Published: Tuesday, 20th May 2025
Half term is approaching and there is plenty for families to see and do in Medway!
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “As always, there are so many exciting events happening in Medway this half term!
Whether you want to go back in time at our heritage sites, experience the unique world of Steampunk, watch professional street dancers battle it out or go for a dip or splash at The Strand Lido – you can do it all right here in Medway!”
Heritage fun this half term
Historic Rochester Castle will come alive with the charm of medieval storytelling on Tuesday, 27 and Friday, 30 May, from 10am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a world of silly stories, mind-boggling riddles and tall tales. The castle will also play host to medieval musicians during half term on Wednesday, 28 May and Thursday, 29 May between 10am and 4pm. Come along to hear history brought to life through their enchanting performances.
Eastgate House invites you to experience "Steampunk at Eastgate – A Splendiferous Weekend” this half term. Taking place on Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June from 11am to 4pm, this event will showcase the weird and wonderful traditions of Steampunk, including demonstrations of Tea Duelling and Familiar Flinging. Visitors can enjoy a weekend filled with colourful characters and crazy costumes, in what is a truly unique experience. Normal admission fees to Eastgate House apply.
Over at The Guildhall Museum, families can join in the exciting arts and crafts sessions – making their own VJ Day bunting to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day this year. The craft sessions are taking place between Tuesday, 27 May and Friday, 20 May from 10am to 4pm. Normal admission fees to The Guildhall Museum apply. Families (two adults and two children) can also purchase an annual family ticket to the museum for £10 giving them unlimited access for a year.
Be on your best behaviour this half term at Upnor Castle as PC Palmer will be on patrol on Friday 30 May! Our very own Victorian policeman will be on site to talk you through all thing’s crime and punishments, and why there is a policeman in a photo of the castle from 1900, featured in our new multi-media guide. Packed full of films and interactives to bring the site to life, it’s a great way to get the most out of your visit. Normal admission prices apply, plus a small additional charge for English Heritage members and use of the multi-media guide.
Free family fun with Child-Friendly Medway
Child-Friendly Medway will be holding a soft play and inflatables fun day on Thursday, 29 May. Children can bounce, jump, run, and play at Medway Park during two time slots: 10am-11.30am and 12.30pm-2pm.
This free activity is sure to be a hit, to book your space, email: ChildFriendly@Medway.gov.uk.
Child-Friendly Medway is also working with Pretending People and the Medway Little Theatre to host a free Greek Myths theatre workshop and live performances. If you fancy brushing up on your acting skills, join in the workshop on Wednesday, 28 May from 10am – 12pm. The workshop is aimed at those aged between five and 11-years-old.
If watching is more your thing, head along to one of the free performances on Thursday, 29 May (6pm – 7pm) or Friday, 30 May (2pm – 3pm and 6pm to 7pm). Both the workshop and performances are taking place at the Medway Little Theatre.
The Greek Myth theatre events and workshops are all free, but you will need to book a ticket. You can book your place here.
Making a splash at The Strand
There is a brand-new addition being unveiled at The Strand Lido this year with the amazing beach-themed splash pad officially opening from Saturday, 24 May.
The splash pad features more than 30 ground-level sensor-activated water jets for children to splash, play and soak in the fun and is completely free to use.
Both the lido and new splash pad will initially be open on weekends from Saturday, 24 May and open seven days a week during the school summer holidays.
What’s more – The Strand now boasts four completely renovated tennis courts for residents to enjoy! The work to the tennis courts forms part of a £30million nationwide project by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain.
Find out more about The Strand.
There are also holiday swimming crash courses running throughout half-term at Strood and Cozenton Park Sports Centres. They are perfect if you want to top-up or improve your own or your child’s swimming skills! You can find out more on our website and can book your course by emailing SwimLesson@Medway.gov.uk.
Mini Youth Sports Camps at Medway Park
Our Mini Youth Sports Camps will also be running at Medway Park during half-term, from Tuesday, 27 May to Friday, 30 May.
Designed for children aged between seven and 11-years-old, expect loads of fun and exciting activities, including dodgeball, swimming games, nerf wars, basketball, an obstacle course, football and more.
The sessions are delivered by our experienced sports coaches, and morning (9.30am – 12.30pm), afternoon (1pm to 4pm) and all day (9.30am – 4pm) sessions are available.
Half day sessions cost £12.50, full day sessions cost £25 and a booking for all eight sessions running over the four days costs £87.70. Medway Sport Premier Members also get a 20% discount.
To find out more, including how to book, visit: www.Medway.gov.uk/SportsCamps.
Lots more happening in Medway
LEGO® enthusiasts are in for a treat at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where the international acclaimed Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks is still on display. There is also a half term special adventure for families to enjoy with the Brickwrecks: Shipbuilders of the Stormy Seas on offer.
If you fancy a trip to the theatre this half term The Central Theatre has got you covered! On Saturday, 31 May the theatre plays host to Sweet & Sour: The Ultimate Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter & Olivia Rodrigo for a night of electrifying pop anthems.
The theatre will also be hosting one of the USDD Street Dance Festival events with Urban Dance Chronicles on Friday, 30 May. The live show celebrates culture, identity and creativity through dance, storytelling and visual art.
The USDD Street Dance Festival is taking place at locations across Medway from Thursday, 29 May to Sunday, 1 June. The four-day celebration of street dance will feature dance battles, showcases and even the opportunity to attend a workshop with world-renowned dancer and choreographer Popin Pete, who helped choreograph the Thriller and Beat It music videos. Book tickets for the Urban Dance Show at the Central Theatre here, and to find out more about the rest of the festival visit the USDD website.
Fort Amherst is also hosting two fun packed days with their Four Paws at the Fort celebrations on Saturday, 24 and Sunday 25 May from 10am to 4pm. With a bubble dog disco, competitions, demonstrations, puppy ballparks, splash pools and more, it is the perfect place for families and their four-legged friends! Find out more on their website.
As part of its 300 Steps to the River project, Sun Pier House will also be hosting a free family-friendly workshop to create sailing themed suncatchers. The drop-in session is running on Friday, 30 May from 1pm to 4pm.
The Medway Children and Family Hubs team is thrilled to offer a wide range of free, engaging activities for families this half term. From baby groups and toddler play to creative workshops and holiday fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These sessions are designed to bring the community together and provide enriching experiences for children and parents alike.