Need a contemporary art fix that the whole family will enjoy? Here is our carefully curated list of the best London art exhibitions for kids. These exhibitions have been handpicked for their relevancy, vibrancy and manageability for families. Perfect for short attention spans and the most critical of mini art fans.
Making Egypt
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green opens its second major exhibition just in time for February Half Term. ‘Making Egypt’ is a deep dive into Ancient Egypt’s creativity and its influence on art, design and popular culture today.
Electric Dreams: Art and Technology before the internet
Tickets: Adults £22, Kids £5 Under 12s FREE
This ambitious major exhibition draws on work from international artists engaged with science, technology and material innovation. Toddlers and babies will enjoy the huge immersive and sensory installations while older children will appreciate the early innovators of optical and digital art.
Flowers – Flora in contemporary art and Culture
Tickets: Adults £18 Kids £10 Under 6s FREE
A visual feast of floral art descends on the Saatchi gallery with large scale immersive displays, photography, fashion and objects exploring the influence of flowers on human creativity.
Moco Museum
New to London in 2024, the Moco Museum is a three floor art gallery celebrating contemporary, immersive and digital art right in the heart of Marble Arch and a welcome respite from the shopping Mecca of neighbouring Oxford Street.
The gallery features some big commercial names and giants of the art world including KAWS, Koons and Basquiat as well as usual suspects Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. Young art lovers will be drawn to the instantly recognisable work of Banksy, Warhol and Yayoi Kusama. There is even a Picasso to admire.
The upper floors are light and spacious and filled with fun and colour before the basement draws you into the dark world of digital. here you will find a compelling infinity room and Jake Chapman’s disturbing hybrid child mannequins (some caution for very young children).
Splash! A century of Swimming and Style
This new major exhibition isn’t just about swimsuits; it’s a vibrant exploration of swimming’s impact on design, culture, and technology. Expect fascinating displays of vintage swimwear, innovative pool designs, and interactive exhibits that will spark your kids’ curiosity. It’s a unique and engaging way to learn about design through the lens of a familiar and fun activity. Perfect for families looking for something different this Easter and those wit a particular love of aquatic sport.
If the weather holds up, combine with Peacock watching, Kyoto gardens and an unrivalled adventure playground in nearby Holland Park.
OUTERNET
Outernet London is a relatively new entertainment and cultural district located in the heart of London’s West End. This massive space features a wrap-around LED screen that showcases immersive visual experiences and artwork with multiple screenings per day that are free entry and don’t require you to pre book.
There are various show on offer. Find Out More
The World of Tim Burton
UNDER 6’s FREE
It is very likely that your children are already fans of Tim Burton, champion of endearing misfits and the comically grotesque. His films (Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhand, Beetlejuice, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) are firm favourites with my children and this exhibition seeks to draw visitors into his unique aesthetic.
A great and apt choice for October Half Term and Halloween week!
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year
UNDER 4s FREE
Love animals? This Autumn head down to South Kensington to marvel in wonder of the Natural World in this stunning exhibition of the world’s very best wildlife photographers. Accompanied by immersive soundscapes, films and expert insights, this is a captivating exhibition for young visitors who are nature lovers or photography enthusiasts.
Mary Mary
FREE| Walk In
For a truly family friendly art outing head to the rooftop of Temple Tube Station on a Sunny day armed with a picnic! Currently showing is Mary Mary – an exciting exhibition of outdoor sculpture by nine female artists set against the backdrop of the River Thames. Artists include Rong Bao, Holly Stevenson and Virginia Overton. Children can feel fully at ease here jumping in and out of the installations. Peaceful and inspiring this is a great pitstop for some respite from the busy streets of central London. Please note there are some stairs to get to the garden and Temple station is also not accessible to buggies/wheelchairs.
Other Family Friendly Art Galleries in London
It’s worth mentioning that London is home to many permanent collections which see a steady foot fall of school visits and art hungry young people throughout the year. The Tate Britain, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery and Barbican Centre are worth a mention for their incredible outreach often hosting family-friendly events and activity trails particularly at the weekend and in school holidays. The Dulwich Picture Gallery is also known to host excellent artist-led workshops.
Where to see art in London Museums
London is jam packed with world class museums many of which feature art exhibitions. The Young V&A in Bethnal Green, The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill and of course museum giants – The British Museum and the Science Museum all host frequent temporary exhibitions and dedicated family events with interactive displays.
Read all about London’s Best Museums for Kids that are also completely free of charge.
