Family studio: Sir Frank Bowling RA
Workshops for families
- 10 December 2023, 11am — 1pm
- 10 December 2023, 2 — 4pm
Free for
Families
Families
From artist-led workshops to galleries full of art and architecture, and at-home art activities, we have a lot on offer for families – and kids under 16 go free to all RA exhibitions.
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The health and safety of our visitors and staff is paramount, because of this we are running fewer events than we usually do. Sign up to our newsletter and visit our events page for more information about family events.
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Visiting with young children
You will find baby changing facilities next door to the accessible toilet on the ground floor in Burlington House. In Burlington Gardens, they can be found on the ground floor, on the left beyond the entrance to the toilets. Highchairs are available in all our restaurants and cafés and you can breast-feed wherever you feel most comfortable. Bring pushchairs and buggies into exhibitions or, if you’d rather, store them in either cloakroom.
Under 16s go free to all RA exhibitions. If the party size is four or more, they must be accompanied by a fee paying adult. Under 12s must be accompanied by a fee paying adult regardless of party size.
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We have cloakrooms in both Burlington House and Burlington Gardens. Space is limited: we can only accept coats, umbrellas and small bags (28 x 38 x 40cm). We are unable to accept any luggage, musical instruments, scooters, skateboards or folding bikes. Please do not bring these as we will have to refuse.
To help with high demand, we’ve partnered with local luggage storage company, Stasher. Visitors must book online and will receive 10% off storage at Stashers in Mayfair and Piccadilly Circus when booked with the promo code: ROYALACADEMY. At this moment in time, Stasher are unable to store musical instruments or works of art.
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Find the chameleon in our free Collections displays
Look around our free Collections displays across the RA to find the chameleon. The chameleon introduces you to the artworks on display, with questions to encourage you to look closely at art as a family. The labels can be found in Burlington Gardens in the Collections Gallery and the Julia and Hans Rausing Hall. The chameleon is even hiding on the ceiling in the Front Hall of Burlington House. See if you can spot it!
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Art activities for families
Want to get creative at home? Check out our Family how-to series of simple step-by-step activities you can do as a family. Using easy-to-source materials, these activities are designed to teach you techniques you might not already know and encourage you to think creatively. Ranging from creating slime to crafting a relief print from polystyrene, these simple step-by-steps are fun for the whole family.
Share a photo of your finished work with @royalacademy on Twitter or @royalacademyarts on Instagram using #familyhowto
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Artists
> 1 year ago
How to: make a character house
Instead of throwing cereal containers and milk cartons away, use them to make a miniature house with character.
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Artists
< 2 years ago
How to: paint with words like Patrick Moses
Try making a painting inspired by words like Summer Exhibition 2021 artist Patrick Moses.
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Artists
> 2 years ago
How to: design a greenhouse
Experiment with making miniature architectural models using just toothpicks and plasticine.
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Artists
> 2 years ago
How to: make tempera paint
Have a go at making your own paint with eggs, make-up, spices and chalk.
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Artists
> 2 years ago
How to: make paper
Learn how to make your own paper from scratch using a photo frame, a pair of old tights and scrap paper.
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Artists
< 3 years ago
Family how-to: multicolour projectors
Follow these instructions to create your own light installation at home, using a simple DIY projector.
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Artists
3 years ago
Family how-to: felt-tip printing
Make your own unique and colourful prints using felt-tip pens and an old baking dish.
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Artists
> 3 years ago
Family how to: chalk printing
Try these two simple techniques and experiment with using chalk to make colourful abstract prints.
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Artists
> 3 years ago
Family how-to: shadow puppets
Follow these instructions to design your own puppets and put on a play in a cardboard theatre.
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Artists
> 3 years ago
Family how-to: plastic bag weaving
Follow these simple instructions to make a mini loom and have a go at weaving with recycled plastic bags.
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Artists
> 3 years ago
Family how-to: redesign your street
Experiment with architectural collage and have a go at redesigning your street for future generations.
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Artists
> 3 years ago
Family how-to: fabric painting
Follow these easy instructions to brighten up your organic fabrics using natural, home-made dye.
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Artists
> 4 years ago
Family how-to: make a recycled sculpture
Be inspired by the work of Phyllida Barlow RA and create a sustainable sculpture from reusable household rubbish. Build it, play around with decoration and then recycle the parts.
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Artists
> 4 years ago
Family how-to: make your own paintbrush
Venture outside to hunt for dry leaves, flowers and twigs so you can construct your own brushes and play with mark-making using natural, foraged materials.
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Artists
> 4 years ago
Family how-to: adapt your art tools
Tailor art activities to your needs by adapting the tools you use. Follow our step-by-step way to extend or improve the grip on your pencils, paintbrushes and pens.
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Artists
< 5 years ago
Family how-to: make a Christmas cookie cutter print
Why not put your stamp on the festive season with our cookie cutter Christmas prints and Funky Foam reliefs?
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Artists
5 years ago
Family how-to: carve a Halloween pumpkin inspired by the RA Collection
Have a go at using a stencil to carve a pumpkin this Halloween. These stencils are all inspired by artworks from the RA Collection. Download it and get crafting!
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Artists
> 5 years ago
Family how-to: colour the RA Collection
Have a go at colouring different artworks from the RA Collection! Download a colouring sheet and crack out your pencils and pens.
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Artists
< 6 years ago
Family how-to: print with fruit and vegetables
Print a posy of springtime roses, a potato polar bear or some birthday wrapping paper.
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Art Detectives sketchbooks and activities
Perfect for budding young artists, each free Art Detectives pack includes a sketchbook to use in the exhibition or at home, as well as a pack of cards bursting with activities. Each card focuses on an artwork in the exhibition, helping you to look at and discuss art as a family. Pick yours up in the Collection Gallery.
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Family events
Through free events, we encourage children and adults to learn together. Some of our workshops are particularly tailored for families with children with special educational needs.
At our events, families can explore art materials and creative techniques, learn more about our exhibitions through collaborative projects and build a shared interest in art.
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Participating in a family event
Drawing workshop in the Fine Rooms
A father and daughter craft a pom-pom
Two boys admire their collaborative artwork
Making drawing sculpture-bots at a family studio
Mask making at a costume workshop
Making a 3D string sculpture at a family studio workshop
Artworks created during the Dream Up programme
Adding drawings to a sketchbook
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This is an amazing series of workshops, each one has exceeded my expectations. My son has seen art in a new light and enjoys it very much!
Workshop participant, 2017
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Young Artists' Summer Show
The Young Artists’ Summer Show is a free, open submission exhibition for students aged 4–19 studying in the UK. Artworks are judged by a panel of artists and arts professionals, with selected artworks displayed online and on-site at the Royal Academy of Arts.
View this year’s exhibition online.
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