Budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh this half term

To help you plan a brilliant week, we spoke to local parenting guru Mia O’Brian (@folkestonemummy), a Folkestone mum and creator of the much-loved Toddler Folk weekly timetable.

Designed to help parents find, navigate and enjoy local activities, her carefully curated guide has become a go-to resource for families – especially those looking to ease the loneliness of early parenting while discovering affordable (and often free) things to do locally.

With Mia’s insider knowledge, alongside tips from other local guides, we’ve rounded up ten of the best ways to keep little ones entertained this half term without stretching the budget.

Check out Mia’s Top Ten budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh below…

Sing, Dance & Laugh at The Quarterhouse

Sat 23rd May, 11:00

Start half term on a high with Mrs H & The Sing-a-long Band. This lively, interactive show blends music, comedy and theatre and is perfect for getting the whole family involved.

Led by the charming and passionate Mrs H, the Sing-along Band bring their unique family music to Folkestone with a line-up of musicians including members of Red Snapper, Beth Orton and The Leisure Society. Their aim is to provide quality music for children that adults will love too.

Bringing together elements of Folk, Soul, Afro, Latin, Dub, comedy and theatre the Sing-along band have been wooing audiences across the land. Bring your voices, silly dances, a sprinkling of mischief and don’t hold back from joining in the fun!

👉 Book tickets

Free Spring Craft Workshop

Sat 23rd May, 11:00–14:00

One of the best budget friendly family activities in Folkestone this free drop-in workshop lets kids create their own tiny garden in a matchbox.

Use a range of drawing materials to design and illustrate your very own tiny garden inside a matchbox, it’s a super cute and wholesome workshop for primary children looking to get creative this half term.

Top Tip – it’s always worth checking the Creative Folkestone website for family events and workshops in both holidays and term time – they have such a brilliant range of creative activities for all age groups and interests.

👉 More info

Animal Encounters at Pets at Home

Sat 23rd – Sun 31st May

Pet’s at Home – always a classic parenting-win!

These hands-on sessions go beyond simply meeting cute animals. With guidance from trained pet care advisors, children will learn that different pets need different types of homes – and what it really takes to keep them safe, healthy and happy.

Little ones will get the chance to meet a variety of animals and discover how they like to live, while also taking part in fun, interactive activities like building pet homes and creative tasks. It’s designed to be both educational and engaging, helping children understand how the right environment supports an animal’s wellbeing.

And there’s a lovely takeaway too: each child earns an official Pet Pals certificate and sticker, plus colouring sheets to keep the experience going at home.

Perfectly suited for ages 4–10, these sessions are safe, supervised and thoughtfully designed for younger children. To keep things calm for the animals and enjoyable for everyone, spaces are limited to one adult per child, so booking ahead is essential.

👉 Book a session

Creative Art Workshops with Art with Ali

Tues 26th – Thurs 28th May

For families looking for budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, these Art with Ali workshops are a fantastic way to spark creativity and build confidence.

Led by local artist Ali, these fun, hands-on sessions invite children to dive into the colourful world of oil pastels, creating bold and expressive animal-inspired artwork. Kids can choose from a range of animals for inspiration while learning key artistic techniques like layering, blending and mark-making.

The workshops also gently introduce children to important creative skills such as simplifying shapes and capturing character, helping them bring their chosen animals to life in their own unique style. It’s all about encouraging experimentation, self-expression and enjoying the process.

By the end of the session, each child will head home with a vibrant piece of artwork and a boost in creative confidence, along with new techniques they can continue to explore. There’s plenty to keep energy levels up too, with craft activities available during breaks, making it a relaxed and enjoyable experience throughout the day.

Workshops are available for a range of age groups — 5–8, 9–11 and 12–16 years — so siblings can join in at the right level for them. All materials are included; just remember to pack a lunch and dress for mess, as things can (delightfully) get a little creative!

👉 Book here

Holiday Club Fun at Smile Sandgate

Mon 25th – Fri 29th May

For families searching for budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, the Smile Sandgate holiday clubs offer a fantastic mix of creativity, fun and flexibility across the week.

Run by an Ofsted-registered childminder, these sessions are packed with a huge variety of hands-on activities, making every day feel different and exciting. From arts and crafts to imaginative play, there’s something to suit every child’s interests.

Workshops across the week include:

• Cap and friendship band decorating, perfect for kids who love customising their own accessories.
• Hoodie and jumper decorating, where children can design and personalise their own clothing.
• Beach bag and clay modelling sessions, combining creativity with practical makes to take home.
• Summer hats and bags workshops, complete with colourful embellishments and decorations
• Finger skateboard and room sign design, great for slightly older kids wanting something cool and creative.
• Rag doll making workshops, where children can craft their own soft toy to treasure.

Each session is designed to be fun, relaxed and confidence-building, with plenty of support and encouragement throughout. Even better, these holiday clubs offer great value for busy families, with sessions that include lunch and a drink, making it an easy, all-in-one option for childcare and entertainment during half term.

