Whitstable’s reputation as a great foodie & shop till you drop location is truly deserved, but it’s also a great place to take the children for a day out or a staycation.
Our Whitstable expert Debbie Green took her family to find the best things to do on a day out by the seaside, so pick your favourites to build your perfect trip with the kids.
By The Seaside
Whistable's long stretch of beach with breakwaters is a great place to spend the day. There is a little sand amongst the stones on the slopes to make a sandcastle and plenty of spots to go out for a paddle when the tide is in - beach shoes are advised! Take a bucket and see what shells you can find; the Oyster beds are clearly marked to stop people digging there but you will find many oyster shells, which make a great addition to a memory box or shell collection.
There are several places selling food and drinks along the beach including the Old Neptune, The Forge and South Quay Shed and the Harbour Market, all offering a take away service and great treats.
Boat Trips
There are several options for boat trips, from longer ones out to the Forts on Greta to shorter ones with features like seal safaris!
Whitstable Vintage Lifeboats offers a great the 30 minute trip around the bay, at only £ 10 each and £ 6.50 for 5 and under. The perfect length to suit all ages! A full range of lifejacket sizes for the little ones is available, and the boat takes a maximum of 12 passengers. The children loved it and later on pointed out places they had seen from the boat!
All our beach bags, buckets and spades were looked after whilst on the boat as well. To book email vintagelifeboat@outlook.com or visit the website
Crabbing
Our next destination straight off the boat was the crabbing corner. This was really good fun and the children were so excited when they picked up crabs. Once you have the crab line & nets, it’s a very entertaining free activity to be repeated not only in Whitstable but on other holidays too.
Top tips! Get there early as it gets busy, crabs love sardines so bring a tin, if you don’t have the necessary kit don’t worry because Kites & Things on harbour sells everything that you need including bait. And the crabs aren’t for eating so pop back in the sea along with any little tiddlers!


Perched on the hill by Tankerton, the tiny castle is a wonderful spot to explore. The pirate ship themed playground is a great place for the little ones to let off steam and completely free. The castle tea rooms are nearby for coffee and cake, and during the school holidays and at various weekends through the year, there are many workshops and activities arranged for children. Do follow them so you can plan ahead for all-weather trips
Tankerton Slopes
This is a great beach area for children and many of the beach huts are available to hire. They usually include table, chairs, gas hob and or/kettle, making it an excellent base to pop all your bags in, change the children for a paddle, prep that picnic and relax. If the little ones stay awake long enough, catch the amazing sunsets over the sea. Close to the slopes is a café & ice cream parlour, while the high street parallel to the beach has cafes, restaurants and shops selling sportswear, gifts, beachwear, clothing & picnic goodies.


Indoor Fun
If the weather isn't right for a day on the beach, there are plenty of things you can do indoors too.
Close to the harbour is MFA Bowl always a great option for cooler days or when you want a break from the sun, or head to the Whitstable Museum - a volunteer run museum telling local stories of diving, fishing, shipwrecks, oysters and more.
If the little ones have pocket money saved up then they have several choices! Toys N Trends is a wonderful traditional toyshop and with a great pocket money section too, always stocking all the latest trends in toys and activity games .
Buttercup Whitstable is a treasure of traditional wooden toys, gifts and books for babies and children, and Tales of Moon Lane is a bookshop just for children right at the top of Whitstable’s high street.
For proper sweet treats and gifts, you must make a stop at Honey Kanes - watch the children's eyes open wide at this independent sweet shop with jars galore and the HoneyKanes express whizzing around the ceiling.
Another real treat is Kakawa Artisan Chocolate factory, café and shop! Children can even make their own bars! So follow and book for the ultimate treat & they sell great coffee and hot chocolate for parents to enjoy as well


Snack Time
When the family needs fuel on their day out, there are plenty of places to choose from whether you want a sweet treat or a filling lunch. Cafe 89 sells home made sweets, fudge & cakes, while The Bears Trading Company is not only a great café, but the bathroom is also Rupert the Bear themed and it sells the most beautiful Bears! Tankerton Bakery sells fresh jam doughnuts – can the little ones eat without licking their lips?
If you've forgotten essentials for the beach, then head to C T Gifts to get your essentials.
And you can't come to the coast and NOT get some fish and chips, right? Head to Ossies Best Fish & Chips or Carousel Fish Bar both on Tankerton Road,
Why not grab and ice cream treat to finish the day? Lotties Sweet Creams on Horsebridge Road has a huge range of flavours including vegan and gluten free. While Scoops Tankerton has over 30 varieties plus sundaes, shakes waffles and coffee for the parents too.
These are just a selection of ideas to enjoy your time with the children in Whitstable & Tankerton, we had a wonderful day with very sleepy children and a plan to return soon to complete the list
Enjoy!

