Kew Gardens have been a favourite of mine for 20 years – basically, since I moved to London. And since we had the boys, Kew children’s garden has been always a hit, with friends or without! Founded in 1840, Kew hosts the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world: the gardens are gorgeous and glorious in every season. One of our top retreats within 30 minutes of London, Kew gardens with kids has also always the added bonus of something fabulous on, most recently February – March 2022 Costa Rica comes to London via the Orchids Festival. And whilst grown ups can indulge into the nature therapy, Kew gardens children activities are plentiful!
Summers are perfect for picnics and chilling on blankets in the shade of majestic trees.
The treetop walkway is the perfect observation summer point and fun for mild adrenaline seekers with its perforated metal structure that flexes under feet and sways in the wind.
Springs are delightfully green with an eruptions of flowers and colours.
The Orchids festival has been preparing the spring arrival at Kew in the last couple of years.
Vibrant colours, exotic fragrances, some delicate and some stronger – quite an event for the dull coloured days English winters.
The fall at Kew Gardens is another treat and we have spent glorious weekends soaking in October colours and art spread around. Our 4 and 5 years old (our friends son) explored the deserts and the tropical jungles, we talked carnivorous plants, waterfalls and cactuses – some seriously exciting Kew Gardens children’s activities!
If it drizzles or rains, Kew glasshouses make perfect exploration grounds.
And favourite Kew Gardens children’s activities could not miss the indoors and outdoors playground – a hit with our kids since they were tiny babies!
The Children’s Garden is a must-see playground, educational, fun and nature based. Access to the Children’s Garden is included in Kew tickets but make sure you book your timeslot , this is a very popular spot with young Londoners! Inside the garden, the explorers find the four elements that plants need to grow (earth, air, sun and water) and 90 minutes go very fast in here! Giant sandpitand beah huts, windmill flowers and comfy hammocks, brightly coloured sunflowers, cherry trees and candy floss pink grass, water pumps and splash pool are all fab for young audiences.
Kew Palace is another favourite, in fall surrounded by pretty manicured areas, wild ones with bluebells, bambus house and more art.
And winter at Kew Gardens are wonderful lighted celebrations as joyous, sophisticated and arty as London gets. We have witnessed in the past an abundance of wonders and Kew Gardens children’s activities, funfairs, Christmas markets, elves and even Santa appearances, always in our top Christmas activities in London.
Christmas at Kew returns in 2021 with over one million glittering lights, a celebration of nature by night and wonder of biodiversity. Start the festive season with a spectacular shows light by the Temperate House and Palm House, alongside installations on the Lake and across Kew’s Arboretum. We are seriously counting down to it!
For more December in London inspiration head here; for the latest Kew Gardens children’s activities, head to Kew Gardens dedicated section – there’s always something fun and exciting! For more inspiration and glorious days out hour drive from London, check our 26 day trips we raved about over the years.