Art Classes for Kids in London

Art classes for kids aren't just about making a fun mess with finger paints and playdough. They can have some serious benefits too, from cognitive development to stress relief. (1, 2)

But with all the options out there, how do you choose?

Below you'll find art classes running across London right now from drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and mixed media, for toddlers through to teens. Some studios run adult and parent-and-child sessions too.

Some run weekly through term time, some are one-off workshops you can book as a single session, and others are holiday camps during half term and the school holidays.

Art classes are good for:

• Creativity
• Cognitive development
• Sensory play
• Fine motor skills
• Gross motor skills
• Stress relief

Have a browse at the latest art classes below. Every listing shows the age range, the area and the price, so you can see at a glance what works for you.

Activity

Look, Imagine, Paint!

Join us for a fun, free and family-friendly drop-in painting session at RWS Gallery. This fun painting session is inspired by the artworks currently on display in the Royal Watercolour Society’s Summer Salon exhibition. Children can explore the exhibition, discover ideas from the artists, and create their own paintings to take home. No experience needed — just bring your imagination! Free to attend and suitable for children aged 5+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. About Royal Watercolour Society The origins of the Royal Watercolour Society can be traced back to the formation of the Society of Painters in Water Colours in 1804. Born out of a sense of grievance by a number of such artists who practised in watercolour and felt that they were discriminated against by the Royal Academy, the only professional artistic body of the day. On Friday 30 November 1804 the first meeting of ‘The Society Associated for the purpose of Establishing an Annual Exhibition of Paintings in Water Colours’ was held at The Stratford Coffee House on Oxford Street, London. Founder Members include Samuel Shelley, William Frederick Wells, William Sawrey Gilpin and brothers, John and Cornelius Varley. The Royal Watercolour Society was born! In 1823 the Society was offered a lease at 6 Pall Mall East which they gladly accepted and remained there for 115 years. When that lease came to an end in 1938, little did the Members at that time know, that they would return less than 100 years later when the Society would sign a further lease in 2020, for 250 years no less! In 1881 Queen Victoria granted the Society a Royal Charter, and agreed to sign the certificates that each RWS Member receives on election to the Society. This tradition continues to the present day. King Charles III became Patron of the Royal Watercolour Society on 3rd May 2024. Today, the RWS is an artist-led society made up of an elected Membership who are amongst the finest practitioners in contemporary water-based painting. Artists work in a variety of water media including gouache, acrylic, pen & ink, pigment, collage, mixed media as well as traditional watercolour. The aim of the Society is to promote, by example and education, the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of these exciting media.

Thu 27 Aug - Thu 27 Aug

10:30 - 12:00

Art • 5-13 years • Free

WC2H, RWS Gallery

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Event

National Gallery Explorer Children's Art Tour

From magical myths to faraway lands, this guide takes you through over 700 years of amazing art. You’ll hear the incredible stories behind some of the world’s greatest paintings and get up close to see every detail, discovering the tiny brushstrokes and splashes of colour that make a work of art. Be inspired to unleash your inner artist with hands-on sketching and activities amongst the masterpieces. Whatever your age, this tour is sure to spark your curiosity and wonder. No lectures, no rushing - just time to explore and enjoy art with the family. After your tour, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the gallery’s impressive collection at your own pace. What's Included • National Gallery Explorer: Children’s Art Tour of the National Gallery for • • One Adult and One Child • Guided tour of the National Gallery with a gallery-approved guide • Free general admission to the National Gallery • Sketching and other activities (materials provided) • Discover over 700 years of art with a Blue Badge Your tour will begin at the Sainsbury Wing, the National Gallery’s main entrance on Trafalgar Square (WC2N 5DN). After passing through security, please proceed to the Tours Meeting Point in the Sainsbury Wing Foyer on the ground floor (Level 0), located on the right-hand side near the staircase. You will meet your guide at the clearly marked meeting point with a Tours sign. Your guide will be wearing a yellow Official National Guide badge.

