Description
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a world-renowned botanical research and education centre that offers a magical escape for families in London. It stands out as one of the best things to do with kids in London if you want a relaxing outdoor botanical garden and nature exploration experience. Children can safely run along the wide pathways, climb through tree canopies, and discover thousands of unique plants from around the globe.
Prices start from £25 for adults and £2 for children during the peak season when booked online in advance. Weekend and bank holiday online prices are slightly higher at £22 for adults and £6 for children, while children under 4 receive free entry. You can check the current seasonal ticket options directly on their main page before setting off to secure the best rate.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids to escape the city noise, this traditional heritage site fits perfectly. It combines scientific history with vast, open green spaces where everyone can unwind and reconnect with the natural world. The layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace, with dedicated areas designed specifically for younger visitors.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Features
- Sensory nature exploration: Families can wander through diverse plant collections, smelling vibrant floral borders and touching interesting textures in the glasshouses.
- Interactive exhibits: The grounds feature dedicated spots like the Treetop Walkway and The Hive, where children can engage with nature through immersive, multi-sensory technology.
- Educational outdoor day out: The living collections showcase how plants grow across different climates, providing an authentic way for children to learn about botany and ecology.
Highlights
- The Children's Garden: This specially designed area is perfect for children aged 2 to 12 to burn off energy. It features interactive play elements set within a natural landscape that encourages active, imaginative exploration.
- The Treetop Walkway: Families can climb up into the tree canopy for a bird's-eye view of the gardens. It is a thrilling way to see the park from a different perspective, 18 metres above the ground.
- The Palm House: This iconic Victorian glasshouse transports visitors into a tropical rainforest. Children love the warm, humid atmosphere and the chance to see giant palm trees and exotic plants up close.
- The Hive: An immersive, multi-sensory structure that mimics the life of a honeybee. The installation uses lights and sounds that react to the activity of real bees in the gardens, creating a truly unique experience.
- The Temperate House: As the world's largest Victorian glasshouse, this bright and spacious building is home to plants from temperate climates. It offers plenty of room to roam and stunning architecture to admire.
Detailed Inventory of Attractions
- The Great Pagoda: An impressive historic structure that serves as a landmark within the gardens.
- Japanese Garden & Minka House: A peaceful, contemplative space featuring traditional architecture and serene water features.
- Princess of Wales Conservatory: A complex of glasshouses home to diverse collections, including orchids, cacti, and carnivorous plants.
- Shirley Sherwood Gallery: A space dedicated to botanical art, featuring rotating exhibitions of paintings and drawings.
- Waterlily House: A small but fascinating glasshouse focused on giant water lilies and tropical aquatic plants.
Beyond the Main Attraction: If you want to extend your day, you can explore the charming shops and cafes in Kew Village, located just outside the station. The riverside paths along the Thames near Kew Bridge offer scenic walks perfect for cooling down after a busy day in the gardens.
0.78 miles
