Things to do with the kids at Nymans

Moomins

Sat 3 May to Sun 13 July 2025: 10am - 5pm. 

Nymans invites you to take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley this spring, with a family trail around the garden, meeting characters from the Moomin stories. 

Delve into discovering the much-loved characters and stories from the Moomins. 2025 is the Moomins’ 80th anniversary year. The Moomins are a family of white and roundish trolls with large snouts, originally conceived and developed in 1945 by Tove Jansson in writing and illustrations. The Moomin family and their friends live an adventurous life in the idyllic and peaceful Moominvalley in harmony with nature.

Come along to Nymans to see the beautiful Moomin-illustrated trail. Pick up a Moomin trail sheet and receive Moomin stickers when you find all the characters. Alongside each character is a QR code, that once scanned leads to a Moomin, which you can save onto your phone.

The event is presented by the award-winning creator of interactive theatrical events, Bakehouse Factory. The trail is free and normal garden admission applies. 

Last entry at 4.30pm. 

Times and dates for Moomins

Summer of Play 

Sat 19 Jul - Fri 5 Sep: 10am - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) Play your way through the summer holidays with races, games and active challenges. Head down to Comber's Field which will be filled with activities, games and races, while in the play glade get den building or play in the wooden cabin. Picnic anywhere you like in the garden and explore woodland paths too. The summer of play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Times and dates for the summer of play.

Planning your family visit

• You’ll find toilets and baby changing facilities by the Riding House Tea-room in the centre of the garden. There are also facilities at the top of the garden, including a changing places toilet
• We're sorry but no scooters or bikes are permitted in the garden.
• There are gravel and grass paths throughout the garden
• Picnics are welcome in the garden or in the woodland among the cool shade of trees at the side of the lake.
• There are sheltered spots throughout the garden.
• Ice cream and picnic treats can be found in the welcome cafe, Riding House or, if you're in a hurry, from the kiosk or horse box.
• Nymans is a one pawprint rated place.  

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Let off steam in the garden

The Messel family loved to play in the garden – why not follow in their footsteps? By the bookshop, you'll find the Play Glade, where you can play games, build a den or act out your imagination on the mini stage. Then explore the nearby bamboo jungle and hide among the topiary shapes, or have a go at a spotter activity hunt to look for seasonal flowers, plants, birds and bugs.

School holiday trails

Discover the hidden stories of Nymans with a family trail. There’s a different theme each school holiday. Follow the trail to find the clues and complete the challenge. 

New family map for Nymans

Sometimes it's the little things that make the best family memories, like building a den, spotting a red kite and having an ice cream at the end of a family walk. Our new family maps are free to pick up when you arrive at Nymans and explain exactly how hop, totter or dash over to the Play Glade and more.

Nymans printable family map 

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Head for the woods to discover the boardwalks, water cascades, mud, flowers and very tall trees. Try one of three circular walks to see some of the best bits, or strike out on your own to explore for yourself. See if you can find the large wooden sculptures, including a kingfisher, owls and a giant beetle.