RHS Launches Great Garden Game-A-Thon for Families This May Half-Term

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is inviting families to step away from screens and embrace the great outdoors this May half-term with its exciting event, the Great Garden Game-A-Thon. Running from May 26 to 31, 2026, this initiative aims to transform the RHS's five gardens into a vast playground filled with engaging activities that encourage children to explore, play, and connect with nature.

Why the Game-A-Thon?

Recent guidelines from the UK government suggest that children aged two to five should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. This recommendation has prompted many parents to seek fun and engaging alternatives to keep their children active and entertained. The RHS is stepping up to the challenge by providing a safe and affordable environment where families can enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.

RHS Gardens as Playgrounds

The RHS will turn its five beautiful gardens—Wisley in Surrey, Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, Hyde Hall in Essex, Rosemoor in Devon, and Bridgewater in Greater Manchester—into the UK’s largest outdoor playground. Each garden will offer a variety of activities designed to get children moving and having fun. By welcoming children into gardens from an early age, the RHS hopes to inspire a lifelong love for gardening and the outdoors.

Benefits of Outdoor Play

Research shows that spending time outdoors can significantly benefit children's mental and physical health. According to Tim Upson, Director of Gardens and Horticulture at the RHS, “Research consistently shows that time outdoors helps reduce stress and anxiety in young people, boosts confidence and supports physical wellbeing.” The Great Garden Game-A-Thon aims to provide children with experiences that foster these advantages while encouraging them to enjoy nature.

What to Expect at the Game-A-Thon

Families attending the Great Garden Game-A-Thon can look forward to a host of exciting activities, including:

• Super-sized lawn games like giant Jenga and croquet

• Nature-themed puzzles and creative challenges

• Immersive trails that encourage exploration

• Sporting challenges including the Veg Olympics and fun sports days

• Story-based play sessions for imaginative storytelling

Each garden will have its own unique offerings, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Affordability and Accessibility

To make the event accessible for all families, the RHS has introduced several pricing options. RHS Members and children under five can enter for free. For children aged five to 16, tickets are available for £6, but families who book before May 6 can secure them for just £5. Additionally, lower-income households receiving Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits can take advantage of the RHS Access for All scheme, allowing entry for just £1 per person, with up to five guests eligible at that rate.

Half-Term Highlights Across Gardens

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the special activities planned at each RHS garden during the Game-A-Thon:

RHS Garden Bridgewater, Greater Manchester

• Giant garden games

• Meadow maze exploration

• Circus skills with Circus House (25-27 May)

• Interactive garden trail based on *Wind in the Willows*

RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

• Giant games and lawn labyrinth

• Board games if the weather turns

• Interactive garden trail based on *Wind in the Willows*

RHS Garden Rosemoor, North Devon

• Classic outdoor games like Twister and Snakes and Ladders

• Sports Day with Marvellous Eventures (27-29 May)

• Interactive garden trail based on *Wind in the Willows*

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex

• Grass labyrinth navigation

• Veg Olympics with fun relay races

• Storytelling walks and indoor family games

• Interactive garden trail based on *Wind in the Willows*

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire

• Giant-sized lawn games like quoits and four-in-a-row

• Sports Day with the Garden Detectives (25-29 May)

• Interactive garden trail based on *Wind in the Willows*

How to Join the Fun

The Great Garden Game-A-Thon promises to be a fantastic opportunity for families to rediscover the joys of outdoor play while enjoying beautiful gardens.