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If you have got young children, there are some places in Kent which they simply must try to visit before they get too old.

Kids grow up so quickly, and that means you’ll want them to make the most of their childhoods and create special memories along the way.

Many parents will be sure to take their children to Disneyland, Legoland and theme parks before they grow up, but you don’t have to go far for a bit of magic.

Kids can ride on a lifesize Thomas the Tank Engine when he steams into Kent  

There are farms, playgrounds and soft play centres dotted around the county which are mostly aimed at the little ones.

We’re not saying that children over 13 won’t like them, but they might get the most out of while they’re still small.

Here are 30 days out you in Kent need to do before the kids grow up too much.

Huckleberry Woods, Faversham

This Kent farm specialising in miniature animal adventures is one of the only places in the country where you can actually walk a micro pig.

Huckleberry Woods, near  Faversham , offers a unique place to unwind among a variety of ‘mini’ animals, including miniature Mediterranean donkeys, baby alpacas, bantam chickens and, of course, micro pigs.

The farm, just off Lower Road, was opened by husband and wife team Belinda and Bill Neal just one year ago.

Where: Lower Road, Faversham ME13 0TP

For more information and to book click .

Jeskyns Fairy and Elf Village

A community of fairies and elves have discovered Keskyns forest and set up their own village.

Look for the gate in the Sand Pit Play Area to discover wonderful tiny new residences such as Acorn Apartments, Mushroom Manor, The Old Boot Inn and Tree Top Village.

There is no charge to visit the village, with the trail suitable for children of all ages.

Where: Henhurst Road, Cobham, DA12 3AN

The latest opening times are available .

Lydd Aqua Park

The new Aqua Park at Lydd first opened back in April and is bound to be a popular spot for families during the summer holidays.

It is set in the lake at Action Watersports, which also offers water-skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing and stand-up paddle boarding.

The inflatable water park features 18 floating obstacles ranging from monkey bars and climbing frames to slides.

It is suitable for ages six and up.

All you need to bring is swimwear and a towel for a great day out for the whole family.

Where : Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, TN29 9JH

Call 01797 321885 or visit   for more information.

Dinotropolis, Bluewater

 

Tail-swinging, claw-clenching, life-sized, roaring dinosaurs are taking over Bluewater Shopping Centre , near Dartford .

Called Dinotropolis, the ‘ultimate’ adventure park gives children the opportunity to explore the Jurassic world.

There are animatronic dinosaurs, three storeys of soft play and dino interactives at the all-new attraction.

Where : Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe DA9 9ST

To book tickets, .

Alpaca Annie, Romney Marsh

Take an alpaca for a trek across the dykes and farmland of the Romney Marsh.

The alpacas are used to make knitwear, but visitors can also meet the South American creatures where you can feed, walk with them and have your photo taken.

Where: Haguelands Farm,, Burmarsh,, New Romney TN29 0JR

For more information click .

The Enchanted Forest, Groombridge

Have a day to remember amongst the trees in the gardens at Groombridge Place in Tunbridge Wells.

The Gardens include a formal Knot and Oriental Garden, a Secret Garden, the white rose garden and the wonderfully named Drunken Garden, a favourite of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Journey on foot or by canal boat to discover water pools, rope swings, wooden bridges and a maze – and even look out for peacocks roaming free.

Where: Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9QG

For more information click .

The water maze at Hever Castle

After exploring the stunning Hever Castle and extensive grounds, kids can cool down in the water maze.

Situated on Sixteen Acre Island the Water Maze is a maze with a difference that consists of a series of concentric stepping stone walkways sitting over water.

The stones then tilt when stepped on and hidden water jets will spring into action to soak the players.

The aim is to reach the stone grotto in the centre without getting wet, with the maze challenging the young and old alike.

Where: Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

The latest opening times and prices are available .

The Big Cat Sanctuary

Cat lovers have the chance to see lions, tigers, cheetahs and snow leopards at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden.

For four days over the summer, visitors can visit the big cats who live at the site, including lions, tigers, jaguars, cheetahs, snow leopards and pallas cats.

There will also be keeper talks, falconry displays, arts and crafts, stalls, face painting and a bouncy slide.

Where: Headcorn Road, Smarden, Ashford, TN27 8PJ

For open days and prices click here .

The Dinosaur Forest at Port Lympne

Children can marvel at the T Rex, stare at the Stegosaurus, feel the terror of the Pterodactyl and delight at the sheer size of the diplodocus when they come face to face with prehistoric creatures at Port Lympne.

As you journey through three acres of natural woodland, you’ll discover amazing facts and information about the prehistoric world and meet dinosaur rangers along the way.

You can also download the Port Lympne app to bring the dinosaurs to live in a virtual reality to really bring the forest to life.

Where: Aldington Road, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR

For the latest prices and opening times visit the .

