If you’re looking for a family day out at the park in Kent, you’re spoilt for choice. Narrowing it down to five was a tough ask. Here’s our selection. 

Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone

While your kids will be drawn to probably the largest adventure playground they’ll ever see, there’s plenty more for them to do at this gem of a park. 

The park is split into three zones. The fun zone contains the aforementioned playground.

The formal zone contains stunning tree-lined pathways perfect for strolling along with an ice cream in hand. You’ll also find the ampitheatre here. If you’re lucky, you might catch an event, but it’s a great place to sit and chill at any time. 

The rest of the park consists of the wild zone. Your kids are sure to find all kinds of fascinating creatures in these carefully managed habitats.

And to top it all off, you’ve got Folkestone Beach right next door.

Mote Park, Maidstone

This cracker of a park has a bit of all sorts. Wide open areas of grassland, perfect for picnics, are interspersed with wooded areas great for exploring. It also has a splendid lake, complete with pedal boats which kids will love. 

There are two smashing play areas, but if that’s not enough you can head into the outdoor adventure park. Your kids can clamber around the Sky Trail or the climbing wall, or they can have a crack at the Dino Crazy Golf course. 

Cobtree Manor Park, Maidstone

Not too far away is another fab park with plenty to do. The first thing your kids will notice is the awesome play area, based on the old zoo that once stood in the grounds. There are plenty more opportunities for wild play, with a woodland area where they can explore, climb and build dens.

If your kids are budding naturalists then they’ll enjoy the old arboretum, which contains hundreds of species of plants. They’ll also spot some wildlife as the park is home to many species of bird and mammal.

Those kids with an artistic streak will also enjoy the sculpture trail. 

Jeskyns Community Woodland, Cobham

If your kids are fans of man’s best friend then they’ll love this place. It’s a paradise for dog walkers, and is usually teeming with friendly pooches. Owned and managed by Forestry England, the site has a mix of beautiful woodland, orchards and meadows for your kids to explore. 

Rambling through the trees, they might even come across the fairy and elf village. And young ones will love the new Superworm trail, where they can search the forest for characters from Julia Donaldson’s beloved book.

Of course, there are some epic adventure playgrounds where kids can burn some energy. And if you’ve got your own family dog, there’s even an agility course for them. 

Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells

We round off our list with this little-known but impressive park a short way from the centre of Tunbridge Wells. It’s a gorgeous place, combining elegant Victorian architecture with areas of wild beauty and a few modern additions. 

Kids will feel like they’re out in the wild as they roam through the ancient woods and tread the boardwalks across the wetlands. They’re sure to see plenty of wildlife. 

The fields are great for football, frisbees and frolicking, and the picturesque lake is perfect for a relaxing stroll. 

The park also contains a formidable play area, a skate park and a cycle track, so your kids certainly won’t run out of things to do.

Looking for other things to do in Kent?

Family activities listed in Kent on Hoop

Best beaches in Kent for families

10 best castles for kids in Kent

Canoeing for kids in Kent

Best sailing clubs in Kent

Make a short break of it with our list of the best campsites in Kent

Prefer to stay in a hotel? We've got a list of the best family-friendly hotels in Kent.