19 July 2023
10 things kids will love at Wakehurst this summer
School’s out! Explore, run free and discover the secrets of trees at Wakehurst.
Calling all kids! Do you want an adventure this summer? Roam wild, fly on zip wires and explore with your four-legged friend.
Tell your parents about all of the fun things happening at Wakehurst this summer.
1. Roam wild and free (for free!)
We’ve got exciting play areas all over Wakehurst. Start with a wild adventure through towering trees, or head to our Wild Wood sculpture trail, with a treasure trove of hand-woven artworks to discover.
Then roam through brilliant fields of wildflowers in Coronation Meadow and Bloomers Valley – or explore our evolving American Prairie, which this year is a celebration of biodiversity.
Make sure to stop off for a sensory experience at the Children's Walled Garden, taking in the colours and scents of our herb and vegetable plots, or get messy in the Mud Kitchen.
Kids aged 16 and under visit Wakehurst for free. So parents – book your tickets today.
2. Fly and climb through the trees
Are you feeling brave? Join the birds and squirrels high in the trees this summer.
You can soar above the woodland floor on our zip wire (£10, ages 4-8) or come tree climbing with us and see what it’s like up in the canopy (£25, ages 6+).
You’ll need a grown-up with you, to watch from below and capture epic action shots!
Sound like fun? Book your ticket here
3. Play at Tree Trunk Trek
Crawl, climb and get to know Wakehurst’s trees on this adventurous log trail in Coates Wood.
Tree Trunk Trek is completely free with your ticket to Wakehurst (which means for kids under 16, it's free).
4. Uncover the secrets of Wild Wood
There’s no knowing what you might find if you keep your eyes peeled in Wild Wood, our sculpture trail amongst the oaks and hazels of Pearcelands Wood.
We’ve hidden hand-woven sculptures along a trail through the trees, from rabbits and badgers to giant chairs and dormice nests that you can crawl right into. See how many you can find.
Wild Wood is free with your ticket to Wakehurst.
5. Have a teddy bear's picnic in the woods
You are very welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy at our wild botanic gardens. And of course treat yourself to an ice cream from one of our cafés and restaurants.
Our café and restaurants offer picnic-friendly lunch boxes and a large selection of grab and go food that you can enjoy in the gardens.
6. Become a Wakehurst Explorer
Enhance any visit to Wakehurst with our Explorer Rucksacks, each catered towards a different age group.
Our rucksacks are jam-packed with activities and equipment, meaning children of all ages can make the most of their visit.
Venture into new habitats, discover the world of minibeasts or test your navigation skills.
Pick up an Explorer Rucksack from the Visitor Centre on arrival, or book online with your tickets.
7. Become a tree champion with our Nature Heroes squad
This summer, our Nature Heroes Pip, Bud and Sprout will show you how trees can save the world.
You’ll have extra fun in the gardens learning how to spot a super-tree. Complete the tasks in your mission pack to earn a Tree Champion badge for your cape (mission and badge £3; Nature Hero capes from £6.75).
Book your Nature Heroes mission with your Wakehurst tickets and get ready to save the world.
8. Spot wild animals
Calling all wildlife lovers! Wakehurst is home to dormice, badgers, kingfishers, owls, and many more species.
You can even help our Nature Unlocked scientists by counting the bees you spot on trees as part of our Trees for Bees research. Pick up a bee tally sheet at the Visitor Centre and get the whole family involved to help us find out what kind of trees are best for bees.
How many creatures can you spot?
9. Explore the most biodiverse place on the planet
While you’re here, you can uncover underground secrets and see our scientists at work.
The Millennium Seed Bank hides an underground collection of over 2.4 billion seeds from around the world, banking them to conserve them for the future.
10. Bring your furry friend on an adventure
Bring your canine companion for a day out at Wakehurst. Dogs are now welcome all year round.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells along our dog-walking route through woodlands of the world, past Westwood Lake and through Bloomers Valley.
Finish off with a refreshing drink and a special doggy ice cream. Don’t forget to drop in at the shop for a treat for your pup (and one for you too).
