What to See and Do at Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Aldershot is a must-see attraction for families at any time of year. The main RBG Centre is located at 680 Plains Road West, Burlington. With 300 acres of gardens spread across 5 different garden areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The tranquility of the Rock Garden (watch our video tour here) and the cafe/restaurant both make for great reasons to visit. Explore the Mediterranean gardens (they’re indoors) and let the kids run wild in the outdoor natural playground. Visiting in the warm months? You will love the Arboretum and trails.

A Must See In Any Weather – the Natural Playground

One of the top reasons families love going to the Royal Botanical Gardens in the nice weather is their great natural playground. Access is included in your admission. Kids love channelling the Swiss Family Robinson as they explore the wooden play structures. They’ll scale the giant tunnel slide and lots of hideouts to spark imaginative play times.

natural playground at Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens natural playground

Also Visit The Indoor Gardens At Royal Botanical Gardens

While you’re at Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, you must explore the Mediterranean Garden and the Cactus Garden. Two beautiful spots filled with various domestic and exotic plants, cactuses, succulents, and fruit trees. My favourite or the lemon trees! In addition to the gardens, check out the water features and the fish pond. So tranquil! Royal Botanical Gardens is a perfect mini escape from the winter cold.

Royal Botanical Gardens mediterranean gardens

Your R.B.G. Questions Answered

How much are tickets to access all of the gardens?

For September 3rd-December 31st, 2025: Adults $19.50, Students (age 13-17) $16.50, Seniors (65+) $16.50, Children (3-12) $11.50, Infants/Toddlers 0-2 FREE

You can also purchase a ticket for a single garden admission if you would like to only visit the Rock Garden area for $10 per person ages 3 and up and under 3 are FREE.

How accessible/stroller and wagon-friendly are the gardens?

There are a limited number of wheelchairs available for guests to use (first come, first served basis) at RBG Centre and Rock Garden. Bring your own stroller or wagon if needed. In addition, all four cultivated gardens are partially accessible. The lower bowl of Rock Garden and the new rose garden in Hendrie Park feature wide, paved pathways.

Other spaces in the gardens are accessible by fine-gravel paths, or grassy areas. All trails are natural material surfaces, plus a paved trail accessed from Princess Point.

What food and drink options are available?

The Greenhouse Café and Turner Pavilion Tea House are open year-round, and the Rock Garden Bistro is open year-round with seasonal hours. Outside food is not permitted at RBG Centre, Hendrie Park, or Rock Garden. Outside food is only permitted at Laking Garden and the Arboretum (excluding special events). Water fountains and bottle filling stations are located throughout the garden areas.

Are dogs allowed at Royal Botanical Gardens?

With the exception of service animals, leashed pets are only permitted to enter RBG Centre to access Hendrie Park and are not allowed in indoor spaces, such as the Mediterranean Garden, Garden Shop, or Greenhouse Café. Pets are not permitted at special events.

Special Events at Royal Botanical Gardens

In addition to all of the wonderful blooms and places to explore around the RBG, there are always new events and exhibits to discover. From the Great Pumpkin Trail in October to magical winter displays to spring and summer festivals and performances, you should keep an eye on our events calendar for the next family-friendly event to check out at RBG. *Some event admission is not included in the general admission ticket.

All things considered, whether you’re a local looking for a fun day out or have visitors coming to explore the area, this is one spot you won’t want to miss. For more details about all there is to see and do, visit Royal Botanical Gardens.

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