Sun 30 Aug - Sun 27 Sept

10:00 - 11:00

Art • 5-12 years • £39.00

WC2N, The National Gallery

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Event

Twist Museum: London's Home of Illusions

Twist Museum is a fun, immersive, interactive playground for your perceptions on London’s iconic Oxford Street. We are London’s longest serving and best rated illusion experience. Twist Museum is an immersive experience that explores how your brain interprets reality. Created in collaboration with artists, neuroscientists and philosophers, with over 80 exhibits, it’s a fun museum where science meets creativity. Journey through optical illusions, mind-bending installations and sensory surprises that challenge perception. A Family Day Out Like No Other Bring the whole family to London’s original home of illusions! Dive into a playful world where hands-on exhibits, incredible art installations and brain-twisting displays spark curiosity and laughter at every turn. Our colourful, interactive exhibits blend creativity, science and art to create a sensory playground the whole family will love. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, there’s something to surprise and delight everyone. Ticket Information • Family Ticket is suitable for 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children. • Under 3's are free • Flexi Upgrades - visit any time on your date

Thu 27 Aug - Thu 12 Nov

10:00 - 19:30

Art • all ages • £20.00

W1C, Twist Museum

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Exhibition

Frameless

FRAMELESS is an award-winning immersive art experience in the heart of London. Within four vast galleries, audiences wander through surreal realms in Beyond Reality, get swept up in swirling pigments in Colour In Motion, absorb atmospheric landscapes in The World Around Us, and experience vibrant abstraction in The Art Of Abstraction. Each space is a fully immersive environment, featuring carefully crafted audio designed to match the visuals. Iconic works by artists including Monet, Dalí, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt are brought to life at monumental scale. Located at Marble Arch (just 1 min from the station), the venue is easy to reach and easy to spend hours in — plus you can relax afterward in the Café Bar or browse the gift shop. FRAMELESS goes beyond passive viewing — it’s a joyful, emotional journey that breaks art free from its frame and invites you to step inside. Book ahead, stay as long as you like, and take home memories that will shift how you see art — forever. What is Frameless about? At FRAMELESS, art leaps off the canvas and surrounds you — blending cutting‑edge projection with surround audiovisual effects and motion sensors that allows visitors to interact with the artworks.

Thu 27 Aug - Sat 31 Oct

10:00 - 12:00

Art • all ages • £27.50

W1H, Frameless Immersive Art Experience

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Activity

Unguided Free Flow Painting

Looking for something new to try this weekend? Paint whilst making new friends or gather your group of old friends at this relaxed unguided painting class in London. You will be using acrylic paints on canvas. Don't worry if you've never tried these painting techniques before! No experience is needed and is perfect for anyone who just wants to get creative. Everyone is welcome - the solo dates, the artists, and the "I haven't touched a paintbrush since I was a kid" crew. We have drinks, cocktails, tea, coffee and snacks for sale at our fully stocked art bar. Freeflow Painting Booking Details: You can choose between the following items to paint onto during this session. Standard Canvas - New White Stretched Canvas - 30x40cm 23cm Bear - Paint on a Moshi Bear with a brush (if you're looking for fluid art check out Acrylic Pour) X-Large Canvas - New White Stretched Canvas - 40x60cm Ceramic Baubles ready to paint. (20th - 27th Dec) *Please note this is an unguided class. Knowledge required: Beginner-friendly. What to bring: • A canvas. • Easel. • Paints. • Brushes. • Aprons. • Your finished piece to take home. • Money to buy coffee/tea, drinks and snacks. Suitable for: • Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 1 years old). • An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

Thu 27 Aug - Thu 24 Dec

10:00 - 13:00

Art • 4 years+ • £16.00

E1, Art Play - Shoreditch/Liverpool St

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Class

Sip and Paint

Join us for a fun, family-friendly Sip and Paint class in London, where creativity takes centre stage! Whether you’re painting for the first time or already love getting creative, this relaxed workshop is designed for all ages and abilities. Led by a friendly, professional artist, you’ll be guided step by step through a painting while learning simple techniques along the way. There’s plenty of room to add your own personal touch, so every artwork is completely unique. We’ll be using acrylic paints on canvas, and no previous experience is needed — this session is beginner-friendly and perfect for kids, families, friends, or anyone looking for a creative day out in London. All art materials are provided, so you can simply turn up and enjoy. On arrival, each participant will receive a complimentary drink: a soft drink for under 18s or a glass of prosecco for adults aged 18+. Additional refreshments will be available to purchase at the venue. Who is this workshop for? This class is ideal for families, individuals, or groups of friends looking for a relaxed and creative activity everyone can enjoy together. Please note: To keep the session running smoothly and enjoyable for all, we kindly ask that everyone arrives on time. Participants arriving more than 10 minutes late may not be able to join the class to avoid disruption. If the class does not reach the minimum number of participants, it may be cancelled or rescheduled. We appreciate your understanding.

