Mega doodles, live music and code-cracking fun for the whole family.
This summer, families are invited to step into the wonderfully wacky world of Tom Gates at Kew Gardens with Tom Gates EPIC Adventure - a brand-new interactive experience packed with creativity, music, puzzles and outdoor discovery.
Running from 18 July to 31 August 2026, the free drop-in event – which is included with standard entry - is inspired by the global bestselling Tom Gates books and hit TV series by Liz Pichon and promises a doodletastic day out for children and families.
Visitors can create, roam and play their way through an activity hub bursting with hands-on crafts, giant collaborative doodles, live musical performances and a code-cracking trail - all inspired by the adventures of Tom Gates and his delightfully zany friends and family.
Whether visitors love getting crafty, solving puzzles in the great outdoors or rocking out to live music, Tom Gates EPIC Adventure offers a fun-filled summer experience for all ages.
Event highlights include:
DogZombies Live on Stage!
Inspired by the Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show, children can join Tom and his friends as the DogZombies band brings high-energy songs, audience interaction and plenty of laughs in an exclusive 20-minute live performance.
Daily performance times:
10.30am, 1.00pm and 4.00pm- Super Make and Do Craft Tent
Young creators can get stuck into hands-on crafting workshops inspired by Tom Gates’ bold illustrative style and the beauty of nature at Kew. Led by Kew teachers, these drop-in sessions offer plenty of opportunities to make something special to take home.
Daily drop-in session times:
10.00am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm
- Mega Doodle Wall
Families can grab markers and let their imaginations run wild by adding drawings, colouring giant illustrations and discovering hidden details in an ever-growing collaborative artwork installation.
Available throughout the day
- Totally Terrific Trees Trail
Children can set off on a self-guided adventure to discover five trees, uncover fun facts and collect symbols to crack a secret code.
Available throughout the day
Rebecca Harfield, Creative Programme Manager at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew said: “We’re delighted to bring the imaginative world of Tom Gates to Kew Gardens this summer in a way that encourages families to create, explore and play together outdoors. From live music and giant doodles to nature-inspired crafts and interactive trails, Tom Gates EPIC Adventure combines creativity, storytelling and discovery in a uniquely Kew way. We can’t wait to welcome visitors for a summer filled with laughter, music and hands-on fun.”
Visitors are encouraged to pick up an activity guide on arrival, featuring a handy map for the Totally Terrific Trees Trail and additional creative activities to enjoy at home. The Family Shop located near the Children’s Garden will have a selection of items including Tom Gates branded water bottles, popular books from the series and a costume available.
Alongside the event, families can also explore Kew Gardens’ popular attractions including the Children’s Garden, Family Kitchen & Shop, Treetop Walkway and the Henry Moore: Monumental Nature Family Trail part of the landmark exhibition where families go on a self-led sensory and interactive trail through the Gardens around 10 of Moore’s sculptures – which all have different activities nearby.
Kew Members can also enjoy exclusive weekend film screenings in the Princess of Wales Conservatory Film Room at designated times. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to meet Liz Pichon, the official author of the Tom Gates series, at a special workshop and book signing event on Saturday 1 August 2026.
Please note, no costumed characters will appear as part of the event.
For more details and ticket information, visit: Tom Gates EPIC Adventure | Kew
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For further information or media requests, please contact pr@kew.org
Tom Gates © 2011 & TM Liz Pichon Ltd. Tom Gates is a registered trademark of Liz Pichon Ltd., and used under licence. Licensed by TG Entertainment Ltd. Members of Kew Gardens will receive a 10% discount in-store and online.
Images available to download here
Event Information
Dates:
18 July – 31 August 2026
Times:
10.00am – 4.30pm
Location:
Kew Gardens
Nearest entrance: Brentford Gate
Tickets:
Tom Gates EPIC Adventure is a free drop-in event included with entry to Kew Gardens. Visitors only need to book standard admission tickets to the Gardens.
Please note: although the DogZombies live performance features actors, the event does not include a designated costumed character appearance.
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a world-renowned charity and global centre for plant and fungal science, education, conservation, and horticulture. We work to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change through innovative research, our living collections and influential partnerships.
We welcome more than 2.5 million visitors each year to Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Wakehurst, our wild botanic garden in Sussex, home to the Millennium Seed Bank. Our year-round programme of exhibitions, festivals, learning experiences and events brings our work to life, inspiring visitors of all ages to connect with and care for the natural world.
Funded through a mix of philanthropy, commercial activity, and government support, we are committed to widening access to nature and creating a thriving planet for all, powered by plants and fungi