Half Term Art Activities!
Looking for half term activities? Come join me at these family events
Art lovers! Next week marks summer half term. If you’re looking for some fun art-related activities for the family, join me at these events to celebrate my book for younger readers: The Story of Art Without Men: An illustrated guide to amazing women artists. Suitable for ages 8–108!
Just like the book, these events will get children, ages 7–14 (and above), excited about art through treasure hunts, quizzes, stories and interactive ‘art tasks’. All welcome!
I want kids (and grown-ups) to know that art can be for everyone: whatever their interests and personalities. Like football? Check out Rose Wylie. Enjoy reading? Find a painting of your favourite author. Interested in the environment? Have a look at p. 136 of the book on Agnes Denes. Poetry? Check out the page on Joan Mitchell and her friend, the poet, James Schuyler.
Come and join me this half term!
& scroll to the bottom for some (free) museums to bring kids along to. And some ideas. For example, why not go to the National Gallery and look for all the cats in paintings? Or, check out the National Portrait Gallery, and find 10 portraits with people wearing glasses! Use museums however you like. They are yours. Xoxo
Sunday 24 May 11am, Charleston Festival, East Sussex: The Story of Art Without Men… For Tweens!
I’ll be at beautiful Charleston, the former home of the Bloomsbury Group, in Sussex this Sunday, 11am for a fast-paced tour of art’s hidden heroes, freedom fighters and trailblazers. Packed with visuals and lively quizzes, this is the perfect event for curious kids (and grown-ups).
Tuesday 26 May 11am–4pm, National Portrait Gallery, London: Family Day – Book signing + art trail!
Come down to the National Portrait Gallery on Tue 26 May for their fantastic free Family Day, full of fun, workshops, and ‘art trails’ (treasure hunts!).
Pick up our new The Story of Art Without Men Family Trail, available from the Family Art Cart in the Ross Place entrance (all free!). Follow the trail through the gallery and collect a reward at the end from the Ticket Desk.
From 11:30am to 12:30pm, I’ll be doing a book signing of of The Story of Art Without Men: An illustrated Guide in the Main Gallery Shop.
No tickets required, just rock up!
Thursday 28 May, 10am, Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye: An interactive journey through The Story of Art Without Men
Next week I’ll be heading to the ‘Town of Books’, Hay-on-Wye, for Hay Festival.
At 10am on Thursday 28th, join me for an interactive event following the story of art across time and across the globe, to discover how amazing women artists changed the world with their art. Along the way we’ll be doing quizzes and ‘art tasks’, so bring pencils and sketchbooks!
ALSO AT HAY: for the adults
On Wednesday 27 May 2026, 7pm: I’ll be talking to the brilliant David Olusoga about all things How to Live an Artful Life. Tickets here.
Our family-friendly event at the Royal Academy has sadly now sold out, but my advice is to get the book and take part in your own art tasks. Like these…
Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe:
Inspired by Alma Thomas:
Or, Pauline Boty!
15 free of charge UK museums for families:
National Gallery, London
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool (don’t miss the children’s gallery, ‘Big Art for Little Artists’)
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow (take part in their Art Competition for Young People)
National Museum Cardiff (and their ‘Paint Along’ events)
Turner Contemporary, Margate (check out the Hulda Guzmán exhibition!)
The Whitworth, Manchester
Hove Museum of Creativity (+ a new exhibition about animals in art)
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (kids will love Frank Bowling’s colourful canvases)
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
Young V&A, London
Yorkshire Sculpture Park (for an outdoor fix)
I love this approach to making art feel accessible, playful, and woven into everyday life instead of something intimidating or overly formal. “Use museums however you like. They are yours.” is such a powerful invitation, especially for kids. Also now I desperately want to go on a museum cat scavenger hunt. 🐈🎨