Keep little ones entertained throughout the summer holidays is no easy feat. Bored children means stressed parents but with many day trips and excursions in London costing an arm and a leg, finding free and cheap days out for the family is more important than ever.
So parents will be happy to hear that a whole flock of beautiful giant waterlilies have arrived in London with enormous leaves that can reach up to two metres wide. Even the most hard-to-please bored schoolchild is bound to be impressed by the Victoria cruziana – a tropical species of flowering water lily native to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay.
The Victoria cruziana can be seen at the Waterlily House at Kew gardens, which has been specifically designed to house various varieties of the giant aquatic plant. Kids will be able to go an see the ponds there for the whole of the summer season.
Kew Gardens announced the arrival of the plants on its Facebook page: “From meh to magnificent. This year, the Waterlily House is home to Victoria cruziana – believe it or not, one of the smallest species of giant waterlily! Have you spotted them at Kew yet?”
But best of all is that some kids will be able to go and see the giant waterlilies for completely free. Children under the age of four cost nothing to bring to Kew Gardens, while kids between the ages of four and 15 can get in for £6. Adults cost a fair bit more at £22, but there are also concessions and family discount packages available which could make taking the whole family cheaper.
Tickets will, of course, cover entry to the garden’s many other attractions. These include Kew’s 37-acres of classic woodland, its Carbon Garden, the Princess of Wales Conservatory and Davies Alpine House.
There are also themed trails to take visitors around the gardens, including a pollination trail, mindfulness trail and even a first date trail. The Gardens have loads of other family friendly events on over the summer months which encourage kids to learn about nature through exhibitions and theatre.
Tickets for Kew Gardens can be booked online through its website.
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