• Mediterranean Summer
• Visit the festival

For Children

Yes, that's right, Kew Gardens has a beach this summer. It is there to display how plant life adapts in coastal regions and will be a great place to relax in the sun.

There is also an interactive Plants and Smells exhibition, where children can sniff their way through.

Climbers and Creepers, Kew's indoor interactive play zone for children 3 - 9 years, is a great place for the Kids to explore the plant kingdom; here they can slide down a pitcher plant or wiggle through tunnels like a field mouse.

Throughout the summer holidays there will also be craft activity sessions, starting at 2pm and 3pm and organised games at 4pm. Places can be reserved with a member of the Climbers and Creepers Team. Click here to see what’s on when you visit. [PDF]

The Mediterranean fiesta continues on the lawn of Climbers and Creepers throughout the summer holidays. ... Every weekend starting from 21 July – 2 September children will be able to have their faces’ painted to become Mediterranean bugs, and be able to touch and stroke (if they want) various bugs from the region, during insect handling sessions.

On the weekends commencing 21 July and 18 August the Bug handling sessions will be Saturday only and he will not be around on either 28 or 29 July. Bug Handling sessions will run 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm. Face Painting will run 11am – 5pm and there’s an additional charge for this.

Also collect your Mediterranean treasure hunt card on entry and take your young explorers on a trip of discovery across the region (suitable for children 3-5, 6-10).

All these activities are set within Kew's 300 acre landscape, where kids can explore the connection between plants and people. They can also taste the exotic within the glasshouses; and see giant palms, mangos, bananas, and cacao.

And don't forget a family day out at Kew is unrivalled value; children under the age of 17 get in FREE.