35 ideas for family fun in Thanet during the Easter holidays

Dumbo is being screened at the Palace Cinema ©2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Dreamland Margate

The park reopens in full tomorrow (April 6) and will start the season with a park takeover by Camp Bestival for the school holidays – including the return of the world’s biggest bouncy castle!

From April 6-22, Camp Bestival will bring a taste of its family festival to the Margate amusement park with live music, rides, and extravagant entertainment for all the family.

Visitors will have three unique Bestival installations to explore – the 8m tall Love-Bot that spreads love and joy to all, a mini temple and Bollywood chill out zone, and – returning to Dreamland for the second time – The World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle, which is taller than the Great Wall of China and accommodates 100 bouncers at a time. Competitive souls can try the wobbly Olympics, festival mask making, and visit some cute and occasionally creepy creatures in the Dreamland Ark.

A Camp Bestival Party will take place on Sunday, April 21, curated by ‘Family da Bank’ founder and DJ Rob da Bank and his  team, with a day of family friendly DJs, live music and workshops for big and little kids.

Those in need of relaxation can dive into the pop-up Sleep Retreat with yoga, gong baths and meditation from local relaxation experts, while other ravers can enjoy a DJ BBQ and tunes from The Cuban Brothers, Junior Jungle and Rob da Bank himself with more acts to be announced.

Dreamland announced in February that it will be free to enter for its opening season, meaning families can explore the park and festival takeover for free and only pay per ride and for slots on the bouncy castle.

Visitors can buy unlimited ride wristbands in advance, 25% off when bought online at www.dreamland.co.uk, or choose Dreamland Membership for unlimited rides during park opening plus special discounts and exclusive membership perks on food and drink and ticketed events all year round.

The Camp Bestival takeover will be during normal park opening hours, and there will be no festival camping or overnight activity. Dreamland will be open weekends and bank holidays, and Wednesdays to Sundays during school holidays, from April 6.

Scavenger hunts

Photo Thanet Coast Project

Scavenger hunts will take place on isle beaches during the Easter half term.

Youngsters can search for clues of marine life along the shore and looking out for shark and ray egg cases. There may even be beach art at the end of the tour.

Participants will need to wear suitable footwear and clothing for the beach, sand art and the weather conditions on the day. All equipment is provided by the Thanet Coast Project.

The events are suitable for families and especially children aged 4-11, Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout. The events are free, but a donation (eg £1 per adult and child present!) is welcomed.

The hunts are held on a first come first served basis.

Dates

Tuesday, April 9, 11am – Margate Main Sands – Meet: on the beach near the tidal pool (opp. Arlington House)

Wednesday, April 10, 11am – Viking Bay, Broadstairs – Meet: outside old Broadstairs Harbour Master Office (opp. Tartar Frigate pub)

Thursday, April 11, 11am – Ramsgate Main Sands – Meet: By the ‘Needle’ or Obelisk (outside Wetherspoons)

Find out more at thanetcoast.org.uk

Dumbo (PG)

©2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Palace Cinema Broadstairs

Tim Burton’s (Alice in Wonderland, Edward Scissorhands) all-star rich re-imagining of the Disney classic. A young elephant, whose oversized ears enable him to fly, helps save a struggling circus, but when the circus plans a new venture, Dumbo and his friends discover all is not as it seems behind the bright lights.

When circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito – Twins, The Lorax) hires Holt (Colin Farrell – In Bruges, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) to take care of Dumbo, a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him the laughing stock of the struggling circus troupe. But when Holt’s children discover that Dumbo can fly, silver-tongued entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton – Batman Returns, Beetlejuice), and aerial artist Colette Marchant (Eva Green – Casino Royale) swoop in to make the little elephant a star.

Saturday 6 April, 3:00pm and 7:00pm

Sunday 7 April 3:00pm and 7:00pm

Monday 8 April

2:30pm and 5:30pm

Tuesday 9 April

2:30pm and 5:30pm

Wednesday 10 April

2:30pm and 5:30pm

Thursday 11 April

3:00pm and 7:00pm

Friday 12 April

3:00pm

Saturday 13 April

3:00pm

Sunday 14 April

1:30pm

Monday 15 April

3:00pm

Tuesday 16 April

5:30pm

Wednesday 17 April

11:00am

Thursday 18 April

3:00pm

Friday 19 April

3:00pm and 5:30pm

Saturday 20 April

3:00pm

Sunday 21 April

3:00pm

Monday 22 April

3:00pm

Call 01843 865 726 or click here

Flamingo arcade, Lost Island golf and Life’s a Beach

 

First .50 children every day get a cream egg, and every child gets 50 arcade tickets at the Lost Island golf. Saturday (April 6) will also be the opening day for a new  ice cream and donuts section in the former Royal arcade. The new venture called Life’s a Beach includes a Mr Whippy machine with 9 flavours plus 32 flavours of scoop ice cream with everything from lemon and banana to bubblegum and rum and raisin.

