Jenni Horn

A family review visits Leeds Castle’s Little People Big Dreams Inspiring Women trail, which runs until August 31 and features 12 activity stations inspired by notable women including Amelia Earhart, Taylor Swift, Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks and Beyoncé. The children enjoyed activities such as flying paper planes, bandaging teddy bears, dressing up, completing a maze and an obstacle course, alongside the castle’s falconry display and play areas. The trail is included in admission, with family tickets valid for 12 months; the review concludes that Leeds Castle offers a fun, varied day out for families.

A family reviewer takes Max and Millie to a Creation Station slime workshop at Newington Cricket Club near Sittingbourne. Children learned how glue, bicarbonate of soda and activator form slime, then customised it with paint and glitter, experimented with bubbles and took their creations home. The session was praised for combining sensory play, creativity and basic science while allowing children to make a mess in a controlled setting. Upcoming Creation Station workshops across Kent include slime making and other craft activities, with some sessions costing £7.50 per child.

A visit to the Fenn Bell Inn’s pub zoo on the Hoo Peninsula highlights its growth from a small collection of rescued animals into a popular family attraction. The owners, Andy and Kelly Cowell, have expanded the site to include a tropical house, a range of animals from lemurs to fruit bats, and facilities such as playgrounds and dining areas. Despite challenges like flooding and restrictions, the zoo offers an affordable, relaxed experience with interactive viewing and friendly staff. New arrivals such as a crocodile and otter pups add to its appeal, and visitors can enjoy food options and special seasonal offers. The venue remains focused on creating memorable family experiences.