Thu 27 Aug - Thu 31 Dec

18:00 - 21:00

Art • 13 years+ • £38.00

E1, Art Play - Shoreditch/Liverpool St

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Class

Hand Building Pottery

If you're looking for things to do in London to help you wind down and recharge ready for the week, then come and join us for a calming and fun pottery workshop. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience already, you are welcome to come along, have fun, and learn something new. You will be guided with in-depth tips and tricks by our resident artists. Explore the tactility of clay and intuitive making with your hands as you learn how to transform clay into beautiful finished pieces. To help you uncover your inner artist, you will try out some clay games. Each public date will include different activities, so you are welcome to come along to a few different sessions to really develop your skills. You can expect something new each week and try out more and more ambitious pieces, but you'll always enjoy the mindful benefits of this relaxing hobby. By the end of this London pottery class, you will have created something unique and special just for you. Please note: We have a bar and coffee shop on site. Please do not bring drinks from outside. Please treat our staff with respect and drink responsibly. Artplay London has the right to refuse entry if we believe you are highly intoxicated, in guidance with good practice. To ensure an uninterrupted and fun workshop for all participants, we kindly request that attendees arrive on time, as late arrivals exceeding a 10-minute delay will be turned away to avoid disruption to the ongoing class and inconvenience to others. Add-ons available for this class: Marinara Pizza (vegan) (£12) Margherita Pizza (vegetarian) (£13) Zucca Pizza (vegetarian) (£14) Pepperoni Pizza (£15) Prosecco (bottle) (£30) Sauvignon Blanc (bottle) (£34) Rioja (bottle) (£30) You can add these when you book (optional). What you'll get: Your pottery masterpiece to take home. Suitable for: This class is perfect for beginners - no prior experience is needed. This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a team-building activity, birthday or hen do. Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 9 years old). An adult must accompany any attending kids and must pay for a separate ticket.

Thu 27 Aug - Thu 24 Dec

15:00 - 17:30

Art • 9 years+ • £32.00

E1, Art Play - Shoreditch/Liverpool St

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Class

Candle Making Workshop

If you love nothing more than the relaxing scent of a good candle, why not come and craft your own at this blissful candle-making class in London? In this chilled-out workshop, you'll learn how to melt, mix, and pour wax to create candles from scratch. Your teacher will guide you step-by-step throughout your journey and provide all the equipment and tools, so don't worry if it's your first attempt at candle-making. You'll feel all of your worries melt away as you sit back and focus on getting creative with your group. Whether you deserve some self-care or are looking to treat a special someone with a relaxing experience gift, this workshop will leave you feeling calm and collected, with a beautiful candle to take home. Please be aware that candles need to be left to dry for 2 hours before they can be taken home. Please treat our staff with respect and drink responsibly. Artplay London has the right to refuse entry if we believe you are highly intoxicated, in guidance with good practice. To ensure an uninterrupted and fun workshop for all participants, we kindly request that attendees arrive on time, as late arrivals exceeding a 10-minute delay will be turned away to avoid disruption to the ongoing class and inconvenience to others. Add-ons available for this class Marinara Pizza (vegan) (£12) Margherita Pizza (vegetarian) (£13) Zucca Pizza (vegetarian) (£14) Pepperoni Pizza (£15) Prosecco (bottle) (£30) Sauvignon Blanc (bottle) (£34) Rioja (bottle) (£30) You can add these when you book (optional). What you'll get Your handcrafted candle to take home. Suitable for This class is perfect for beginners - no prior experience is needed. This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a team-building activity, birthday or hen do. This would also be a nice gift for her, a gift for mum, an anniversary gift, or a birthday gift.

