Dane John Gardens

Dane John Gardens
At other points in time, the peaceful seeming Dane John Gardens has been a thriving Roman Cemetery (even more peaceful?) and an 11th century motte and bailey castle (much less peaceful!), so if you've a mind to look into it beforehand there's plenty of secret schooling to be delivered on the day that may interest the smalls.
These days however it's a simple fairly modern green space with a bandstand and a small adventure playground area packing traditional equipment suited to under 10s. There's room to picnic and enough for gentle ball games, plus cameras and sketchpads at the ready for those types of kids because there are excellent panoramic views over the city and beyond from the top of the mound. It really is close to the city itself, but it certainly doesn't feel it once you're in there!
A heavy bonus to recommend this place is simply that it's a literal stone's throw from the Canterbury Shopping Centre, so whether you wish to consider it a treat or a bribe, either way it's a handy option to compromise with the kids if you really ('yes, really') need to shop and they really ('yes, really!') have to come.