Families looking for unforgettable summer holiday days out can discover a host of new adventures at Wakehurst this year, with exciting trails, outdoor activities, art installations and evening events designed to help children connect with nature.
From June onwards, Wakehurst’s 535-acre botanic garden in Sussex will be packed with opportunities for children to explore, play and learn, while parents can enjoy beautiful gardens, wildlife and relaxing outdoor experiences.
New Explorer Map and Discovery Stations
A brand-new Family Explorer Map is available throughout the summer, helping families create their own adventure across the gardens. The map highlights wildlife hotspots, buggy-friendly routes and the best places for little explorers to run, play and discover nature.
New discovery stations and play areas launching this summer will offer hands-on opportunities for children to engage with the natural world, while popular themed trails, including the Dinosaur Trail and Barky Bark tree trail, add extra fun to family visits.
Become a Seed Scientist
Launching in early June, families can step inside Wakehurst’s Millennium Seed Bank and discover the fascinating world of seed conservation.
Children can interact with a new virtual AI scientist, asking everything from “What’s the smallest seed in the world?” to “Could seeds survive in space?” Young visitors can also enjoy the interactive Bank a Seed exhibition and learn how scientists protect plant species for future generations.
Help Real Scientists This Summer
Budding young ecologists can take part in Wakehurst’s Trees for Bees project, running throughout the summer until September.
Families can help researchers monitor pollinators by counting bees and uploading their findings via a simple app. The project aims to help scientists understand how to create more pollinator-friendly environments and gives children a chance to contribute to real-world conservation research.
Explore Art and Nature Together
Running throughout the summer, Henry Moore and More will transform the gardens into a giant outdoor gallery.
The exhibition features four sculptures by renowned artist Henry Moore alongside contemporary artworks displayed throughout the landscape. The installations offer families plenty of opportunities to explore, discuss and be inspired by the relationship between art and nature.
Outdoor Cinema Comes to Wakehurst
From 12 to 14 June, Adventure Cinema will bring open-air movie screenings to the gardens.
Families can enjoy favourite films under the stars by bringing along a picnic blanket or camping chairs for a memorable summer evening. A range of family-friendly films and blockbuster favourites will be shown across the three-day event.
Late Summer Openings
During July, families can enjoy Wakehurst after hours with special Thursday late openings until 9pm.
The extended evenings offer the perfect opportunity for sunset walks through the wildflower meadows, Walled Garden and woodland trails while avoiding the daytime crowds.
New Family Silent Disco and Evening Events
Wakehurst is also launching Latehurst, a new programme of evening events taking place on Fridays and Saturdays throughout July.
The programme includes live music, jazz evenings, string performances, wine walks and one event that’s sure to be a hit with younger visitors – a Family Silent Disco, where children and parents can dance together beneath the summer sky.
Special Mansion Concert evenings on 3–4 and 10–11 July are recommended for families with children aged eight and over.
Summer Family Favourites
Alongside the new activities, families can still enjoy Wakehurst’s most popular attractions, including the Mud Kitchen, Tree Trunk Trek, Labyrinth, Children’s and Community Garden, American Prairie, Water Gardens and the spectacular summer wildflower meadows.
Nature lovers can also head to the Loder Valley Nature Reserve, where kingfishers, terns and other wildlife can often be spotted.
Whether you’re planning a summer holiday adventure, a weekend family outing or an educational day in nature, Wakehurst’s 2026 programme offers plenty of opportunities for children to learn, play and make lasting memories outdoors.