Inside the Lost Island

The jungle-themed golf course at Lost Island (below the Flamingo arcade) has features including monkeys, a dinosaur in a cage, running water, Tiki shack, Easter Island heads, an Olmec head and even a cauldron, all nestled in tropical foliage with atmospheric lighting.

The play is interactive with sound effects incorporated into the holes, activated when the player gets their ball successfully putted.

Lost Island is open 7 days a week, Monday-Thursday from 10am to 8pm and Friday-Sunday from 10am to 9pm.

Lost Island, below Flamingo arcade, Marine Terrace, Margate or click here

Rascal Bay adventure golf

Rascal Bay

Rascal Bay features 18 holes of adventure golf with a course that includes dinosaurs, wild animals, pirates, rafts, volcanos and waterfalls.

Manston Golf Centre
Manston Road
Manston

Find it at http://www.rascalbay.co.uk/manston/

My Feelings Matter

Wednesday, April 10 at the Pavilion Youth and Community Café in Broadstairs, 10.30am until 1pm. Free.

Create a family feelings game to take away and continue playing at home on a regular basis. This will build a strong foundation to talk openly about any issues surrounding happiness and also to celebrate what families love about themselves and each other.

Session leader Pia Joulianou said: “In a society where we communicate so much electronically our younger generation are losing  basic communication skills and understanding. The same information said electronically  instead of verbally can be without the presence body language and facial expression, leading to unnecessary arguments and upsets.

“We want our children to build strong relationships with their families and peers, the feelings game helps to build close bonds and greater understanding of themselves and others. I hope that this will only be the start of future events that I will be offering to families at the Pavilion.”

Easy Sunday – Glass Jars

April 7 at Turner Contemporary from 1pm until 4pm

Join the Navigators in the learning studio to experiment with different potions, materials and substances to creative some cosmic combinations.

Combine your own intergalactic ingredients to create your own galaxy jar to take home!

Drop in session in the Clore Learning Studio Entry Price £4.50/ Free for CT9 Residents (Proof Required)

The Jungle Book by Wicked Productions

Theatre Royal Margate

Saturday, April 13 at 4pm and Sunday, April 14 at 1pm and 4:30pm

From the producers of the smash hit UK tour of Alice in Wonderland, Wicked Productions in association with Jordan Productions present a family production of The Jungle Book.

The Jungle Book tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy who is raised in the jungle by a family of wolves. When Shere Khan the tiger swears to kill the child, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, agree to take the boy to the man village for his safety. But the jungle holds danger and surprises for them all in this hilarious adventure of a lifetime!

With brand new songs, creative staging and bags full of fun, why not bring your cheeky little monkeys to laugh like a pack of hyenas when The Jungle Book swings into town!

Full Price £17

Concessions £15

Restricted View £14

FOMT £13 (Sunday 4:30pm only)

*Booking fees – £1 per ticket in person/phone. £2 per ticket online

Email [email protected] or call 01843 292795

Visit Website

Easy Sunday – Painterly Planets

Totality represents 10,000 eclipses Photo: Ben Blackall

April 14, Turner Contemporary, 1pm-4pm

Inspired by Katie Paterson’s explorations of galaxies and cosmos, create your own 3D planet with our friendly Navigators.

Who will live in your new world? What will the inhabitants be called? Take your cosmic creation home after travelling through space and time within the exhibition.

Drop in session in the Clore Learning Studio

Entry £4.50/ Free for CT9 Residents (Proof Required)

Simple Simon

April 17, Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs

Children’s favourite Simple Simon kicks off his 2019 ‘Roadshow’ with an Easter Special.  This panto style show is packed with songs.  comedy and lots of joining in – especially the popular ‘Stage Spots’ where lucky children are selected to get up on stage to take part in games and songs.

Simple Simon is returning to where it all began 25 years ago in beautiful Broadstairs!

His first ever appearance was at the Pavilion for a summer season of 10 Thursday evenings and now, his new show for Easter appears at the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Fordoun Road which is part of the Hilderstone Adult Education site.

