Families Kent Mar/April 2024 PRINT issue

Put a spring in your child’s step with Perform

Perform is a unique type of children’s drama school. Focusing on child development, a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing is used to bring out every child’s true potential. Their classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration and having the best fun of the week.

The curriculum uses a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform with a different theme each term to keep young imaginations buzzing.

The new term starts in April with two brilliant themes. Ages 4–7 will be entering the Fairytale Forest for an adventure with some familiar characters - they’ve taken much-loved classic fairytales and mixed them up with the latest funky moves and grooves. While ages 7–12s will zoom off on an exhilarating adventure with Robinson Crusoe -but he’s stranded in space, not on a desert island!

Children of all abilities are welcome to join at any point in the term and now is a great time to try a free class.

To book a FREE no-obligation class in one of the following venues, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Ashford: St Mary’s Community Centre, TN24 9LH

Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm

Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall, DA5 1AP

Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm

Bromley: St John The Evangelist Church, BR1 3HJ

Ages 4-7, Friday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Friday at 5pm

Chislehurst: Chislehurst Methodist Church, BR7 5LX

Ages 4-7, Thursday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Thursday at 5pm

Faversham: West Faversham Community Centre, ME13 7RH

Ages 4-7, Friday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Friday at 5pm

Hempstead: Hempstead Valley Community Centre, ME7 3PD

Ages 4-7, Wednesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Wednesday at 5pm

Kings Hill: Kings Hill Community Hall, ME19 4LG

Ages 4-7, Friday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Friday at 5pm

Maidstone: St Pauls Church, ME14 2AN

Ages 4-7, Friday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Friday at 5pm

Riverhead: Riverhead Village Hall, TN13 2EL

Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm

Sevenoaks: The Parish Church of St Luke, TN13 1XT

Ages 4-7, Saturday at 9.30am and 11.15am

Ages 7-12, Saturday at 2pm

*NEW* Ebbsfleet: Castle Hill Community Centre, DA10 1AD

Ages 4-7, Thursday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Thursday at 5pm

Tonbridge: St John’s Church Centre, TN11 9HT

Ages 4-7, Tuesday at 4pm & Ages 7-12, Tuesday at 5pm

Tunbridge Wells: Christ Church Centre, TN1 1UT

Ages 4-7, Saturday at 9.30am and 11.15am

Ages 7-12, Saturday at 2pm

Rapunzel Easter holiday courses with Perform

Join Perform this Easter as they unravel the wonderful story of Rapunzel, a feisty heroine who gets locked in a tower in the forest. Will a passing prince save her or will the wicked witch get there first? Ending with a magical performance for family and friends, this threeday drama, dance and singing courses is a real holiday treat. Rapunzel will run in Sevenoaks at The Parish Church of St Luke. Visit www.perform.org.uk/rapunzel

Ultimate holiday fun

Ultimate Activity Camps offer outstanding activity day camps (Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm) for children aged 4 to 14, during the Easter and summer holidays, providing a full day of thrilling adventures.

The Ofsted-regulated camps guarantee parents peace of mind, knowing their children will have a fantastic and well-cared-for experience. From sports and survival camps to art and tech adventures, there’s something for every imagination.

Their dedicated staff prioritise safety, creating a supportive environment where kids grow, learn and form lifelong bonds. Adventures, challenges and memories are abound, all with rigorous safety protocols in place.

Your child will boost confidence, resilience and self-esteem whilst having the best time.

Find out more at www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

British Science Week 2024

British Science Week is a ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 8 to 17 March and will mark its 30th anniversary.

This year’s theme is ‘Time.’ Time is key to so many discoveries in science, technology, engineering and maths. From evolution, to lifecycles and computer chips, the understanding and measurement of time is important for the development of scientific learning and innovation.

During British Science week, fantastic events and activities takie place across the UK on a huge range of topics at a wide range of venues, including community groups, cultural centres and museums.

In addition, a range of FREE activity packs (including Early Years and Primary) and other resources can be downloaded.

To find a local event and download an activity pack, visit www.britishscienceweek.org

Are you looking for a Nursery or Reception place?

St Lawrence College’s award-winning term time Nursery is, in the words of a current Nursery parent, ‘a wonderfully kind, caring and nurturing environment. As a parent you can really feel a part of the school community.’

With small class sizes, the creative curriculum focusses on core literacy and mathematical skills alongside enrichment activities including Forest School and specialist teaching in Music, Swimming, PE and French.

KCC funding of 15 hours per week is available to Nursery children (who can join from age 3) and Reception pupils, up to and including the term they turn 5. Children who are here for full days are entitled to free wraparound care from 8am-5pm.

Email Hannah at jsadmissions@slcuk.com or call 01843 808080 to book a personal tour or to visit an Open Morning. Find out more at www.slcuk.com

Summer in the Alps

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but have you ever thought about a summer visit?

With reasonably priced flights to Geneva, Morzine is a short drive where there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet, Au Coin du Feu, plus two chalets next door, you can organise your meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for an evening meal. There are family-friendly early evening meals for children and a daytime crèche for little ones. Adults can enjoy drinks in the bar or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace.

