London Museums Want Your Children to Be Loud This Summer

This summer, museums across London are swapping "don't touch" for "have a go" with a programme designed to make families feel genuinely welcome.

If you're looking for a screen-free day out this summer, London's museums have plenty to tempt curious little minds.

National Art Pass has launched the third year of its Kids Aloud programme, inviting families into museums and galleries across the capital – and more than 60 venues nationwide – for a summer of hands-on workshops, storytelling, immersive exhibitions and family trails. The idea is refreshingly simple: children should feel free to ask questions, make things, explore and enjoy themselves.

The timing couldn't be better. New research from Art Fund found that 65% of parents worry about taking their children to museums, despite almost nine in ten recognising the benefits. From boosting imagination to encouraging curiosity away from screens, museum visits are something parents value – they just don't always feel they're designed with children in mind.

Kids Aloud sets out to change that.

three London events worth booking

August Family Day – Serpentine(23 August)
Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring storytelling, fairy tales and hands-on creative workshops inspired by the imaginative world of artist Cecily Brown.

Family Space – South London Gallery(29 August)
Artist Tihara Smith leads a vibrant workshop exploring textiles, colour and Caribbean culture through creative making.

Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs – Lightroom(Until 1 September)
An immersive journey through the extraordinary story of dinosaurs, narrated by Damian Lewis and brought to life on a spectacular scale.

Those are just a handful of the events taking place this summer. Across the UK, more than 60 museums and galleries are taking part, with activities ranging from craft workshops and storytelling sessions to family trails and immersive exhibitions.

Many events are free to attend, while a National Art Pass offers free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, plus 50% off major exhibitions – making it an easy investment if you're planning more than one cultural day out this summer.

The best family days out don't always involve queues, rides or expensive tickets. Sometimes they're the ones where children discover something new, make something with their own hands and leave full of stories to tell on the journey home.

Find the full Kids Aloud programme and interactive map of participating venues here.