A great family day out!
From Monday 22nd July to Friday 30th August 2025, the Botanic Garden is the place to be over the summer holidays with an exciting range of Go WILD family activities to take part in. We have pond dipping, campfires, den building, a bug hunt in the meadows, circus skills, themed character days and much more!
With special activities of the summer holidays and 568 acres to play with, this summer will be wild.
Botanic Garden activity leader Emily Ivens said: “Our activities suit all age groups so there really is something for everyone, whether that be building a camp fire, making dens, a minibeast hunt, pond dipping, arts and crafts, fun and games.”
“It’s a great time to discover the Botanic Garden, get close to nature, enjoy a real day out and make some very special memories.”
Daily Schedule
- Every Monday
11am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm · Pond Dipping – Discover more about the fascinating creatures that live in our dipping ponds.
Meet at Dipping Ponds next to the Aqua Lab (No. 25 on the Garden map).
2.30pm-3.30pm – Nature Walk – Explore the biodiversity of the Botanic Garden in this family friendly nature walk.
Meet at the western entrance of the Great Glasshouse (No.1 on the Garden map).
- Every Tuesday
12pm to 3pm – Campfire and Den Building – Come and build a den and gather around the campfire to toast your own bread.
Meet at woods next to the Aqua Lab (No. 25 on the Garden map). Drop in session.
Selected Tuesdays – Science at the Garden
23rd and 30th July and 6th and 20th August
DNA Masterclass for 10-16 year olds – 10.30am to 12pm – £15 per child – Book here
Microscopy for 10-16 year olds – 1pm to 2.30pm – £15 per child – Book here
- Every Wednesday
11am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm – Sewing and Growing session – Learn how to grow your own seeds and much more in this practical session.
Meet at archway of the Stable Block – (No.13 on the Garden map).
10am to 3pm – Circus Skills – Be part of the circus and have a go at circus skills.
Millennium Square – (No.20 on the Garden map). Drop in session.
- Every Thursday
11am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm – Bug Hunt – Explore our meadows and learn about the insects that live there.
Meet at eastern entrance of the Great Glasshouse – (No.1 on the Garden map)
- Every Friday
11am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm – Plants in Medicines – Explore the Apothecary Hall and discover more about plants that heal.
Meet at the Apothecary Hall – (No.4 on the Garden Map)
- Selected Saturdays
See our website – What’s On for special character days featuring Paddington, Fireman Sam, Peppa Pig, Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol and Bluey and Bingo.
There’s no need to book and all activities unless otherwise stated are free with Garden admission.
Other fun activities here at the Botanic Garden:
- Watch a spectacular flying display at 11.30am and 2.30pm (£3 per person) featuring eagles and kites;
- Explore the magical, deep, dark wood and discover our amazing hand-crafted carvings of the Gruffalo characters on our Gruffalo Trail;
- Go on an adventure in the Great Glasshouse by exploring the winding paths to discover plants from all around the world;
- Discover the Tropical House and pretend that you’re in the hot and humid jungle;
- Pick up one of our fascinating nature trail leaflet from the information table in the Great Glasshouse;
- Play with the giant games on Millennium Lawn;
- Have fun in our children’s playground which even has a mini zip wire!
Remember that you can use your admission ticket to come back as many times as you like, for seven days after your initial, paid-for visit.