Visit www.chillypowder.com for more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter.

Do you have any local news you would like share with our readers? Send it to us for consideration, email: editor@familieskent.co.uk

Weald of Kent Country Craft Show

Artisan shopping, delicious food, entertainment, craft demonstrations, live music – The Weald of Kent Country Craft Show at Penshurst Place, Tonbridge is the perfect bank holiday family day out from Sat 4 to Mon 6 May!

With over 150 exhibitors, explore huge indoor marquees bursting with handmade jewellery, homewares, clothing, art, wellness products and more – lovingly created by specialist craftspeople. Discover a wide selection of artisan food and drink where you can stock up on delicious treats to enjoy at home, or stay for lunch and relish in delicious street food from speciality caterers whilst soaking up the stunning surroundings.

Experience family fun for all ages including falconry displays, traditional children’s rides, live music, craft demos and more! Kids go FREE and there is an early bird discount available, plus FREE parking on-site.

Find out more at www.thecraftshows.co.uk

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

By Usha Patel

Those with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) have normal hearing but constantly mishear what is said. Whilst APD is neurological in nature and may be inherited or stem from developmental problems, research shows that early childhood ear infections can be a significant contributory factor.

Children develop critical language skills between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, when the brain learns to map out and store sounds for language processing. When a child starts reacting to words with a smile or starts speaking their first words, they are effectively associating these sounds with meanings.

If a child suffers from constant middle ear infections during this critical period, the ability to process language and speech can be affected. Sounds which normally become imprinted in the brain’s memory and language centres are not properly established. The mishearing happens because the brain recognises aural information differently from what the child actually hears.

For example, when children can’t differentiate between thirteen and thirty. Whilst hearing can be perfectly normal, the brain just cannot process those sounds correctly due to their similarity. This inability of the brain to accurately process what is heard results in the Auditory Processing Disorder condition (APD).

APD is often difficult to diagnose in children as they may have other learning difficulties such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or dyspraxia (DCD), which may mask the condition. It also cannot be diagnosed with standard hearing tests; it requires specialist audiology testing.

Fast ForWord

Fast ForWord integrates learning with fun, interactive computer games which continually adapt to each student’s individual learning needs. Intensive immersion for five days a week throughout the course leads to lasting learning gains in the following cognitive areas:

Memory: working, short-term and long-term memory (essential for word recognition, comprehension and remembering instructions);

Attention: the ability to focus on information and tasks and ignore distractions;

Processing speed: the rate of processing incoming information. For reading, this is how quickly one can distinguish speech sounds and identify letters and words to create meaning;

Sequencing: the ability to determine the order of letters within words or words within sentences.

Fast ForWord also helps develop reading and language skills such as phonemic awareness – assists with understanding syntax; sound-letter association – assists with comprehension; decoding – assists with grammatical structures; vocabulary – assists with passage comprehension; and spelling – assists with reading fluency.

Children with APD have also been observed to:

Have trouble paying attention to and remembering information presented orally;

Have problems carrying out multi-step directions and need more time;

Misunderstand what is said and ask for instructions to be repeated;

Have language difficulty and language delay (eg they confuse syllable sequences and have problems developing vocabulary and understanding language);

Appear to have behaviour problems, often because they are not complying with given instructions;

Have difficulties retrieving spellings because they struggle to remember the sounds.

The Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk) offers a structured language programme for APD called Fast ForWord (FFW), a computer based learning programme based on twenty five years of research. FFW can be used anywhere in the UK. Screen your child with a FREE questionnaire at www.bit.ly/AuditoryProcessingQ

Helping your child at home

Minimise background noise and speak face-to-face so your child can watch your lips while you talk. This gives them visual cues for how you say things;

Provide simple, short instructions. Note that children aged 2 to 4 can only hold two pieces of information in their brain at one time;

Allow extra time for your child to process information and ask what they understood; Always ask your child to repeat mispronounced words - in a fun way;

Bedtime audio books help with following stories and engaging with auditory material;

Children are often tired at the end of the school day and it’s exhausting listening to specific information through competing background sounds;

Understand that when phonics are in place, your child may not be able to ‘blend’ sounds with ease and may need more practice;

Show your child’s school the completed questionnaire at www.bit.ly/AuditoryProcessingQ

Learning Forest School skills

By Jemma Z Smith

‘How was school today?’ a parent asked their child. ‘It was amazing: we all worked together to build a den; we played hide and seek in the woods and toasted marshmallows on a real fire!’ the child enthusiastically responded.

This was a conversation I overheard in the playground after my first Forest School session with my Year 3 class. No mention of the new method of addition that we had worked so hard on using manipulatives; no rendition of the funny poem that we had been reading in English that had us all laughing as we acted out the different verses.

Was I disappointed? Not one bit.

Learning outside the box

My class was the first class at the school to ‘do Forest School’ and they (and the adults) loved every minute of the afternoon.

Some people might question ‘losing’ an afternoon’s learning within a packed, timetabled curriculum. I’d respond that rather than loss, the experience was in fact very beneficial to helping these children, preparing them in general for life beyond education.

