Visiting with Kids

Photograph of balloon with silhouettes of kids playing

Deflation of Patricia Piccinini's Skywhale, 2013, gift of anonymous donor 2019, donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program © Patricia Piccinini

Photograph of young person sitting on stool wearing virtual reality headset

Before

  • Find out about exhibitions that might interest you and your family
  • Talk to your children about what they might see and involve them in planning their visit to the Gallery.
  • Explain that we don't touch the art because it shows respect for the artist and will help protect the art for centuries to come.
  • Check out the What’s On calendar for more information on our range of free programs for kids of all ages to enjoy with their families.
Photograph of family sitting and weaving materials in the gallery

During

  • Walk slowly and hold hands to stay together
  • Follow your children’s lead and let them guide you to the works of art they are most interested in
  • Break up your visit with some fresh air, a rest or a snack in the Sculpture Garden
  • If you have a question, please ask our friendly Visitor Experience staff on the ground level near the main entrance.
Photograph of a family group crouching in the garden beds of the Sculpture Garden

Tips

  • Ask questions
  • What can you see?
  • What does it make you think about?
  • How does it make you feel?
  • Is there anything here that surprises you?
  • Play ‘I Spy’!

Related

Video

Kids and Families experience the NGA's Hyper Real exhibition

A video still of a family looking at a sculpture in an exhibition

Published 01 March 2018

Art Talks

Art Talk 4: Sculpture Garden

Past Event
A gum tree has an oval section of bark removed and a delicate design has been carved into it in lines

Sat 15 Oct 2022
4pm

For Kids & Families

For Kids & Families

4 children and 2 adults sitting in a circle doing craft together.

Encourage your child’s curiosity and creativity with joyful, artist-led programs and activities.

Sculpture Garden
Media Kit

Collection

Growing a Sculpture Garden

For the 40th anniversary, we share the history and highlights of the iconic Sculpture Garden.

Read Time 10 minutes
Sculpture Garden

Australians in the Sculpture Garden

A photograph of seven alternating silver chrome cones

Read about the seasons of the National Gallery of Australia’s world-renowned Sculpture Garden, with a special focus on some of the big Australians.

Read Time 13 minutes