Top 10 Family Days Out In Maidstone

Image © Luis Quintero, Pexels.

Looking for some new things to do with the family?

After being cooped up indoors for so long, it's time to get back out into the world and have some classic family fun! These attractions in Kent are sure to please the kids and give them a much-needed change of scenery.

Here is Kidadl's guide to ten great days out in Maidstone.

For those interested in the cultural aspect of Kent, here are two of the best things to do to broaden the mind and learn about the world around us.

Location: Museum St. Faith's Street, Maidstone.

Suitable For: Ages 4+

The Maidstone Museum has been said to be like the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert all tucked into one building. With exhibitions ranging from fine art to fossils, a visit to this cultural hub will make for a rich learning experience for all the family.

COVID Precautions: Due to social distancing restrictions, the Maidstone Museum is temporarily operating on a one-way system route. They also request that visitors wear masks while inside the building.

Food: There is a small cafe located inside the museum.

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing areas available inside the building.

Parking: There is a pay and display parking area opposite the museum.

Location: Pendfold Hill, Leeds, Maidstone.

Suitable For: All Ages.

Before even stepping foot inside the castle, there are 500 acres of exquisite gardens to explore with many outdoor attractions including mini golf, mazes and more! For history buffs, there is a tour of the castle and all its interesting rooms. With all these things to do you will have a fully scheduled family day out!

COVID Precautions: Please book your tickets online and note that some attractions may be closed, check online before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Food: The Castle View Cafe is located on the premises.

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing areas available on site.

Parking: There is free parking on the grounds of the castle.

For a more relaxed day out to ease you back into normal life, here are two of the best public parks in Kent for the family to visit and enjoy.

Location: Mote Avenue, Maidstone.

Suitable For: All ages.

For a classic, relaxed family day out look no further than Mote Park. A great outdoor location with a lovely lake full of swans and ducks. The kids will enjoy being back in the playground and getting to run around to their heart's content.

COVID Precautions: Please be mindful of social distancing and ensure the kids use hand sanitiser before and after using the playground equipment.

Food: The cafe is not yet open for visitors.

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing areas available on site.

Parking: There is a pay and display parking area nearby.

Location: White Horse Wood, Maidstone.

Suitable For: All ages.

A gorgeous countryside walk with lots of outdoor attractions for any family to enjoy. With beautiful views, picnic areas and a chance to explore the medieval Thurnham Castle ruins, this makes for a great day out with the kids and the dogs too!

COVID Precautions: Please be aware of social distancing while visiting the park.

Food: There are no food vendors in this park.

Facilities: There are no toilets or baby changing facilities on the grounds of the park.

Parking: There is parking available on the grounds.

Calling all animal lovers! Here are three of the top farming locations that Kent has to offer for a more active and engaging day for the whole family.

Location: Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone.

Suitable For: All ages.

Spend the day at this working farm for a real rural experience. There are so many things to enjoy including fun outdoor activities for the kids such as meeting the farm animals, wandering around the Kentish Gardens, exploring the Vintage Village and more.

COVID Precautions: Please book your tickets online and note that there's a one-way system in place.

Food: The Pantry is open and serving guests with homemade takeaway food.

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing facilities available on site.

Parking: There is parking available.

Location: Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone.

Suitable For: All ages.

A great way to spend the day with the kids doing outdoor activities. Tyland Barn is perfect to experience all the wonderful features of Kent countryside. Take a tour of the Nature Park filled with woodland, ponds and rivers. There is so much to explore and learn about here.

Please Note: Tyland Barn is currently closed but they are working on a way to come back in a way that's safe and enjoyable for everyone, keep an eye out on their website so you don't miss a thing!

Food: There are no food vendors at this location.

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing facilities available.

Parking: There is a free parking area on site.

Location: Farleigh Lane, Maidstone.

Suitable For: All ages.

Take the kids on a lovely trip to a small working farm. This location has a nice relaxing atmosphere with friendly staff ready to answer any questions you may have about the animals or the orchard.

COVID Precautions: Be aware of social distancing while visiting the farm.

Food: There is a cafe on site which sells homemade food. We recommend you try the afternoon tea!

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing facilities available.

Parking: There is parking available on the grounds.

Looking for something more than a trip to the park? These unusual attractions are something new for the family to try.

Location: Lock Lane Sandling, Maidstone.

Suitable For: Ages 6+

A secret gem within the grounds of Kent Life, the Owl Academy is a great chance to get to learn about and even hold some of England's most impressive birds. Whatever your child's confidence level with animals is, the professional team will guide them every step of the way to making a connection with these gentle creatures.

COVID Precautions: Please book your workshop with the owl keepers in advance online.

Food: There is a cafe on the grounds of Kent Life farm.

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing facilities available.

Parking: There is free parking on the grounds of the farm.

Location: Weirton Road, Boughton, Monchelsea, Maidstone.

Suitable For: All ages are welcome to visit, however, the activities are for ages 12+

Visit the only registered charity for goats in the UK, this outdoor sanctuary provides fun family activities that you just can't find anywhere else! Open every Thursday - Sunday, this is a unique day out for all the family to enjoy. Meet, feed and pet the happy little goats in their special home. On Saturdays, you can take part in the Walking With Goats experience for more giddy goat fun.

COVID Precautions: Please be aware of social distancing during your visit.

Food: There is a small cafe on site.

Facilities: There are toilets but no baby-changing facilities on site.

Parking: There is a parking area on the grounds.

Location: Hampstead Lane, Yalding, Maidstone.

Suitable For: All Ages.

Looking for a spot of tea? The Teapot Island has exactly what you need and more! This cafe is famous for being home to England's largest collection of teapots. After you're done with brunch you and the kids can browse over 7,600 novelty teapots on display in the gallery. From Darth Vader to Daleks, if you can think of it there's a teapot of it!

COVID Precautions: A limited number of people will be allowed in the gallery at a time so you may be expected to queue.

Food: There is food available to purchase on site.

Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing facilities available.

Parking: There is free parking on the grounds of the cafe.