City
6 Best Activities In Dartford
Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation keeps birds of prey, and a bird of prey holds the attention of a child who has gone cold on playgrounds. That is the strongest single reason to come, and it sets the tone for a town whose best days out involve animals and open ground.
Lullingstone Country Park Kent supplies the walking, Pumpkin Picking at Stanhill Farm the seasonal farm visit. Indoors, Gravity Active Bluewater takes the energetic older ones while Dinotropolis and Madplay cover the small end. Six places in total: four with indoor space, three with outdoor.
Showing 1–6 of 6
Zoos and Wildlife ParksEagle Heights Wildlife Foundation
Children's FarmsPumpkin Picking at Stanhill Farm
National ParksLullingstone Country Park Kent
Activity CentresGravity Active Bluewater
Indoor PlayMadplay
Indoor PlayDinotropolis
12 more within 10 miles of Dartford
Swanley New Barn Railway
Swanley Park
Flumes, Treasure Island and Activities at White Oak Leisure Centre
Hangloose Adventure Bluewater
Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater
Pirate Cove Adventure Park
Bluewater Shopping Centre
Beacon Wood Country Park
Lullingstone Roman Villa
Lullingstone Castle & World Garden
Hall Place & Gardens
Buzy Bees Playbarn
Two very different days sit in this list — one built around birds and countryside, one built around indoor activity. Trying to blend them makes for a rushed afternoon, so pick a side before you set off.
Visiting Dartford with kids: FAQs
Which of these would you take a wildlife-mad child to?
Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation without much hesitation, since birds of prey are the sort of thing children remember long after a soft play afternoon has blurred. Lullingstone Country Park Kent pairs with it well if you want the rest of the day outdoors rather than driving on to somewhere indoor.
What suits a child who has just turned three?
Madplay and Dinotropolis are both indoor play venues pitched at younger children, and a farm visit works at that age too. Gravity Active Bluewater is better saved for later — activity centres of that kind generally suit children with more size and confidence behind them.
Is there enough here for a full weekend?
For a weekend you would want to treat the town as a base rather than the whole itinerary. Six places is enough for a good day and a decent second morning: the wildlife centre and the country park on one day, an indoor activity venue on the other if the weather has turned against you.