Family Attractions in Kent: interactive museums and parks for big and small
April 11, 2025
Kent, known as the garden of England, is not just picturesque landscapes and historic landmarks. It's also a paradise for families seeking educational and exciting adventures. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of Kent's most interesting attractions that will delight children and adults alike. From interactive museums to vibrant nature parks, Kent has everything you need for an unforgettable family trip. Get ready to discover fascinating history, interact with wildlife and learn through play. Here are our top 5 family attractions in Kent that will make your visit full of excitement and valuable experiences.
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Historic adventure and country life
Start our journey with two unique destinations that combine history, education and entertainment.
Kent Life is a true gem for families seeking an authentic experience of rural life. This heritage farm, located in Maidstone, offers an extraordinary journey back in time. Here, children can see what village life was like in the past and even take part in traditional farm activities. As the reviews confirm, Kent Life is a place where 'there is something for everyone'. Parents will appreciate the educational aspect of the visit, while children will be delighted to come into close contact with farm animals.
Attractions such as tractor rides, animal feeding and craft workshops make a visit to Kent Life not only a history lesson, but most of all great fun. Look out for seasonal events that further enhance your stay, from Christmas decorations to Halloween attractions. Kent Life also offers a playground and 'soft play' area inside the cafe, which parents of young children will appreciate.
Another fascinating place is the Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington-on-Sea. This remarkable museum combines elements of natural history, ethnography and art. Founded by Major Percy Powell-Cotton, the museum displays an impressive collection of animal specimens and artifacts from around the world.
For children, a visit to the Powell-Cotton Museum is like a trip around the world. Here they can see exotic animals in life-size, learn about the cultures of distant countries and understand the importance of conservation. The museum offers interactive exhibition elements, making learning an adventure.
Look out for the museum's surrounding gardens and park, which provide the perfect place for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll. The Powell-Cotton Museum is not only an exhibition, but also an educational center that organizes workshops and activities for children, making it an ideal place for a family outing that combines learning with entertainment.
Comparing the two attractions, Kent Life offers a more hands-on experience, ideal for younger children, while Powell-Cotton Museum may be more appealing to older children and teens interested in history and nature. Both locations have affordable admission prices and offer the opportunity to spend a full day, making them valuable options for families planning a trip to Kent.
Wildlife adventure
The next leg of our Kent family tour is two unique parks that offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Port Lympne Safari Park is a place that will take you straight into the heart of the African savannah without leaving the borders of Kent. This sprawling safari park, managed by the Aspinall Foundation, is not just a zoo, but a true sanctuary for endangered species. In an area of more than 600 acres, you can meet animals such as lions, tigers, rhinos and gorillas, living in conditions similar to their natural habitat.
The main attraction of Port Lympne is the safari, during which you travel through the park in specially adapted vehicles. This is an amazing opportunity to see wild animals up close, while learning more about the conservation of endangered species. The park also offers walking trails so you can get a closer look at some of the inhabitants.
For families with children, Port Lympne has special educational attractions, such as 'Dinosaur Forest' - a trail with realistic models of dinosaurs, and 'Leopard Creek' - luxurious accommodations overlooking leopards. The park places great emphasis on environmental education, making a visit here not only entertaining, but also a valuable lesson on the importance of conservation.
Wingham Wildlife Park, though smaller than Port Lympne, also offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. This intimate zoological park is famous for its close contact with animals and interactive experiences.
At Wingham Wildlife Park you can meet more than 200 species of animals, including rare and endangered species. The park offers unique attractions, such as the opportunity to feed penguins or meet lemurs. There are special playgrounds for children, including a 'soft' play area inside, perfect for rainy days.
One of Wingham Wildlife Park's greatest assets is its educational nature. The park holds regular animal feeding demonstrations and talks with keepers, allowing visitors to better understand the lives and needs of different species. Wingham Wildlife Park is also involved in endangered species conservation programs, which adds a deeper, educational dimension to the visit.
Comparing the two parks, Port Lympne Safari Park offers a more extensive and 'wild' experience, ideal for families with older children and teens. Wingham Wildlife Park, on the other hand, may be a better choice for families with younger children because of its more intimate atmosphere and the opportunity for closer contact with the animals.
Both parks offer a variety of amenities for families, such as picnic areas, cafes and gift stores. Ticket prices are comparable, although Port Lympne may be slightly more expensive due to its larger size and wider range of attractions. It's worth checking the official websites of both parks before visiting, as they often offer promotions for families or combined tickets with other attractions in Kent.
Explore the natural beauty of Kent
To conclude our Kent family tour, we'd like to introduce you to a place that combines natural beauty with education and entertainment - Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a true paradise for lovers of nature and active recreation. Located in the heart of Kent, this vast forest complex offers countless outdoor activities for the whole family.
The Pinetum, or conifer collection, is the heart of Bedgebury. It's a place of great scientific significance, housing one of the world's richest collections of conifers. For children, it's a fascinating lesson in botany and ecology in a natural environment. Specially marked educational paths allow you to learn about the diversity of tree species and their importance to the ecosystem.
However, Bedgebury is much more than just a pinetum. The park offers an extensive network of walking and biking trails of varying levels of difficulty, ensuring that every family will find a route that is right for them. There are special themed trails for the little ones, such as the 'Gruffalo Trail,' inspired by the popular children's book.
One of Bedgebury's biggest attractions is 'Go Ape' - a rope park in the treetops, offering exciting adventures for older children and adults. It's a great opportunity to conquer your fears and feel the thrill while enjoying the forest from a whole new perspective.
For families with young children, there is the 'Play Trail' playground, which combines fun with learning about the forest. It features a variety of installations and structures made of natural materials, encouraging children to play creatively and explore their surroundings.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is also a great place for a family picnic. Numerous clearings and benches scattered throughout the grounds invite you to relax in nature. Various events, from concerts to nature workshops, are held here during the season, making a visit even more attractive.
Comparing Bedgebury with the previously discussed attractions, it stands out above all for its natural character and the possibility of active outdoor activities. Unlike zoological parks or museums, here nature is the main character.
Bedgebury offers much more space for free exploration than Kent Life or Powell-Cotton Museum, which can be an advantage for families with energetic children. At the same time, compared to Port Lympne Safari Park or Wingham Wildlife Park, Bedgebury focuses on flora rather than fauna, which can be an interesting change after visiting zoological parks.
Admission prices to Bedgebury are competitive compared to other attractions in Kent, especially considering that the parking fee covers admission to the entire complex. However, it is worth remembering that some attractions, such as 'Go Ape,' require an additional fee.
In summary, each of the described attractions in Kent offers unique educational and entertainment experiences for families. The choice depends on individual preference - whether you prefer close encounters with animals, a trip back in time, or perhaps active recreation in nature. Whatever your choice, Kent guarantees unforgettable experiences and valuable lessons for young and old explorers.
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