Teamwork, communication skills, risk analysis, trying things outside your comfort zone, resilience and independence are just a few things that my class of 7 and 8-year-olds learned that afternoon and they continued to learn and make progress in these areas throughout their time at primary school.

New experiences

For some children, Forest School and learning outside the classroom can seem scary and unfamiliar. They may not have as much access to the outdoor environment as previous generations and this needs to be handled sensitively. Such children can still learn the skills and also enjoy everything that the environment has to offer, when led by adults who are aware of and respond to how they are feeling in a way that helps them get the most out of the opportunity.

Making it work

Not every school has access to a forest or woodland area but they can still embrace the ethos of Forest School and it can be adapted in so many ways. You don’t have to have a real fire to sing songs in the round and you can be creative in an art or music lesson and take it outside!

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

Developing a positive attitude towards learning

By Gail Hugman

No matter how skilled or knowledgeable a person might be, their attitude may well be the deciding factor in their future success, both personal and professional. Recent neuroscience has discovered the crucial role a positive attitude plays in the learning process, particularly during the primary years.

The second a child is born, their brain, with roughly eighty six billion neurons or nerve cells, ‘hits the ground running’ making connections through senses and experience. Everything a young child does, feels, hears and sees creates pathways between these nerve cells, building a reference bank of experience.

In the first three years, the connections the brain makes have risen to one thousand trillion. This is an automatic process. Ninety percent of brain development is complete by the time a child is 5 years old.

Although there is a default setting for the brain to function whether we engage or not, when it comes to learning, children who are actively engaged in the learning process are going to be far more effective and therefore, higher achieving than their peers who are simply ‘going through the motions’ of learning. The child who loves practising the guitar is going to progress more quickly than the child who battles with you or resents practising!

The reason for this is that as we grow, the brain takes its lead from what we do repeatedly. Where we make a conscious decision to put effort is where the brain will focus connections.

Ages 6+

Bundles include:

Sea

Sea

Sea Monkeys Magic Castle Tank

Sea

Children who enjoy what they’re doing, who love learning and who have a positive attitude, actively engage. Active engagement creates the signal for the connections the brain makes to be ‘cemented’ in myelin, a coating of fat and protein which make them ‘automatic.’ This is how learning is assimilated and habits are created.

The brain doesn’t know whether what a child is doing is good or not, it just takes its lead from repetitious behaviour and feedback from their surroundings, in this case, parents and teachers. The more positive a child’s attitude, the more positive the connections and growth they make, which can lead to excellence in performance.

Gail Hugman is a teaching and learning expert at Lessons Alive (www.lessonsalive.com) and author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10, plus the soon to be published Making the Pennies Drop – Helping your Child Build Skills. Available from Amazon.

Harnessing your child’s positivity

Encourage your child to be independent by teaching them skills. Start with self-control and move on to organisation, planning and taking responsibility. Children love to have a positive, personal development reason for what they do that both has meaning for them and brings results.

Children don’t assume. Choose a regular date for a hot chocolate or breakfast alone together. We suggest once a month. Clear everything to listen to how your child is getting on. This validates them and tells them they matter enough for you to make space to talk to them.

If you can’t listen ‘right now,’ tell them when you will. Children are quite happy to wait until they have your attention if you let them know when that will be.

Recognise effort. A child once told me I could photocopy a blank sheet of paper to help the school budget. I loved his creative thinking, took him to the photocopier and explained in a warm and friendly way the reason why that idea wouldn’t work!

Is gaming truly a villain?

By Dr Amit Sra and Vivek Behi

According to a recent survey, a staggering ninety one percent of children ages 3 to 15 play video games on a device. This gives rise to concerns about potential gaming addiction, the impact on children’s social skills and the presence of seemingly violent or inappropriate content, all of which contribute to parents’ unease about their children’s gaming behaviours. But what if we challenged the notion that gaming is the villain?

In our view, there are often-overlooked advantages of gaming for children. Here are some of the key benefits for young minds and some guidance for parents on ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.

Despite the common perception of gaming as a mere pastime, recent research underscores the significant impact of strategic and puzzle-solving games on cognitive functions. By enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking and spatial awareness, these games are more than entertainment. They actively stimulate creativity and imagination, with many titles encouraging players to construct their own virtual realms and narratives. These activities lead to cognitive advantages that translate into reallife problem-solving and creative thinking, providing a mental exercise with practical applications.

With the rise of online multiplayer games, our children have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Many video games involve multiplayer modes or online communities, enabling social interaction and collaboration. Engaging with others in a virtual environment can help children develop social skills, teamwork and a sense of camaraderie,

Tips for in-game purchases

In numerous games, it is now typical to find in-app purchases and microtransactions. It is essential to initiate open and positive conversations with your child regarding responsible spending in these gaming scenarios. Prompt them to grasp the significance of money and recognise the possible repercussions of unauthorised in-game purchases. Establish boundaries on their spending over specific periods and emphasise the importance of seeking permission before making any purchases. This approach ensures that gaming remains an enjoyable and educational experience while instilling vital financial lessons to safeguard against unforeseen expenses.

