Thanet, located on the far eastern tip of Kent, is home to the vibrant seaside towns of Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate—all rich with coastal charm, quirky attractions, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're planning a day trip or staying for the weekend, Thanet offers a great mix of classic seaside entertainment and unique adventures kids will love.

Here’s how to spend a fun-packed family day (or three!) in Thanet:

🎢 Dreamland Margate – Retro Rides & Colourful Vibes

📍 Location: Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ
🎟️ Entry: Free to enter; ride wristbands or pay-per-ride
👧 Best for ages: 3+

Step into a world of vintage seaside fun at Dreamland, Margate’s iconic amusement park. With its vibrant murals, classic fairground rides, and lively events calendar, it’s a must-visit for families.

What to Do:

• Ride the Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest wooden rollercoaster (for brave tweens and teens)

• Enjoy dodgems, carousels, and a big wheel with sea views

• Cool off at the roller disco or grab lunch from quirky street food stalls

• Catch pop-up performances and kids’ workshops during school holidays

Spring Tip: Keep an eye out for Easter events, storytelling sessions, and vintage markets on weekends.

🐚 The Shell Grotto – A Mysterious Underground World

📍 Location: Grotto Hill, Margate CT9 2BU
🎟️ Entry: Adults ~£5, Children ~£2.50
👧 Best for ages: 5+

Discovered by chance in the 1830s, this underground tunnel decorated with 4.6 million seashells is a marvel that baffles historians to this day. Kids will be fascinated by the spiralling passages and intricate shell mosaics.

What to Expect:

• A short but magical walk through the candlelit chambers

• An on-site museum and gift shop selling shell crafts and coastal curiosities

• Fun guessing games about the grotto's mysterious origins

Accessibility Note: The tunnels are narrow and uneven in places, so best for mobile kids.

🏖️ Botany Bay – Fossil Hunting & Rock Pools

📍 Location: Marine Drive, Broadstairs CT10 3LG
👧 Best for ages: All ages
🌊 Best time to visit: Low tide (check tide tables!)

One of the most beautiful and photogenic beaches in Kent, Botany Bay is perfect for springtime exploring. With chalk cliffs, hidden caves, and shallow waters, it’s a natural playground.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Rock pooling at low tide—look for crabs, anemones, and starfish

• Fossil hunting along the beach (especially after a storm)

• Space to build sandcastles or fly a kite

• Quiet nooks for picnicking

Facilities: Toilets and a seasonal kiosk are available; bring your own snacks and blankets for comfort.

🎨 Turner Contemporary – Art with a Seaside Twist

📍 Location: Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG
🎟️ Entry: Free
👧 Best for ages: 4+

Even if your kids aren’t typical museum fans, this light-filled, modern art gallery is surprisingly engaging for young visitors. Many exhibits are interactive or large-scale installations that spark curiosity.

Why Visit:

• Hands-on family art sessions during weekends and holidays

• Panoramic sea views from the upper windows

• Easy access to the beach and nearby cafes

Bonus: It’s right next to Margate Main Sands for a post-art beach run-around.

🚂 Ride the Scenic Ramsgate Tunnels

📍 Location: Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate CT11 8FH
🎟️ Entry: Tour prices vary
👧 Best for ages: 6+

Explore the UK's largest network of civilian wartime tunnels, originally built as an air raid shelter during WWII. Older children will love the storytelling, lantern-lit tours, and historical artefacts.

What’s Inside:

• Guided tours with local history and wartime tales

• Authentic furnishings and props from the 1940s

• Hands-on exhibits and dressing-up areas

Note: Some parts are dimly lit—great for imaginative kids but not ideal for toddlers.

🍦 Where to Refuel – Family-Friendly Cafés and Treats

• The Bus Café (Margate): A converted double-decker with fun meals and sea views.

• Morelli’s Gelato (Broadstairs): Retro ice cream parlour with over 20 flavours.

• Peter’s Fish Factory (Ramsgate & Margate): Kid-friendly portions of classic seaside fish and chips.

🏡 Stay the Night: Family Short Lets with Pass the Keys

If you’re turning your Thanet day out into a mini-break, why not stay somewhere spacious, child-friendly, and close to the action?

Pass the Keys offers a range of self-catering holiday homes in Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate—perfect for families who want space to relax and make the most of the coast.

Benefits for Families:

• Multi-bedroom homes (no need to share one room)

• Fully equipped kitchens to make snacks or meals

• Pet-friendly options if you’re bringing the dog

• Near beaches and local attractions

• On-the-ground support for anything you need

You’ll find modern apartments, seaside cottages, and even quirky homes near Dreamland or The Old Town.

🧺 Final Thoughts

From rollercoasters to rock pools, art galleries to secret grottos, Thanet has something for every age and interest. Spring is a wonderful time to explore—with fewer crowds, blooming scenery, and tons of family activities ready to entertain and inspire.

So pack your buckets and spades, bring your curiosity, and let Thanet be the setting for your next unforgettable family day out.