Does your little girl or little boy love cars? What about trains? Boats? Planes? Does anything on four-wheels that goes "brummm" make them giddy with excitement? If your child is anything like mine, then the answer is a resounding "yes". Which is why I've gone on a trip in and around Tonbridge to scout out the very best activities for any vehicle-obsessed child.
Kent Firefighting Museum
Did you know that Kent has a firefighting museum? And did you know just how close this museum is to Tonbridge? Located just outside Sevenoaks and hidden in the back of a garden centre, you can find a completely free museum, stuffed to the rafter with fire trucks, hats, memorabilia and any accessories you can think of. It is staffed by knowledgable retired Kent firefighters who are happy to answer any questions a curious child might have. And best of all, there is a real-life fire engine, for children of all ages to climb into and explore. Children can have a go "driving" to their hearts content and it's the perfect location for imaginative play. There's also a little play ground in a shaded area, with plenty of picnic tables for adults to sit and rest.
More information:
Location
Woodlands Garden Centre, Ash Ln, Ash, West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks TN15 7EG
Pricing
Opening hours
Distance from Tonbridge
Diggerland
If you truly want to make your little vehicle-fan's heart soar, then surely there can be no better place in Kent than Diggerland? It's the ultimate action-packed day out for any digger, dumper, landrover and construction-obsessed child. There are 20 different wild attractions and rides for kids and grown-ups to try out. This is a theme park that adults will find just as fun, as many of us grew up wanting to at least try out a real digger. There's even a merry-go-round built of diggers. Less adventurous children and smaller toddlers can also find joy in the adorable Little Tikes play zone and soft play. There are also dodgems, mini trucks and karts.
More information:
Location
Medway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Kent ME2 2NU
Pricing
Opening hours
Distance from Tonbridge
Little Street
Step into Little Street and watch as your children embark on a journey of exploration and creativity like never before. Discover the joy of not one, but two delightful role-play towns just a stone's throw away from Tonbridge. Crafted with expert guidance from Early Years practitioners, these miniature wonderlands are brimming with interactive props, costumes, and miniaturised vehicles, inviting endless hours of imaginative play. Your little vehicle-fan will love the large wooden fire engine, as well as the many ride-on cars for them to zoom around the little town.
More information:
Location
Little Street, The Square, Riverhead, Sevenoaks TN13 2AB OR Unit 40, Royal Star Arcade, High Street, Maidstone ME14 1JL
Pricing
Opening hours
Distance from Tonbridge
Tonbridge Miniature Railway
We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing feature right here in Tonbridge. Excellently located just outside the swimming pool, the Miniature Railway is a major draw for young and old. You can expect to find it open during warm weather, during school holidays and on bank holidays. It's a real steam locomotive and you can tell that the members who fix, and run the trains are enthusiastic about what they do. It's an integral part of Tonbridge. Best of all? It's donation-based so very affordable and you know that your money is going to a good cause as well.
More information:
Location
In Tonbridge itself! You can find the track just outside the Tonbridge Swimming Pool.
Pricing
Opening hours
Distance from Tonbridge
Chatham Historic Dockyard
If your little ones are more into maritime vehicles and things that float, then perhaps the variety of ships at Chatham Dockyard will be perfect. Not only is the impressive HMS Cavalier a ship that is fascinating to explore, but just climbing up and down the many ladders and stairs is bound to exhaust even the most enthusiastic toddler. Chatham Dockyard really has something for the whole family. From immersive cinema experiences, to climbing aboard a real-life submarine, to marvelling at the huge lifeboat collection. There are also lots of different play spaces, including an indoor soft play area.
More information:
Location
Main Gate Rd, Chatham ME4 4TZ
Pricing
Opening hours
Distance from Tonbridge
Trainmaster West-Kent Events
Trainmaster are regular events offered around different areas of West Kent. Typically held in hired halls, you will find a room filled with toy trains and tracks, including all the exciting battery-operated ones. You can also expect to find a toddler ride-on coaster, a large train that is big enough for children to sit on, Thomas the Tank Engine-themed trains, building blocks, Duplos, and so on. Anything that a toy train-obsessed little child is bound to find exciting is there for them to try out and play with. And the best thing is that your living room does not get wrecked and you aren't responsible for the clean-up afterwards. The next Trainmaster event in Tonbridge is taking place on the 9th of April at the Six in One Club.
More information:
Location
Differs according to venue. You can expect to find offerings in Tonbridge, Hildenborough, Kings Hill, West Malling, Maidstone and so on.
Pricing
Opening hours
Distance from Tonbridge
Spa Valley Railway
This gorgeous steam train happily drives between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge. But it's more than just simply going on an old steam train. Spa Valley Railway puts on immersive, fun-filled events throughout the year and are a fantastic choice for train-fans of all ages. Whether you fancy an afternoon tea or fish and chip lunch with your slightly older children, or want to step into the world of science on "The Science Express". One particular highlight is the upcoming Thomas the Tank Engine event in late April and May 2024 and another is the Polar Express ride around Christmas. We took our baby on the latter and were blown away by the production, the train itself and the entire experience. It's definitely a day to remember!
More information:
Location
West Station, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY
Pricing
Opening hours
Distance from Tonbridge
Comments