Posts Tagged: kew


8
Jun 10

Butterflies, Bugs & Beasties at Kew Garden

For this summer only, from now until 5th September, Kew Garden’s Princess of Wales Conservatory has been transformed into a haven for butterflies, bugs and beasties. 

As you walk into the Conservatory you will be amazed by the number and range of butterflies and moths flying freely around your head.   My children were mesmerised and loved studying them close up.

Then you walk through to an area where you can learn all about the chocolate plant which is bound to encourage questions.

Finally you move on to an area where there is a large pond with huge water lilies and a giant catfish in it.  If you are lucky you might even see a Chinese Dragon Lizard wandering around freely.

This was a huge hit with my kids when I went there over half-term and I highly recommend it.

When you have had enough of this area, you can just go on over to the new Plantastic Play Area by Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, where the kids can burn off loads of energy in a leaf maze, climbing posts, huge tunnels and even whizz along a wire.

As if there wasn’t already enough to do at Kew with the Climbers and Creepers playground and the Treetop walkway there are now these fantastic attractions.

Have a great family day out.

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15
Sep 08

Family Days Out: Kew Gardens

I spent a wonderful family day out at Kew Gardens yesterday and have even become a member because I think it is such a great place for kids. So, I thought I would share a few tips to help those of you planning a trip to Kew with younger ones:

* Take a picnic with you – there are some reasonable cafes but if you take a picnic you can find a spot amongst the plants and trees and settle down for a while. The kids can then charge around to their hearts’ content.

* If your kids are a bit older, the easiest way to get there is by tube. The main entrance is only a short walk away. However, if like me, you have toddlers in tow and you need the car, there is a large car park hidden around the back of Kew Gardens by the Brentford Gate entrance.

* Not far from the Brentford Gate entrance is the Climbers and Creepers activity place for kids. There is an indoor and outdoor play area as well as a cafe. If you are very organized you can even book special hands on activities to keep the little ones amused.

* The Badger Set is always a hit. It is situated in the top left corner of the gardens, so the walk there will tire out even the most energetic child. When you get there, the kids can chase each other in and out of the tunnels for ages. Be warned that these tunnels are definitely for kids! I have been in to rescue my child once or twice but I would avoid it if at all possible.

* The Treetop Walkway will give you some good views over London. The lift was not working when I went, so be prepared to walk up the stairs. There are lots of information plaques around the top with good information on. The walkway is made up of a steel mesh so you can see below you. My boys loved this because they could see all the ant like people wandering around below, but if you suffer from vertigo this is probably not the place for you!

Please share any experiences you have of taking the kids to Kew – it is always good to hear other people’s views.

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26
Jan 08

Family Day Out to see the Henry Moore at Kew Gardens

This exhibition strikes me as the perfect day out for the family – the kids will have loads of space to charge around and everyone can enjoy a bit of culture at the same time. (I am a bit of an art lover so this event particularly appeals to me.)

Twenty-eight of Henry Moore’s sculptures have been sited around Kew Gardens and it is the first exhibition of its kind in London. All the sculptures are huge and intended to be placed outdoors. It is a great way of bringing art to life for kids:

Moore at Kew provides a unique opportunity to witness how the changing light, weather and surrounding foliage affect sculpture throughout the seasons.

Moore at Kew runs until 30 March 2008. The Gardens are open every day from 9.30am to 4.15pm. Adults – £12.25, Concessions – £10.25, Children under 17 (to be accompanied by an adult) – FREE

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