Whether you’re a local looking for a half-term adventure or visiting our vibrant coastal town for the first time, Folkestone is packed with family fun. We’re so lucky to have so many creative folks running special events for our whole community to enjoy.
From sand castle building, and fossil finds to animal encounters and ice cream spots that locals swear by, here’s your ultimate guide to making magical memories in Folkestone at any time of year.
1. Lower Leas Coastal Park – Wild Play by the Waves
📍 Location: Just below The Leas promenade
🕒 Timing: Open all day, every day
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 Find out more
Lower Leas is a must-do for families. Even during its current refurb, there’s plenty to enjoy. Think wooden forts, slides, and rope walks hidden in a lush, cliffside garden overlooking the sea. It’s an explorer’s dream. Bring a picnic, chase each other through the trails, and enjoy the sea breeze as the kids run wild.
There are a few coffee stops dotted around as well as the favourite Mermaid Café overlooking Mermaid Beach, a glorious view whatever the weather. There are also new, clean, public toilets available by the amphitheatre.
2. Sunny Sands, Harbour Fountains & Seaside Fun – Buckets, Crabs & Ice Cream Dreams
📍 Location: Below the Harbour, next to the old town
🕒 Timing: All day – tides permitting!
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 More Beach Info
Folkestone’s Sunny Sands is the golden-sand beach of childhood memories. Build a sandcastle kingdom, paddle in the sea, and when the tide’s in, head to the Harbour fountains for splashy fun. They’re just a few steps away and perfect for cooling off!
🎣 Fancy crabbing? Bring your line, bait and bucket—great spots include the Harbour edge or The Warren at high tide. Just don’t forget to return your crabby friends to the sea!
🍦 And don’t miss Herbert’s Café—THE go-to for ice cream near the fountains. Local tip: try the Gypsy Tart flavour—it’s inspired by a traditional Kentish dessert, and it’s ridiculously good. The little shell shop nearby is great for picking up buckets, spades, and seaside souvenirs too.
3. Harbour Arm Mini Golf & Adventure Playground – Crazy Putts & Rope Slides
📍 Location: Folkestone Harbour Arm (pebbly beach side)
🕒 Timing: Weekends and holidays, weather permitting
💰 Cost: Mini golf ~£5–£7 pp, playground is free
🌐 Harbour Arm Info
The Harbour Arm is bursting with family energy. On one side you have the food and drink venues and market place – alongside a traditional seaside carousel ride. On the other you’ve got the best adventure mini golf with pirate-y quirks and sea breezes a brilliant playground with rope bridges, climbing walls and a slide—all with loads of space to sit and soak up the sunshine while the kids burn off steam.
🍍 Top Tip: Grab a drink or snack at Hula’s Beach Shack, right next to the playground. Great smoothies and relaxed vibes make this spot a win-win for everyone.
4. Radnor Park & Rio’s Ice Cream Van – A Green Oasis Near the Station
📍 Location: Right outside Folkestone Central Station
🕒 Timing: All day
💰 Cost: Free (bring some change for ice cream!)
🌐 More Info
This is the perfect first (or last) stop if you’re arriving by train. Radnor Park is huge, with tons of space to run wild, kick a football, or enjoy a family picnic. There’s a fab playground too—swings, zip line, climbing frames—it’s all here.
🚚 Keep your eyes peeled for Rio’s Ice Cream Van, a local legend. Great flavours, huge portions, super reasonable prices—what’s not to love?
5. Folkestone Triennial Art Trail – Art, but Make it an Adventure
📍 Location: All around town
🕒 Timing: Any time
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 View The Artworks
Turn Folkestone into your outdoor gallery! Hunt for over 70 public artworks scattered through the town—from giant metal sculptures to a golden ear listening to the sea. It’s part art trail, part scavenger hunt, and 100% fun. Perfect for curious minds and creative imaginations.
6. Folkestone Museum – Time Travel with Dinosaurs, Romans & More
📍 Location: Town Hall, Guildhall Street
🕒 Timing: Tue–Sat, 10am–4pm
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 Visit The Museum
Ever found a dinosaur in Kent? You might at Folkestone Museum! This little gem is packed with quirky exhibits and hands-on activities that bring local history to life. From fossils to wartime stories, it’s a rainy-day favourite (but honestly great anytime).
7. The Warren – Fossils, Clifftop Views & Nature Walks
📍 Location: East Folkestone coast
🕒 Timing: Best during low tide and daylight
💰 Cost: Free
🌐 Plan Your Visit
A proper wilderness adventure without leaving town. The Warren is all about dramatic cliffs, secret beaches, and fossil-filled rock pools. Bring sturdy shoes, snacks, and a sense of adventure. And don’t forget your crabbing gear if the tide’s in!
8. Silver Screen Cinema – Cosy Classics on the Big Screen
📍 Location: Guildhall Street
🕒 Timing: Check the website for family films
💰 Cost: From £4.50 (bargain!)
🌐 What’s On?
Tucked away in town, this little retro cinema is a Folkestone fave. Expect all the big hits (and some lovely throwbacks), comfy chairs, and that old-school charm that makes movie-going feel like an occasion. Great for rainy days or a cosy evening wind-down.
9. Wildlife Parks Galore – Pick Your Animal Adventure
📍 Location: All within 30–45 mins of Folkestone
🕒 Timing: 9:30am–6pm
💰 Cost: From £21.95–£29.50 per adult
🌐 Port Lympne | Howletts | Wingham
Three amazing options—all packed with wild animals, play areas, and oodles of family fun:
- Port Lympne Safari Park – Jump in a jeep and cruise past giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
- Howletts – Get up close with gorillas, elephants, and lemurs in a leafy setting.
- Wingham Wildlife Park – A hidden gem with penguins, reptiles, and dinosaurs!
They can be a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it for a full-day outing. Keep an eye out for family deals online.
10. Folkestone Insider Tours & Card – Local Secrets, Unlocked
📍 Location: All across town
🕒 Timing: Tours and discounts available year-round – COMING SOON!!!
💰 Cost: Discount Card from £5; tours vary
🌐 Check It Out
Want to dive deeper? Folkestone Insider offers tours for curious families—explore hidden tunnels, hunt for street art, or sample seaside snacks on a guided walk. The Insider Card also gets you fab discounts on food, drink, events and more across town. We’re working hard behind the scenes to bring this to you asap – sign up to our newsletter to be the first to be in-the-know!
So, What’s Your Family’s First Stop?
Whether you’re building sandcastles at Sunny Sands, crabbing off the Harbour, or catching a film at Silver Screen, Folkestone is buzzing with family adventures just waiting to be had. Save this list, share it with your friends, and tag us on Instagram @folkestoneinsider with your best snaps!
Want this list as a printable handout or featured on your website? Just shout and I’ll get it sorted.