Fri 28 Aug - Fri 28 Aug

17:00 - 18:30

Art • 13 years+ • £50.00

E1, Art Play - Shoreditch/Liverpool St

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Workshop

Arts & Crafts Thursdays

Designed for little artists aged 2.5–4, our Thursday sessions are all about exploring, creating and having fun! Each week, children experiment with different art materials and mediums, discovering new ways to express themselves. Most importantly, they get to do what they love most at this age — get creative, get messy and learn through hands-on experiences! About Rays of Art London Rays of Art is a West London-based event company designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Our art classes for children aged 3–9 include fun drawing, painting, and crafty activities. Whether your child is just starting out or already loves to create, our nurturing environment helps every young artist explore, learn, and grow.

Thu 17 Sept - Thu 22 Oct

14:45 - 15:45

Art • 2-4 years • Free

W11, Salvation Army

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Class

Creative Tuesdays

Creative Tuesdays are all about discovering the joy of art through fun, hands-on learning! 🎨 Each week, children will explore different art materials, techniques and creative processes while developing their own artistic style and confidence. Through engaging art lessons, little artists will be introduced to colour, drawing, painting, texture, sculpture and mixed media, while also discovering inspiring artists and learning about art history through hands-on projects. Our sessions encourage children to experiment, make choices, develop fine motor skills and creative thinking, and most importantly, enjoy the process without the pressure of creating something “perfect”. Every class is an opportunity to learn, explore and grow their love for art!

Tue 15 Sept - Tue 20 Oct

14:45 - 15:45

Art • 4-7 years • Free

W11, Salvation Army

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Class

Life Drawing

Join us for a relaxed, untutored life drawing evening inside the museum galleries. Surrounded by our collection and temporary exhibitions, it’s a calm and inspiring space to draw at your own pace alongside new models every month.

Wed 2 Sept - Wed 15 Dec

17:30 - 20:30

Art • 18+ • Free

N1, Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art

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Class

Family Art

Focus: Make colourful memories in the Gymboree Play & Music Art Studio. Where They Are All children benefit from a space to be creative. Children are eager to explore different mediums, textures, and ways to express themselves. What To Expect In Class Sculpt with a giant block of clay, design a family tree, paint a mural or make a creation of your very own. Benefits Physical: Working with different textures supports sensory input, fine motor, and gross motor skills. Cognitive: Creating your own work supports confidence and problem-solving skills. Social: Not only are children learning social skills by sharing a work space and creating with others, they are also able to express themselves through another outlet before they have the verbal capacity to do so. Adults: Get uninterrupted time with your little one; watch them create and play! This Gymboree Hampstead, Play & Learn Family class is suitable for children aged 6 months - 5 years. Membership Prices Standard: £80/4 weeks - 1 class per week + unlimited open gym/softplay Gold: £100/4 weeks - Unlimited access to classes per week + unlimited open gym/softplay About Gymboree Play & Music Hampstead Gymboree Play & Music Hampstead is run by the lovely Parvaneh and her team upstairs in the O2 Centre on Finchley Road, NW3. They cover a large area around North West London, up to Hampstead and Brondesbury, down to Kilburn Park and St John’s Wood, West to Queen’s Park, and East to Belsize Park and Primrose Hill, and everywhere in between! They offer sensory classes for babies, baby massage courses, our famous Play & Learn classes for all little ones who are on the move, as well as art, music, pre-school, and Theatre Arts for all ages up to 5 years old. They also offer a range of fabulously fun birthday parties.

Thu 27 Aug - Mon 31 Aug

14:00 - 14:45

Art • 1-5 years • £20.00

NW3, O2 Centre, 1st Floor

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Holiday Camp

Creative Wiz Kids: Art & More, 3-9yrs

Creative Wiz Kids holiday clubs are packed with exciting art projects, both themed and free Art. Activities include painting, crafts, dance, drama games, music, face painting, free play and story time. The wider age range enables children to create individually at their own level and also to collaborate across ages should they choose. We offer clubs that are both structured and free-form. Early Drop off available for £6 per day. Extended hours available until 4pm for children aged 5-9. Instructions Please bring a labelled water bottle and nut-free packed lunch and snacks. Plus no grapes or sausages please! Dress to get messy! Small classes Since 1990 Creative Wiz Kids has provided excellent quality staff and staff to child ratios. To continue this please ensure that you book your children in a week prior to the date you wish them to attend. Please remember we cannot accept same day bookings. Loved by parents “Attended with a 4-year-old My daughter absolutely loves CWK’s. It feels much more intimate than the other bigger camps she attends and all the kids seem so happy. They get to paint on real easels with neon paints plus decorate cookies or other themed fun stuff. She now has her hand made halloween cape ready to rock. Do try it. She tells me it’s her favourite and this is a child who attends Perform, Camp Beaumont and more.” Lindsay Moss, 31st Oct 2017

