayaks, pedalos with slides, or mega paddleboards that turn balancing into a group sport (and a guaranteed laugh). There’s a man-made beach with parasols and sunbeds, plus a café serving hot food if you’re too soaked to picnic. If you’re feeling bold, try open water swimming or book a climbing wall session to dry off with a challenge. Location: Quarry Grove, Halling, Rochester, Kent ME2 1BA Price: From £15 for kids aqua park; £25 for main aqua park; other activities priced individually https://www.standrewswatersports.co.uk/
Battling Your Mates at Boom Battle Bar with Zero Mercy at Boom Battle Bar
Forget sitting around—this place throws you straight into axe-throwing, augmented reality darts, beer pong, and crazier golf before you’ve even finished your first cocktail. You’ll bounce between games, shout over shuffleboard scores, and belt out karaoke in private booths while your mates pretend they’re not tone-deaf. The vibe is loud, fast, and full of street food smells, with DJs spinning on weekends and happy hour stretching longer than your aim in darts. You can book ahead or roll in last-minute, but either way, expect to leave with bragging rights or bruised egos. Location: Units 6 & 7, Riverside, Canterbury CT1 1BN Price: Games priced individually; walk-ins welcome https://boombattlebar.com/uk/canterbury/
Throwing Axes and Flying Owls at Joe’s Bows
One minute you’re hurling axes at wooden targets like a Viking on a mission, the next you’re walking through the woods with a hawk perched on your glove. You’ll test your aim with archery, crossbows, and even shovel throwing, all under the watchful eye of instructors who somehow make it feel like a medieval bootcamp with snacks. There’s laser clay shooting for sharpshooters and owl flying sessions that turn you into a bird whisperer for the afternoon. It’s all set in a countryside farm that feels miles from anywhere, with fire pits and woodland trails to round out the chaos. Location: Willow Farm, Hanslett’s Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 0HH Price: From £20 for axe throwing; £65 for half-day experiences https://www.joesbows.co.uk/
Riding Miniature Steam Trains Across the Marsh
Hop aboard a pint-sized steam locomotive and travel 13.5 miles through open countryside, from the seaside town of Hythe to the wild shingle shores of Dungeness. You’ll stop at tiny stations like New Romney to explore model railways, play areas, and cafés serving up hot drinks and cake. The trains are one-third the size of the real thing but run like clockwork, offering panoramic views and a nostalgic time warp. Special events include wine tastings, sunset dinners, and character-themed days, so there’s always something new on the tracks. Location: New Romney Station, Littlestone Road, New Romney, Kent TN28 8PL Price: From £14.50 children, £29 adults; under 3s free https://www.rhdr.org.uk
Learn Weird Crab Facts at Margate’s Crab Museum
Dive into the bizarre world of decapods, from the scandal of the giant Margate crab to philosophical debates about crustaceans and climate change. Exhibits mix science, humour and surreal storytelling—expect crab model villages, extinct species, and panels that make you laugh and think at the same time. There are no live crabs, but you’ll find hats on crabs, woodlice jokes, and a toilet that’s become a local legend. It’s free to enter, packed with oddities, and run by passionate staff who’ll happily explain why crabs might just save the planet. Location: 9 Broad Street, Margate CT9 1EW Price: Free admission https://www.crabmuseum.org
Play Darts, Karaoke and Retro Games at Matches Sports Bar
Walk into a wall of ultra HD screens showing every sport imaginable, then grab a drink and dive into interactive darts, shuffleboard, and retro gaming consoles that turn downtime into game time. There’s karaoke for the brave, beer pong for the competitive, and cashless pool if you want to keep your hands free for wings and cocktails. The vibe flips from chill to electric depending on the hour, with DJs and street food keeping the energy high. You can book private rooms like The Snug or The Matchbox for group hangouts with your own screen and sound system. Location: Unit 3 Elwick Place, Elwick Road, Ashford TN23 1AX Price: Games from £1–£6.50; private hire from £150 http://www.matchessportsbar.com/locations/matches-ashford
Swing, Zip and Scream Through the Trees at Go Ape Kent
Clip into a harness and climb into the canopy for a high ropes course packed with wobbly bridges, Tarzan swings and zip wires that send you flying through the forest. Whether you’re tackling the full-on Treetop Challenge or easing in with the Adventure Plus, each route mixes adrenaline with stunning views of Bedgebury Pinetum or Leeds Castle grounds. Kids over 1 metre tall can join in too, with junior courses designed for giggles and confidence-building. There’s axe throwing, forest segways and picnic spots if you want to make a full day of it. Location: Bedgebury Pinetum (TN17 2SJ) and Leeds Castle (ME17 1PD), Kent Price: From £21.95 for Treetop Adventure; up to £36.95 for Treetop Challenge https://goape.co.uk/locations
Kick, Score and Laugh Through Footgolf at Folkestone Sports Centre
Swap golf clubs for football boots and aim for oversized holes on a course that blends power, precision and plenty of banter. The closest spot is FootGolf Folkestone, just 20 minutes from Dover, where you can play 9 or 18 holes across a hilly course with great views. It’s ideal for families, mates or stag groups—just bring your own ball or hire one on site. The game’s easy to pick up but tricky to master, and you’ll quickly realise that bending it like Beckham doesn’t help much on a slope. Location: Folkestone Sports Centre, CT19 5HX Price: Typically around £7–£12 per round; check directly for current rates https://www.folkestonesportscentre.co.uk/more-sport/footgolf/
