The summer holidays are in full swing now. It’s about this time that parents start to pull their hair out trying to think of things to do to avoid the dreaded whinges of “I’m bored!” Fortunately, you don’t even need to leave Medway if you don’t want to as there is lots going on. Much of it is free too!
What’s going on by date
10th August
Medieval Merriment at Rochester Castle
You can experience a taste of Medieval life at the castle over the Medieval Merriment weekend. “Walk around the Medieval Siege Society living history camp, and watch in awe as the Trebuchet Siege engine is fired! There will also be men-at-arms, archery & falconry displays, a courtly jester, have-a-go archery, trader’s stalls, refreshments and children’s crafts. ”
This event is free, but normal admission applies to the Keep.
Disney Swim at Larkfield Leisure Centre
Larkfield Leisure Centre is just outside of Medway and it doesn’t take long to get there by car. Each Saturday from 1.30 – 2.15pm there are are Disney themed swims, starting with Toy Story 4 this summer.
“Ideal for children aged 3 to 11 years and an accompanying adult (essential), sessions include 10 exciting activities featuring content inspired by Swim England core aquatic skills and the magic of Disney storytelling – starting with Disney•Pixar’s most-loved characters from the upcoming release of Toy Story 4 including Buzz and Woody and the rest of the gang.
To pre-book your place please call 01622 719345.”
Bat-tastic Cars at Bluewater
“A 1989 Batmobile will be on display outside EAT. and the futuristic Tumbler car has now moved outside, in the Marks and Spencer car park.”
The cars will be on display from 9am. Also, if you share a picture of your kids with the Tumbler in their best superhero fancy dress, tagging Bluewater on social media, they could win a bat-themed bumper goodybag!
Medway Queen Fun Day
Based on Gillingham Pier, this historic paddle steamer is having a fun day to help raise funds. From 10am – 4pm there will be fun, food and crafts!
Azure Family Summer Party
A day of summer fun from 10am – 4pm.
“Bring your family and friends along to our Summer Family Party at Azure, St Mary’s Island!
Take part in our Bouncy Castle, Garden Games and Tombola. Enjoy Prosecco and Pimms. And indulge in Ice Cream and sweet treats!”
11th August
Medieval Merriment at Rochester Castle
You can experience a taste of Medieval life at the castle over the Medieval Merriment weekend. “Walk around the Medieval Siege Society living history camp, and watch in awe as the Trebuchet Siege engine is fired! There will also be men-at-arms, archery & falconry displays, a courtly jester, have-a-go archery, trader’s stalls, refreshments and children’s crafts. ”
This event is free, but normal admission applies to the Keep.
Free Children’s Yoga at Rochester Esplanade
From 10am – 10.30am, there will be a free children’s yoga session at the playground on Rochester Espalanade aimed at 2-7 year olds.
12th August
From 12th – 16th August, your child can take part in The Brook Theatre in Chatham’s Summer School. At the end, they will take part in a show of Mary Poppins.
“Aimed at 4 to 6 year-olds, this is set to be the most exciting week learning all things Mary Poppins, and lots of skills in singing, dancing and acting, ready to give a show to family and friends in the main theatre on Fri, 16 Aug. £65 per child.”
Contact 01634 338338 to book.
14th August
Teddy Bear Picnic at The Vines in Rochester
This is a free event – just bring a teddy and a picnic! Booking isn’t required and all activities are free.
“Everyone is invited to come and have a picnic in the park with their teddies. This day includes games and crafts
on the theme of wildlife. PLUS a storyteller and a facepainter!
There is on-road parking nearby. Look out for the green gazebos.”
17th August
Super Gravesham
From 10am-3pm, there will be various things going on in Gravesend Borough Market (easily accessible from Medway via car, bus or train).
For a small charge, there will be superheroes around the town centre and face painting. At the Borough Market, there will also be Disney sing-along experiences hosted by Elsa, Ariel and Prince William at 11, 12 and 1pm.
20th August
The Secret Garden at Rochester Cathedral
Bring your blankets or low-backed chairs to the beautiful garden of Rochester Cathedral for an evening play (doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 7.30pm). Click here to buy tickets/see prices.
“This summer, join young Mary Lennox on a journey of discovery as she is sent to her uncle’s house in the countryside, where mysteries and secrets lurk round every corner… As she makes new friends and encounters magical creatures, Mary has one burning question: where is the location of her uncle’s secret garden, and where has he hidden the key?
This enchanting story, loved by children and adults alike, is presented in some of the UK and Ireland’s most beautiful outdoor venues. Relive this tale of secrecy and curiosity in what will be one of the highlights of the summer.”
21st August
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Rochester Cathedral
See Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy in beautiful surroundings. Just buy your tickets and bring a rug or low-backed seat. Doors open at 6.30pm ready for the show to start at 7.30pm. Click here to buy tickets and see prices.
