Free entry for children under 16

There are plenty of attractions to interest children at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show - and under 16s get in free!

To give kids a great day out and encourage them to get outside, grow plants and discover nature this summer, the RHS is giving under-16s the chance to visit RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show for free.

The show, sponsored by Ecover, is bursting with gardening inspiration for all ages and over the weekend (7 - 8 July) the Children’s Zone will be packed with fun, interactive and educational elements to inspire kids to get growing.

During that weekend the Carnival Arts Group will host interactive workshops with seed sowing and flower crown making. Children will be able to make fun cress heads to take home, or head bands of paper flowers, as well as enjoy face-painting, henna art and balloon modelling.

Other show highlights for budding gardeners to enjoy include:

Scarecrow Competition

With the London Olympics just around the corner don’t forget to walk past the 'Sporting Champions' Scarecrow Competition and cast your vote. It’s going to be difficult to choose your favourite sporting champion from the greats in cycling, athletics, tennis, fencing and swimming amongst others.

The Bee House and Garden

Bees take centre stage this year with this new feature, the Bee House and Garden, providing a fantastic interactive display. The RHS, the British Bee Keeping Association (BBKA) and Bumblebee Conservation have all teamed up to create this exciting feature. Pop in to see live honey bees demonstrations, have a go at candle making and get up close with the bumblebees tumbling around in the bumblearium. There’s also the chance to learn about planting for bees and other pollinators and look at the vast range of products that are produced thanks to bees.

Butterfly displays

For the first time at RHS Hampton Court, this year’s show has live butterfly displays in two of the gardens. Stop by the butterfly jungle and see if you can spot native butterflies in the undergrowth outside before glancing into the glasshouse to see if you can spot the vibrant blue morpho darting around the tropical foliage.

Children’s trail

Pick up a Children’s Trail so you can learn all about the different parts of the show. Explore plants in the show gardens and unusual features in the marquees. Whilst you’re looking around keep a look out for the wonderful flower girls dressed in spectacular flower costumes that will wow visitors of all ages. When the Children’s trail is all done don’t forget to present it at the RHS membership stand to receive a treat.