Our guide to outings during the October semester, including children’s theater, pizza-making workshops and Halloween nature trails

Keep your kids busy during the October semester with fantastic days out across the county.

Whether you fancy hitting the theater or wanting to get some fresh air with an outdoor nature trail, we’ve got you covered – and if that’s not enough, be sure to check out our guide too this year’s Halloween activities.

There is a lot of family theater taking place in Kent during the October semester. Photo: iStock

The Brook Theatre, Chatham

Give your kids a magical theatrical experience with the classic story, The Wizard of Oz. This childhood favorite is performed by Chatham’s Three Towns Theater Company and sees Dorothy click on her ruby ​​slippers and walk down the yellow brick road with the adorable Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man and, of course, Toto the dog.

When: From Friday 28 October to Sunday 30 October at the Brook Theatre, Chatham. Book online here or call 01634 338338.

Price: Tickets start from £14 per person. Family tickets are available.

Howl-o-Ween, Faversham

Dog owners and animal lovers won’t want to miss this one. The Howl-o-Ween Dog Parade will see adorable puppies dressed in their best Halloween costumes and strutting around Faversham town center in the hope of winning a prize for scariest dog. Families are also encouraged to dress up when walking their dog and could be awarded the Scariest Dressed Family.

When: Saturday 29 October at Market Place, Faversham. Learn more online here.

Price: Free admission.

Enjoy the fall colors at Lullingstone Country Park.  Photo: KCC
Enjoy the fall colors at Lullingstone Country Park. Photo: KCC

Lullingstone National Park, Swanley

Explore the beautiful forests and uncover spooky clues on this nature trail. The trail, which can be purchased from reception at the park’s Visitor Center, takes you on an hour-long journey through the woods, peppered with Halloween-themed questions for you to answer and, at the end , receive a prize for completing the adventure.

When: From Saturday 22 October to Sunday 6 November at Lullingstone Country Park, Swanley. Learn more online here.

Price: £3 per waybill.

Savor your own handmade pizza with a cooking workshop at Macknade
Savor your own handmade pizza with a cooking workshop at Macknade

Macknade, Faversham and Ashford

Kids can get into a fun and hands-on activity halfway through and hopefully learn some useful cooking skills along the way. Macknade’s pizza making workshops take place at the Faversham and Ashford locations and allow children to make their own mini pizza. For a special seasonal twist, custom spooky ingredients will be available, such as Zombie Mushrooms and Black Olive Spiders. There will also be a costume contest, an activity sheet and an in-store treasure hunt.

When: Tuesday October 25 and Wednesday October 26 at the Macknade Food Hall in Faversham, and Friday October 28 at the Macknade Ashford. Book online here.

Price: £5 per child from 4 to 12 years old.

Immerse yourself in arts and crafts activities at the Maidstone Museum.  Photo: iStock
Immerse yourself in arts and crafts activities at the Maidstone Museum. Photo: iStock

Maidstone Museum

Take part in three spooky and crafty Halloween sessions at the Maidstone Museum. The sessions, suitable for children from 4 to 11 years old, include three unique workshops. Learn how to make your own witch or wizard hat, create an autumnal pumpkin wreath, or get ready for Halloween with a spooky handmade mask – or reserve a spot at all three sessions! The activities last between 30 and 50 minutes and parents are asked to stay with their children for the duration of the session.

When: from Tuesday 25 October to Thursday 27 October at the Maidstone Museum. Book online here.

Price: £3 per child, per session.

The Be You Festival has been postponed due to Covid for over two years.  Image: This is us
The Be You Festival has been postponed due to Covid for over two years. Image: This is us

North Kent College, Tonbridge

After more than two years of waiting, the Be You Festival finally takes place this fall. The inclusive festival is run by dance company This Is Us and aims to create opportunities for creative expression for all. The family festival will include live theater, music and poetry workshops, as well as LEGO, arts and crafts, a silent disco and a sensory room.

When: Tuesday 25 October at North Kent College, Tonbridge. Book online here.

Price: Tickets start from £6 and include access to two workshops.

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Inspired by the children’s tales of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tales of Acorn Wood will come to life on the Dartford stage during the school holidays. The show, created by the same team behind Dear Zoo and Dear Santa, features music, puppets and an enchanting family story that kids of all ages will enjoy.

When: Monday 24 October and Tuesday 25 October at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Book online here or call 03433 100033.

Price: Tickets start from £19 plus booking fee.

Explore the beautiful Kent countryside with outdoor nature trails.  Photo: iStock
Explore the beautiful Kent countryside with outdoor nature trails. Photo: iStock

Romney Marsh Wildlife Reserve

Grab your coat, kick out your boots and get in touch with nature in this scenic countryside spot. Head to Romney Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary where you can follow the outer trail, discovering clues and solving puzzles as you go. Complete the course to be rewarded with a set of Kent Wildlife Trust prizes and be sure to keep an eye out for any local wildlife you may find in the reserve during the day.

When: Monday October 24th – Sunday October 30th at Romney Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, trail starting at Romney Marsh Visitor Center. Learn more online here.

Price: £4 per waybill.

The Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

If you have a budding ballet dancer in your family, you can inspire them with a magical dance performance. Let’s All Dance Ballet Company bring their production of Alice in Wonderland to Tunbridge Wells, filled with your favorite characters including Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. With a beautiful score and breathtaking choreography, it’s a show that will delight the whole family.

When: Sunday 30 October at the Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Book online here or call 01892 678678.

Price: Tickets start from £18 plus booking fee.

The Woodville, Gravesend

If you want action, this high octane wrestling show has it all. All Star Super Slam Wrestling returns to Gravesend with New Zealand star Niwa battling to defend her All Star British Heavyweight and Superslam belts against a number of fierce competitors. The championship showdown will bring stunts, cheers and plenty of punches to the ring.

When: Monday 24 October at The Woodville, Gravesend. Book online here or call 01474 337500.

Price: Tickets start from £16. Group tickets are available.