Ever since our kids caught sight of the Bluey poster outside Kew a few months back, it’s been a hot topic in our household. “When does it start? Can we go now? Will Bingo be there? Can I bring my Bluey toy?” The questions never seemed to end.
But as with most things in life, anticipation often leads to a bit of disappointment when the big day finally arrives. And that’s exactly what happened when we met Bluey.
During the school holidays, with no rain in sight, we anticipated a sizable crowd. So, we set our alarms and made our way to the Kew gates by 9 am. Despite regular admission not starting until 10 am, our Kew membership granted us early access—an advantage that truly paid off.
At the gate, the kids received a trail map for Bluey’s activities and were informed that Bluey would appear every hour starting at 10 am. With plenty of time to spare, we explored the various stops before lining up to meet the beloved character. Our 6- and 8-year-olds, big fans of Bluey, were thrilled to try out all the activities along the trail, which consisted of simple tasks presented on cardboard cutouts. Despite the simplicity, it was a blast for the kids to run around and engage with them.
Finally, it was time to meet Bluey himself. As we joined the gathering of other members, there wasn’t a structured queue. Instead, we were instructed to form a circle around Bluey, with those in front stepping back to allow others a view. Needless to say, this caused a bit of chaos, with not everyone adhering to the instructions. When Bluey emerged, it was somewhat anticlimactic; the character didn’t speak, merely wandered around and posed for photos with the children. After exchanging high fives, we left feeling slightly underwhelmed.
Reflecting on our Bluey experience, it’s clear that the advertising could have been more transparent. Meeting the character felt more like observing from a distance rather than true interaction, which may disappoint older children expecting more engagement.
Nevertheless, our family didn’t let this dampen our spirits, as we adore Kew Gardens and always have a fantastic time there. We spent over an hour in the newly renovated, eco-themed playground, divided into different themes that delighted our girls as they played with water, sand, and happily climbed around.
We also thoroughly enjoyed the Sounds of Blossom immersive experience, where the children were captivated by the vibrant colors and blooming flowers. The gentle breeze added a magical touch, swirling petals around us, while the inspirational music complemented the atmosphere perfectly. We felt fortunate that these two events overlapped.
Additionally, we revisited the Hive installations, a favorite of ours, and explored the recently reopened Tree Top Walk, now equipped with an elevator for easy access. This enhancement addressed the main issue of the steep steps, which previously deterred some visitors.
So, if you’re planning to see Bluey, brace yourself for crowds and manage your children’s expectations accordingly. Perhaps promise them some playground fun afterward to balance things out. And don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens afterward to savor the enchanting sights and sounds of Kew, especially during this colorful time of year. Enjoy the magic! For more photos and videos, check out our social media profiles.
