Family and Early Years learning
Inspiring opportunities for children and families to learn together about plants and the natural world.
Our family and early years learning programmes excite and inspire children about plants and the natural world.
Whether you're in the Gardens, at home, or in your local park, we have a variety of learning sessions and resources to engage children of all ages with nature.
Family learning at home
Family-friendly activity sheets and fun videos you can use at home with your children.
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Family nature activities
What plants can you spot when you're out and about? Explore the natural world with these fun activities for the whole family.
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Music and Movement (3 months – 2 years)
Sing along with our fun-filled series of nature-inspired songs and nursery rhymes from around the world.
Resources to use at Kew
From learning activities to explorer back packs, download or book our free resources to use on your family visit to Kew Gardens.
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Learning cards and nature trails
Think like a scientist by exploring new ideas together. Collect a card or trail from one of our friendly explainers, or download them to use on your visit.
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Explorer packs (early years)
Perfect for group visits, our packs contain resources for group leaders to engage families with our amazing collections. Email familylearning@kew.org for more information.
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Young scientists backpacks (3 – 7 years and 7+ years)
Our new fun-filled backpacks are packed with activities and resources to engage children with early science skills on their visit to the gardens. Available from spring 2022.
Activities in the Gardens
Whether visiting independently or with a community group, our sessions will connect you and your children to nature.
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Music and Movement (3 month – 2 years)
Enjoy hands on music-making, nature-inspired songs, dance and traditional rhymes accompanied by live instruments.
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Little Explorers (2 – 5 years)
Join us for an adventure in the Gardens, as we investigate nature through hands-on activities and outdoor exploration.
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Family Explainers
Our friendly and informed Volunteer Explainers are waiting to meet you in and around the Gardens to share fascinating stories about Kew’s science, history and collections.
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Little Pumpkins (3 – 7 years)
Taking place in the community allotment, these sessions will teach you and your children how to plant seeds and care for edible plants.
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Family days
Join us for seasonal, plant-themed activities, from spring planting to Christmas garland-making. These sessions are designed for children's centres and community groups.
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Family Kitchen Gardens tours (7+ years)
Children will learn all about our amazing Kitchen Garden and the huge variety of fruit and vegetables grown here. Tours run over the summer holidays.
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Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)
We offer a range of sessions including music and gardening sessions, picture exchange packs, and sensory tours for groups. Get early access to events and enjoy a quiet session at our Children's Garden. Email familylearning@kew.org for more information.
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SEND sensory story sacks
Designed to help distract and relax your child making your visit to our Gardens more calm and enjoyable. Resources include a stress ball, timer and ear defenders. To book a sack please email familylearning@kew.org.
Partnerships
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Our partnerships
We partner with children's centres, charities, and community interest organisations to deliver our family and early years programmes and develop resources. Email familylearning@kew.org for more information.
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Volunteer Family Community Connectors
Our Family Community Connectors help us plan and deliver our learning activities, and support families to access our programmes. Email familylearning@kew.org for more information.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