Feeling Every Explosion at Ashford’s 4DX Cinema
Seats shake, water sprays your face, and scented air hit you mid-car chase? That’s the 4DX experience at Cineworld Ashford, where blockbusters come with motion chairs, fog bursts, and wind effects that sync perfectly with the action. It’s the first of its kind in Kent, and it turns regular screenings into full-body rollercoasters—especially during action or horror films. You’ll also find IMAX with laser projection and ScreenX’s 270-degree wraparound visuals if you want to mix formats. I saw Twisters and it felt like I was on a rollercoaster – I’m not even exaggerating. Location: Eureka Entertainment Centre, Rutherford Road, Ashford TN25 4BN Price: Varies by film and format; check listings https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/ashford/035
Speeding Past Ferries and Seals on the Dover Sea Safari
Zip across the Channel in a RIB while seals watched from the shore. Dover Sea Safari runs high-speed boat tours from the marina, with padded seats and expert skippers guiding you past the White Cliffs, Deal’s seafront and the eerie Goodwin Sands. Trips range from 1.5 to 3 hours, including a seal-spotting safari in Pegwell Bay where pups lounge on the sandbanks like they own the place. You’ll get life jackets, waterproofs and a full safety briefing before bouncing over the waves—just brace for spray and hold tight. Location: Dover Sea Sports Centre, The Esplanade, Dover CT17 9FS Price: From £42 per person; private charters available https://www.doverseasafari.co.uk
Paddle, Sail and Dive at Mote Park Watersports Centre
Launch straight into kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing across the calm lake, with instructors nearby if you want to level up your technique or just splash about. There’s sailing, windsurfing and powerboating for the speed-hungry, plus raft-building and dragon boating if you’re rolling in with a group. Kids and teens can join youth programmes or birthday parties, while adults try scuba diving, orienteering or even first aid courses with a twist. You can bring your own gear or hire on-site, and it’s all first-come-first-served—no booking stress unless you’re a big group. Location: Mote Avenue, Maidstone, Kent ME15 7SU Price: From £10 for 30 mins paddleboard/kayak hire; other activities vary https://moteparkwatersports.com
Watching Raptors Swoop Inches from Your Head at Eagle Heights
Ever watched a sea eagle dive so close it ruffles your hair? Eagle Heights in Kent is home to over 100 birds of prey, and their daily flying displays feature owls, falcons and vultures soaring just above the crowd. Visitors can book alpaca treks, meet meerkats that climb into your lap, or hang out with huskies from the sled dog rescue centre. There’s a play area for kids, a tearoom for hot drinks and cake, and picnic spots overlooking the valley. Location: Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JB Price: £14.95 adults, £10.95 children; experiences extra https://www.eagleheights.co.uk
Hunting Shadows and Whispering to Spirits with Ghost Hunter Tours
Ghost Hunter Tours runs overnight investigations across Kent’s creepiest castles, forts and museums, where guests use ouija boards, EMF meters and glass divination to connect with the unknown. Locations include Deal Castle, Fort Horsted and the haunted Museum of Kent Life, with sessions rotating between table tipping, EVP recordings and full-on séances. Some venues offer VIP tickets with extra time, gear access and pre-tour walkthroughs, and there’s tea and coffee to keep you warm while the lights flicker. Location: Various Kent venues including Dover, Maidstone and Sandwich Price: From £42 per person; VIP upgrades available https://www.ghosthuntertours.co.uk
Playing 200+ Board Games Over Cocktails at The Long Rest Canterbury
There’s a moment when someone pulls out a game you’ve never heard of—and suddenly you’re deep in a strategy battle over cocktails and vegan brownies. The Long Rest is Canterbury’s first board game café, with a library of over 200 titles ranging from storytelling epics to chaotic party games. Visitors can book tables, join themed nights like “Blood on the Clocktower,” or bring their own games and settle in for hours. Staff are known for teaching rules without fuss, and the menu includes locally brewed beer, D&D-inspired teas, and snacks that keep the energy up. Location: 8 Butchery Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JR Price: Game access included with table booking; food and drink priced separately https://www.thelongrestcanterbury.com
Playing Mini Golf Through Pirate Ships, Castles and Dinosaurs in Kent
Kent’s top mini golf spots go big on theming, starting with Pirate Cove at Bluewater (DA9 9SF), where two 18-hole courses wind through smugglers’ caves, crocodile ponds and a full-size pirate ship. Over in Birchington, Quex Adventure Golf (CT7 0BH) mixes waterfalls, duck ponds and heritage-themed obstacles with a waffle parlour and pizza deals. Mr Mulligan’s Dino Golf in Tonbridge (TN9 1PP) adds roaring animatronics and tunnels to its outdoor dinosaur course, while Leeds Castle Adventure Golf (ME17 1PL) shrinks the castle into a 12-hole layout with ferry boats and landscaped greens. For seaside charm, Lillyputt Mini Golf in Broadstairs (CT10 1QL) offers a heritage-style course with a classic windmill and a tea garden that’s been serving players for over 100 years. Price: £7–£11 per round depending on venue and age; check individual sites for current rates.
