Kids in London - Kew Gardens

Our annual visit to the splendid gardens took a slightly different tour this time. We started at Lion Gate (entrance fees now £13 for adults and free for kids under 17) and played a little frisbee by the Pagoda while we waited for our friends (note that ball games are not allowed).

We started in Temperate House admiring the Bird of Paradise flowers and noting the "Kids at Kew" signs for things like chilli plants. Then, near by, we went into Evolution House where the pre-historic mud and early mosses and lichens were surrounded in atmospheric mists. Great waterfall at the end. The kids spent some time rolling down the grass hills while we wandered over to the Palm House. The kids loved the mist sprays which came on periodically. And the huge seed pod of the Nut Palm which looked surprisingly like buttocks (lots of girlish giggling here).

The seven year old in our party loved the Marine Fish display underneath. Most of the kid favourites were there -Nemo (clown fish for the adults), hermit crabs, sea horses, puffer fish. And then we came out to watch the huge koi carp eating bread that was thrown in.

At this point we were hungry and headed for the child friendly cafes at the Pavilion. Burgers were around £6 each and came with fries but there was a separate cafe selling jacket potatoes and sandwiches. Big shop here too full of kid stuff - so avoid that if you are watching your spending.

Finally got inside the new(ish) Creepy Crawly indoor playground that is themed on plants and nature but great fun too. The game where one person moves the fly and the other person moves the Venus Flytrap plant "jaws" even generated a big smile from the teenagers in the party - and I thought they'd forgotten how to enjoy themselves! There was a live butterfly display and even a real bee hive - and the queen bee was marked so you could watch her trundle around the hive. The other attractions in here were climbing frames that resembled huge stinging nettles that said "Warning - come closer and I will sting you" - excellent! But I pity the poor man tasked with brushing up all the seeds that came out of the sandpit like area. How patient is he!

Anyway, our kids spilled out into the outdoor play area - as if they hadn't had enough exercise already. And then we came to a tree bearing headphone fruits - I kid you not, these enabled you to listen to the water going up inside the tree. Now what scientist discovered that trees make noises - maybe he was hugging one at the time...

Then we strolled through the wilderness and conservation areas which were pleasantly devoid of other visitors. We spotted some peacocks and golden pheasants strutting their stuff which was great. We dallied in the old favourite Badger's Sett and then went in search of the new Loggery Stag Beetle area. Well, we found the logs but there were no stag beetles in sight - apparently, they only fly at dusk to find their mates! Phew!

Some more frisbee playing in front of Queen Charlotte's cottage in a very verdant meadow before the long walk back towards the brand new tree walk. We enjoyed taking photos around the wood sculptures - but the bear was the absolute favourite.

Now, we had the priviledge of trying out its predecessor the temporary tree walk and although we admired the new structure the actual walk itself didn't seem as awesome as when we did it before. Maybe the trees had grown as the view wasn't quite as stunning - or maybe the first time made just a really big impression. Anyway, it's definitely worth the 118 steps up. Sadly, the lift wasn't working today so those with buggies or wheelchairs were denied the views - but how good is it that they built a lift there anyway?

Anyway. Whether you take a picnic or eat there, this really is one of the best ways to spend a sunny day during the holidays. There is lots to do and some lovely walks and all very safe, educational and fun.

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