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People, including children, are gathered outdoors on a grassy field with trees, tents, and a few structures in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Family friendly

Summer Family Festival

21 Jun 2026

9am - 4pm

Book Tickets

Bring the whole family for a day exploring nature, imagination and hands-on creativity across the Gallery

From art adventures and crafty workshops to garden discoveries and playful experiences, there’s something for curious minds of every age. Come ready to experiment, explore and have lots of fun together!

Prices

Free entry with some paid sessions

What to expect

Two children at the top of a slide. One on left wears a star hat.

ArtPlay Pavilion

Ticketed | £9, concessions | Sessions 9am - 4pm

Created by HoLD Art Collective, the space reimagines classic paintings from the Gallery’s Collection as interactive adventures: slide through sunbeams, swing among the clouds and rest on soft, sculptural forms designed for comfort and calm.

Art Sundays 2

Nature Crowns

Drop-in | Free | 10am - 4pm

Celebrate the beauty of spring by creating your very own glorious Nature Crown.

Choose from flowers, feathers, grasses and leaves to design a leafy masterpiece fit for royalty then wear your creation proudly around the Gallery!

jonathan-kemper seed bomb workshop

Wildflower Seed Bombs

Drop-in | Free | 10am – 4pm

Get your hands muddy for a good cause! Make and throw your own wildflower seed bombs in the Lovington Sculpture Meadow.

It’s a brilliant way to help bees and insects thrive and a fun way to spend the afternoon outdoors.

Model houses made with card and coloured plastic for the windows

Mini Architects

Ticketed | £9, concessions | 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Join author Joséphine Séblon and illustrator Robert Sae-Heng as they bring their book Mini Architects to life.

Discover 20 inspiring projects influenced by architectural wonders from the pyramids of ancient Egypt to New York’s skyline.

You’ll also take inspiration from the distinctive architecture of Dulwich Picture Gallery to create your own mini light-filled structure.

Glitterbox face painting

Glitterbox Face Painting

Drop-in | From £9 | 11am – 3pm

Add a splash of sparkle to your day!

Choose from colourful, creative designs by professional artists from Glitterbox, then parade your new look around the Gallery grounds. Suitable for all ages.

©Luca Piffaretti_DPG 1_Print_0006

Garden Trail

Drop-in | Free | 10am – 4pm

Follow the Garden Trail created by artist Lucy Grainge and discover the beauty of the Gallery’s Sculpture Garden.

What inspires you? What do you love most about nature? Explore, reflect and share your ideas along the way.

Tree, Graham Turner, 2023

The Colour of Nature

Drop-in | Free | 10am – 4pm

Join a lively printmaking adventure inspired by the colours of the natural world.

Experiment with shades, textures and patterns as you explore your own connection to nature.

farmers market TS-07 small

Farmers’ Market

Set within the Sculpture Garden, the our Farmers’ Market is a feast for the senses.

Browse fresh, seasonal produce, organic treats and handcrafted goods, perfect for a relaxed family stroll and a delicious bite to eat.

Our summer events programme was made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we have been able to transform our gardens and create new opportunities for everyone to engage with art and nature.

Discover more family events

Mini Masterpieces
mini masterpieces
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Mini Masterpieces

7 Nov 2025 — 6 Mar 2026
Spark your child's imagination through playful painting.
£16 per child, including two adults More info
Creative Tales
A boy smiles while going down a slide inside the ArtPlay Pavilion
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Creative Tales

4 Jul 2025 — 27 Mar 2026
Join Rosie Tells Tales for these playful interactive storytelling sessions for under 5s.
£16 per child, including two adults More info
Art Sundays
Art Sundays 2
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Art Sundays

26 Oct – 29 Mar 2026
Get inspired to make art together as a family in these free monthly creative activities in the Art Studio.
Free More info