What makes it 79% Kids-Friendly: Picture trails, drawing stations and free weekend workshops engage under-12s, with toilets and café nearby. Missing play zone or loud space means some children may tire after an hour or two.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to follow the kids’ picture trails, try the drawing station and relax in the café without rushing.
Art Spot picture trail:
Pick up the Art Spot guide at the information desk and follow the simple image hunt through the galleries.
Tip: Ask staff for crayons to mark finds and let younger kids point out symbols.
Self-portrait drawing station:
Kids draw themselves at the big shared table with mirrors and pencils.
Tip: Bring a spare T-shirt or apron for little artists; encourage them to sign their work.
Multimedia interactive stations:
Play short audio clips and view zoomed-in portrait details on touchscreens.
Tip: Hand one child headphones and share with a partner so both can engage.
Family art workshop:
Join free weekend sessions for drawing & collage around portrait themes.
Tip: Check the gallery website or ask on arrival for this month’s schedule.
Great Hall Zodiac ceiling:
Look up to see over 2,000 golden stars decorating the high dome above you.
Tip: Let kids lie on the floor to trace constellations with their fingers.

Lucy Goodyear
such a beautiful, peaceful place full of interesting, capturing portraits and history including of scottish royalty which i find fascinating. The building was just beautiful! Would happily go again and sit for hours in front of the paintings
Thomas Chun Wah Tong
The Portrait Gallery’s a braw wee place in Edinburgh, packed wi’ faces fae the auld days tae the modern. Ye’ll see kings, queens, poets, and artists starin’ oot at ye wi’ their solemn looks, some wi’ a twinkle in their eye. The galleries are cosy yet grand, wi’ nooks tae sit and tak’ it all in. It’s a bonnie spot tae wander, learn a wee bit o’ history, and feel the stories o’ Scotland through the ...
LJ M
A free gallery within Edinburgh which i do recommend . The exhibition was celebrating King James VI & I marking the 400th anniversary of James’s death. This was the first devoted to him in Edinburgh in half a century . It features over 140 objects—portraits, letters, jewelry, textiles, manuscripts—many on display together for the first time, drawn from national collections and major institutions ...
Kevin Lester Fallarcuna
The National Gallery of Scotland, located just north of Princes Street, houses a vast collection of portraits, as its name suggests. The museum boasts a diverse range of artists, both renowned and local. With multiple floors, I recommend starting from the top and descending. Each floor offers a wealth of historical insights into the portraits displayed. You’re likely to spend a considerable amoun...
Nahshon
The National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait contains… well a lot of portraits! Some are very famous, some are people I have never heard about. Nevertheless, there’s quite a wide range of art and sculpture to enjoy. Great architecture too, with the most memorable being the entrance hall. Best part is that entrance is free! Great place to stop by if you want to rest or looking for cheap things to ...
Summer weekends fill up fast—visit on weekday mornings. In winter, warm up with hot chocolate at Café Portrait. Check for holiday kids’ concerts before booking.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Café snacks and drinks for four | GBP 20 |
| Return family bus/tram tickets | GBP 8 |
| Souvenir prints or small gift | GBP 10 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 38 |
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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Address: 1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD, UK
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