FLORRIE’ S JANUARY DOG DAYS
Florrie
DAYSOUT
FOR LITTLE ONES
Keeping preschoolers busy on a blustery day can be a little challenging, but thankfully across the county there’ s plenty of indoor attractions to entertain little hands and feet.
Head to Role Play Rascals Faversham where kids can let their imaginations run wild. From flying a rocket ship to feeding a dinosaur, there’ s endless ways to keep them entertained. Plus, there’ s great coffee for adults, too- always a bonus after an inevitably early start!
Rockits in Tenterden is especially great for those with babies and younger kids. With its sensory rooms, themed areas and soft play section it’ s the perfect place to head to on a rainy day. Rockits is also known for its SEND activities and support, so it’ s especially good for those seeking somewhere their child will thrive.
Peekaboo Playhouse in Canterbury is another favourite with younger kids. With a role play village, a baby and toddler zone and sensory stations, it’ s the perfect place to head on a rainy day to keep little ones occupied.
To bounce off some energy, Flip Out in Ashford offers stay-and-play sessions for under fives. You can stay all day and there’ s trampolines, soft play and more, which is great fun for everyone involved.
Let’ s face it, you can’ t go far wrong with a film and snacks when it’ s miserable outside, and lots of cinemas in Kent offer sessions for younger kids. Kino in Hawkhurst has Kino Babies where you can enjoy the latest film releases with your pre-crawler in a relaxed setting.
FLORRIE’ S JANUARY DOG DAYS
BY FLORRIE, iK’ S RESIDENT COCKAPOO
Hello my muddy-pawed pals
January has a bit of a reputation. Humans call it long, grey and expensive. I call it excellent. Fewer crowds, more smells and the sort of crisp air that makes ears flap like flags. So this month, I’ m wagging my tail firmly in the direction of one of Kent’ s most wonderfully weird walkies … Dungeness.
If you’ ve never been, Dungeness is a shingle promontory with a lighthouse, a power station and the kind of big skies that make you feel like the main character in a windswept film. For dogs, it’ s basically a sensory buffet: sea air, salty driftwood, mysterious pebbles( why so many?), and absolutely loads of space to stretch your legs. January is peak Dungeness time – the summer day-trippers have vanished and the landscape feels beautifully wild.
Park near the Old Lighthouse and head towards the beach. The shingle is a bit of a workout for shorter legs( you’ re welcome, fitness goals), but there are flatter paths weaving through the fishermen’ s huts and along the coastline. Keep your human wrapped up – the wind has opinions here! – and you’ ll be rewarded with bracing views across The Channel and plenty of opportunities for dramatic photos of you staring thoughtfully into the distance.
ROCKITS
Important sniff alert: Dungeness is a nature reserve, so stay respectful of wildlife. Leads are a good idea, especially if, like me, you occasionally forget your recall when something very interesting flaps past.
Afterwards, warm up at the famously dog-friendly Pilot Inn. Humans can refuel with something hearty while you practise your very best‘ I’ ve never been fed’ face. Trust me – it works.
January days out don’ t have to be dull. Grab the lead, pack the biscuits and embrace the wild side of Kent. Winter walkies can be joyful, muddy and wonderfully fetching.
with Florrie
Florrie
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