Families

With acres of gardens to explore, secrets to unearth and science discoveries waiting to be revealed, Kew Gardens is the perfect place for a fantastic family day out.

A child smiles whilst holding a wooden music instrument

Family fun at Kew

  • Two children in a metal structure in front of trees and a blue sky

    Explore The Hive

    Buzz over to this super-sized installation and discover the secret life of bees!

  • Child having fun in the Children's Garden

    The Children's Garden

    The place to be for fun-filled adventures.

  • A view of the Treetop walkway

    See Kew from the trees

    Get a bird’s-eye view of our magical Gardens.

Discover the Children's Garden

The exciting Children's Garden is specially designed for children from 2 to 12 years old.

Based in a natural setting the size of 40 tennis courts, children can explore all the things plants need to grow; earth, air, sun and water. 

 

More about the Children's Garden

 

Book your tickets to Kew Gardens

 

A family of four eats a meal in a colourful restaurant underneath a brown mushroom made from sticks

Family Kitchen & Shop

With stone-baked pizza, salad bar and ice cream servery alongside great gifts and books, the Family Kitchen & Shop is the perfect pitstop for a family day out. Located next to the Children’s Garden

Discover

Inspiring opportunities for families to learn together about plants and the natural world.

  • Two people in blue polo shirts, standing by a table full of resources in the Temperate House

    Volunteer Explainers (all ages)

    Our friendly and informed Volunteer Explainers are waiting to meet you around the Gardens to share fascinating stories about Kew’s science, history and collections.

  • Family walking through an autumnal landscape

    Family nature activities

    Explore the natural world as a family and get creative with your finds, with these fun activities to do at home. 

  • Family explainer in the Temperate House

    Family Learning cards

    Think like a scientist by exploring new ideas together with our family-friendly learning cards.

  • Kid inspecting a plant with a magnifying glass

    Seasonal spotter sheets and trails

    Use our family trails and handy spotter sheets to discover seasonal highlights at Kew.

  • A child in a yellow coat looks at the forest floor with a magnifying glass

    Mini and Young Scientist Backpacks (3 – 7 years and 7+ years)

    Our new backpacks are brimming with resources to engage children with early science skills.

  • Sunday stories

    Music and Movement online

    Sing along with our fun-filled series of nature-inspired songs and nursery rhymes from around the world.

  • Little Explorers activity

    Little Explorers

    Fun, hands-on 90-minute learning sessions aimed at children aged 2-5 and their parents or carers.

  • Children playing on a music and movement session

    Music and Movement for 3 month to 2 year olds

    Enjoy hands on music-making, nature-inspired songs, dance and traditional rhymes accompanied by live instruments

SEND offer for families

We are dedicated to creating inclusive learning opportunities for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our FREE activities and resources will help you to get the most out of your visit.

  • Family in the Kew landscape partaking in a sensory tour

    SEND Family Sensory Tours (0 – 7 years)

    Join our interactive storytelling tour exploring plants and nature at Kew. Aimed at children with SEND and young people with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties.

  • Family learning activity

    Children’s Garden quiet session (2 – 12 years)

    Join us for a quiet session in the Children’s Garden aimed at children with special educational needs and disabilities. Sessions run March to October.

  • Green sensory story sack containing a stress ball, timer and ear defenders.

    SEND Sensory Story Sacks

    Designed to help distract and relax children with SEND on their visit to Kew, ensuring a calmer and more enjoyable visit. Resources include a stress ball, timer and ear defenders.

  • Contents of a bag including magnifying glass and crayons

    Sensory Activity Packs

    Our activity packs contain sensory props to support children with additional needs to engage with our plant collections, such as water spray bottles, mirrors, and chopsticks (for sound).

  • Children's activities on laminated paper

    Picture Exchange Communication Packs (all ages)

    Designed in partnership with Pictologue Charity, these packs enable children with communication difficulties to access Kew. Each pack contains a social story, a visual schedule, rule cards and seasonal ‘what I can see at Kew’ sheets.

  • The Hive, a 17 metre installation at Kew Gardens, viewed from a distance

    Visual guide

    Our visual guide can help you plan and enjoy your visit to Kew Gardens. This resource includes information about what to expect during your visit and top tips to help you have a fantastic time in the Gardens.

  • A graphic of Kew Gardens with labels

    Accessibility map

    This map prioritises accessibility information and highlights areas of sensory interest. It also includes a zoomed-in map of part of the Gardens, to help you navigate the busiest area.

Play for longer

With so many acres of space for outdoor play, you can’t do Kew in a day. Family members save money and enjoy exclusive benefits, all year round.

Plan your visit

We've got you covered with all you need to know.

  • A child in the log trail

    Family tickets and membership

    Enjoy unlimited entry to Kew Gardens, and a host of exclusive events and discounts by becoming a member. 

    Family memberships from just £87.

  • A man and a small child look at a broccoli behind glass

    Eating and drinking

    Enjoy delicious outdoor dining and takeaway food at our cafés and restaurants.

  • A girl in a yellow coat enjoys Pollinator Day at Kew Gardens

    Facilities for families

    There are toilets and baby changing within easy reach of all the main attractions, cafés and gates.The Gardens are mostly level and there's level or ramped access to most of the buildings.There is a buggy park at The Hive.

  • Inside the Palm House

    Dos and don'ts

    Check out the dos and don'ts before you visit to get the most out of your day

Facilities for families

There are toilets and baby changing within easy reach of all the main attractions, cafés and gates. 

At the Family Kitchen and Shop, we have a private baby feeding room. 

The Gardens are mostly level, and there is level or ramped access to most of the buildings. 

There is also a buggy park at The Hive.

See our map