It feels like Christmas has only just happened. Yet here we are, it’s February half term next week! I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for things to do in half term for kids in Gravesham and Medway. Some things were booked up in January (while my head was still trying to recover from Christmas and a million birthdays). However, all the things in this post still have availability at the time of writing!
Multiple Days
Dig Deep
“Dig Deep is a hands-on half term activity for budding archaeologists to experience the thrill of an underwater discovery (whilst keeping your feet firmly on dry land!). Mini-maritime adventurers can search our giant discovery pit for surprising treasures and ship artefacts that have been buried on the seabed. Your young explorer will be armed with a scoop and brush and encouraged to dig deep to undercover maritime finds beneath the sand.”
See what we thought of it here.
Where: The Historic Dockyard, Main Gate Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ
Time: Hourly slots during opening hours (10am – 4pm)
Cost: Free with admission to the Dockyard (tickets start from £15.50 and are valid for 12 months)
Ages: All
Booking required: Yes, at the desk upon arrival
Booking/more info: https://thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on/dig-deep/
February Mini Youth Sports Camps
“Whether they’re into basketball, football, boxing or rounders, or fancy burning some energy at an inflatable pool party or with laser tag and nerf guns, there’s an opportunity for all!”
Where: Medway Park, Mill Road, ME7 1HF/Strood Sports Centre, ME2 3JG
Time: Various sessions available
Cost: From £10
Ages: 7-12
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://www.medway.gov.uk/sportscamps
Activity Trail
“Explore the woods following our self-led activity trail and see what you can discover about the park. All completed trails will receive a small prize.”
Where: Shorne Woods Country Park, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX
When: All week, from 10am – 4pm
Cost: £3
Ages: All
Booking required: Kind of. You can pre-book online or pick up a trail sheet at the park.
Booking/more info: https://bookings.kentcountryparks.co.uk/events.html#/kcp_event_list?category=trail&park=shorne%20woods
Swimming Crash Course
4 day crash course. “Daily swimming lessons build muscle memory and water confidence.”
Where: Gravesend
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: nwkent@angelasswimschool.co.uk
Soccer School
Where: St George’s School, Meadow Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 7LS
When: Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th February, 10am – 3pm
Cost: £20 per day
Ages: ?
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://form.jotform.com/FCAcademy/FebHalfTermSoccerSchool
Active Kids Holiday Club
“Enjoy arts and crafts whilst staying active with our fun sports games and team challenges”
Where: Riverview Infant School, Cimba Wood, Gravesend, DA12 4SD
When: Monday 14th – Friday 18th February, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Cost: From £23 per day
Ages: 5-12
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://www.zoneallsportsandcare.com/holiday-camps
Holiday Camp
“Lots of fun, prizes, football and competitions”
Where: Woodlands Sports Centre, Woodlands Road, Gillingham, ME7 2DU
When: Tuesday 15th – Friday 18th February, 10am – 3pm
Cost: £25 per day or £80 for the week
Ages: ?
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/902594983743349
Monday 14th February
Forest School
Where: Nurstead Woods, Off Nurstead Lane, Meopham
Time: 10am-12:30pm session and 12:30-3pm session
Cost: £15 for one session or £25 for both
Ages: 4-12
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://www.facebook.com/WildatHeartLearningKent/photos/a.103053588209380/454277866420282/
Fruity Valentine’s Wand Making
Bring your child along to decorate their own Valentine’s wand, filled with delicious heart shaped fruit.
Where: Jasper’s Community Cafe, Medway Adult Education Centre, Eastgate, ME1 1EW
Time: 10-11am, 11:30am-12:30pm or 1-2pm
Cost: £2 per child
Ages: ?
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://www.facebook.com/jasperscommunitycafe/posts/988583368736689
Tuesday 15th February
Story Time
Reading of a story aimed at 3-8 year olds followed by a free activity. We love The Moat House Coffee Shop for their friendly staff, reasonably priced tasty food and toys for children to play with while you eat.