“Let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests and meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies, and hilarious travelling players. Beautifully designed Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful musical score and enchanting woodland creatures come together to make this an evening of unmissable summer garden theatre, and one of Chapterhouse’s most popular shows.”
22nd August
Collage and Weave Workshop at the Huguenot Museum
“Make a paper weaving using strips of collaged materials inspired by our Bizarre and Curious Silks exhibition.
Experiment with a range of materials to create your collage.”
The Huguenot Museum is in Rochester High Street. There’s no need to book, just drop in between 11.45am and 3pm. I can’t see any details of price online, but in my experience there is usually a small fee for activities at the museum.
27th August
Ted’s Picnic at Riverside Country Park, Gillingham
Everyone loves a teddy bear’s picnic! From 10am-12pm you can enjoy one at Riverside Country Park, which makes for a lovely walk and has a playground and cafe.
“Bring a picnic and a teddy bear and join in the storytelling and fun and games. Suitable for children 3-7 years accompanied by an adult. £5.00 per child.
Booking Essential on 01634 337432”
30th August – 1st September
Hells Angel MC Kents 10th Family Yard Party
At Angel Farm in Roper’s Lane, Hoo, there will be a weekend of family fun. There will be bikes, trikes and scooters as well as food stalls, a raffle, stalls, live bands, a magician, bouncy castle and face painting. The party will end with a firework display at 10pm on 31st August.
Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the gate. 2 children under 16 per adult get in free, additional children are £3 each. You can buy tickets from:
- hellsangelsmckent.com
- From Angel Farm
- Text/Call 0751 338 3432
- Email kent81familyyardparty@aol.co.uk
31st August
Strood Fire Station Family Open Day
From 11am – 3pm, Strood Fire Station is open for a day of fun activities, fire safety and tasty refreshments.
“Come along and meet KFRS crews before taking part in a fun-filled day of activities, fire and road safety experiences.
Children will be able to pick up a free activity trail card before exploring four new designated zones and taking part in a range of exciting and educational activities.
There is no parking available at our Open Days, so please use local public car parks or public transport.”
All Summer Long
Chatham
Summer at the Dockyard
Until 1st September, there are all sorts of fun things going on at Chatham Dockyard. The popular beach is back, as well as a pirates exhibition and science shows. This would be a good place to go on a rainy day as there is lots undercover! You can find out more here.
P.s. Over the summer holidays, children aged 5-15 years get in free with every full paying adult or concession ticket.
Gillingham
Become a Dino Explorer – Hempstead Valley
Until Sunday 18th August, dinosaurs have taken over Hempstead Valley. My 2 year old daughter loves them! Your children can have their photo taken with them and take part in dinosaur activities (outside Boots), including a dinosaur hunt which ends in your child receiving a dinosaur mask. There is also a competition to win some dinosaur goodies!
Shocking Electricity – Royal Engineers Museum
At the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham this summer, there is an amazing electricity exhibition and electricity related activities going on throughout the school holidays. Find out more here.
Rochester
Medway Open Top Tour Bus
From 11am – 4pm, the tour bus takes you on a journey from the coach bays outside Medway Visitor Information Centre around Medway, showing off many of its attractions. Alternatively, you can jump on and buy a ticket at any of its stops en-route.
Attractions include Rochester Castle and Cathedral, Eastgate House, Fort Amherst and Chatham Dockyard.
Adventure Golf at Rochester Cathedral
Another great rainy day activity is adventure golf in the nave of beautiful Rochester Cathedral. In conjunction with The Rochester Bridge Trust, this collaboration aims to educate and excite people about the engineering behind local and famous bridges as well as open a discussion about building bridges within our community.
This is free, but donations to the upkeep of the Cathedral are encouraged.
Why not explore this beautiful building while you’re there? The Rochester Bridge Trust will also be running fun activities throughout the month of August for children, for which a small fee may apply.
Rochester Castle Trail
Aimed at 5-12 year olds, there is a trail to follow for which you can win a small prize! This costs 80p as well as admission to the castle.
Guildhall Museum Crafts and Trail
At the Guildhall Museum in Rochester High Street, children can make a boat to sail on their paper river and take home. Find all the boats hidden around the museum to win a small prize.
“‘Make your own sailing barge’ runs Tuesdays to Fridays from 24 July to 30 August, 10.30am to 3.30pm. 80p per child. No need to book. Entrance to the museum is free.”
Let me know if I’ve missed anything you think should be on this list at laura@autumnsmummyblog.com 🙂
Please note that I am not the organiser of any of these events. All information is correct at the time of writing. In the event of adverse weather conditions, you may wish to check the event organiser’s social media accounts, websites or phone them.