9 June 2023
Looking for a way to enjoy a creative day out with your family? London has a variety of arts and crafts sessions that you can attend without spending a penny. Here are just a few of the options available to you. Please check with activity providers in advance to ensure they are running these sessions.
For over 170 years, The Victoria and Albert Museum has been the top place in London to see a wide range of design related artefacts from around the world. It’s free to visit and welcomes families. Head to the Learning Centre to pick up free activities to do with your kids. Check their website for details of the regular design workshops for families, where you can create art together to take home. They also have a range of activities online which you can do at home, ideal for a rainy day.
Every weekend, Tate Modern offers free drop-in workshops where children can work alongside an artist to create a joint work of art. Best of all, there are digital sketch pads that children can use to create their own masterpieces and see them projected onto the wall. With so much to see and do, the Tate Modern is the perfect place to take kids for a fun and educational day out.
The Design Museum has a range of activities focusing on art and design, and children can participate in a range of drawing activities with an expert illustrator. They also have a great selection of books, comics, and magazines to keep kids entertained. The museum is great for learning about different cultures and art forms. They have digital activities on their website which can be explored at home as well.
The Estorick Collection in Highbury is a great place to take the kids for some free arts and crafts sessions. The Family Trail with activity sheets is a great way to explore the amazing Georgian townhouse, and the free Family Art Days are a great way to get creative. The year-round workshops are also a great way to learn about different cultures and art styles, and the staff are always on hand to help with any questions. The Collection is also home to a range of other facilities, including a cafe, shop, and garden, so there's plenty to keep everyone entertained. There is an entry charge for adults but it's free for under-18s, students, and members.
Aimed at children aged between 3 and 10, The Kids’ Table provide a valuable service for free in restaurants, pubs, and shopping centres by running arts and crafts sessions and games. Relax in the knowledge that your children are being taken care of and having fun. Check the website for details of when and where to find the sessions and make a booking, referencing Kids’ Table, then show up with your little ones. Venues include family-friendly pubs with beer gardens, Boxpark in Wembley and Croydon.
There are plenty of great options for free arts and crafts sessions in London. So whether you're looking for a place to take your kids for a day out, or you want to find a creative activity for them to enjoy, there's something for everyone. With so many different museums and galleries offering free activities, you're sure to find something that your kids will love.