Discover more at Ham House and Garden
Find out when Ham House and Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly things to do at Ham House and Garden
From exploring the gardens around our 17th-century house to enjoying delicious snacks at the Orangery Café and taking part in school holiday activities, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained this season at Ham House and Garden.
Family-friendly events and activities
A round-up of fun activities to enjoy with little ones at Ham House and Garden this season and beyond.
Fun-filled days at Ham House this summer holiday
Summer of Play is back this summer! Enjoy playful family days out at Ham House and Garden from Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 31 August 2025 with our free activities (normal admission applies).
Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ trail
From 1 September to 12 October, join us for an enchanting trail inspired by Eric Carle’s much-loved children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. Included with admission.
Seasonal spotter cards
Get everyone involved in a memorable day out with our free seasonal bingo cards. These cards help little ones to notice nature, wildlife and the changing seasons during your visit, and are free to pick up from visitor reception when you arrive or in the Garden Room.
Gardens to explore
At this time of year, great spots to take an outdoor wander with kids include the sculptural Cherry Garden and the maze-like Wilderness, with hedged compartments and wooden summerhouses to sit in.
Enjoy a riverside walk to Ham House
Make the most of your family day out and stroll along the towpath to Ham House from stations in Kingston or Richmond. See the links below for suggested routes and facts to share along the way!
Planning your family visit
- Ask at visitor reception for a level access guide to the garden so you can find your way step free. A ramp is also available in the café.
- The paths in the garden are mostly gravel and historic cobbles which can be difficult to scoot on. Our friendly team at visitor reception are happy to keep an eye on your scooters and balance bikes while you have fun. Bike racks are also available.
- Baby changing facilities are available in the women’s and disabled (unisex) loos opposite the shop.
Tips for visiting the house
Here are some useful tips to help plan your visit. Prams can be used in the grounds, shop and café, but cannot be taken inside the house for conservation reasons. They can be stowed under the covered arch at the front of the house.
Hip carriers are available at the front door for you to use.
Family-friendly things to do in the garden
Space for the little ones
From the tree-filled Wilderness to the productive Kitchen Garden, our gardens are the perfect spot for kids to enjoy some fresh air. There’s plenty of space for little legs to run around or play a game of hide and seek, with benches dotted around the paths to sit and take a break.
Mud kitchen
Our mud kitchen play area, found at the back of the Orangery Café near some picnic benches, is a space for kids to enjoy creative play.
'50 things to do before you’re 11¾'
From making friends with minibeasts to watching birds, your next adventure awaits. Experience ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ with the whole family at Ham House and Garden to get your kids closer to nature. There’s loads to do, so visit regularly to tick off everything on the list!
Some of our favourites:
For more inspiration, see the full list of 50 activities.
Grab a bite to eat
Head over to the Orangery Café where we have children’s meals available alongside a seasonal food menu and fresh cakes, as well as hot and cold drinks.
You might also be interested in
Things to see and do in Ham House
Explore the well-preserved interiors of one of the grandest Stuart houses in England, created to impress in the 17th-century by the Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband the Duke.
Things to see and do in the garden at Ham House
From peonies and roses to lavender and wild flowers, there's plenty to enjoy on a stroll around Ham House's gardens in the warmer months. Wander around the architectural Cherry Garden and the hedge-lined compartments of the Wilderness. Discover more seasonal highlights.
Explore the landscape around Ham House and Garden
Wander around the riverside landscape surrounding Ham House and explore parkland, meadows and wetland.
Eating and shopping at Ham House and Garden
Set in historic buildings, the Orangery Café and shop offer inviting spaces to relax and treat yourself on your visit to Ham House and Garden.
Family-friendly places to visit
Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.
Family-friendly places to visit in London
Discover gardens and parks where you can let off steam and autumn leaves to crunch through. There are quirky houses with fascinating histories to explore along with trails and activities to keep all the family entertained. And get ready for spooky Halloween fun over October half-term at the places we look after in London.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
