From getting the cherry best out of the weekend, to meandering through a maze and delving deep for discoveries, here's five family summer treats.

1. You know summer’s arrived when you can walk through the head-high waving corn in Penshurst Place’s Maize Maze.

This year’s winding walkways and secret shortcuts come in the shape of the ancient Sidney Oak tree, which stood proudly on the estate for around 1,000 years until last year, and its self-seeded sapling which is now growing close by.

Organisers map the design out from above before planting the maize into shape, though you may not be able to tell once knee- and head-deep in the maze.

The maze opens on Saturday, July 15 and runs through until Sunday, September 3, plus an additional weekend of Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10.

The eco fun for all the family has two routes, one for younger visitors with a shorter 10-minute journey time and a larger, more challenging option for intrepid explorers. Don’t forget to pick up a flag on your way in to wave in case you need rescuing and a fun game card to collect clues and stamps. Activities are free and included in the standard grounds admission price. Last entry 5pm. For details go to penshurstplace.com

2. Summer never looked so tasty as it does at Brogdale in Faversham this weekend.

Sample the delights of the Kentish cherry with the National Fruit Collection with the annual Cherry Fair on Sunday, July 16.

Get messy with the cherry pie eating contest – the no-hands contest for all the family to get stuck in to, or take the cherry pip spit challenge and see if you can break the Brogdale record.

Everyone can have a go, although you need to give it some welly as the record to beat is 53ft.

Head to the cherry barn to see the fascinating display and sample some of the 325 varieties growing on site.

There will also be cooking demonstrations and the chance for kids to make “Mocktails” or shop for handmade crafts by local artists. Visitors are welcome to picnic on the meadow, and there’s also face painting, a bouncy assault course and for brave bears, the teddy bear parachute.

You can also cheer along your favourites in the pig racing, test out your archery skills and take a ride on the Faversham miniature railway through the fruiting orchards.

To book tickets, with 10% off until Friday, July 14, visit brogdalecollections.org or call 01795 536250.

3. Radio 1 Drivetime host and keeper of the official chart countdown Greg James, and voice of Newsbeat Chris Smith, come to Bluewater Waterstones on Saturday, July 15, at 3pm, signing copies of their book, Kid Normal.

Kid Normal tells the tale of Murph Cooper, who’s enrolled at a school for superheroes – but he’s just a normal kid. But that doesn’t mean he can’t still save the day!

Greg has no super powers. In his spare time he enjoys the idea of having hobbies, but in reality, he made all of them into work, and Chris also has none, but enjoys screen printing and self-effacement.

This event is free of charge but fans are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment, and need to have a copy of Kid Normal to meet Chris and Greg. For details call 01322 624831.

4. Popular kids’ show Milkshake! brings its live show to Kent.

Milkshake! Live, The Magic Story Book, is heading out on a national tour which comes to Margate Winter Gardens on Saturday, July 15, at noon.

Presenter and show director Derek Moran said: “We cannot wait to be back touring with our brand new show, The Magic Storybook. It’s a magical show full of audience participation.”

With classic fairytale storylines, songs and a host of Milkshake! favourites including Bob the Builder, Noddy, Fireman Sam and Wissper as well as Milkshake!’s own Milkshake! monkey and two Milkshake! presenters.

The show will take audiences on a journey through their favourite fairy tales featuring much-loved stories and plenty of singing and dancing. For more on the show go to milkshake.tv/milkshakelive and for tickets to the Margate show at £15 and £13 for children go to margatewintergardens.co.uk or call 01843 292795.

5. Share some magic moments with Sooty and Friends and enjoy a teddy bears’ picnic at Kent Life in Maidstone this weekend.

Sooty, Sweep and Soo take to the stage in the Big Top for some magical mayhem on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 and there will be the chance to grab a selfie with the famous bear afterwards. The show is included in the entry fee for the Heritage Farm Park.

Young visitors can also bring their own teddy for cuddly toy fun including teddy bear races, storytelling and a wooden bear hunt.

You can even treat your teddy to a donkey ride, hop on a tractor for a tour around the grounds, and meet some of the other furry creatures in Cuddle Corner. Kent Life’s own resident teddy might even make an appearance!

Entry is £9.95, with children aged three to 15 £7.95 and under threes free. The farm is open 10am to 5pm. For details go to kentlife.org.uk