The Shell Grotto, Margate

Beneath the earth, in a quiet residential street in Margate, lies an underground chamber that captures the hearts and imaginations of legions of visitors every year.

The walls of the Shell Grotto are lined with millions of shells, all painstakingly laid out in intricate patterns, swirls and even images of birds, hearts and women.

But perhaps the most interesting thing about The Shell Grotto is that nobody really knows why it’s there!

Where: Grotto Hill, Margate CT9 2BU

For more information click .

Botany Bay

Botany Bay is an ideal location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools.

The stunning beach also boasts spectacular chalk cliffs, and it is relatively quiet and secluded.

Tourists come from far and wide to relax and explore this hidden gem, with plenty of exposed sand as well as stunning views of the sea.

Where: Marine Drive, Broadstairs, CT10 3LG

The Strand Leisure Park

This outdoor 25 metre pool includes a 300m lazy river and slides, as well as a toddler’s paddling pool for the little ones.

It’s always a hit with families over the warm months, providing the perfect way to cool off.

You can also play tennis and crazy golf at The Strand and kids can enjoy playgrounds, inflatables and the famous miniature railway.

Where: The Strand Leisure Park, Pier Approach, Gillingham, ME7 1TT

Click for opening times and prices.

The natural play area at Chartwell

Chartwell was the much-loved Churchill family home from 1922, and the rooms remain much as they were when he lived there.

After exploring the house, visitors can explore the hillside gardens which reflect Sir Winston’s love of the landscape and nature.

Beyond the gardens there is an expanse of woodland with looped trails and natural play areas.

The natural play area, which is open all year round, has been created by the Chartwell team to reintroduce some of the fun and freedom that the Churchill children enjoyed in the grounds of their home.

You’ll be able to discover what it would have been like for the children growing up, and the adventures they would have had on the estate. There are dens that are based on the tree houses the Churchill children built and swings engraved with their nicknames.

Where: Mapleton Road, Westerham, TN16 1PS

Opening times and the current admission prices for non- members are available .

Meet Thomas the Tank Engine

Thomas the Tank Engine tours the country on an annual basis, and the famous train usually makes a few stops at Kent’s heritage railways.

Children can see Thomas and his friends, enjoy a Fat Controller tea party and even catch a ride on a steam train at the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden.

It’s bound to be a day out every Thomas fan will love – and you can book tickets .

Hornby Visitor Centre, Margate

You can go on a journey through the history of Britain’s best loved toys at Hornby Visitor Centre in Margate.

Featuring rare products from the Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives, it’s a place like no other.

Where: Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate CT9 4JX

For more information click .

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is one of the most visited historic sites in the country, with a history dating back more than 1,000 years to the Normans.

Visitors can explore the castle and its state rooms, walk in the 500 acres of parkland and woodland, and lose themselves in the maze, which consists of 2,400 yew trees and when viewed from the centre.

Younger children can also climb turrets in the Squires’ Court Playground, as well as swing across zip lines, play in the sand pits and plunge down the slides.

Children over seven can let their imaginations run wild in the Knights’ Realm Playground, a wooden adventure playground modelled on the design of Leeds Castle. Children can have fun on the slides, bash bags and rope walkway as well as explore the secret tunnels.

Where: Maidstone, ME17 1PL

For the latest opening times and prices visit the .

The treetop walkway at Groombridge Place

Families can discover a unique world of adventure at Groombridge Place thanks to the 250m long high Treetops Walkway.

Standing 20m above the forest floor, visitors can climb higher and higher along the ropes into the tree canopy of the huge Oak, Pine, Beech and Chestnut trees that make up the ancient forest.

The adventure takes at least 30 minutes to complete and the 360 degree views are well worth the exhilarating climb.

Where: Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG

For the latest opening times and prices visit the .

Lower Leas Coastal Park

The Lower Leas Coastal Park is home to the largest free adventure play area in the south east.

The ‘fun zone’ is a super adventure playground with sunken pirate ship, zip lines and over 12 metres of tube slides.

While the wild zone is a haven for quiet recreation, where sensitive habitat management allows wildlife to thrive.

It’s the perfect place for a picturesque walk too and has unrivaled views of the Folkestone coast all year round.

Where: Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone

For more information and to book click here.

Dreamland Margate

Described as the heartbeat of Margate, Dreamland was one of the UK’s best-loved amusement parks.

Considered to be the oldest-surviving theme park in Great Britain, the site of Dreamland reopened in June 2015 after years of waiting. Now it is home to lovingly restored vintage rides, as well as an outdoor event space big enough to attract huge names such as Gorillaz.

And adults and kids alike will be able to enjoy new, re-imagined versions of firm favourites from the past, delight in carefully restored vintage rides and experience new thrill and coaster rides, while there.

