Get your children out of the house and connecting with nature thanks to these five fantastic things to do at Kew Gardens this summer. From family workshops to outdoor theatre and dance shows, to cloning cabbages and watching scientists at work up close, there’s never been a better moment to learn and play in the world of plants at one of London’s most iconic outdoor attractions.
- Explore Kew Gardens
All summer – Open every day from 10am (8am for members) to 6.30pm (7.30pm on weekends, 8.30pm on Fridays & Saturdays 22 July – 27 August)
Spend a day within the beauty of Kew as you enjoy the spectacular views from Kew’s 18 metre high Tree Top Walkway, before testing your balance on the Log Trail, as you hop, skip and jump your way across this natural play area.
Take things up in temperature as you step inside the Waterlily House – Kew’s hottest glasshouse – and admire the giant leaves and stunning colours of these incredible blooms that only come on show at this time of year. Sit back and relax as the littles ones tire themselves climbing, clambering and sliding their way around Climbers and Creepers or Treehouse Towers, Kew’s tree themed outdoor play area, before finishing the day with a picnic on the grass on one of Kew’s sprawling vistas.
- Experience The Hive at Kew
2 July – 4 September 2016
Experience the world of the British bee as you step inside The Hive, a new 17 metre high modern art installation surrounded by a wildflower meadow. Once inside, thousands of flickering LED lights bring the whacky structure to life, while a calming, meditative soundscape fills the air.
Embark on a Pollination Trail across the Gardens, solving bee-puzzles along the way, before delving even further into the incredible life of bees at Family Workshops filled with arts & crafts, stories and games. Dip your toe into the world of beekeeping as Bee Urban let you try on the protective kit, learn the waggle dance and get bee crafty. Over the August bank holiday, explore the world beneath your feet with Grass: a quirky dance show for children, expect puppetry, performance and playfulness!
For timings and more information visit https://www.kew.org/about/press-media/press-releases/hive-comes-kew-gardens-1
- The Great Broad Walk Borders
The longest double herbaceous borders in the world open at Kew this summer, with the recording breaking 320m floral framed pathway between Kew Palace and the Palm House pond containing 30,000 plants in vibrant colours which will be in peak display between June and September.
To mark the opening we have organised craft workshops building your very own borders using paper shapes and bring out the budding artist with botanical badge drawings to wear home. Face painting of botanical designs will be available and with Garden games for the whole family will tire little balls of energy and satisfy the most competitive streak
For timings and more information on the Great Broad Walk Weekends visit https://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/broadwalkborders
- Kew Science Festival
5 – 7 August 2016
This August Kew will host its first Science Festival, bringing science out of the labs and into the Gardens. Get hands-on and interactive with onsite workshops, experiments and activities led by Kew scientists, researchers and students. Come and use a DNA sequencer, clone a cabbage or learn to pollinate orchids with tuning forks.
Younger budding scientists can try to make their own mushroom spore print, take part in the plant pressing ‘Olympics’ or go on a treasure hunt for the for the nearest relative to a cabbage…can you guess what it is?
- Outdoor Theatre in the Gardens
23 July – 30 August 2016, Wednesday to Sunday
Two enchanting outdoor shows, The Wind in the Willows and The Dream Fairies, will be performed in the magical setting of Kew for the first time this summer. These critically acclaimed outdoor theatre productions deliver music and laughs for all, so pack a picnic and join in the fun!
These performances take place in two separate locations with a short walk between them. Running time is approximately 90 mins (including the walk from Victoria Gate) tickets can only be bought online and will not be available via Kew box office, via the following online box office www.theatreonkew.co.uk
The Wind In the Willows
23rd of July – 28th August
Wednesday – Friday: 11.30am & 6pm performances.
Saturday & Sunday: 11.30am & 4pm performances.
Monday and Tuesday: No performance
The Dream Fairies– Adventure Through Bubble Land
30th July – 28th August 2016
Wednesday – Sunday: 10.30am & 2pm performances.
Monday and Tuesday: No performance
Image Credit: RBG Kew
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