As well as discussing responsible spending with your child, educate them on the concept of virtual economies within games. Explain how in-game currencies work and the importance of distinguishing between virtual and real-world money. Emphasise the satisfaction of patience and earning rewards through gameplay rather than resorting to instant purchases. By instilling these values, you empower your child to make informed decisions, fostering financial responsibility and enhancing their overall gaming experience.

while being part of gaming communities can create a sense of belonging for children, especially those who may feel isolated in other aspects of their lives.

Despite the benefits, protecting your child’s online experiences is a top priority as a parent. Creating a secure and enjoyable gaming environment for your kids is crucial to them gaining from the advantages. Like films, games come with age ratings. The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system provides detailed age ratings to help parents determine the suitability of a video game for their child.

As long as parents ensure children are engaging responsibly, gaming can be more than a hobby. It serves as a valuable avenue for children to learn, develop and forge connections in today’s digital landscape.

Dr Sra and Mr Behl are owners of the youth esports arena Valhallan (www.valhallan.com), which offers a secure and nurturing environment in which children can foster their love of gaming.

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Adventure travel for families

By Ashley Lutz

If you have a sense of adventure and fancy shaking things up with your next family holiday, what options can you consider? Whether you are into wildlife or want to explore an unforgettable landscape, there’s always something that can be tailored just for you, whatever your family’s ages, stages and budget.

Road trip through New Zealand

New Zealand is a familyfriendly destination in so many ways. One of the world’s safest countries, it’s easy to get around and there’s much to explore within a relatively compact area. With a few hours of driving, you can take in volcanoes, thermal springs, beaches, cityscapes and offshore islands. One for all ages.

Explore lakes and mountains

Switzerland is a fantastic option for the whole family with action-packed rope parks, toboggan runs, pristine lakes and rivers for summer swims and boating, plus incredible mountains for hiking and biking. With a super-easy public transport system, you can sit back, relax and take in the incredible scenery.

Tuk tuks and tea plantations

Exotic wildlife, ancient forts and captivating culture are in abundance in Sri Lanka and offer a wonderful introduction to adventurous travel. Experience subcontinental Indian life while cycling through peaceful villages and touring working tea plantations, take a safari trip in search of wild elephants, deer and crocodiles. Or chill out year-round by one of the many lovely beaches.

Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Boasting jaw-dropping scenery and some of the planet’s most iconic wildlife, families can seek out the ‘big five’ on safari in South Africa, soak up the charms of cosmopolitan Cape Town and see penguins march along Boulders Beach. Then top off the journey with a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Hunt the Northern Lights

One of the most impressive wonders of the natural world, the Northern Lights are on many bucket lists as a must-see natural occurrence. Plan a fun family adventure and explore Iceland in winter; spot the Northern Lights from the water and take a real glacier walk, see frozen waterfalls and warm up the family in the geothermal hot springs.

Wildlife in Canada

For the outdoors and wildlife, Canada is an amazing selfdrive holiday destination. With expert planning, you might pack in a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls, walking on a glacier amid the soaring landscape of the Canadian Rockies or searching for whales and bears around Vancouver Island.

Balinese Adventure

For a mix of adventurous activities Bali is perfect! Known for its beautiful beaches, Bali also offers exhilarating white water rafting, beautiful rainforests, gorges, rice paddies and the chance to snorkel in clear blue waters. Add a few nights in Singapore and enjoy some delicious street food in the hawker markets.

Summer in the Pyrenees

Get off the beaten track and enjoy an unforgettable holiday of adrenaline-fuelled activities in the Pyrenees. Hike and cycle, then spend a wet and wild afternoon whitewater rafting. Explore nearby hamlets on horseback or go fishing in the local lakes. From scenic valley hikes to mountain biking and zip-lining, there’s a great mix of activities and entertainment for all ages.

Ashley Lutz is a Travel Counsellor with seventeen years’ experience working with families to find inspiring holidays best suiting their wants, needs and budget. More info at www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ashley.lutz

A year of nature activities

By Catherine Hughes and Becky Goddard-Hill

The impact of nature on wellbeing is well documented and getting children outside is proven to boost both their physical and mental health. But how do you incentivise them with different, exciting, low cost and eco-friendly outdoor activities all year round? Think crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts, beach and camping games and so much more.

Here a just few nature activities you may want to take with you to liven up your next outdoor adventures as a family.

WHAT’S IN THE BAG?

Pop an object or two in your backpack as you walk and have the rest of your group ask questions to try and guess what it is. You can tell them the first letter of the object and they get ten questions to ask about it - to which you can only answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Will they work it out or will you have to tell them? Best not to take anything too heavy or it will feel like a long walk!

MAKE A LEAF WAND

At the start of your walk find a long, slim but strong stick. As you walk, thread on the best leaves that you find. You might want to go for all large leaves or all orange leaves or maybe a mix. Encourage every member of your family to do the same – you’ll be surprised how different all your wands look. On your return, arrange your leaf wands into a vase for a beautiful display.

If you have a neighbour or older relative who doesn’t get out much, consider gifting them a leaf wand to bring a bit of nature’s treasure into their home.

