National Galleries of Scotland: National (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is National Galleries of Scotland: National?
What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Kids get free trails, art trolleys, Family Friday workshops and child menus, plus buggy park and lockers; supervision is needed because galleries are quiet spaces with no play area.
Positives:
- Free family resources: Permanent collection, trails and art trolleys are all free.
- Hands-on learning: Kids explore through drawing prompts and sensory bags.
- Child-friendly cafés: High chairs and simple kids’ meals make breaks easy.
Challenges:
- Limited program days: Family Fridays are only on Fridays during school term time.
- Gallery layout: Some corridors are narrow and may feel crowded at peak times.
- Young attention spans: Children often tire after 2 hours; plan a break or early finish.
What is National Galleries of Scotland: National?
- A neoclassical gallery on Edinburgh’s The Mound housing Scotland’s national collection of European and Scottish paintings from the Renaissance through the 19th century
- Home to masterpieces by Titian, Raphael, Monet and Van Gogh alongside leading works of Scottish art
- Designed by William Henry Playfair and completed in 1859, featuring a grand portico facade and a domed central hall
What is so special about National Galleries of Scotland: National for with kids?
- Engaging age-specific family art trails with drawing prompts
- Free Art Trolley, sensory bags and sculpture hunts
- Term-time Family Fridays offer drop-in art sessions
- Child-friendly cafés with kids’ menus and high chairs
- Lockers and buggy park for hands-free exploration
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for trails, art-making activities, a café break and souvenir shopping without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in National Galleries of Scotland: National
Art Stomps & Art Chat Trails:
Pick up age-appropriate trails at the information desk. Under-5s use Art Stomps; ages 6+ follow Art Chat prompts.
Tip: Bring crayons to add your own sketches on the trail sheets.
Family Fridays:
Join free drop-in sessions on Fridays during term time. 2–4 pm for ages 3+ includes trails and hands-on art.
Tip: Arrive by 1:45 pm to grab a spot before the art-making starts.
Art Trolley & Sensory Bags:
Borrow sketchbooks, pencils, cushions, ear defenders and sensory-object bags to explore by touch, sound and sight.
Tip: Ask any gallery attendant to load the trolley with extra cushions for little ones.
Walk, Talk, Make Sculpture Trail:
Follow a family-friendly sculpture hunt through the galleries and try simple art ideas at each stop.
Tip: Start this trail first; it loops back near the café where you can rest afterward.
Café Break with Kids’ Menus:
Stop at The Scottish Café & Restaurant or Café Espresso for child-friendly meals and high chairs.
Tip: Order the gallery’s meal deal to get a drink, main and snack at one price.
When is the best time to visit National Galleries of Scotland: National (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
Family Fridays run only in term time on Fridays. During school holidays, check the website for special kids’ workshops. In summer, pair your visit with a picnic in nearby Princes Street Gardens.
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Reviews of National Galleries of Scotland: National (Edinburgh)
Max Buijsman
Beautiful building with historic expositions of life in Scotland and beyond through the ages. The first floor can get quite busy, but the galleries on the second floor are more pleasant to visit. Admission is free. Great to see todays Edinburgh in real life and then explore historic perspectives on the city. Recommended, must see for a city trip to Edinburgh.
Leipziger Gnom
It's cool and it's free! Lots of art from past centuries, and some impressionism. No modern stuff here (except for a small section at the very end). You'll see great works by Scottish artists as well many other famous European artists.
Jaso Jangan Soto
The main gallery of Scotland. No need to pay admission, or waiting in the line to enter this gallery. However, it could be crowded during weekends. This gallery hosts various types of painting from, mainly, all over Europe. Nonetheless, there is a dedicated exhibition which exhibit Scotland's art. Including the art and craft movement.
Zhang Bo
The gallery is very nice and definitely worth a visit. Entry is completely free, which is a great bonus. The interior is clean, the exhibitions are well organized, and there’s a good variety of artwork to explore. However, it was quite crowded during our visit, which made it a bit difficult to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace. Still, if you’re in the area and appreciate art or culture, this is a...
Renáta Sinkovics
It's a nice art gallery. The most interesting parts are the paintings by Scottish artists and the impressionist section. Entry is free, but donation is recommended. The lockers are operated by 2 pounds or by plastic money (tokens), which can be purchased at the information desk. Unfortunately there is no drinking water refill option in the toilette, but the cafe's staff were very kindly and filled...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Locker rental | GBP 2 |
| Family lunch | GBP 36 |
| Souvenirs | GBP 20 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 58 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to National Galleries of Scotland: National
- Arrive early: Get here at 10 am opening to explore galleries before they fill up.
- Pick up trails first: Head to the desk right away to claim Art Stomps & Art Chat packs.
- Use the art trolley: Take sketch breaks with cushions and ear defenders to keep kids focused.
Map of National Galleries of Scotland: National
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, UK
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About National Galleries of Scotland: National
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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