Are you looking for things to do with your little ones that won’t cost a fortune? Why not go explore some art at your nearest gallery? Here in Ireland we are fortunate in having plenty of art galleries which are dedicated to creating a wondrous experience for both adults and children. Here’s my pick of the Creative and Free Fun for all the family in Dublin’s Art Galleries.
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Art museums are a great place to go on a day when you feel like a little inspiration, where you and your little ones get to feed your penchant for art, creativity and imagination.
In Dublin, the art galleries and museums have all put a lot of thought in to making these amazing places for adults and children alike, and better yet, they’re all free! In many you will find a quiet little area dedicated to children, where after being inspired by the art they’ve seen, they can then work on their own artistic creations.
National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin
The National Gallery of Ireland is home to vast exhibitions from the greats, with a wealth of Irish and European artists from Jack B Yeats to Monet. Plus it holds the national collection of European and Irish fine art.
After a walk around the museum you can go and sit in the drop-in creative spaces where you children can draw and colour to their hearts content. They’re always well stocked with activity sheets and colouring pencils, and the children can then hang their art for all to admire.
They’ve got lots of workshops for kids too running throughout the year, with extra added for the summer months, so be sure to check out their events page before you visit.
On Now : The National Gallery of Ireland is currently exhibiting Leonardo Da Vinci’s 10 drawings from the Royal Collection until 17th July, which is well worth a look and would be widely appreciated by adults and children. It is a free exhibition but pre-booking is essential.
Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin
The beautiful Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square houses the foremost public collection of contemporary art in Ireland, and the gallery also has dynamic temporary exhibitions.
There is a fabulous children’s area and learning resource centre where children, families and teachers can further explore the various exhibitions together in their own space and at their own time. In addition, they have an active Kids Club complete with newsletter, so why not sign up and keep up to date with the gallery’s workshops and exhibitions.
Children can really get the creative juices flowing at the regular children’s workshops including Saturday art classes, so check out what’s on before you visit, as many require pre-booking. Alternatively, just pop along on a Sunday afternoon at 2 pm for the free tour (no booking required).
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
The wonderful Irish Museum of Modern Art exhibits modern and contemporary art, which kids and adults will love. And after you have enjoyed the exhibitions, head out side to the fabulous grounds and let the kids run off some steam in the huge maze.
Image via Irish Museum of Modern Art
There’s a holiday family workshop at the gallery on Thursday and Friday mornings in the summer months that is worth checking out. Children and adults can explore the gallery’s exhibitions then get creative themselves. Just drop into the main IMMA reception at 10 am to join.
Over to you! Do you have any galleries or museums that you enjoy visiting with the kids? Let us know in the comments below.
About the Author: Orla Hayes