LETTER OBSERVATION GAME

Each person chooses a letter from the alphabet and tries to spot things beginning with that letter, as they walk. Tally up how many you things you find and see who spots the most.

Because this can be tricky for younger children, it is fine to use descriptive words too so if you have chosen B for example, you could say ‘blue sky’ or ‘big tree.’ Or just ‘bench’ if everyone’s ready for a sit-down rest!

You may want to specify that each descriptive word can only be used once, as well as taking a notebook to keep track of your spots.

THREE FUN NATURE CHALLENGES

For each challenge, make sure you agree on a ‘base’ before you start.

Find five stones, then bring them back to base and see if you can use them to build a tower that doesn’t fall over.

Choose a marker such as a particular tree. Balance your paper cup on your head and walk to the marker, then try walking back to base without the cup falling off your head.

Find some twigs, bring them back to base and use them to form the first letter of your name (or your whole name if you want a bigger challenge).

Catherine Hughes and Becky Goddard-Hill are co-authors of A Year of Nature Walks and Games, a book packed full of ideas to keep kids entertained in the great outdoors all year long. It features crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts, beach and camping games plus lots and lots of ideas on how to make the great outdoors inspiring. Available from good book stores and online retailers.

What's On Your family guide to

All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and the venues are open.

Throughout Mar Trainmaster

Venues across Kent www.trainmaster.co.uk

Train lovers come and visit for an hour of play. Refreshments available. See online for details.

Sun 10 Mar Faversham

Sat 16 Mar Thanet

Sun 17 Mar Sevenoaks

Sat 23 Mar Bexley

Sun 24 Mar Ashford

Mon to Fri, Term Time Only

Stay & Play

FlipOut Ashford, TN24 8DH www.flipout.co.uk

Enjoy spending time with your little ones in dedicated toddler areas. Two parents can assist free of charge.

From 10am to 3pm. Under 5’s only. £7.50 for adult & one child.

Every Tue

Stay & Play

Sunshine Children’s Centre, Maidstone, ME15 6TL www.facebook.com/maidstone childrenscentres

Sensory activities, outdoor play, messy play, crafts and more. 9.3011am. Ages 0-5. FREE.

Every Tue & Sat

Dedicated SEN Session Flipout Ashford, TN24 8DH www.flipout.co.uk

A dedicated session for the SEN. The disco lights and music are turned down to create a relaxing atmosphere. Staff focus on creating a calming and attentive atmosphere,

perfect for individuals with additional needs. Tue 2-4pm, Sat 9-10am. All ages. £8.50.

Every Wed

Playground (Creative Play for Babies)

Ashford Gateway Plus, TN23 1AS www.kent.gov.uk

FREE weekly sessions for children aged 0-24 months in libraries and early years settings across Kent. Led by a team of brilliant artists and musicians, you and your child can share creative play. Booking is essential. Call 03000 41 31 31.

Every Fri

Baby Rhymetime

Ashford Gateway Plus, TN23 1AS www.kent.gov.uk

Popular rhymes and songs for babies, toddlers and their parents or carers. 10-10.20am.

Every Sat

Love Your Local Market

Bligh’s Meadow Shopping Centre, Sevenoaks TN13 1DA www.blighsmeadow.com

Offering a range of local goods from beads to art and crafts stalls, Fun for all to explore and discover. 9am-4pm.

Weekly Baby Rhymetime

Libraries across Kent www.kent.gov.uk

A FREE, fun and noisy way for under 3s to develop a love of language and learning. Each session lasts 20 minutes and includes the opportunity to join in with nursery rhymes and action songs.

5 things to see and do at Canterbury Cathedral

Where history happens and memories are made.

The Cathedral offers a perfect day out for families, with plenty for your young explorers to discover. Here are 5 things to see and do:

Dive into history with fun trails and historic hunts.

Enjoy a walk around the grounds, have a family picnic and enjoy the view of the Cathedral.

The Nave – a great place to begin your tour of the Cathedral’s history. The media guides bring the Cathedral’s story to live and an assessable way to engage the whole family.

Visit the Water Tower exhibition with digital elements to bring history to life.

Finish your visit with a trip to the gift shop where you can find all sorts of unique treats and gifts. www.canterbury-cathedral.org

Weekly Storytime

Libraries across Kent www.kent.gov.uk

Listening to stories is a great way to develop and encourage young children to read books. Come and join a storytime sessions. Ages 3-4.

Weekly Playground Creative Play Libraries across Kent www.kent.gov.uk

Playground is an exciting programme of creative play sessions for young children and their families across Kent. Led by a team of artists and musicians, young children and their families can share Baby Playground (0 to 18 months) and Family Playground (under 5 years).

Ongoing

Gruffalo Party Trail

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ www.forestryengland.uk

The interactive family trail features party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. Follow the trail to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a

birthday to remember. Pick up your pack for just £4, packed with fun things to do on your party adventure. 9am-8pm. Ages 3-9.

Until 25 Mar

Toddler Mondays Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Have you got a little one under 5? Then come along for a fun morning at Knole with babyccino coffee mornings and storytime in the bookshop. Babyccino coffee morning 10am-12pm Storytime in the bookshop 11-11.30am. FREE but normal admission applies.

