Family-Friendly Activities in Margate for a Memorable Day Out with Kids

If you’re looking for a great day out with the kids then you should look no further than Margate. This charming seaside town is packed with attractions that are sure to entertain the whole family. Here’s how to have the perfect family day out in Margate:

Dreamland

No visit to Margate is complete without a visit to this vintage amusement park. It's a nostalgic gem with a delightful mix of classic and modern attractions. There is a range of rides for all ages with gentle carousels for the little ones to the iconic Scenic Railway for big kids and brave parents! 

The park offers free entry, with rides operating on a pay-per-ride basis, so you can choose your adventure. But Dreamland isn't just about the rides—there's something for everyone! You can challenge your friends to a round of mini golf, glide around the roller disco, or try your luck in the arcades. Even if rides aren't your thing, there's still a world of fun to explore.

Lost Island Golf

If you're up for a bit of adventure and friendly competition, Lost Island Adventure Golf is a must-visit.  The jungle-themed adventure golf course is perfect for children and families. Children will love the immersive course with angry gods, chattering monkeys and lights and sounds really making them feel like they are in the jungle. Lost Island Adventure Golf offers not just one, but two exciting courses for you to choose from, each with its own unique set of challenges and surprises. To beat the crowds—especially on weekends and holidays—it's a good idea to snag an early morning spot. But the fun doesn’t stop at mini-golf! Lost Island also features interactive AR darts, a cutting-edge twist on the classic game. Up to six people can join in, making it a fantastic option for a lively group activity. Whether you're aiming for a hole-in-one or a bullseye, there's plenty of adventure waiting!

The Shell Grotto

One of my favourite attractions in Margate, and a hit with the kids, is the intriguing Shell Grotto.  An underground tunnel entirely covered in intricate shell mosaics discovered by chance in 1835 will delight anyone in the family. It is not known who built the grotto containing an astonishing  4.6 million shells or why but it certainly gets my two asking lots of questions!

While the tunnels are stunning, they are quite short, and my little boy can zip through them in just a few minutes. So, it's a good idea to plan some additional activities for your day. I usually pair a visit to the Shell Grotto with a trip to the nearby Margate Caves, making for a perfect combination of adventure and discovery.

Margate Caves

Located a short distance from The Shell Grotto, Margate Caves offers up another intriguing and exciting experience for kids. Originally dug as a chalk mine, children will love descending the chalk tunnel and finding themselves in the huge cave perfect for exploring. You'll encounter colourful murals and fascinating geological formations, making it a captivating experience for kids and adults alike.

The caves also feature a small but engaging visitor centre with interactive exhibits that help bring the history of the caves and the local area to life. It's an exciting and educational outing that’s sure to spark the imaginations of young explorers 

The Beach

The expansive shoreline offers plenty of space for kids to run, build sandcastles, and splash in the shallow waves. Whether it’s a sunny day perfect for swimming and sunbathing or a breezy afternoon ideal for flying kites, Margate Beach provides endless opportunities for outdoor fun. 

The beach's central location also makes it convenient to combine a day of play with visits to other nearby attractions, making it a must-visit spot for families exploring Margate.

The Turner Contemporary

I have to admit, an art gallery isn’t usually at the top of my list for a day out with the kids, and it’s certainly not something my two would typically choose. However, this gallery is incredibly family-friendly with plenty of activities designed to engage and inspire young minds. Each gallery room offers sensory bags and toolkits, enabling children to engage with the exhibitions in a tactile and hands-on way.

In addition, the Clore Learning Studio has interactive artworks to encourage all ages to play and explore.

Arcades

No day out to a traditional seaside town is complete without a visit to the arcades that line the seafront. Filled with classic games like air hockey, claw machines, and coin pushers, these arcades are always a big hit with kids—mine can't get enough—and, let’s be honest, with competitive dads too!

The Crab Museum

Quite a hidden gem this one - this is the world’s first and only museum dedicated to the world of the decapod! The Crab Museum is a fun and quirky spot offering up a mix of science, history and humour with interactive displays and hands-on activities that the kids will love.

The museum doesn’t take long to explore, but it’s the perfect addition to a day of fun when paired with some of the other attractions mentioned in this blog for a fantastic family outing in Margate.

With its perfect mix of seaside charm, quirky attractions, and family-friendly fun, Margate is a fantastic destination for a memorable day out with kids. Whether you're riding the Scenic Railway at Dreamland, exploring mysterious underground tunnels, playing a round of adventure golf, or simply enjoying the beach, there's something to entertain everyone — from curious little explorers to thrill-seeking teens (and even parents!). So pack your buckets and spades, grab some fish and chips, and get ready to make some unforgettable family memories in Margate!