Things to do in London with kids who love art

In addition to its history and culture, London offers an exciting art scene and a wide range of things to do for kids who love art. Whether your child is a keen illustrator, loves to paint or enjoys creating sculptures and other objets, there will be something to find in London that is sure to nurture their creativity. In this guide, we will explore a wide range of art-related activities that will inspire and educate kids and their parents alike. So, grab your sketchbooks and get exploring!

Visit one of London’s many art galleries

London is home to a number of public world-class art galleries. These galleries offer kids the opportunity to see paintings and art that they have learnt about in school and from books, in real life. And the best part? The main collections of the public galleries are free! This means that you never have to try and see everything in one go, explore at your own pace and return multiple times, perhaps seeing something different and new each time.

If you’re looking to see famous works of art from the 13th to early 20th Century by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet and Titian, visit the National Gallery. For works by British artists, both classical and modern, visit the Tate Britain. Fans of more modern works might enjoy the works on display in the Tate Modern, located on the banks of the Thames in an old power station. Those who are into portraiture (and perhaps a little bit of pop culture) might enjoy the National Portrait Gallery, just round the corner from the National Gallery. Many of these galleries offer family-friendly activity trails, which will help to make the galleries accessible to younger children.

In addition to the various public galleries in London, there are a number of commercial art galleries that are open to the public, for example the White Cube gallery, the Victoria Miro and the Halcyon Gallery. These galleries offer a different but equally interesting experience compared to public galleries. Commercial art galleries tend to focus on contemporary art by either a single artist at a time or a handful of artists. Unlike museums, these galleries often provide a more intimate opportunity to view art and a chance to see multiple pieces of work by the same artists. They may also focus on less well-known artists and therefore offer you a chance to broaden your children’s knowledge of art.

While primarily aimed at collectors, these spaces are open to the public and are free to visit, making them accessible to art enthusiasts of all ages. Rotating exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to see.

Take a street art tour in Shoreditch

Taking art out of the galleries and into the public domain, street art appears throughout London but in Central London it is perhaps most concentrated in the East London neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Spitalfields. A walk around these neighbourhoods will reveal an ever-changing outdoor gallery of street art, ranging from huge murals to tiny pasted pieces. For a tour that takes in the main spots for street art, try our self-guided walking tour of Shoreditch and Spitalfields.

Shop for art supplies

Is there anything better for any artist than the prospect of shopping for new supplies? And London is an excellent place to be able to browse for new materials or explore something new. Being home to a number of art schools and universities, there are art shops across the city. Many stores have knowledgeable staff who can offer advice on choosing the right materials for different projects or techniques.

In the heart of Covent Garden, the London Graphic Centre offers a broad array of art materials and stationery. Cass Art has multiple locations across the city and offers a wide selection of materials from paints and brushes to canvases. For a more traditional experience ideal for those serious about art, L. Cornelissen & Son in Bloomsbury, operating since 1855, provides high-end paints, brushes, and paper in an old-world setting.

Draw inspiration and sketch at the Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) holds a vast collection of decorative arts and design items that come from a variety of cultures from around the world and which span thousands of years. The V&A’s collection includes items such as classical sculptures, ceramics, fashion and furniture. For young budding artists, the range of items will provide plenty of inspiration. The V&A encourages sketching of objects with graphite and coloured pencils or white chalks (but ask that you do not use charcoal, crayons, coloured chalks, watercolours, spray paints, adhesives, fixatives and other wet materials). Stools are offered in most galleries for those who would like them.

Look out for public art

London’s streets and public spaces play host to a wide variety of impressive public art pieces and sculptures by a range of artists, including big names. Public art takes the form of both permanent and temporary pieces and can be found on the streets, in plazas and squares, and in parks.

Encourage children to spot and engage with artworks as you explore London. If you are looking for something more structured than wandering and hoping to spot pieces, visit Trafalgar Square to see the current Fourth Plinth artwork, or perhaps follow the City of London’s Sculpture in the City trail which will see you discover contemporary artworks amidst the financial district’s buildings. A bit further out, try the North Greenwich Peninsula art trail, ideal in combination with a trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Discovering public art as you explore London is a way to encourage observation skills in children and discussing what you like and don’t like about a piece will help to develop critical thinking and analysis skills.

Take a class or workshop

Taking an art class or workshop in London can be a way for your children to explore their creativity or perhaps learn new skills. There are a wide variety of options in London that cater to every type of interest imaginable and which will accommodate different age groups and skill levels. Whether you want to try an acrylic pouring class, a manga drawing lesson or a graffiti workshop, you are bound to find something that your child will love.

Art classes and workshops are often offered by London’s museums and institutions (many of which are free). Alternatively, look for classes that might suit your child’s interests on websites like ClassBento.

Explore a different medium

If your child has a leaning towards a particular art form, you could take the opportunity of visiting London to broaden their horizons by exploring different artistic mediums. London is home to a number of specialised galleries and museums dedicated to different art forms, for example, the Photographers’ Gallery for photography or the Cartoon Museum for cartoons, comics and animation.

By visiting specialised venues, children can learn more about and explore avenues of art that they might not have thought much about before. You never know, it might spark a lifelong interest!

Are you the parent of a budding artist? Do you have a recommendation we haven’t mentioned here? Share your experiences in the comments!