Kew Gardens to Host Horrible Science Summer Family Activities

Rocket Licensing, licensing agent in the U.K. and Eire for the children’s book science brand, Horrible Science, has announced the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, is putting on six weeks of Horrible Science-inspired summertime activities for families during the school holidays.

This summer, now through Sept. 1, families are invited to the world-famous scientific and horticultural institution, conservation charity and major visitor attraction to dig into the weird and wonderful world of plants and fungi with Horrible Science. Visitors will experience a new interactive trail based on the series of books and set within the beautiful landscape of Kew’s arboretum, the unique collection that highlights the beauty and diversity of forests around the globe.

Kids and parents can learn about everything from the mysterious lives of Foul Fungi and the hidden world of Revolting Roots to the vile and vicious habits of Bug-Eating Vegetation as the Kew Gardens Horrible Science trail takes budding adventurers and hopeful scientists on a tour of the many weird, wonderful and sometimes stomach-churning stories from the kingdoms of plants and fungi.

With unique input from Kew’s scientific and horticultural experts and inspired by the books of Horrible Science author, Nick Arnold, and illustrator, Tony De Saulles, a series of interactive installations across Kew will tell visitors about Fiendish Flowers, Greedy Greenery and Vicious Veg.

Horrible Science books will be available at the Kew Gardens shop throughout the six weeks of the Horrible Science trail and – a special bonus for adventurous eaters – Horrible Science-themed food will be served at Kew restaurants and cafes.

Dishes include Foul Fungi-Themed Pizza (loaded with mushrooms) and Creepy Courgette Cake (chocolate muffins with hidden courgette) and a Greedy Green Juice (spinach, kale, green apple, cucumber, lime and a touch of honey).

This summer program is included in the price of admission to the Gardens.

“The school holidays are a great time to explore our beautiful and world-famous botanic gardens, and what better company for your exploring than the U.K.’s best-loved children’s book science brand,” says Gemma Holsgrove, visitor programs manager, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. “We’re delighted to welcome Horrible Science to this summertime celebration of the weird and wonderful world of plants and fungi.”

“We’ve been publishing the brilliant Horrible Science books for a very long time, but the brand’s popularity is clearly greater than ever – even extending to one of the world’s greatest horticultural institutions,” says Elizabeth Scoggins, nonfiction, brands and licensing publisher, Scholastic UK. “We’re thrilled that this multi-million selling series has inspired a summer-long event at the glorious Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – it’s sure to be a hit with parents and kids alike.”

“We are delighted to have partnered with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for this exciting summer family activity,” says Melissa Satterly, brand manager, Rocket Licensing. “The popularity of the funny and ingenious Horrible Science brand and the appeal of a jam-packed, interactive family adventure are sure to make Horrible Science at Kew Gardens the go-to destination for the summer holidays.”