SPONSORED EDITORIAL

No sooner have we packed away the deck chairs and suntan lotion than half term is upon us.

Parents across Kent and beyond are making plans to keep themselves and the kids entertained during the break in the school calendar year.

Daylight is getting in shorter supply by the day, the winds are beginning to give a cold pinch and the lure of TV and electronics is getting stronger.

Yes, it’s time to get out and about!

Fortunately, there will be no shortage of things going on to keep the little ones entertained, whether it’s Halloween events, pumpkin picking, exploring or some other fun activity.

We’ve rounded up a pick of some of the very best things to do in the October half term in West Kent.

Halloween Half Term Fun at the Farm

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Telephone: 01622 872068

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Address: Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood (TN12 6P)

Treat the kids to a spook-tastic feast of fun during half term with a trip to the Hop Farm! Taking place between Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 27, The Halloween Half Term Fun at the Farm will feature some great indoor entertainment including pumpkin carving, a best-dressed competition, ghoulish face painting, challenges with treats for the winners, creepy story telling, magic shows, a magic castle and the animal farm. Kids can come in Halloween costumes while on Tuesday, October 22, the Gruffulo will be popping by the Hop Farm for meet and greets throughout the day.

Pumpkin Moon

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Telephone: 07776 194901

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Address: Old Chatham Road, Sandling (ME14 3BE) & Lower Rainham Road, Rainham (ME7 2YA)

Have you got the pumpkins ready for Halloween? If not, why not visit Pumpkin Moon in fancy dress at the farms in Maidstone and Rainham where there is fun for all ages as well as a variety of over 80 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd to choose from. There is also the popular maize maze, face painting and food/beverages stalls. The farms are open every day until Thursday, October 31 from 10am to 4pm. Entry is FREE and there is ample parking. Pumpkin Moon proudly supports the British Heart Foundation, Heart of Kent Hospice and Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

The Wright Event - Junior Driving Days

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Telephone: 01732 529511

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Address: Teston Road, West Malling (ME19 5RL)

Looking for something totally different and fun to do this half term or any other future school holiday? If you have kids that are 11 and above (and a minimum of 1.4m tall), then the Junior Driving Days at The Wright Event will get them firing on all four cylinders. After learning to drive in a dual control car, they will progress on to drive many other vehicles finishing with the fast and furious Apache Rally Car or a Quad Bike Safari (depending on the weather). Gift vouchers are also available.

Hever Castle & Gardens - Halloween Half Term Fun

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Telephone: 01732 865224

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Address: Hever Road, Edenbridge (TN8 5)

Prepare to be spooked this Halloween at Haunted Hever. The castle will have a vast array of fiendishly good events for young and old. Join the spooky storytelling, take part in the Halloween craft activity, follow the scarecrow scavenger hunt around the grounds and sink your teeth into a sweet treat at the deadly delicious biscuit decorating workshop. Don your scariest outfit to take part in the fancy dress costume (with prizes for the best dressed) and finish your spooky creation off with a freakish face paint. Step into the castle and let the little ones find the hidden bats while you read up on gruesome Victorian tales.

PYO Pumpkins

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Telephone: 07526 734293

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Address: Beluncle Farm, Stoke Road, Hoo, Rochester (ME3 9LU)

Halloween is nigh and now’s the time to head to Beluncle Farm - now one of the biggest pick your own pumpkin farms in the UK. A huge variety of pumpkins and squashes are available to pick. Some, like the traditional orange globes, are ideal for carving, whilst varieties such as Crown Prince and onion squash are most suitable for eating. Pink, blue, white, green, yellow and multi-coloured varieties are all on offer. Pickers can choose whatever size they like from fun-size mini pumpkins the size of tennis balls to huge beach ball sized ones. With some pumpkin weighing up to 20kg or more, borrowing a wheelbarrow is advisable.

The Hemsley Conservation Centre

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Telephone: 01732 823996

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Address: Crabtree Close, Fairseat (TN15 7JL)

Ever heard of a tayra, kinkajou, or prehensile-tailed porcupine? The Hemsley Conservation Centre has been the home to lesser-known and endangered wildlife for over four years! Located just five minutes from the M20, the small centre is open seven days a week from 10am and you can learn about the animals with animal encounters and talks every 30 minutes. The Rainforest Tearooms is the perfect place to warm up during your visit. Enjoy a creamy hot chocolate or try one of our range of rainforest alliance certified coffees with a delicious variety of sweet and savoury treats.

Halloween Fun Fair

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Telephone: 01452 306635

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Address: Rede Court, Strood (ME2 3TU)

Looking for a brilliant fireworks show and a fun fair? Then head to Rede Court in Strood and become fully immersed in the Halloween Fun Fair. The fun fair will take place between Friday, October 25 and Sunday, October 27. The opening times are between 4pm and 8pm on Friday, 4pm and 10pm on Saturday and 1pm and 7pm on Sunday. The fireworks will take place on Saturday and 8:15pm. There is free entry on Friday and Sunday but there is an entry fee for adults (£3) and children under 12 (£2) for the fireworks show on Saturday.