👉 See details & book

Kids Yoga in Hythe with The Yoga Man

Tues 26th May, 10:30–11:30

If you’re looking for budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh that offer a moment of calm in a busy half term, this Kids Yoga session in Hythe is a lovely choice.

Led by The Yoga Man, this engaging class is specially designed for children aged 5–11 years, blending playful movement, mindfulness and imagination in a way that feels fun rather than formal. Expect animal poses, creative storytelling and gentle stretches that help kids connect with both their bodies and minds.

It’s not just about movement, these sessions are designed to support confidence, focus and emotional resilience, all within a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether your child is full of energy or in need of a little reset, it’s a great opportunity for them to move, unwind and recharge.

The atmosphere is light, creative and supportive, making it perfect for children who are new to yoga as well as those who already love it.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

👉 Book via Instagram

Free Family MakeIT Sessions at Folkestone Museum

Tues 26th – Sat 30th May

For families looking for budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, the free half term workshops at Folkestone Museum are a real hidden gem.

Running throughout the day in relaxed, one-hour sessions, these MakeIT workshops are perfect for dropping in between other plans – and they’re completely free (with donations welcome).

Each day brings a different creative theme inspired by the museum’s collections and local history. Highlights this half term include:

• Hare Collage (26th–27th May) – Children can create their own collage celebrating hares, inspired by Folkestone Museum’s much-loved Roman artefacts – including a beautifully preserved silver hare brooch discovered at East Wear Bay. It’s a lovely way to combine creativity with a touch of local history.
• Hedgehog Handprints (28th–29th May) – A fun, slightly messy favourite where little ones can use paint and their own handprints to create adorable hedgehog artwork, while learning a little about these much-loved British animals along the way.

These sessions are designed to be hands-on, informal and accessible, making them ideal for younger children as well as older siblings who enjoy getting creative. There’s no pressure,  just a chance to explore, make and learn together in a welcoming environment.

With multiple time slots available throughout the day (including morning and afternoon sessions), it’s easy to fit a visit into your half term plans.

👉 See full schedule

Woodland Wacky Racers at Brockhill Country Park

Tues 26th & Weds 27th May

If your kids have energy to burn, this is one of the most exciting budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh this half term.

The Woodland Wacky Racers experience at Brockhill Country Park combines outdoor adventure, creativity and a touch of friendly competition — all set in beautiful woodland surroundings.

On arrival, families head to the Deer Paddock, where a specially designed race circuit awaits. Children can warm up by practising their racing skills before setting off on an adventure around the lake, scooting, pedalling or riding their way along the trail. Along the route, they’ll discover mystery boxes adding an extra layer of excitement as they uncover hidden surprises.

But the real highlight comes in the Woodland Workshop, where, under the guidance of park rangers, children can get hands-on with tools to saw, drill and hammer their very own wooden race car to take home.

Each session lasts around 1.5 hours, are just £8 per child,  with accompanying adults able to attend for free.

A few things to know before you go:

• Children should bring their own bike, scooter or trike. Helmets are recommended
• Adults can join on foot only.
• Suitable for ages 2–11, though all ages are welcome
• Parking charges apply

It’s a brilliant way to get kids outdoors, active and creative — all in one adventure.

👉 Event details

Teddy Bears’ Picnic at The Nest, New Romney

Tues 26th May, 11:00–13:00

For a gentle, feel-good option among the many budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic at The Nest in New Romney is a lovely choice for younger children.

This cosy, themed event is designed to spark imagination and bring a little magic to lunchtime. Children are invited to bring along their favourite teddy and settle in for a relaxed, fun-filled session of crafts, treats and play.

During the event, little ones can enjoy:

• A charming teddy bears’ picnic experience
• Biscuit decorating, perfect for creative (and slightly messy!) fun
• Party hat making, adding a playful, celebratory touch
• A bear hunt trail, encouraging exploration and discovery

A picnic lunch is included, making it an easy, all-in-one activity for families looking for something simple yet special.

With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, this event is ideal for younger children who enjoy imaginative play and hands-on activities in a smaller, more relaxed setting.

Spaces are limited, so booking in advance is essential.

👉 Book your place

Bug Hunts & Bug Homes at Romney Warren

Thurs 28th May, 10:00–12:00

For a truly hands-on outdoor experience, this is one of the best budget friendly family activities in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh – it’s completely free!

Head to Romney Warren Local Nature Reserve for a relaxed, drop-in session where families can help give the much-loved bug hotel a makeover, creating cosy spaces for insects to live and thrive. Using natural materials like sticks, pinecones and bamboo, children can get involved in building habitats that support local wildlife.

Once the building is done, it’s time for a mini beast safari. Armed with curiosity, kids can explore the reserve, search for bugs of all shapes and sizes, and learn why these tiny creatures play such an important role in the environment – with friendly rangers on hand to guide and share fun facts.

There’s no need to book, just turn up anytime during the session and join in.

Good to know:

• Suitable for ages 5+
• Free drop-in event
• Meeting point near The Nest Café (toilets and refreshments available)
• Limited parking on site; walking or car sharing recommended
• Wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly (on leads)

A brilliant way to get outdoors, learn something new and enjoy nature together this half term.

👉 Find out more