The National Gallery (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The National Gallery?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 get free trails, weekend art workshops, scavenger apps and spacious halls; step-free routes, toilets and buggy parking ease logistics, but supervision must stay constant.
Positives:
- Free Entry: General admission is free, so you can enter or return with ease.
- Family Facilities: Prams are allowed in galleries and baby-changing rooms are on multiple floors.
Challenges:
- Crowds at Peak Times: Midday weekends can be busy; some rooms get cramped with families.
- Limited Seating: Benches are few inside galleries; plan breaks at the café or seating areas.
What is The National Gallery?
- A neoclassical art museum on London’s Trafalgar Square dedicated to Western European painting
- A collection of over 2,300 oil paintings spanning the medieval era to the mid-19th century
- Galleries arranged chronologically to illustrate the development of Renaissance, Baroque and Impressionist art
What is so special about The National Gallery for with kids?
- Enjoy free art trails with puzzles and prizes.
- Join drop-in art activities on weekends and school breaks.
- Use the Canvas Quest web app for interactive learning.
- Scan paintings with Smartify for family-friendly stories.
- Take breaks at the café to rest little legs.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit of this length lets your family see key galleries and join a trail without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The National Gallery
Free Family Trails:
Pick up puzzle leaflets like ‘Sculpture Sleuths’ at the Family Art Cart and earn a small prize.
Tip: Grab leaflets on arrival; start in less crowded rooms to solve puzzles in peace.
Family Space Studio:
Drop into the Roden Centre on weekends and school holidays for art-making activities.
Tip: Arrive early to find space at tables and pick up materials before they run out.
Canvas Quest Game:
Use the Keeper of Paintings web app to hunt for artworks and unlock fun facts.
Tip: Charge your device beforehand and join teams of two to keep kids engaged.
Smartify Digital Guide:
Scan paintings with your phone for free audio and video stories tailored to families.
Tip: Download the app before you arrive; headphones help kids focus on each story.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The National Gallery
- Start Early: Arrive at opening to enjoy quieter rooms and shorter lines at the Family Art Cart.
- Use Cloakroom: Store coats and bags to move quickly between rooms and keep kids hands-free.
Reviews of The National Gallery
Pecston Gallardo
Precious gem of a musuem and worth every min of my time in it. It is like a MAIN competetor of V&A Museum. This Gallery is absolutely gorgeous and a must-see, even for non-lovers of museums. I will revisit again as I didnt have time to see everything.
clare w-b
One of a kind collection of masterpieces from all major periods. I’ve been coming for years and always enjoy walking through the galleries & spotting some of my favourite paintings. A must-see are the Impressionist & avant-garde galleries.
Walter Basile
A world-class institution. The building itself is magnificent, a brilliant piece of Neoclassical architecture dominating Trafalgar Square. It is grand and beautiful, setting the perfect stage for the art inside. The collection is truly astonishing, featuring masterpieces from all the European greats, all available to view for free. You could spend days wandering through the rooms and never tire of...
David Chin
Great collection here at the British National Gallery! Free entry means anyone can enjoy and have glance with these master art works! Strongly encourage to donate what you can to keep this free entry. There donation boxes at the entrance and around the gallery. Must see when you are in London! Thank you!
Dave Kaminski
Very nice way to spend an afternoon. No entry fee is a truly nice bonus. The gallery was well staffed and well documented. It is amazing that one can stand and view these great works of art very closely.
When is the best time to visit The National Gallery (London, United Kingdom)?
Weekends and school holidays offer extra workshops; weekdays are quieter for family trails.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Audio guide (2 adults) | GBP 10 |
| Cloakroom (2 items) | GBP 4 |
| Café snacks and drinks | GBP 15 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 29 |
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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Map of The National Gallery
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, UK
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About The National Gallery
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 20 7747 288510 BEST nearby Activities
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