DAYSOUT
TEEN-APPROVED TERRITORY
Days out the teens will actually want to join you for...
Getting a teen to do- well- anything can be tricky, especially when it’ s billed as a fun family day out and not a day just hanging out with their friends. But, there is a wealth of attractions and activities they’ ll be excited about and that will be fun for you, too.
First up, an escape room is always a surefire way to keep teens entertained and there’ s some impressive options across the county. From Gravesend’ s The Panic Rooms to Maidstone’ s Prison Island, you don’ t have to travel far for a challenge that teens will love. Some of the escape room settings also have additional activities like laser tag and mini golf, so you can make an entire day of teen-friendly activities.
Adrenaline-keen teens will love Action Watersports in Romney Marsh, where there’ s water-skiing, flyboarding, an inflatable aqua park, banana boat rides and more, while Sandwich’ s Whitemills Wake has a wakeboarding cable, inflatable ringo rides and plenty more.
For a more relaxed teen-approved activity, you can’ t go far wrong with a trip to Folkestone Harbour Arm with its street food vendors and free summer events like live music and film screenings. Or, head to Brockhill Country Park near Hythe where there’ s lakes, woods, open fields and plenty of space to chill.
ACTION WATERSPORTS
If gaming’ s their thing but you want to keep them away from the console in their room, then a trip to Gravity Arcade at Bluewater with its VR games, racing simulators and arcade games is a must.
QUIET MOMENTS
Calmer experiences for taking a step back...
From SEN-aware spaces to sensory gardens, sometimes families need some time away from the summer hustle and bustle to find somewhere more peaceful.
© Stoney Parsons
For calm, SEN-friendly sessions, visit Rockits Sensory & Play Rooms in Tenterden. This inclusive soft play and sensory space has a particular focus on offering support to families with special educational needs( SEN) and neurodivergent children. Space 2 Be Me in Maidstone hosts creative SEN youth sessions and is a great place for teens who want social time without overwhelm.
For an outdoorsy experience, head to Smiles Sensory & Family Farm in Eridge Green where you can book a visit to spend time surrounded by nature and the cute animals that live on the four acres of farm. Another tranquil option is the Blackthorn Trust Garden in Maidstone. Its peaceful, community-run garden is used for wellbeing therapy, while the quiet café onsite serves dishes made with garden-grown produce. Or, in Ashford, there’ s Singleton Environment Centre- a calm, nature-focused eco centre that’ s really good for relaxed days out, especially if you like walking, wildlife, café stops and low-stimulation outdoor space.
BLACKTHORN TRUST GARDEN
www. insidekent. co. uk • 57