The National Gallery with kids: a short route, games and practical tips
Quick answer
With kids, the National Gallery works best as a 60–90 minute visit with a clear mission: find the skull in The Ambassadors, Turner's ship and Van Gogh's sunflowers. Entry is free and the best time is 10am on a weekday.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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A 75-minute route designed for kids
- 1
0:00 · Room 4
The Ambassadors: find the skull
Challenge: what is that strange smudge on the floor? Ask them to look from the side of the painting.
- 2
0:15 · Room 30
The Rokeby Venus
Ask what they see in the mirror and why the face looks blurry.
- 3
0:30 · Room 34
Turner and Constable
Count the animals and people in The Hay Wain and describe Turner's sky.
- 4
0:50 · Room 43
Sunflowers
Let each child count the flowers and pick a favourite colour.
- 5
1:05 · Room 63
The Arnolfini Portrait
Find the little dog and the mirror, and spot who else appears.
Practical tips for families
- No booking is needed for the permanent collection.
- Keep the visit short and switch activity before they tire.
- Before you go, let the kids pick 3 paintings; finding them turns the visit into a game.
- Enter through the Sainsbury Wing, with its roomier foyer.
- With the AnyArt app they can point at any painting and hear its story, handy when the questions start.
Frequently asked questions
Do kids pay?
No. Entry is free for everyone.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, the gallery is accessible. Check the official website for details.
What age is it good for?
From about 5–6 with a short visit and paintings with clear stories.
Are there family activities?
The gallery runs family activities on specific dates; check the programme on the official website.