Where: The Moat House Coffee Shop, Crow Lane, Rochester, ME1 1RF
Time: 10:30am
Cost: Free
Ages: 3-8 year olds
Booking required: No
Booking/more info: https://www.facebook.com/TheMoatHouseCoffeeShop/photos/a.110366464681292/158205356564069/
Animal Encounters
“The sessions offers the opportunity to meet and handle reptiles and rodents including Lizards, Tortoise and Corn Snakes, led by animal enthusiast River Lismer.”
Where: Shorne Woods Country Park, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX
Time: Hourly slots available from 9:39am – 2:45pm
Cost: From £2
Ages: 4 years upwards
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://bookings.kentcountryparks.co.uk/events.html#/kcp_event_list
Shortbread Hearts Decorating
Bring your child along to decorate their own shortbread heart with lots of tasty sweets!
Where: Jasper’s Community Cafe, Medway Adult Education Centre, Eastgate, ME1 1EW
Time: 10-11am, 11:30am-12:30pm or 1-2pm
Cost: £2 per child
Ages: ?
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://www.facebook.com/jasperscommunitycafe/posts/989136068681419
Wednesday 16th February
Glow In The Dark Family Mile
“This will be a unique and exciting Mile, exploring the ancient woodland in the area, with glow sticks to help illuminate the way and add a touch more fun!” Wheelchair and pushchair friendly (depending on weather conditions).
Where: Lordswood Healthy Living Centre, Sultan Road, Chatham, ME5 8TJ
Time: 5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All
Booking required: No
Booking/more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/5378863685461134/
Thursday 17th February
Charles Dickens Rochester For Kids Tour
” The walking tours are age-appropriate for age 8 and upwards (school year 4) and HIGHLY ENTERTAINING, with a quiz as we wander around the Rochester Charles Dickens knew as a child and used frequently in his novels and short stories. Pickwick Papers, Great Expectations and The Mystery of Edwin Drood all feature buildings and locations in Rochester, and we’ll be finding out about Rochester’s secret contribution to Christmas as we celebrate it today – and it’ll be a surprise for children adults alike! At the end of the walk, the winner of the quiz will receive a prize for paying attention!!”
Where: Starting from the main doors of Rochester Cathedral, The Precinct, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SX
Time: 11am – 1pm
Cost: From £12
Ages: 8 years and upwards
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rochesterhistoryguidedtours/t-xpjkzr
Saturday 19th February
Mallet Making Experience
Come along and learn how to make your very own camping mallet using green timber from Shorne Woods Country Park. Includes a hot drink.
Where: Shorne Woods Country Park, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX
Time: 10am – 12:30pm
Cost: £20
Ages: Tickets are for 1 adult and 1 child over 8 years
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://bookings.kentcountryparks.co.uk/events.html#/kcp_event_list?category=mallet&park=shorne
Clay Monster Workshop
“Make your very own monsters using clay, feathers, pipe cleaners and googly eyes. This fun, relaxing project allows kids to explore their imaginations and enjoy crafting a quirky character to suit their personality.”
Where: Hobbycraft, Strood Retail Park, Commercial Road, Strood, Kent, ME2 2AB
Time: 10-11am or 4-5pm
Cost: £5
Ages: I’d estimate 5 upwards
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://classbento.co.uk/kids-clay-monster-decoration-workshop-rochester
Sunday 20th February
Animal Encounters
“The sessions offers the opportunity to meet and handle reptiles and rodents including Lizards, Tortoise and Corn Snakes, led by animal enthusiast River Lismer.”
Where: Shorne Woods Country Park, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent, DA12 3HX
Time: Hourly slots available from 9:39am – 2:45pm
Cost: From £2
Ages: 4 years upwards
Booking required: Yes
Booking/more info: https://bookings.kentcountryparks.co.uk/events.html#/kcp_event_list