Until 14 Apr

Mischief at the Museum: 50 years of Bagpuss

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury, CT1 2RA canterburymuseums.co.uk/events/ mischief-at-the-museum-50-yearsof-bagpuss

An interactive family trail celebrating a big birthday for the famous, saggy old cloth cat. Explore the museum and solve the puzzles, help to round up the party guests and celebrate 50 years of Canterbury’s most famous cat! £5 per trail.

Enjoy Horrible Histories river tour -

Terrible Thames!

You’ve seen them on stage, now join them onboard for a sensational sightseeing tour of the River Thames like no other.

Tremble in terror at the Tower! Sizzle at the Savoy! Give Cleopatra the needle! Be washed away at Westminster! Lose yourself in Lambeth! Get gobsmacked by the Globe! Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock. Take a dive with Horrible Histories into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd, in this history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in!

Terrible Thames returns with a 45-minute tour from Tower Bridge to the Palace of Westminster and back with sailings during the school holidays and special dates for school groups! Find out more and book at www.terriblethames.com

DIARY DATES

1 Mar to 30 Apr

Daffodil Walks

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL www.leeds-castle.com/events/ darling-daffodil-walks

Peaceful moments spent in awe of cheerful daffodils fluttering in the breeze and acres of grounds amassed in glorious golden yellow, signals that start of spring. The daffodils will be sure to dazzle. 10am-5pm.

9 & 10 Mar

Mother’s Day Weekend

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

Show your mum just how much you love her with a wonderful day out at Hever Castle on Mother’s Day Weekend. Explore the historic Castle, wander around the stunning 150-acre grounds and let the kids play in the Tudor Towers adventure playground or the Acorn Dell natural play area. Book online. 11am-4pm.

9 & 10 Mar

A Weekend for Mum Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG

www.penshurstplace.com

This Mother’s Day Weekend get set to celebrate with card making on the Saturday and face painting on Sunday to celebrate your supermum. 11.30am-3.30pm.

10 Mar

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Kent Life Maidstone, ME14 3AU www.kentlife.org.uk

celebrate the most important woman in your life – your mum! This is the perfect opportunity to show her just how special she is by treating her to an unforgettable afternoon tea and a fun-filled day that the whole family will enjoy. 10am-5pm. Book online.

16 Mar to 7 Apr

Easter Trail

Reuthe’s – The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks, TN15 OHB www.reuthes.com

The Easter trail will be split into two routes. Chicks is designed for little legs that like to waddle around the gardens. Bunnies is for bigger kids who like to hop around the Gardens. Both routes have the same clues and

prize at the end. Ages 3+ £7 includes a trail sheet and prize. Adults £3.

17 Mar

Productive Greenhouse

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Birchington, CT7 0BH www.powell-cottonmuseum.org

Join the garden team to learn how to make the most of growing under glass. Whether you have a conservatory, greenhouse or homemade cold frames, be inspired to use them to grow plants for your garden as well as food for your table. Pre-booking required. 10.30am3.30pm.

18 to 24 Mar

Dazzling Daffodils

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

With 80,000 daffodil bulbs set to bloom across Hever Castle’s gardens this spring, feel uplifted by the cheerfulness of this exquisite bloom which symbolises new beginnings. Enjoy a self-led tour of the gardens or join one of the daily tours. 11am-4pm.

23 Mar

Journey to the Stars: A SpaceThemed Family Concert! Invicta Grammar School, Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, ME14 5DS www.maidstonewindsymphony.org

Blast off on a musical adventure with an afternoon of space-themed music by Maidstone Wind Symphony. Hear music from The Planets, Star Wars and other stratospheric pieces. Ticket includes free pre-concert kids’ activities. From £8. 2pm. Ages 5+.

23, 24 Mar & 29 Mar to 7 Apr

The Big Easter Egg Hunt Betteshanger Park, Deal, CT14 0BF www.betteshanger-park.co.uk/ event/the-big-easter-egg-huntwith-peter-rabbit

Are you ready for an egg-citing Easter adventure? Join Betteshanger Park for the return of their Easter trail. With lots of fun for all the family, follow the carrots to find the Easter eggs, plus meet and greet a special guest. £10 per child. Book online.

Play ‘n Grow Childcare

23 Mar to 7 Apr

Easter Adventures Trail

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy a great family day out with an Easter Adventures trail. Discover giant eggs and join in egg-themed games and activities. £3 per person, including a chocolate egg prize plus normal admission. 10am-5pm.

23 Mar to 14 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Follow the Easter rabbits around the garden and complete ten challenges to win an Easter treat. £3 including a chocolate egg prize. 10am-5pm.

29 to 31 Mar

Easter at Brogdale

Brogdale Collections, Faversham, ME13 8XZ

www.brogdalecollections.org

During Easter weekend, families can take part in a trail throughout the orchards and hunt down giant Easter eggs hidden among the fruit trees. Follow the trail map to find all the eggs, solve the hidden word quiz and collect a chocolate prize. Also crafts and face-painting. 10am-3pm.

