6 art exhibitions in London for children

With the autumn breeze sweeping in and the holidays beckoning, we've curated a delightful selection of art exhibitions in London that are perfect for children. From the celebration of 100 years of Disney to the inaugural art exhibition at the Young V&A, and an exciting immersive experience at Borough Yards—these are six art exhibitions to explore with the little ones during the holidays.

Turn It Up: The power of music 

Image: Visitors playing in the musical playground in Turn It Up at the Science and Industry Museum © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum Group.

#FLODown: Get ready to turn up the volume at Turn It Up: The Power of Music, an electrifying exhibition at the Science Museum that delves into music's profound influence on our lives. Showcasing intriguing objects, interactive displays, and 35 scientific studies exploring music's impact on our minds and bodies. It reveals how innovators and musicians are expanding possibilities in music-making. Children can explore beats, melody, and harmony, creating an unforgettable hands-on adventure.

Date: 19 October 2023 – 6 May 2024. Location: Special Exhibition Gallery 1,Science Museum, Exhibition Road. London. SW7 2DD. Price: £10/£8 adults/child.Concessions, ages 4 and under go free. Book now.

Disney100: The Exhibition

Image: Disney 100: The Exhibition comes to London. © Disney.

#FLODown: Disney100: The Exhibition invites you to step into the world of Disney and experience 100 years of magic like never before. Celebrate the iconic characters, stories, and creations that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Delve into the behind-the-scenes magic of beloved characters, films, shows, and attractions – from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and beyond. Explore ten imaginatively themed galleries featuring moving stories, interactive installations, and exciting background information, providing a journey through a century of The Walt Disney Company.

Date: 13 October 2023 - June 2024. Location: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL. Price: £33/£25 Adult/Child. Book now.

Japan: Myths to Manga

Image: My Neighbour Totoro. © 1988 Studio Ghibli.

#FLODown: The Young V&A has debuted its inaugural exhibition, Japan: Myths to Manga. Geared towards young audiences and families, the exhibit explores how Japanese stories have shaped art and technology over time. Divided into sections like Sky, Sea, Forest, and City, it features 150 historical and contemporary pieces, including art, animation, fashion, and more. The event offers hands-on activities and showcases the influence of myths on iconic creations like Pokémon and Studio Ghibli.

Date: 14 October 2023 – 8 September 2024. Location:Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA. Price: £10. Book now.

Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur

Titanosaur at the National History Museum, South Kensington. Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London.

#FLODown: Step into a world of giants at the National History Museum with Patagotitan mayorum, a colossal titanosaur—one of the largest creatures to ever roam the Earth. Making its European debut, this interactive exhibition showcases the titanosaur's life journey, its encounters with predators, and its colossal size compared to modern-day giants. Explore, learn, and capture the awe-inspiring experience.

Date: Open now until 14 January 2024. Location: Natural History Museum, Waterhouse Gallery, South Kensington, London. Price: £16/ £9 adult/child. Book now.

Power Up

Image: Gallery view of Power Up, the Science Museum’s hands-on gaming experience © Science Museum Group.

#FLODown: Power Up, a permanent fixture at the Science Museum is  an interactive gaming paradise, where visitors can explore the evolution of gaming across five decades, from classics like Pong and Mario Kart to the latest in VR technology and the newest PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The experience boasts over 160 consoles and hundreds of games, inviting gamers of all ages and skill levels to play and explore gaming history. With themed sections, multiplayer tournaments, and interactive displays explaining the science behind gaming, Power Up celebrates the UK's thriving gaming industry while offering fun and learning. Additionally, they have Gaming Lates, sensory-friendly sessions, and annual passes for enthusiastic gamers to enjoy unlimited access throughout the year.

Power Up is recommended for ages 5+, and all gamers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.    

Location: Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD. Price: day passes: £10, annual passes: £15. Book now.

Delight

Delight immersive experience at Borough Yards.

#FLODown: Delight is an immersive multimedia exhibition inspired by the vibrant city life of Seoul. Imagine visuals, sound, and augmented reality all coming together to bring Seoul's rich cultural heritage to life. This exhibition was a hit in Seoul and is now hosted in Borough Yards' historic tunnels. Inside, you'll find 12 digital installations drawing from over 1,000 years of Seoul's incredible history. Walking through this exhibit is like strolling the vibrant streets of present-day Seoul—neon lights, music, and sirens all around, completely immersing you in the city's lively energy. It's a perfect opportunity for children to learn about the rich culture in Seoul while having a fantastic immersive experience.

Date: 13 October - April 2024. Location: 219-221 Dirty Ln, Borough Yards, London, SE1 9AD. Price: for £25.00 / £17.30 adult/child. Free under 4s. Book now.

LAST CHANCE

Brick Dinos

Image: Image: The new Polacanthus model from Brick Dinos © Warren Elsmore.

#FLODown: It's the final weeks to experience a journey through time with Brick Dinos, an exhibition where the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods come alive through intricate LEGO® brick creations. Artist Warren Elsmore and his team have meticulously crafted miniature versions of prehistoric giants, allowing you to encounter them up close. From the Masiakasaurus to a life-sized flying pterosaur and a swamp-dwelling Sarcosuchus, the exhibit showcases impressive models. Also, catch a glimpse of rare specimens from the Horniman’s stores and engage in hands-on activities like building your own dinosaur and fossil digging, making it a perfect family adventure.

Date: until Sunday 29 October 2023. Location: Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ. Price: : £10/ £5 adult/child. Book now.