The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Average K-Rating based
on 30 K-Rating reviews
The Royal Academy of Arts is the perfect destination for young creatives. Located in the heart of Piccadilly, this renowned art institution offers a wealth of fun and educational activities.
First, grab an Art Detectives pack at the entrance. This sketchbook for children includes activities each related to a specific piece of art within the gallery, which kids must first find, turning the visit into an exciting treasure hunt. The pages then prompt kids to use their imagination—like finding the ‘Last Supper’ and then drawing their own feast.
Kids will also love searching for the Chameleon labels found throughout the Academy’s free collections. These labels introduce paintings with engaging questions for families to answer together. It’s a fantastic way to make the art come alive and get kids thinking about what they see in a fun and interactive way.
Don’t miss out on family workshops. These hands-on sessions are perfect for kids to get creative and try their hand at various art techniques. From painting and drawing to sculpture and collage, parents and children can work on items together. The workshops are led by friendly artists who encourage kids to express themselves and have fun.
In addition, the Royal Academy regularly hosts special exhibitions featuring a wide range of artists and styles. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to see different kinds of art and be inspired by the creativity around them.
And when you need a break, the on-site café offers a relaxing spot to grab a snack and discuss your favourite pieces.
Finally, the Young Artists Summer Show is an opportunity for students aged 4–19 to exhibit their work online and at the RA. You can view last year’s exhibition here
Teen Verdict
Honor
Such a nice spot to spend the afternoon wandering around. It’s a little pricey for my teenage self but I do it at least once a year. They always have really good exhibitions and lots of pieces to discover. I really like their cafe too so I usually will get a coffee at some point in the day. It’s also right in central London so it’s super easy to get to on the bus with a friend. i recommend to anyone who loves art or wants to do something a bit different with a friend.
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