Children's Garden

A fun, interactive space to climb, run, jump and explore everything that a plant needs to grow.

A boy playing in the Children's Garden at Kew

The Children’s Garden is undergoing essential maintenance and the water feature is temporarily closed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The Children's Garden will be closing early at 3.30pm on Wednesday 27 August for a quiet session.

Based in a natural setting the size of 40 tennis courts, children can explore all the things plants need to grow in our Children's Garden, designed for children from 2 to 12 years old.  

Over 100 mature trees are spread over this beautiful landscape, with hidden treasures and adventures around every corner, leading to a 4m high canopy walk wrapped around a 200-year-old oak in the heart of the Children's Garden. 

No pre-booking required – all visitors are welcome to come and go throughout the day until one hour before the Gardens close.

Book tickets to Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens opening and closing times

Quiet sessions

During the busier months of March to October we are offering quiet sessions in The Children’s Garden for children aged 2 to 12 years with special educational needs and disabilities to make for a more comfortable visit. 

Quiet sessions from April to October 2024

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  • Pre-booking is no longer required but any tickets previously booked for The Children's Garden will still be honoured.
  • During peak periods such as weekends and school holidays, the Garden may be more busy. Quieter periods are likely to be when we first open or late afternoon.
  • Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
  • Adults may only enter the Children's Garden when accompanying children.
  • Please help us look after this space by taking care of our plants; flowers are for smelling not picking.
  • There will be a staff member patrolling the Children's Garden during peak times, including Easter and Summer school holidays, May and October half terms, and all weekends from April through October.
  • First aid and safeguarding incidents should be reported to our Kew Constabulary Team using the yellow emergency phones located at the front entrance of the Children’s Garden and at the back of the Water Garden, or using the telephone number provided in the visitor leaflet.
  • CCTV images are being monitored for crime prevention and public safety. This scheme is controlled by RBG Kew.
  • Alcohol and glass are not permitted in The Children’s Garden for the safety of children.

Explore the elements 

Earth Garden 

In the Earth Garden children can weave through a living bamboo tunnel, explore a jungle of large leafed palms and slide down 'worm-hole' tubes.  

There’ll be lots to learn about earth science, from germination to plants with interesting roots. 

Air Garden 

In the Air Garden wander a forest of colourful spinning windflowers, giant pollen spheres and bubbles that imitate seeds floating on the breeze.  

We’ll have hammocks and periscopes so children can enjoy gazing at the sky, and a tree-lined amphitheatre for storytime. And of course, trampolines for the bravest few! 

Sun Garden 

In the Sun Garden follow windy and twisted paths through a ring of sunflowers and pink candy floss grass.  

We’ll have a spectacular show of blossom with a row of cherry trees and hoop frames made of apple and pear trees for a real sensory adventure. 

Water Garden 

In the Water Garden explore our stream and water feature with stepping stones inspired by the giant waterlily. 

Children can clamber over large natural stone boulders, planted with horsetails, ferns and giant rhubarb whilst learning about the vital role of the water cycle. 

Visiting the Children's Garden

Opening times

Nearest entrances 

Elizabeth Gate and Brentford Gate

Please note, we may occasionally need to close attractions for maintenance or visitor safety: check for planned closures and visitor notices before you visit.

A family of four enjoys food in a colourful restaurant

Family Kitchen and 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

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