Top 5 Art Galleries for Kids in London
- RTSY
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
Visiting an art gallery with children can be a wonderfully inspiring experience — and London offers some brilliant venues that blend creativity, fun and accessibility for families. At RTSY, we believe exposing young people to art in welcoming environments helps foster curiosity, confidence and lifelong creative thinking. Here are our top 5 Art Galleries for Kids in Londonin London.
1. The National Gallery (Trafalgar Square)
Location: Trafalgar Square, London.
Why we love it for kids:
The gallery runs a dedicated family space at weekends and during school holidays in its Roden Centre for Creative Learning. National Gallery
There is a game‑app called “The Keeper of Paintings: Canvas Quest” for children aged 7+ which turns the gallery into a hide‑and‑seek style adventure. National Gallery
Free entry makes it accessible for families, and there are baby‑changing facilities, buggy parks and a welcome social space for taking a break. National Gallery
The National Gallery, London
(Family / visiting information)
Tip: Before you go, pick 2‑3 artworks to “look out for” and ask your child to spot something in common (a colour, a shape, a feeling). It turns the outing into a fun little mission!
2. Tate Modern (Bankside)
Location: Bankside, London SE1.
Why it’s a winner for families:
The gallery embraces contemporary and modern art which tends to engage children with bold visuals and interactive installations. Londonist
The “UNIQLO Tate Play – Make Studio” is a free drop‑in creative space for children (0‑5 yrs) and families, with sensory‑friendly features, story‑based activities and hands‑on making. Fun and Play
There are lifts, wide spaces and buggy‑friendly routes, making the visit easier with little ones. Dot Kids Ltd
Tate Modern
Tip: If your child has a short attention span, aim for the Turbine Hall (dramatic space) plus a focused 15‑20 minute look around one gallery, followed by a snack break by the river.
3. Young V&A (Bethnal Green)
Location: Bethnal Green, London E2.
What makes it special:
Designed with and for children, this gallery/museum offers interactive, hands‑on exhibits in the world of art, design and creativity. Art Fund+1
Great for kids who are a bit younger or who benefit from playful, immersive environments rather than formal “quiet look” galleries.
Encourages creative thinking, making and exploring — aligning beautifully with what we do at RTSY.
Young V&A
Tip: Allow extra time here — kids will often want to stop, touch, explore and linger. Pack a sketchbook and pencils so they can draw or doodle their favourite bits.
4. Parasol Unit Foundation for Contemporary Art (Hoxton)
Location: 14 Wharf Road, London N1 7RW.
Why we picked it:
This gallery may be smaller in scale, but it offers family‑friendly workshops on Sundays where children and their adult companions can take part in creative making inspired by contemporary art. ArtRabbit+1
Free entry to the main exhibitions means you can show children real contemporary art without the pressure of big crowds or enormous spaces.
It’s a good opportunity to show children how art is alive and changing, not just old masters on walls.
Parasol Unit Foundation for Contemporary Art
Tip: Check the events diary in advance: a family workshop makes the visit extra rewarding and memorable for the kids.
5. Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art (Highbury)
Location: 39a Canonbury Square, London N1 2AN.
Why it’s a hidden gem for families:
A compact, digestible gallery that avoids overwhelming younger visitors. Londonist
Offers a “Family Trail” with activity sheets aimed at children age 3+ which helps engage them in looking and thinking about art in fun ways. Londonist
The building has character (a Georgian townhouse) so the visit itself feels special.
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
Tip: Because it’s smaller, you can manage the outing more easily: one focused hour may be plenty — and then you can move on to a café nearby while children chat about what they liked.
Before You Go – RTSY’s Family Art Gallery Visit Tips
Be child‑led: Let children wander, pause, ask questions in their own time — it’s good for engagement.
Pick one or two stops rather than trying to see everything: Quality over quantity.
Bring a little sketchbook or notebook: Encourage them to draw or write something that caught their eye.
Check the gallery’s family / events page: Many have special activities or quieter times suited to children.
Snack and rest breaks matter: Even the best gallery can lose kids if there’s no break.
Use the visit to spark conversation: Ask “What do you feel looking at this?” or “What do you think is happening here?” — not just “What’s your favourite?”