Where: 49-51 Marine Terrace, Margate, CT9 1XJ

For more information visit the .

Knole Park

Experience the history and wildlife of Kent’s only remaining deer park, which has remained substantially unchanged since medieval times.

The park is free to enter, with the National Trust site home to around 500 deer in total.

Where: Knole House, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP

It is free to visit Knole Park, but non- members will need to pay admission to visit the house. The current prices are available .

Howletts and Port Lympne

Howletts and Port Lympne animal parks are both home to hundreds of animals, including big cats, giraffe, elephants and monkeys.

A visit to either of the parks provides an excellent day out for the whole family, allowing you to find out more about the animals, watch feeding times and enter walk through exhibits.

Where: Port Lympne, Aldington Road, Lympne, Hythe, CT21 4LR

Howletts, Bekesbourne Lane, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury, CT4 5EL

For the latest prices and opening times visit the or .

The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Passengers can board a train at six coastal stations from Hythe to Dungeness.

With an all day ticket, you can explore the landmarks along the way as well as well as hop off and explore the nearby beach at each stop.

It gives you and the kids the chance to ride on a real steam train and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Where: Dymchurch Railway, New Romney Station, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8PL

For prices and opening times click .

Pedal go karting

A new pedal go karting track has opened near  Canterbury  and the kids will love it.

Run by soft play centre Big Fun House the one of a kind attraction is made up of tricky bends, cambers and chicanes.

It even has breathtaking uphill stints and hairpin corners sure to puff out even the fittest.

Owner Simon Bridgland, 48, has proudly dubbed the new track, which opened a fortnight ago, “the best off-road pedal circuit in the UK”.

Anybody over the age of five can use the go karts and Simon insists the new attraction just off the A28 in Chartham is fun for all the  family .

Where: Ashford Road, Chartham, Canterbury, CT4 7HN

You can book tickets by .

Go Ape

Families have the chance to become Tarzan for the day at Go Ape at Bedegbury.

Go Ape Tree Top Junior is a one hour experience made up of wobbly bridges, intricate crossings and an awesome zip wire finale, and is perfect for younger children.

Children over ten can also try the Tree Top Adventure, which is available at Bedebury and Leeds Castle.

The tree top obstacles are designed to test your balance and nerves, making a perfect day out for the adventurous.

For prices and opening times visit the .

Diggerland

Diggerland is an adventure theme park experience where children and adults can ride, drive and operate real differs.

Aimed at children between the ages of four and 14, the park has 20 different rides and a range of activities for kids to enjoy, including indoor and outdoor play areas and sandpits.

Where: Medway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood, ME2 2NU

For prices and opening times visit the .

Kent Life

Kent Life is home to all traditional farm animals, including sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, donkeys, goats, poultry, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, ducks, geese and alpacas.

The cuddle corner provides the opportunity to get up close and personal to the smaller farmyard friends, and you can feed and groom animals throughout the day.

Where: Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

For prices and opening times visit the .

Hadlow Tower

This 18th century Hadlow Tower was built in the fashionable Strawberry Hill Gothic style.

The building looks like it could be Repunzel’s Tower, and the tower remains one of the largest in Britain.

The Hadlow Easy Access Trail is a flat walk of 1.2 miles, with various points of interest including Hadlow Tower, and a pond home to an abundance of plant and wildlife.

You can download the map .

Scotney Castle

This 14th century moated castle is set in a wooded estate with more than 770 acres to explore.

Visitors today can discover the delights of the Victorian country mansion with its secrets and stories, and walk in the beautiful parkland, woodland and Hop farm.

It’s also a great play to play games and hide and seek.

Where: Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN

The current admission prices for non- members are available .

Canterbury Tales

You’ve read the book, now see the exhibition.

Entertaining visitors since 1988, The Canterbury Tales attraction is a must-see for all visitors to the city and promises a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most famous collection of stories.

It promises an immersive experience and the only attraction in the world dedicated to Chaucer and his Tales.

Where: St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury, CT1 2TG

for more information.

Dover Castle

The great fortress of Dover Castle has long been known as the ‘key of England’ due to its crucial role in the defence of the realm.

Built in the 12th century, Dover Castle is one of the largest castles in England and provides a spectacular site above the famous white cliffs. It has hosted royal visits from Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Charles I’s queen, Henrietta Maria.

Visitors today can step inside the Great Tower and be transported to a world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition to meet the royal court of King Henry II.

You can also explore the underground hospital, to see the living conditions in the tunnels and hear about the difficulties of treating injuries in close proximity to falling bombs.

Dover’s secret wartime tunnels also allow you to see, hear and feel the danger as the events and people from the Dunkirk evacuation are made real.

Where : Castle Hill Road, Dover CT16 1HU

Visit to find out the latest prices and opening times.