What's on this summer

Kids on school holidays and wondering how to fill six weeks? Or maybe your usual toddler groups are on summer break and you need some easy activities.

There's so much to see and do on the Kent coast in the summer it can be hard to keep track of all the workshops, free activities, holiday clubs and storytimes.

We've published a really comprehensive, three-part guide over on our Instagram page (click here to download a free PDF version) But we wanted to share a selection of our favourites here too.

Calendars at the ready? Read on for our mini guide to kids' summer holiday activities in Kent.

What's going on for kids at Kinder Collective over the summer?

KINDER SCRAPBOOK
Kinder Collective, Broadstairs
Kick off the summer with our first Kinder Scrapbook craft! A fun and free activity for little ones to take away and use to record their holiday memories, doodles, and discoveries all summer long.
Free, always on activity, until 31 August

KINDER COLLECTIVE STORYTIME
Kinder Collective, Broadstairs
Join Rebecca for her much loved storytime, as she shares a couple of enchanting tales for all ages at our little store by the sea.
Free, drop in, 10am every Tuesday throughout the school holiday

MONOPRINTING BUG WORKSHOP
Kinder Collective, Broadstairs
Join the wonderful author and illustrator Rachel Tilda Wolf for a fun-filled monoprinting workshop, little ones create their own bug and bring them to life through monoprinting. Perfect for ages 4+
Tickets £7, booking essential, 3pm + 4pm, Wednesday 6 August

CROCHET YOUR OWN WORRY WORM
Kinder Collective, Broadstairs
Join local crochet whizz Natalie Stokes for a calm and creative workshop all about easing those big feelings and reminding them they’re not alone. Kids will crochet their very own Worry Worm to take home, plus one to share. Perfect for ages 6+
Tickets £7, booking essential, 3pm + 4pm, Wednesday 20 August

FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACH CLEAN & STORYTIME
Kinder Collective, Broadstairs
Calling all eco-warriors (big and small) — let’s tidy the tide together! Join Kinder Collective and Broadstairs Town Team as we clean our beaches and share a story.

Little Hands, Big Impact! Meet on Viking Bay Jetty, spend 30 minutes cleaning the beach and then head to the shop for Storytime and snacks. All essential equipment kindly provided by the Broadstairs Town Team.
Free, booking essential, 9am, Wednesday 27 August

What's going on for kids in Broadstairs this summer?

THE MERMAID TRAIL
The Old Curiosity Shop, Broadstairs
Mercy Mermaid has lost her purse somewhere in Broadstairs - can you help her find it?

Collect your trail sheet and follow the clues hidden in local businesses to help solve the mystery. A fun adventure for little explorers, with a treat at the end!
£3 per child in aid of Mama to Mama, Thanet's only baby bank, every day in the summer holiday

FARMERS MARKET
Bleak House, Broadstairs
Support local, shop fresh, and meet the makers at this vibrant market in Bleak House Gardens - running alongside Broadstairs Folk Week’s 60th celebrations!

Enjoy artisan bakes, local produce, fresh rolled ice cream, and more in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Sunshine, good vibes, and dogs very welcome!
Free entry, 10am - 3pm

TIDE & SEEK BEACH SCHOOL
Stone Bay, Broadstairs
A joyful, hands-on session by the sea - full of beach exploration, creative play, and mindful moments in nature. Soak up the salty air, ground little feet in the sand, and reconnect with the wonders of the coast.

These drop-off sessions get booked up quickly, DM Sophie on Instagram to reserve a spot.
£20 per child, booking essential, 9:30am - 12pm, Wednesday 13, Monday 18, Tuesday 26, Wednesday 27 August

MERMAID LIFE DRAWING
Jetty side of Viking Bay, Broadstairs
Join The Old Curiosity Shop for a unique life drawing session by the sea - featuring a live mermaid model! Materials supplied.

All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.
£5 per person, drop in, 10 - 11:30 am, Friday 22 August

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
All Kent Libraries
Step into the magical world of the Story Garden! Children aged 4+ are invited to join the free Summer Reading Challenge. Read six books, audiobooks, graphic novels or more and visit the library after each one to collect stickers and rewards.

