May half term things to do in Thanet and beyond

Can it be that time again already? Yes, the kids will be back at home for the May half term any minute now. If it seems like they only went back to school, that’s because they did - this was a five week term. 

No need to panic though, there’s plenty happening over the break in Thanet and the surrounding area to keep kids and grown ups happy. Communing with nature at sunset, music making, no less than two children’s literature festivals and more.

We’ll continue to update this list in the run up to the school holiday, so be sure to check back for more ideas of what to do.

Author events at Happy Reading Children's Bookshop (daily)
Broadstairs' wonderful Happy Reading Children's Bookshop has events for children led by authors and illustrators almost every day throughout half term. Kids can get creative with Ged Adamson, Bua P. Nateejarurat, Em Cosh and more, as well as joining in various actives with shop owner Nicci Rosengarten.
30A Reading Street, Broadstairs, CT10 3AZ. Various times and ages. Tickets £5.

Windmill Community Gardens (daily)
Windmill Community Gardens in Cliftonville has outdoor activities running throughout half term, celebrating National Children's Gardening Week. There will be family groups, cooking workshops, bug hunts, seed sowing and more.
Windmill Community Gardens, Margate, CT9 2SH. Various times and ages. Full programme.

Mer-May at the Shell Grotto (daily)
Margate's Shell Grotto is taking a deep dive into the world of mythical sea folk in its museum room throughout the May half term. There's also a colouring competition where you can win various prizes, and kids who arrive in fancy dress will receive a shell. Kids get free entry to the grotto all week too.
Grotto Hill, Margate, CT9 2BU. 10am to 5pm. All ages. Free. More info.

Summer evening opening at Wildwood (May 23)
Wildwood wildlife park near Herne Bay will be opening up on select evenings over the summer months. The first chance to wander among the animals at sunset will be the first Saturday of the holidays. 
Wealden Forest Park, Herne, CT6 7LQ. 6pm to 9pm. All ages. Adults £18, children £14 (family tickets also available).

Broadstairs May Fair (May 23-25)
The Broadstairs May Fair is set to take place over the bank holiday weekend, with a fun fair on Victoria Parade, as well as local craft and other stalls along the prom. The event will raise money for Broadstairs Water Gala and Fireworks on Wednesday, July 29. 
Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, CT10 1QS. From 10am. All ages. Free entry.

Ramsgate Lit Fest (May 23-30)
The Book Hotel officially launches with the first ever Ramsgate Lit Fest during half term week. There will be daily events for children with authors and illustrators including Garry Parsons (The Dinosaur That Pooped), Adam Stower (Murray & Bun), and Fern Riddell (I Am A Royal Rulebreaker).
16-18 Addington Street, Ramsgate, CT11 9JJ. Various times. Various ages. Prices from free to £6.50. See the full programme. 

Children's workshops at Little Ravens (May 23 & 30)
Little Ravens in Ramsgate has fun, creative workshops for children every Saturday. During half term, they'll be making stretchy turtle sand (May 23) and exploring the science of colour (May 30).
119a High St, Ramsgate, CT11 9UA. 11am to 12.30pm. Ages 5-11. Tickets £16.

Where The Wild Things Are with live score at Ark (May 24)
The Enchanted Cinema hosts an interactive screening of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are with live score. Led by two professional musicians, children will be invited to grab an instrument and join in the wild rumpus. 
Albion Road, Margate, CT9 2HP. 12pm and 2pm. Age 5+. £8.50 adults, £6 children. 

Skate & Scoot Camp at Revolution (May 25-29)
A brilliant chance for kids to hone their skateboarding or scooting skills, make new friends, play games and (on Friday) run around in fancy dress. The staff at Revolution are all brilliant and have unwavering patience. Hugely worthwhile for any child you loves moving around on small wheels.
Oakwood Industrial Estate, Dane Valley Road, Broadstairs, CT10 3JJ. 11am to 3pm/10am to 4pm. Ages 7+. £100/£150 full week, £30/£40 day.

Tiny Disco Club at Turner Contemporary (May 25)
Remember when a bank holiday meant extra party time? It still does! Tiny Disco Club is putting on a daytime rave for kids and parents, aiming to keep both on the dance floor. As well as DJs, there will be a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon drop, games and more.
Rendezvous, Margate, CT9 1HG. 9am to 11am. All ages. Adults £15, children £7.

Scavenger hunt with beach art at Margate Main Sands (May 26)
Thanet Coast Project invites children to take part in a scavenger hunt, solving clues and learning about marine life and the coastal environment. Then afterwards, create some sand art.
Nayland Rock Shelter, CT9 5AJ. 2pm to 3.30pm. Ages 4-11. £2.50 suggested donation.

Windmill Trail in Broadstairs (May 26)
Grab a map and answer sheet from reception at The Gap Project and then make your way around Broadstairs, seeking out the colourful pictures of windmills with hidden words. Decode the message and return to where you started to claim your prize.
Queens Road Baptist Church, Broadstairs, CT10 1NU. 10am to 2pm. All ages.

Codekids Code Camp (May 28-29)
Codekids runs regular events introducing children to coding. During the May half term, the organisation will be running two day Code Camps in Sturry, near Canterbury. Younger children will explore Lego robotics and animations, while older ones will learn Minecraft coding and game design.
Junior King's School, Sturry, CT2 0AY. 10am to 3pm. Ages 5-7 and 7+. £65.50 per day.

Broadstairs Children’s Literary Festival (May 30)
The Broadstairs Children’s Literary Festival will hold its inaugural edition at Bleak House on the final Saturday of half term. Authors confirmed for the event include Chris Horn, John Condon, Julie Leonard, Bibi & Sofia Haq, Peter Erlam and Nan Eshelby. 
Fort Road, Broadstairs, CT10 1EY. 10am to 3pm. Various ages. Free entry. 

Turn The Tide pop-up market at Turner Contemporary (May 30-31)
New family pop-up market Turn the Tide will launch at Margate’s Turner Contemporary on over the final weekend of the holiday. Set up by Rebecca Gonsalves and Francesca Fox, founders of Kinder Collective in Broadstairs, the market will feature ethical kidswear brands, local artists and craft-makers. There will also be upcycling workshops for kids (tickets required).
Rendezvous, Margate, CT9 1HG. 11am to 5pm. All ages. Free entry (workshops £20).