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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Edinburgh, with kids

National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait?

79%Kids-Friendly
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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.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 5,432 reviews)
Visit to Scottish National Portrait Gallery | Edinburgh Vlogmas day 16
18 min
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Visit to Scottish National Portrait Gallery | Edinburgh Vlogmas day 16
3.6K views • 1 year ago

Positives:

  • Free admission: Entry to the permanent displays is free, so you can stay as long as kids remain engaged.
  • Family-friendly workshops: Hands-on art sessions are free and give kids a creative break from walking.

Challenges:

  • Weekend crowds: Busy times can limit space at the drawing station and multimedia tables.
  • Age limits on some activities: Workshops and trails may suit children 4 and up; a 3-year-old may need extra help.
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🏖️ Explore National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait?

  • A Victorian Gothic red sandstone gallery devoted to Scottish portraiture and biographical collections
  • A national museum housing over 3,000 paintings, sculptures and photographs of Scotland’s historical and cultural figures
  • A landmark building designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, featuring a star-studded Zodiac ceiling in its Great Hall

What is so special about National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait for with kids?

  1. Free entry to Scots portraits and a glittering star-spangled dome
  2. Interactive picture trails and digital stations engage young explorers
  3. Self-portrait corner sparks creativity
  4. Regular weekend workshops introduce family art projects
  5. Café Portrait offers baby-friendly seating and warm drinks

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

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.

(View National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

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.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

  1. Start on the ground floor: Begin with the drawing station to let excited kids burn energy early.
  2. Use the Smartify app: Download the free audio guide at home to skip queues and get kids listening fast.
  3. Pack small snacks: Carry granola bars or fruit to keep little ones fueled between café visits.
🏖️ Tour National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

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Lucy Goodyear

Lucy Goodyear

Nov 2025

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

Thomas Chun Wah Tong

Oct 2025

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

LJ M

Oct 2025

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

Kevin Lester Fallarcuna

Oct 2025

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

Nahshon

Jul 2025

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 ...

When is the best time to visit National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?

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.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Edinburgh on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Café snacks and drinks for fourGBP 20
Return family bus/tram ticketsGBP 8
Souvenir prints or small giftGBP 10
Total EstimatedGBP 38

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

Address: 1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD, UK

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About National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 131 624 6200

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