We know that families love to visit art exhibitions together. Thousands of adults and children came to the RA for the first time recently to explore our exhibition Sensing Spaces: Architecture Reimagined. Every year, families visit the RA’s Summer Exhibition to see new and recent art created by everyone from emerging artists to the biggest names in contemporary art and architecture. Surrounded by paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photographs, families can immerse themselves in what is happening in the art world now. They can also use our free Art Trays, piled high with art materials, to respond through their own creations.

Over the past four years we have greatly expanded our offer to families with free, drop-in Family Studios held once a month; family workshops during half term and summer holidays; new workshops for families whose children have special educational needs and partnerships with organisations that serve families in our local borough of Westminster. If your visit falls on a day when we do not have an event running, be sure to ask for a free Art Detective, a creative trail written especially for families.

Now, by expanding the ages at which children can visit for free, the RA is sending out a special welcome to families. Our mission is to make visits to the RA more affordable and accessible for families, so that you can enjoy exhibitions together.

We really look forward to seeing you at the RA, and hope that your next visit to our galleries will kickstart your children’s lifelong love of art!

Beth Schneider is Head of Learning at the RA.