It's a simple scheme, but it really works well to encourage little readers and the impact lasts beyond the summer holidays.
Free, sign up at Broadstairs Library or your local library

CURIOUS COOKS CLUB
The Old Curiosity Shop, Broadstairs
Get creative with pizza faces, fruit kebabs, cookie decorating and more! A free, hands-on activity to keep your little one entertained and inspired.

An accompanying adult must stay on site, so grab a cuppa and cake and relax or get a little work done while the kids play.
Free, booking advised, 11:30 - 1pm, every Thursday

BROADSTAIRS WATER GALA
Venues around Broadstairs
Enjoy a fun-filled, free day and evening for all the family starting with a Teddy Bears Picnic breakfast at 9am at Lillyputts Mini Golf, and culminating in the Fireworks Display and Funfair.

There is so much going on for children of all ages, check out the full programme to plan your visit.
Free, drop in, 9am - 10:30pm, Wednesday 30 July


SUMMER FIREWORKS
Viking Bay, Broadstairs
Truly spectacular fireworks displays which light up the Broadstairs sky bouncing colour and light off the sea below. There's live music from 8pm at the Bandstand too.

These displays are legendary locally and usually bring out a big crowd, so arrive in good time to find a viewing spot. A word of warning - the noise of the fireworks echoing off the cliffs can be very loud.
Free but donations very welcome, displays start at 9:15pm, Wednesday 30 July, 20 August, 27 August

FUNFAIR
Victoria Gardens, Broadstairs
Enjoy a bustling promenade of local stalls, family rides in Victoria Gardens, and live entertainment at the Bandstand each afternoon.
Pay per ride, no entry fee, Saturday 26 - Wednesday 30 July

FOLK WEEK
Venues around Broadstairs
A much-loved summer celebration of music, dance, and seaside fun!

Broadstairs Folk Week brings our lovely town by the sea to life with live performances, family activities, workshops, and vibrant festival spirit for all ages
Prices and times vary, Friday 8 - Friday 15 August

FOLK WEEK: HULA-HOOPING WITH THIS BEAN SPINS
Bandstand, Broadstairs
Enjoy a dazzling mini performance (featuring up to 25 hoops!) before learning circus-style hoop tricks yourself. A fun, relaxed workshop for all ages - get ready to spin, move, and maybe even join the circus!
£4 per child, booking recommended, 3 - 4pm, Friday 8 August

SUMMER THEATRE
Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs
A programme of free, family-friendly, live theatre performances in Pierremont Park funded and organised by Broadstairs and St Peter's Town Council.

All performances will be outside (in bad weather they'll move indoors) so pack a picnic and a rug and make an occasion of it. There is some limited seating, and a licensed bar on site. Most performances are 30 minutes long and will repeat three times from 2pm.
Aquanauts Adrift, Wednesday 30 July; Caspian the Crab, Wednesday 6 August;
ARCADE Mini, Wednesday 20 August; Shed-ache (20mins), Wednesday 27 August

WELLBEING WELLS
Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs
Make a wish, say hello, and experience the magic of Wellbeing Wells. Created by Working Boys Club, these interactive wells transform your voice with fun effects, encouraging joyful chats with strangers.

Rooted in mental wellness research, Wellbeing Wells invite you to connect, play, and boost your wellbeing—one light-hearted conversation
at a time.
FREE, 3 - 6pm, drop in throughout, Sunday 17 August

SPACE DAY
The Old Curiosity Shop, Broadstairs
Blast off for a day of cosmic fun! Enjoy space-themed talks, crafts, and out-of-this-world food—perfect for curious minds and little astronauts. An accompanying adult must stay on site, so grab a cuppa and cake and relax, or get a little work done while the kids play.
Free, drop in all day, Tuesday 19 August

We love where we live, and whether you're a local or planning a visit we want to help you make the most of family time in Broadstairs, Margate and beyond.

Check out our locals' guide to the best beaches for families in Broadstairs here and our two part guide to some of our favourite places to hang out with our kids: part one and part two.

Kinder Collective is a consciously-curated family store on the Kent coast, rooted in kindness and community. Check out our latest arrivals here!