Hampton Court Flower Show 2012: it's heaven for children For angst-ridden teenagers, they provide the opportunity to discuss terrorism, pollution and climate change or even the exploitative practices of pharmaceutical companies. The prepubescent crowd, however, are likely to reduce the philosophical statements to: the one with the tunnel (Light at the End of the Tunnel), the one with the bridge and big box (The Coral Desert), and the one with the fake grass (Possession). If you see any square-eyed children wailing in despair in front of Simon Webster's garden (Do Not Adjust Your Set), don't be fooled. This won't be a sudden political awakening, but just shock at seeing a giant television shattered beyond repair. For parents desperate to get one up on the annoying family who travelled the world "to give the children a broader education," there's the opportunity for a little cultural exchange. Thanks to the World of Gardens just inside the Thames Entrance, you can give the kids a global tour, without the queues at passport control. They can venture onto the Swiss Alps (The Swiss Alpine Garden), drop by Jordan (Discover Jordan Garden), pop over to St Petersburg (Russian Museum Garden) or even visit the volcanic Azores Garden. Other show gardens worth a peek include A Very Victorian Fantasy, where the children can spot garden fairies and gothic demons. Water features are reliable crowd-pleasers, and there is an impressive range on display: whirlpools (Bridge Over Troubled Water), bubbling black water (Japanese Reconstruction) and rill waterfalls alongside water-filled Perspex cages (Free Fall). Just make sure you've worked out where the loos are first. And to inspire those "but how do they do that?" questions, check out the kokedama (floating Japanese moss balls) on the Two But Not Two garden. For mini bug-lovers, there is a surfeit of bees and butterflies on display. Butterfly Jungles Transitions will release native species on the garden, plus you can see some impressive tropical butterflies both here and in the cube at the centre of the Las Mariposas garden. Bees will be headlining at the BBKA (British Bee Keepers Association) and Bumblebee Conservation stand, where children will not only be able to see bees up close in the bumblearium but can also make beeswax candles and watch honey harvesting. And, if all else fails, there's always the moth-to-a-flame children's favourites in the Children's Zone at the weekend. Not only will there be some hands-on making sessions where the youngsters can sow cress heads or create a flower crown, but also on offer are henna art, face painting and balloon modelling. What's more, there will be people dressed in flower costumes dancing around for the children to spot (and presumably point at and say "But Mummy, why is she wearing that?"). And if, after all that, your children still aren't convinced of the need to visit a flower show, remind them of one important thing: as they get in for free, that means more money for ice cream. Dawn Isaac is the author of Garden Crafts for Children (Cico, £14.99) and blogs regularly at littlegreenfingers.com. In September she is running a Family Garden Design Course with Mumsnet Academy. For more information, visit mumsnet.com/academy Top ten tips to help you enjoy a show garden with children 1 Pack a picnic I have no idea why packing items in small Tupperware containers and eating off bedding should be so popular with kids, but it is. And as it's pretty cheap, too, what's not to love? Don't miss the Telegraph offer on a picnic blanket, see below. 2 Put the kids in charge You know you're the boss, but there's no harm in giving the impression kids have a say. In a Machiavellian move, just make sure you only give them options you're happy with. So do you want to go for a sit down, visit that show garden or choose a plant to buy? No really, it's completely up to you, darling. 3 Find a free map For some reason, children love a map. Just remember, enthusiasm for navigation and actual ability to find the way around are often inversely proportional. 4 Follow the trail Many kid-smart attractions will offer you a children's trail of things to spot. The Hampton Court Flower Show is no exception - look out for the RHS Children's Trail, a guide to show features that children will enjoy. Just make sure you pack a pen or pencil, because they will feel the need to smugly tick off all they've seen. 5 Locate the loos Find out where the loos are; you know you're going to need them, you know they're going to need them, you know at some point it will involve a semi-hysterical dash and a desperate yell of "did you pack the spare pants?" 6 Have a game up your sleeve How about who can find the most expensive item at the show, let's follow that person and see if they notice, or even count the number of screaming children. 7 Keep at least one highlight in reserve Whether it's a chance to make their own candle or just a very large ice cream, you will retain a heap of bribery power if you hold one treat back until the end. 8 Let them take pictures Everything becomes a lot more interesting when seen through a camera lens, so let the kids keep a photographic record of the day. If they have their own digital camera, remember to name it and try to keep it tethered to them - or you could buy an old-style disposable version (if you can cope with the incredulous question: "what do you mean I have to wait to see my pictures?"). 9 Be flexible So you planned to go and see the scarecrows at 10.30? So what! If the children are engrossed in their game of "We've been sent a new brother by the orphanage" (one of my kids" personal favourites), just let them be. 10 Collect everything Any parent with even a fleeting knowledge of Moshi Monsters or football cards will know this simple truth - kids love collecting odd bits and pieces. Thankfully, most places you visit are awash with brochures, tickets and maps. Give each child a bag (look out for the rather stylish and practical Telegraph bags) and let them amass their treasure. Subscriber offer Telegraph Subscriber Privilege Card holders can get free tea or coffee in a private area overlooking the Long Water at this year's Hampton Court Flower Show. To gain access, simply show your valid Subscriber Privilege Card. PLUS When you buy your copy of the Telegraph at the Show you can also pick up a free gardeners" hand cream from Crabtree & Evelyn, worth £9, and a free souvenir bag to carry around all your goodies. £1.20 Tue-Sat, £2 Sun. You can add a useful picnic blanket for just £2.80 Mon-Tue, and £3 at the weekend.