Families
From artist-led workshops to galleries full of art and architecture, and at-home art activities, we have a lot on offer for families – and kids under 16 go free to all RA exhibitions.
The health and safety of our visitors and staff is paramount, because of this we are running fewer events than we usually do. Sign up to our newsletter and visit our events page for more information about family events.
Visiting with young children
You will find baby changing facilities next door to the accessible toilet on the ground floor in Burlington House. In Burlington Gardens, they can be found on the ground floor, on the left beyond the entrance to the toilets. Highchairs are available in all our restaurants and cafés and you can breast-feed wherever you feel most comfortable. Bring pushchairs and buggies into exhibitions or, if you’d rather, store them in either cloakroom.
Under 16s go free to all RA exhibitions. If the party size is four or more, they must be accompanied by a fee paying adult. Under 12s must be accompanied by a fee paying adult regardless of party size.
We have cloakrooms in both Burlington House and Burlington Gardens. Space is limited: we can only accept coats, umbrellas and small bags (28 x 38 x 40cm). We are unable to accept any luggage, musical instruments, scooters, skateboards or folding bikes. Please do not bring these as we will have to refuse.
To help with high demand, we’ve partnered with local luggage storage company, Stasher. Visitors must book online and will receive 10% off storage at Stashers in Mayfair and Piccadilly Circus when booked with the promo code: ROYALACADEMY. At this moment in time, Stasher are unable to store musical instruments or works of art.
Find the chameleon in our free Collections displays
Look around our free Collections displays across the RA to find the chameleon. The chameleon introduces you to the artworks on display, with questions to encourage you to look closely at art as a family. The labels can be found in Burlington Gardens in the Collections Gallery and the Julia and Hans Rausing Hall. The chameleon is even hiding on the ceiling in the Front Hall of Burlington House. See if you can spot it!
Art activities for families
Want to get creative at home? Check out our Family how-to series of simple step-by-step activities you can do as a family. Using easy-to-source materials, these activities are designed to teach you techniques you might not already know and encourage you to think creatively. Ranging from creating slime to crafting a relief print from polystyrene, these simple step-by-steps are fun for the whole family.
Share a photo of your finished work with @royalacademy on Twitter or @royalacademyarts on Instagram using #familyhowto
Family how-to: make a colour wheel
15 July 2022
How to: make a character house
19 May 2022
How to: paint with words like Patrick Moses
14 December 2021
Art Detectives sketchbooks and activities
Perfect for budding young artists, each free Art Detectives pack includes a sketchbook to use in the exhibition or at home, as well as a pack of cards bursting with activities. Each card focuses on an artwork in the exhibition, helping you to look at and discuss art as a family.
Family events
Through free events, we encourage children and adults to learn together. Some of our workshops are particularly tailored for families with children with special educational needs.
At our events, families can explore art materials and creative techniques, learn more about our exhibitions through collaborative projects and build a shared interest in art.
Upcoming family events
WorkshopFamily workshop for children with SEND: colour block
13 October 2024
WorkshopEarly years studio: collage
16 October 2024
WorkshopFamily studio: cut-out worlds
27 October 2024
Participating in a family event
This is an amazing series of workshops, each one has exceeded my expectations. My son has seen art in a new light and enjoys it very much!
Workshop participant, 2017
Young Artists' Summer Show
The Young Artists’ Summer Show is a free, open submission exhibition for students aged 4–19 living and studying in the UK. Artworks are judged by a panel of artists and arts professionals, with selected artworks displayed online and on-site at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Registration and submissions are now open, find out more and get involved.