Octonauts: Above & Beyond launches at Kew Gardens this Easter

Children are invited to become ‘Octonauts’ - young nature explorers on a mission to help honeybees and protect the natural world - as Kew Gardens launches a brand-new family adventure this Easter.

From 28 March to 12 April 2026, Kew Gardens will host Octonauts: Above & Beyond, an interactive outdoor trail designed especially for children aged 3–6. Set near Brentford Gate, the experience invites families to explore the Gardens together through playful, hands-on activities that bring learning about nature to life.

Inspired by The Honeybee Rescue episode, young visitors will follow an Octonauts mission around the Gardens in search of honeybees that have lost their home. Along the trail, children will take part in a series of activity stations, helping to find the bees, build a new hive, and transport them safely, while discovering how pollination works, why plants matter, and the vital role insects play in healthy ecosystems.

Blending outdoor exploration with themes of biodiversity and conservation, the trail offers a fun and imaginative way for families to experience Kew’s living landscape together, inspiring curiosity about the natural world through play.

Kathryn Gee, Creative Programmes Producer at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said:
"We’re delighted to welcome families to Kew Gardens for Octonauts: Above & Beyond this Easter. This playful trail gives children the chance to take on an exciting mission, helping honeybees while learning about the natural world in a hands-on way. Experiences like this encourage curiosity, problem-solving and a deeper connection with nature - and we hope families will leave with happy memories and a lasting appreciation for the environment."

Members of Kew Gardens will have exclusive access to a special film room located inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory, where families can relax and enjoy an episode of ‘The Amazon Adventure’ from the original Octonauts series on the big screen. The experience will run at scheduled times throughout the day and must be pre-booked in advance (members can book here).

Octonauts: Above and Beyond will be available at both Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, giving families the chance to take part in the experience at either location. During their visit, they can also explore the wider Gardens, from seasonal displays to the peaceful outdoor spaces across the site, and the ever popular Children’s Garden.

The trail runs daily from 10am–4pm, with a later start of 11am on 29 March due to Kew the Run. Octonauts: Above & Beyond is a free, drop-in experience for all Kew Gardens visitors and is included with standard entry. Please note, no costumed characters will appear as part of the event. 

For more details and ticket information, visit: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/octonauts

ENDS                

For further information or media requests, please contact pr@kew.org