29 to 31 Mar & 1 Apr

Little Red Riding Hood’s Easter Train Ride!

Spa Valley Railway, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY

www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Packed full of slapstick comedy, magic and mayhem - its set to be another sell-out show over the 4-day Easter break, departing from Tunbridge Wells West at intervals throughout the day. See online for details and to book tickets.

29 to 31 Mar & 1 Apr

Bright-Eyed Birds

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Birchington, CT7 0BH

www.powell-cottonmuseum.org

Celebrate Easter and delve into the fascinating world of birds! Embark on a journey to become an adventurous bird spotter and search the museum and gardens for all different types of birds. Get arty with bold bird-themed colouring activities. 11am-4pm.

29 Mar to 5 Apr

Bouncing Bunnies Wonderland

Easter Trail

Quex Adventure Farm Park, Birchington, CT70BH

www.quexadventurefarmpark.com

The Bouncing Bunnies Easter trail is back this year and is bigger and better than before. Full of sweet treats, characters to meet and outdoor Easter fun, The Bouncing Bunnies Easter trail is the Easter event not to miss. Tickets include an Easter egg, Easter treat, bunny ears and access to Quex Adventure Farm Park facilities (weather dependent).

29 Mar to 14 Apr

Spring into Life!

Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG

www.penshurstplace.com

As Spring settles into the Gardens and the nature and wildlife begin to get a spring in their step, one hedgehog has accidentally slept in a little too late in his hibernation. In this special Easter trail, learn more about how Henry the Hedgehog prepared for the winter and his plans for spring, alongside many other wildlife and plants in this special garden trail! 10am-5pm.

email Sarah at playngrowchildcare@gmail.com

WHAT’S ON

29 Mar to 14 Apr

Easter Fun

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

This spring, enjoy an egg-cellent Dinosaur themed trail, craft activity and sand dig at Hever Castle. Meet the dinosaur explorers and round off your day with an animal themed face painting (additional charge, selected dates only). Plus, enjoy a dazzling display of spring blooms from late daffodils to tulips. 11am-4pm.

29 Mar to 14 Apr

Family Easter Treasure Hunt

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL www.leeds-castle.com/events/ easter-at-leeds-castle

Set out on an exciting treasure hunt in the great outdoors. Encounter captivating interactive installations and vibrant Easter displays that will put your wits to the test as you solve the treasure hunt. It’s an adventure for all ages, full of surprises, laughter and maybe even a few friendly creatures along the way. 10am-5pm.

29 Mar to 14 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt

Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS www.nationaltrust.org.uk

This spring, treat the family to a world of colour at Chartwell on an Easter Trail. Make your way along the trail and find nature and colourinspired activities for the whole family. £3 per trail and includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg. 10am-5pm.

29 Mar to 14 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt

Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Come and enjoy a trail with fun playground and garden-style

games and activities. Pick up a trail sheet and bunny ears from the Visitor Centre and head out into the parkland to find giant musical instruments, a spinning wheel of butterflies and more. £3 per trail and includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg. 10am-5pm.

29 Mar to 14 Apr

Spring into Easter Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU www.kentlife.org.uk

Celebrate Easter and the baby boom that comes with Spring! Meet new arrivals in the farmyard and see lamb bottle feeding demonstrations throughout the day. You can also hop on a fun farm ride or get creative in the Paint-a-Pot studio. Enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas and more. Some activities incur extra charges. 10am-5pm.

31 Mar to 1 Apr

Easter Weekend Truck Racing Brands Hatch, DA3 8NG www.brandshatch.co.uk

The British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC) returns to Brands Hatch for its opening rounds of 2024 with two days of thundering action on the Indy circuit this Easter weekend. Five BTRC races are expected to top the bill on the circuit, with two scheduled on Easter Sunday ahead of a triple-header on Bank Holiday Monday. There will be a busy support race programme too, so fans will have plenty to enjoy across the whole weekend. This event will also feature an off-track line-up with show trucks, fun fair rides and themed Easter entertainment.

APRIL

1 to 16 Apr

Easter Fun on the Farm Rare Breads Centre, Ashford, TN26 3RJ www.rarebreeds.org.uk/events/ detail/easter-fun-on-the-farm

As well as the usual farm fun there will be lots of lambs and baby goats to meet, pig racing and an Easter themed word trail to test your sleuthing skills around the farm! Other activities include storytelling, art and craft sessions and more. Prebooking is essential. 10am-4.30pm.

4 Apr

Children’s Crafts

Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Celebrate spring and encourage nature to your garden by decorating a miniature, ceramic birdhouse to take home. Materials and drinks included. Ages 7+. 10.30am-12pm.

5 Apr

Easter Pottery Painting & Cookie Decorating

The Alexander Centre, Faversham, ME13 8NZ www.thealex.org.uk

Get ready for a creative and delicious celebration this Easter! Come along for a day filled with joy, art and mouth-watering treats. 10am, 12pm & 2pm. £6.50. All ages.