Simon’s alter-ego entertainer Gordon Clarkson said: ” I find it incredible and heart warming to realise that my character has been entertaining families for 25 years, and we have parents who enjoyed the show as children bringing their own children to see the shows, it has been such an honour to be able to do something I enjoy and help make what must add up to many thousands of people happy over the years, and I, and the show’s winning format are still going strong!”

Unreserved seating: all seats £8

Family ticket for 4 at £30

Email [email protected] or call 01843 863701

Broadstairs Easter Egg Trail

April 18

A trail around the town for children up to age 11 dressed in an Easter costume or wearing an Easter Bonnet. Organised by the Broadstairs and St Peter’s Chamber of Commerce.

Call 07925 185052

Thanet Gang Show 2019

April 18-22, Theatre Royal Margate

Thanet Scouts and Guides present their annual Gang Show. Filled with song, dance and sketches, the Gang Show gives an entirely different view of Scouting and Guiding. No camp fires, no tents and no “Ging Gang Goolie”, just young people showing their talent on stage.

Thursday 18 April – 7:30pm

Saturday 20 April – 7:30pm

Monday 22 April – 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Evening £9 (in advance) & £10 (on the door)

Matinee £8 (in advance) & £9 (on the door)

Booking fees – £2 per ticket in person/phone. £3 per ticket online

Call 01843 292795 or go to theatreroyalmargate.com

Play

April 19-22, The Games Gallery, Church Hill, Ramsgate 1pm-4pm

The opening weekend of The Games Gallery, a new branch of The Micro Museum dedicated to videogaming

Included in standard admission to The Micro Museum. Tickets from 12:30pm on the day

Adult/Child £5

Groups/Families of 4 people £15,

Under 3s Free

Email [email protected] or call 07876 271255

Visit Website

Easter £2 entry weekend at Hornby Visitor Centre

Keep the children and adults entertained this Easter with a visit to Hornby Visitor Centre for just £2

View the displays, head to the cafe for refreshments or browse the shop

Come and Try Days

April 19, AiR, 18 Harbour Street, Ramsgate

Ever thought of trying a new craft? Why not come and have a go at painting, drawing and more!

10:30 – 12noon

Looping the Loop Festival opening

April 20

Adventures in Performance around Thanet, with contemporary theatre from Battersea Arts Centre and new work developed locally including the MadVentureVan mini theatre space!

From Shakespeare’s star crossed lovers at war, to visitors from Wonderland in the streets;

First session on April 20 is  Almost Alice at Broadstairs Bandstand 11am-4pm

Easter QuExtravaganza

April 21-22, Quex Park, Birchington

Outdoor Easter trail around Quex gardens, face painting, giant board games in the museum, meet the Easter Bunny and admission to museum, house and gardens.

Museum and Gardens are open 10am – 5pm, Quex House is open 1pm – 4pm on both days

Adult £8.95

Concession (Child, 60+, Disabled and Student) £6.50

Under 5’s FREE

Family (2 adults & 2 children) £27.50

(Prices include all of the activities as well as a prize when you have completed the trail).

Ramsgate Handmade Fair

April 21, 11am-5pm in Harbour Parade

Handmade and vintage fair with Easter Rainbow Tea Party

Ramsgate’s regular Easter treat with children’s tea party, activities, eggs and locally-produced and made goodies galore, with the Town Team and AiR (Art in Ramsgate).

What does an Archaeologist do? (Junior Workshop)

April 9 and April 15, 10‎am – ‎Noon, The Antoinette Centre, Quex Park, Birchington

Two hour workshop exploring the many different sides to archaeology and helping children understand the journey of an object from excavation to exhibition. Looking  at stratigraphy, dating methods and some of the tricky bits of understanding the archaeological record. The children will learn the value of recording before completing their own mini excavation.

Age Guide: 7 to 11 years (this is a guide only)

Price: £13 per child.

Numbers limited to 10

(Parents welcome but children do the fun bits!)

Places an be booked directly through www.archaeolearning.co.uk/events-and-bookings  or the Antoinette website at www.antoinettecentre.org.uk

Making Mosaics (Junior Workshop)

April 10 and April 16 10‎am – ‎Noon, The Antoinette Centre, Quex Park, Birchington

Mosaics are essentially a piece of artwork created from many smaller parts. Romans often used ceramic and stone in their designs, later looking towards glass to add to the range of colours available to them. Several examples of mosaic fragments have been discovered in Thanet.

