Science | Family friendly
Families
With more than 500 acres of gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve to explore, kids are free to go wild and discover the power of nature at Wakehurst.
Family-friendly events at Wakehurst
Many places to explore
Tree Trunk Trek
Crawl, climb and get to know Wakehurst’s trees on this adventurous log trail in Coates Wood.
Natural play spaces
Natural play spaces are scattered across Wakehurst for kids to explore. Look out for woven willow structures to run through, a labyrinth, an acoustic chair and some talking totem poles.
Millennium Seed Bank
Discover the underground secrets of the Millennium Seed Bank and spy on scientists at work in the world's largest seed conservation project.
Woodlands of the world
Walk beneath the sweet gum trees of North America or search for the Wollemi pine, a 'living fossil' that is as old as dinosaurs, in Coates Wood.
The Children's Heritage Garden
Enter an enchanting area where flowers, herbs and vegetables grow side by side and a giant willow pumpkin at its centre.
Wakehurst Explorer rucksacks
Pull-on one of our new Explorer rucksacks and prepare for an intrepid journey through Wakehurst.
Planning your visit
Tickets – Kids go free
Children (16 and under)* free
Adults, senior citizens, visitors with a disability, students £13.95
Members of Wakehurst/Kew/National Trust** free
* An adult must accompany any child 16 or under.
** Parking charges apply to National Trust members.
Buy your tickets at the gate.
Eating and shopping
The Stables restaurant and Seed Café serve children’s portions and you can ask a member of our stuff to warm bottles.
Our Gift Shop offers a fantastic variety of pocket money toys, games and books for children to continue their adventures at home.
Bring your own picnic! The gardens are there to enjoy, we just ask not to eat on the two lawns in front of the Mansion, and not bring your own food to our eateries.
Facilities and access for families
Map – we will give you a map when you arrive, this shows all toilets, baby changing facilities and suitable routes for buggies.
Access – most buildings have level or ramped access. Around the Mansion and Visitor Centre there are gravel and hard surfaced paths. The remaining garden and woodland areas have steep slopes, steps or paths that may be uneven.