Kew Gardens Friends
We’ve been ‘Friends of Kew’ members for the past 15 months, and one of the perks of being ‘pals’ with the gorge botanical gardens is unlimited entry to our happy place all year round. We’ve made sure that we visit during every season. Yes, that includes Winter! A perfect excuse to wrap up warm and get out the house, during those cold dark months.
The wonderful thing about Kew Gardens, is how the settings alter with the changing seasons. The beautiful hues of the Spring blossoms, and vibrant brights during the Summer! Em loves rolling around in the mountains of leaves in Autumn, and of course getting festive AF for Christmas at Kew.
Kew Gardens is a place where Em can run free, and explore nature at his own pace. It’s a place where Pete did exactly the same when he was Em’s age! So for us Kew has that sentimental nostalgic draw too. We don’t have to worry about dog pooh, and even on the busiest days you can always find a quiet spot to picnic in.
The Children’s Garden
Over the last year we’ve eagerly awaited the opening of the NEW Children’s Garden. Em has peeked through the Perspex windows whilst the construction was going on. I’m going to admit, he was more excited by the diggers at this point! But Slowly, slowly we have watched the garden grow into something quite magnificent.
When the fence came down earlier this year, and Em spotted the slides for the first time it took a lot of chips and Ice cream to try and coax him away. So, when we received an email to attend a preview of the Gardens last month, to say we were excited was an understatement.
Chief Slide Tester
Obviously Em doesn’t get it, but it was a big deal to us! We got Em suitably G’d up on the way to Kew by informing him that he was the chief slide tester. He seemed happy enough to take on the responsibility of this very important role. The gardens didn’t disappoint, and made the long wait and tantrums during the build were totally worth it.
Kew have given the children plenty of space to explore. Set in an area the size of 40 tennis courts, the kids can discover and let their imagination run wild. Conveniently located next to the family friendly White Peaks cafe, makes it easy for us parents to grab a coffee on route, or some ice cream to help lure the children away when its time to leave. Which trust me, speaking from experience, will be hard!
The Elements
Representing the 4 main elements that plants need to survive, the garden is split into different areas; Earth, Air, Sun and Water. Each garden has different activities, and is a chance for the children to learn through play. There is a giant sand pit and ‘Worm Hole’ tube slides in the fishing village of the Earth Garden. A splash pool with water pumps, can be found in the Water Garden. Mini trampolines are surrounded by beautifully coloured pollen balls, giant windmills and tulips in the Wind Garden. Whilst the Sun Garden is home to a vibrant citrus coloured pergola. Which Emerson was quite happy running up and down for about 15 minutes.
It always makes us warm and fuzzy inside when you see kids working and playing together nicely. It doesn’t matter that they didn’t know each other, they had the sole aim of making sure the correct dam was blocked, and they got the job done. Em lasted all of 2 minutes before he got a bootie, but there was enough going on in the gardens to keep him distracted from trench foot. Our wild Em is a natural explorer, so climbing and clambering over the natural boulders, was like conquering a mountain.
The old oak Tree at Kew Gardens
At the Center of the garden is a 4m wooden canopy walk that surrounds a beautiful 200 year old oak tree. What child doesn’t love a giant tree house? It’s a beautiful way to implement nature into the playground, and to teach children the importance of looking after our ancient trees. The seating below also gives us parents a nice space to have that much needed caffeine.
For those dreamy Summer evenings there is a tree-lined amphitheater for story time, and loads of pathways to explore. There are large areas of grass to picnic and to play on, and a wooden adventure playground with rope tunnels, to scale and climb. Kew really have thought of everything.
Never Stop Exploring, Learning, and Playing
We always try to encourage Emerson’s sense of adventure, and one thing we want for him is to always love being outdoors. In this day and age it’s even more important for children to want to play outdoors, and to learn about nature. The Children’s Garden at Kew is the perfect combination of play, exploration, adventure and education. It gives the children a space to call their own, whilst they learn about germination, the sky, and other important elements in a plants life, like the water cycle.
It’s important for us that Emerson understands why respecting nature is invaluable in teaching him to respect our planet. We’re confident that our MANY trips to Kew are helping with this, and we’re looking forward to visiting the gardens again and again over the course of the year.
Opening Day
Opening on the 18th May 2019, the Children’s Garden is especially designed for children between the ages of 2-12. Arrive early, as you will be allocated a 90min slot once you arrive at the Gardens, so you may need to return later for your slot. Luckily at Kew there is plenty to discover either before or after your session.
We are currently loving the Chihuly Glass works that are dotted around the Gardens. Rhododendrun Dell, and the Azalea gardens are also one of our favourite areas, especially this time of year. The gorgeous newly refurbished Temperate House is another of our Kew Gardens happy places.
Let us know what you think about the garden in the comments below, and if you’ve visited Kew whats your favourite thing to do?
Its safe to say that the Children’s Garden at kew is a hit with Em – bouncing on the trampolines
Sounds like you guys had a lovely time! We haven’t been yet, but definitely adding it on to my list now x
Thank you for reading! It’s a lovely place well worth the visit x