Solving Crimes, Escaping Castles and Dodging Curses in Kent
The Panic Room in Gravesend (DA12 2AH) leads the pack with over 20 themed games, from wizard schools and haunted houses to bank heists and sci-fi missions. The Escapement in Margate (CT9 2QN) delivers film-set quality rooms like Egyptian tombs, pirate ships and mining expeditions, all packed with special effects. Clue Cracker in Tunbridge Wells (TN1 2QJ) offers fast-paced puzzles with theatrical hosts and clever twists across rooms like Jail Break and Diamond Dogs. Escape Kent in Canterbury (CT1 3RA) features immersive challenges inspired by pirates, kidnappings and psychological thrillers. Mythologic in Gillingham (ME7 1AE) adds magic carpets, crime scenes and horror themes across six highly detailed rooms. Price: £20–£35 per person depending on venue and room; check individual sites for current rates.
Racing Elevation Drops and Championship Circuits at Kent’s Top Kart Tracks
Buckmore Park in Chatham (ME5 9QG) is a legendary 1000m circuit with sharp elevation changes and technical corners that have trained Formula 1 stars like Lewis Hamilton. Bayford Meadows in Sittingbourne (ME10 3RY) offers a floodlit 1100m track with twin-engine karts and a fast, flowing layout ideal for competitive group races. Lydd Kart Circuit near the coast (TN29 9JH) is built for speed, with long straights and sweeping bends that attract serious racers and holiday thrill-seekers alike. Each track delivers outdoor karting with pro-level setups, full safety gear and options for juniors, adults and owner-drivers. Price: £25–£50 per session depending on venue, kart type and race format; check individual sites for current rates.
Painting, Sculpting and Sipping Wine at Kent’s Top Art Workshops
Weekend Arting in Chiddingstone (TN8 7AU) runs immersive two-day courses in expressive abstracts, life painting and watercolour, all led by artist Cathy Bird in a countryside studio. Art Unscrewed in Herne Bay/Whitstable (CT5 4EG) hosts lively sip-and-paint sessions with wine, music and bold themes like neon portraits and surreal landscapes. The Seasons Art Class in Margate (CT9 5JT) offers structured drawing and painting lessons for adults, covering everything from perspective to pastels in a relaxed church hall setting. Novus Studio in Maidstone (ME18 5LB) teaches all 2D media—acrylics, oils, charcoal—with flexible classes for beginners and experienced artists alike. Cowshed Workshop in St Michaels (TN30 6TH) transforms a former farm building into a creative hub for mixed-media projects, sculpture and seasonal craft sessions with local makers. Price: Typically £15–£75 per session depending on format and materials; check individual sites for current rates.
Throwing Tomahawks in Castles, Forests and Rage Rooms Across Kent
Kent’s axe throwing scene mixes Viking vibes with modern flair, starting at TBV Axe Masters in Chatham (ME4 5XJ), where indoor lanes sit inside the historic Fort Luton and sessions include coaching for all skill levels. Kent Axe Throwing Centre in Tunbridge Wells (TN3 9AH) offers outdoor ranges next to a paintball site, with 1-hour sessions that suit everything from stag dos to family outings. Rage Out in Maidstone (ME14 1SD) combines axe throwing with rage rooms, letting guests smash objects and hurl blades in a high-energy urban setting. Battle Masters in Gravesend (DA11 0TB) runs compact sessions ideal for beginners, with friendly instructors and a focus on casual group fun. Go Ape at Leeds Castle (ME17 1PD) adds axe throwing to its outdoor adventure lineup, with scenic woodland lanes and leaderboard-style challenges for teens and adults. Price: £18–£35 per session depending on venue and format; check individual sites for current rates.
Dodging Paintballs in Forests, Forts and Woodland Arenas Across Kent
Kent Paintball in Tunbridge Wells (TN3 9AH) spreads its battles across 19 acres of woodland, with four themed zones and options for low-impact games for younger players. Outdoor Pursuits UK in Sittingbourne (ME9 7PX) mixes paintball with clay shooting and quad biking, offering fast-paced skirmishes in open fields and wooded hideouts. UK Paintball Canterbury (CT2 9AX) runs classic woodland missions with upgraded gear and fog-free goggles, ideal for birthday parties and stag groups. Delta Force in Westerham (TN16 2EU) adds movie-set style zones like Gold Rush and London Apocalypse, complete with double-decker buses and Wild West saloons. Skirmish Bullswood near Edenbridge (TN8 5NP) offers kids’ paintball packages with hotdogs and gear included, plus adult sessions in dense woodland with sniper towers and bunkers. Price: £15–£40 per person depending on venue, package and paintball count.
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