Thu 27 Aug - Fri 28 Aug

08:30 - 13:00

Art • 3-9 years • £68.00

NW11, King Alfred School

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Holiday Camp

Creative Wiz Kids: Art & More, 5-9yrs

Creative Wiz Kids holiday clubs are packed with exciting art projects, both themed and free Art. Activities include painting, crafts, dance, drama games, music, face painting, free play and story time. The wider age range enables children to create individually at their own level and also to collaborate across ages should they choose. We offer clubs that are both structured and free-form. Early Drop off available for £6 per day. Extended hours available until 4pm for children aged 5-9. Instructions Please bring a labelled water bottle and nut-free packed lunch and snacks. Plus no grapes or sausages please! Dress to get messy! Small classes Since 1990 Creative Wiz Kids has provided excellent quality staff and staff to child ratios. To continue this please ensure that you book your children in a week prior to the date you wish them to attend. Please remember we cannot accept same day bookings. Loved by parents “Attended with a 4-year-old My daughter absolutely loves CWK’s. It feels much more intimate than the other bigger camps she attends and all the kids seem so happy. They get to paint on real easels with neon paints plus decorate cookies or other themed fun stuff. She now has her hand made halloween cape ready to rock. Do try it. She tells me it’s her favourite and this is a child who attends Perform, Camp Beaumont and more.” Lindsay Moss, 31st Oct 2017

Thu 27 Aug - Fri 28 Aug

08:30 - 15:00

Art • 5-9 years • £91.00

NW11, King Alfred School

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How do I introduce my toddler to art?

Most toddlers are natural creators and artists. Our job as adults is to provide the materials and let them do the exploration!

Start simple with lines, circles and other basic shapes, using dot markers or chunky crayons. Painting is great for exploring textures and motor skills, moulding clay is a lovely hands-on option, and collages need almost no prep.

Art classes for kids

The format is quite similar to what you'd expect from toddler classes, where they'll be exposed to different art styles each week.

One difference is that kids' classes might go into a deeper exploration of various artists, and use their style as inspiration for producing their own art. Some also focus on a single medium, like drawing or painting, or start building a mini portfolio.

What art is good for kids?

Any form of art can be good for kids! The most important thing is to allow your child to explore what interests them. You can do this by introducing them to different art styles, art tools, or artists.

And if they're not sure where to start, try giving them a simple prompt. Draw your favourite toy, your pet, or a cartoon character.

Art classes for tweens

Tweens are developmentally ready to explore deeper art concepts and skills to expand their creativity.

Curiosity and experimenting will remain a core part of their art classes, but they might be encouraged to think a little more deeply about their creative decisions, and to talk about why they made them.

At this age you'll find everything from casual exploration through to junior portfolio building, plus art history courses that take budding artists on a journey through the works of famous artists.

Art classes for teenagers

Many lessons for teens are still casual and exploratory, where they'll produce art pieces just for the fun of it.

There are also studios across London that help with building a portfolio for GCSE or A-level art, or for art school applications.

Why is art education important for teenagers?

Art can be a great way for teens to express themselves in a creative and healthy way, or a great outlet for stress. At this age, some might even be considering a more serious career in art, and formal classes can help build a great foundation for their future.

New research also suggests that art helps develop various parts of the teenage brain, supporting academics as well as creative and emotional well-being. (3)

Art classes for adults

Art classes aren't just for kids! Adults can also join in the fun and try their hand at painting, sculpting or any other type of art they're keen on exploring. You can expect a supportive and educational environment, whatever your skill level.

In a painting class, the teacher will often start by demonstrating a technique and then give you time to apply it. Drawing classes vary more, but generally the instructor starts with some suggestions about technique or style, then introduces new challenges as you get more comfortable, like drawing from memory or adding colour.

Where do I start if I want to learn art?

Firstly, there's no right or wrong way to start learning art. For adults who are just starting out, the best way to learn is often just to jump in and start experimenting. Try different mediums and styles, and see what you like best!