This workshop will look at the purpose and function of mosaics, materials used and how they were created. After learning the basics and handling a few genuine examples of tesserae, children will have the time to create their own masterpiece to take away.

Age Guide: 7 years +

Price: £15 per child.

Numbers limited to 10

(Parents welcome but children do the fun bits!)

Places an be booked directly through www.archaeolearning.co.uk/events-and-bookings  or the Antoinette website at www.antoinettecentre.org.uk

What is environmental Archaeology? (Junior Workshop)

April 11 and April 17, 10‎am – ‎Noon, The Antoinette Centre, Quex Park, Birchington

What is the difference between an ecofact and an artefact?

What exactly is Environmental Archaeology?

And what exactly is a coprolite?

This workshop will explain the aim of Environmental Archaeology and give children the opportunity to get hands on (and a little bit messy!).

Children will sieve through samples taken from site identifying seeds and bones as they go, before examining and analysing the contents of an example of human wasteand  considering what this evidence tells us and what it can mean to our understanding of the environment in history and how humans used it.

Materials used will be child friendly and created in the kitchen Age Guide: 8 years +

Price: £14 per child.

Numbers limited to 15

(Parents welcome but children do the fun- and mucky- bits!)

Places an be booked directly through www.archaeolearning.co.uk/events-and-bookings  or the Antoinette website at www.antoinettecentre.org.uk

Pottery basics (Junior Workshop)

April 12  and April 18, 10‎am – ‎Noon, The Antoinette Centre, Quex Park, Birchington

Can you tell a Neolithic piece of pottery from a Post-Medieval example?

Why did ancient potters add things to clay?

Did they really use manure?

Come along and have a go at sorting some sherds (pot fragments), dating some pieces by looking at the inclusions and have a go at making a pot yourself.

After looking at many examples from different historical periods, children will be provided with some air dried clay to create their own designs,.

Age Guide: 8 years +

Price: £15 per child.

Numbers limited to 12

(Parents welcome but children do the fun bits!)

Places an be booked directly through www.archaeolearning.co.uk/events-and-bookings  or the Antoinette website at www.antoinettecentre.org.uk

Little Duck Forge

Little Duck Forge and Friends are exhibiting a collection of their work in the Pie Factory gallery in Margate’s Old Town, from April 12-17.

Lots of colourful hand-forged steel, ceramics, glasswork, painting, and jewellery will fill the gallery and there’s an opportunity to meet some the artisans too, including Margate Made’s Sarah Gibbon, who is showing her jewellery at the exhibition

Bugsy’s Bowling Alley in Margate

The ‘Explore Learning’ team from the Westwood Cross Sainsbury’s branch will be at Bugsy’s Bowling on Tuesday, April 16 from 11am to 3pm.

The team will offer free activities for children such as word searches and colouring, ‘Enchanted Entertainment’ will also be visiting with a special princess between 1pm-2pm. Both are free.
There will also be an Easter Word Hunt which is 50p to take part in, a children’s lucky dip for 50p and ‘Glitta Bella’ on site all day glittering people’s faces for just £2 each with all of the proceeds going to charity Headway East Kent.

If anyone would like to bowl on the day, they can book a lane by calling Bugsy’s on 01843 228632.

Garden Gate Spring open day

Garden Gate project

Saturday, April 13 from 2pm-5pm

First public event of the year, spring flowers, plant stall, teas, coffee, cakes, wood fired pizzas and nettle soup. Free entry. Garden Gate Project, Northdown Park.

More details here 

Thanet council sports activities

11th April 19Pumped6.30-8.30pm11-17Sport 4 NRGRamsgate Sports Centre
11th April 19Health Boot Camp7-8pm18-45360 HealthDane Park
12th April 19Box Fit11-12.30pm18-45360 HealthTrinity Resource centre
12th April 19Park Lives2pm-3.30pm11-17Sport 4 NRGSt Peters Rec
15th April 19Pumped6.30-8.30pm11-17Sport 4 NRGHartsdown Sports Centre
16th April 19Easter Plogging12-2pm5+B:ActiveHartsdown Park
16th April 19Active Hub6pm-7pm5+B:ActiveNewington Community

Centre

17th April 19Easter Blast Fit12-3pm5+B:ActiveNewington Community

Centre

18th April 19Pumped6.30-8.30pm11-17Sport 4 NRGRamsgate Sports Centre
18th April 19Health Boot Camp7-8pm18-45360 HealthSt Peters Rec

1 Comment

  1. The Hornby Visitor centre is only £2 on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April ! Normal £5 entry all other days !

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