Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Maidstone brings families straight to The Kent Owl Academy, a specialized bird of prey and animal sanctuary located in Kent. This popular family-run visitor attraction allows children to discover incredible owls, raptors, and small mammals through hands-on handling experiences and educational displays.
Experience day gift vouchers and private packages start from £25.00 for mini animal sessions, while individual specialty animal encounters range upwards from £49.00. General entry to the academy grounds is included with admission to its host site, Kent Life. Visitors can spend hours exploring the picturesque grounds, meeting majestic birds up close, and participating in private keeper-led animal encounters.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines close-up wildlife encounters with expert falconry displays, this Maidstone attraction offers exceptional value. Its famous owl flight experiences, friendly handlers, and interactive animal sessions make it a top choice for a memorable family weekend trip.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Mote Park: Expansive nearby Green Flag award-winning park featuring a large lake, model railway, and adventure play areas.
- Leeds Castle: Historic moated castle and sprawling stately grounds situated a short drive away.
- Kent Downs National Landscape: Protected scenic countryside offering extensive walking trails and valley views.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently praise the deeply engaging, hands-on nature of the bird handling sessions that captivate older children.
- Children love the thrill of having an owl fly directly to their gloved hand during private encounters.
- The knowledgeable, passionate handlers receive high marks for answering kids' questions enthusiastically.
- Visitors appreciate the combination of bird experiences with the wider attractions of the host farm park.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some reviewers note that specific experience days have strict age minimums (such as 13+ for owl encounters), requiring careful planning for families with younger children.
- Experience vouchers must be pre-booked and are separate from general farm entry unless bundled.
- Weather conditions can occasionally cause last-minute rescheduling of outdoor flying sessions.
- Weekend parking areas can get busy during peak holiday periods.
Park Attractions and Exhibits:
- Owl Display Mews: Housing dozens of native and exotic owls.
- Raptor Flight Arenas: Open grass areas used for educational flying demonstrations.
- Meerkat Mob Habitats: Dedicated enclosure for resident meerkats.
- Small Mammal Corner: Housing skunks and other rescue animals.
- Reptile Handling Zones: Specialized spaces for snake and cold-blooded animal encounters.
- Kent Life Heritage Farm Park: Surrounding historic farm features, orchards, and vintage buildings.
- Indoor Tea Rooms: On-site family eatery and hot drink station.
- Outdoor Picnic Greens: Grassy areas for family packed lunches.
- Souvenir Gift Shop: On-site retail outlet selling toys, books, and wildlife memorabilia.
- Education Marquees: Sheltered spaces hosting school visits and group workshops.
New for 2026:
- Upgraded Seasonal Flight Schedules: Expanded daily educational flying displays featuring newly rehabilitated raptors.
- Enhanced Step-Free Access Paths: Resurfaced level gravel connections linking the main entrance plaza directly to primary bird enclosures.
- Interactive Digital Learning Boards: Modern touch-free information pods detailing British bird conservation along main visitor trails.
12.32 miles