6 & 7 Apr

Build, Demolish, Defuse Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, ME7 1UR www.re-museum.co.uk

Discover the incredible story of the Corps of Royal Engineers past and present. It features displays from serving Sappers, living history, armoured vehicles and equipment, Nerf-firing range, exclusive armoury tours and more. 8am-6pm.

12 Apr

Teddy Bears Picnic

Brogdale Collections, Faversham, ME13 8XZ

www.brogdalecollections.org

Enjoy a family picnic in the beautiful surroundings of the blossomcovered orchard. Bring your favourite teddy bears to share your picnic and to join in with crafts, songs and stories at 11am, 12pm & 2pm. £15 for adult and child. 10am-3pm.

16 Apr

Easter Egg-stravaganza Park Mall Shopping Centre, Ashford, TN24 8LG

Park Mall shopping centre has a cracking line up of Easter fun planned for shoppers to enjoy

including face painting, an egg-citing craft activity where children will be invited to take part in the centre Easter egg hunt to try and crack the mystery Easter code. The first 200 shoppers will even receive a chocolate treat! 11am-3pm.

20 to 28 Apr

Flower Festival

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy the imaginative displays created by floral groups, colleges, businesses and church groups local to Scotney. Coinciding with the anniversary of Betty and Christopher’s marriage on 23 April 1936, the theme for this festival is wedding anniversaries. 11am-4pm.

See online for available dates

Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Boat Tour

www.terribletudors.com

Horrible Histories proudly presents its wicked river tour of the Terrible Thames. Take a dive with Horrible Histories into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd, in this history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in!

4 to 6 May

Percy’s World Trip – Japan!

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Birchington, CT7 0BH

www.powell-cottonmuseum.org

In 1891 Percy Powell-Cotton visited Japan as part of his big world trip. Whilst there he bought many beautiful ‘souvenirs’, some of which are on display in the museum today. Join us on the late May bank holiday to discover our Japanese collection and our beautiful gardens, showing the prettiest signs of Spring. 11am-4pm.

4 to 6 May

May Day Weekend

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Celebrate May Day at Hever Castle & Gardens with a weekend of fun family activities and traditional May Day customs. 11am-4pm.

4 to 6 May

Weald of Kent Country Craft Show Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DH

www.thecraftshows.co.uk/ wealdofkent2024

Artisan shopping, delicious food, workshops, entertainment, craft demonstrations, children’s rides and a feel-good atmosphere – the perfect bank holiday day out! 10am-5pm.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Assembly Hall Theatre

Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU

Box Office: 01892 530613 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Wed 27 & Thu 28 Mar

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special partyit’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day. Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans and a perfect introduction to theatre.

Thu 4 Apr

Exciting Science

This brand-new and exciting show features loads of amazing experiments from the world of science. Join the crazy scientists as they create a volcanic eruption, build an air missile launcher, make mini rockets and create some pretty big bangs…. live on stage. This highly interactive show is the perfect way to expand your mind in the world of science. 2pm. All ages.

Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury, CT2 7JA

Box office: 01227 287234 www.malthousetheatre.co.uk

Sun 31 Mar

There Was An Old Lady

Who Swallowed A Fly – 50th Anniversary Tour!

This magical show has been written especially for grown ups to enjoy with their children with a feast of sing-along songs, colourful animal characters and heart-warming family

fun. It’s the perfect treat for anyone aged 2 to 102! 2.30pm.

Thu 11 Apr

Spot’s Birthday Party Spot is having a very special birthday party and you’re invited! With party hats, songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever! Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, this brand-new adaptation brings your favourite pup and his friends to life in an interactive and accessible show. 11am & 2pm. Ages 2+.

Orchard West Theatre

Dartford DA1 1BX

Box Office: 0343 310 0033 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Sun 24 Mar

The Sooty Show – 75th Birthday Spectacular

Celebrating 75 amazing years in show business, Sooty, Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party and you’re all invited. However, in true Sooty style nothing goes to plan! With lots of audience participation and gallons of giggles, this spectacular celebration of the longest-running children’s television show will delight Sooty fans old and new and is a must-see treat for the whole family. 2pm. All ages.

Mon 8 Apr

Sing-a-long Matilda The Muscial

Calling all revolting children - come and be a little a bit naughty at Singa-Long-a Matilda the Musical. Now is your chance to interact with this incredible tale of a little girl making her great escape! 1pm. Ages 3+.

Fri 26 to Sun 28 Apr

Zog and the Flying Doctor

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this truly modern take on the classic fairy tale. 4.30pm, 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm. Ages 3+.

The Marlow Theatre

The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS Box Office: 01227 787787 www.marlowetheatre.com

Thu 4 to Sun 7 Apr

Bluey’s Big Play

A brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this

is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life in this UK premiere. Ages 5+.

Mon 29 Apr to Sat 4 May

Shrek The Musical

Leave your troubles far far away and embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, love and Ogre-sized fun. Join Shrek and his trusty sidekick Donkey as they set out on a quest to defeat the fearsome dragon and rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona. With a heart-warming story and a cast of unforgettable characters, this musical extravaganza is a journey you won’t want to miss. Ages 5+.

you saw these events listed in Families Kent magazine!