Half term in Kent

PUBLISHED: 19:35 16 January 2016 | UPDATED: 19:35 16 January 2016

Sarah Sturt

Family flying kites by the South Foreland Lighthouse

©National Trust Images/Solent News and Photography Agency

Come to Hever Castle over half term (13 to 21 February) to find out about ‘Living with Birds’ as part of National Nest Box Week. Build your own nest box to put in your garden (£6 after normal admission) and follow a bird-themed trail around the castle grounds. You can also feed the resident birds and help them survive the winter by purchasing a bag of bird food from the information centre for 50p, www.hevercastle.co.uk.

Three other things to do ...

• Learn about masks and puppet-making at an exhibition at Maidstone Museum running until 20 February. The exhibition contains colourful masks and puppets from all over the world, including favourites like Punch and Judy, Japanese shadow puppets and film animatronics. Entry is free and the exhibition opens Mondays to Saturdays, www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk/exhibitions/248.

• Dress as your favourite superhero and come to Hall Place and Gardens in Bexley on 15 February, where you will be able to make your own superhero craft to take home. Sessions at 10am and 2pm, book in advance on 01322 621238 (£4 per child), www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk/hallplace/events-at-hall-place.

• Children who play a string instrument and have achieved Grade 3 to 6 are eligible to join the Kent Schools Orchestra Spring Course taking place at Ashford School. from 19 to 21 February (concert on the final day) Apply ASAP via the website at www.kent-music.com.

Little Kent Loves… GETTING ACTIVE AT HALF TERM

Get the kids on the go this half term...

• Ightham Mote, near Sevenoaks: Explore the grounds and gardens of this beautiful medieval manor house and enjoy storytelling, crafts, games and crafts. Open daily – do wrap up warm! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote.

• MFA Bowling, Chatham: Enjoy a whole raft of fun activities at this top quality bowling centre on The Pentagon in Chatham. As well as ten-pin bowling, you play pool, explore the amusement arcade and grab a tasty bite to eat, www.mfabowl.com/chatham

• South Foreland Lighthouse, near Dover: Fly that kite you got for Christmas at South Foreland Lighthouse and enjoy some fresh air on the coast over half term. Look out at amazing views across the sea and see what ships you can spot sailing by, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/south-foreland-lighthouse

• Brogdale beasties: Young naturalists can pull on their wellies and hunt for insects, bugs and beasties on 17 February at Brogdale in Faversham this half term. There will be chances to get up close to some real, live mega bugs and also enjoy some crafts. Places cost £6.50 per child and must be pre-booked on 01795 536250, www.brogdalecollections.org/beastie-days.

• Family Fun Dog Show: Find out if you own an award-winning pooch by entering your dog in the Family Fun Dog Show, taking place on 21 February at Ash Village Hall in Ash, near Canterbury. Enter online at www.dogshows.it. Entry fee £1.50 per class.