Family Days Out in Canterbury
If you're looking for a day out that the whole family will enjoy come rain or shine, Canterbury has you covered.
Need to entertain the kids? Grandparents need ideas for an outing? We've got you covered. There is a huge range of fun things for the whole family to see and do in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay, without breaking the bank.
We've compiled a list of great places for family fun in all weather, so take a look below and start planning your next adventure. Remember to check your chosen venue's website for up-to-date opening times and offers.
Canterbury Roman Museum
Step back in time and head underground! A great option for rainy days, the Roman museum invites you to relive the past as you stroll through the ancient marketplace and Roman rooms and uncover a hoard of once-buried treasures. You can also see one of the UK's only remaining Roman pavement mosaics!
The museum entertains, engages and educates children with interactive and creative experiences. Try on a toga or make a beautiful mosaic!
Visit the museum website for information on parking and access.
Canterbury Cathedral
Who can resist the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral?
Why not spend a happy morning or afternoon exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether your family wants to marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows, seek out the gargoyles or delve into the bloody history of Thomas Becket, you'll find something to marvel at within these hallowed walls.
The cathedral has its own coffee hut, toilets and parking is available in the city centre pay & display car parks.
Wildwood Trust
Fancy going on a bear hunt or wolf spotting? Well, you can in Canterbury!
Wildwood Trust is a sanctuary and conservation charity on the outskirts of the city, with 40 acres of ancient woodland and a collection of more than 200 animals to see.
Here you can learn about animals that are or were once native to Britain, spotting otters, foxes, badgers, bison, wild boar, lynx, and many more in the woods. Highlights include the incredible brown bear enclosure, which you can view from above. There's also an adventure play park and a special area just for under-5s to enjoy, along with all the usual visitor facilities.
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
Looking to keep the kids entertained with plenty of fun and a little learning? The Beaney is the place to be.
A contender for one of the prettiest buildings in the city, The Beaney houses an art gallery, historic exhibitions, a library and a visitor information centre under one roof and has a packed programme of amazing family events throughout the year, from historical games to seasonal trails and workshops.
This award-winning facility is a perfect spot for rainy day fun, whether you want to explore the exhibits or find a great book to read together.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Witness world-leading conservation in action with a trip to the 90-acre Howletts Wild Animal Park.
This amazing sanctuary is home to some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world, including the western lowland gorillas, Amur tigers, leopards, lions and the largest herd of African elephants in the UK. You can even walk with lemurs, discover the prehistoric wonders of the Animals of the Ice Age through our woodland walk and enjoy daily keeper talks.
A great place to visit any time of the year, there's plenty for visitors of all ages to enjoy while supporting the charity's conservation efforts.
Head out on the RiverÂ
Canterbury has not one, not two, but THREE beautiful boating companies offering individual and group trips along the babbling River Stour.
If you want to dive deep into the city's history - and see parts you can't see on foot - join Canterbury Historic River Tours for a sail and a tale. Or head over to the Canterbury Punting Company, with its stylish café and cocktail bar, for themed trips and cosy cruises under a blanket. Also, Westgate Punts offer short and long trips through the Westgate Gardens that are perfect for families tight for time but who still want to soak up the atmosphere.
Feeling adventurous? Head out to Canoe Wild in Fordwich for a more active excursion on the river, with private hire and group tours on offer for all abilities.
Take In A Show
For families looking for a dash of culture on their next day out, The Gulbenkian Arts Centre is the place to be. The arts venue at the University of Kent campus has a year-round programme of great shows and screenings for all ages, plus the famous FREE bOing! Family Festival every August with performances and activities from international artists. Take a look at their programme.
The Marlowe Theatre also has a packed programme of shows to suit every taste and all ages throughout the year, so be sure to find out what's on for your next family day out.
Whitstable Castle
This magical little castle is just a five-minute walk from Whitstable Harbour and hosts interesting community events throughout the year.
Families will love the public park, complete with ornamental gardens and a children's play area, and The Orangery Tearooms and sun terrace are a great spot for rest and refreshment! The castle regularly hosts seasonal fairs and open days for all ages.
Why not combine your visit with a trip to the seaside and a stroll along the Quay?
Reculver Towers
An historic site and an adventure play park? What's not to like?
The imposing ruins of the medieval church at Reculver are a great spot for a family picnic or pitstop if walking or cycling along coastal trail. Â You can even do a spot of fossil hunting along the coast, and the wider Reculver Country Park is the perfect place for adventures.
The fantastic Roman-inspired play park is available year-round.
Outdoor Adventures
You really can't beat a day out in nature with the whole family, and Canterbury is surrounded by amazing parks, woodland walks, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside that are all free to explore!
You can head to the Dane John Gardens in the city, which has its own adventure playground, toilets and a Latin-inspired café. Or let the little ones burn off some energy at the huge Toddlers' Cove adventure playground with ample parking, toilets and a café on site. There are plenty of seats for parents and grandparents to relax while the kids conquer the pirate ship or tackle the zip line!
For a hike or bike ride, tackle the Crab and Winkle Way through historic woodland or head to Whitstable and Herne Bay for some fun on the beach.
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