1 / 3ArtPlay Pavilion
📍 London, Greater London
Interactive sensory play space at Dulwich Picture Gallery for children aged 14 months to approximately 2 years. Sessions feature climbing humps, moving parts, and imaginative loose elements led by welcoming staff. Café on site.
I took my adult daughter and 14 month old toddler granddaughter. My granddaughter was intrigued by all the options and was particularly keen, as a flat dweller, on climbing the stairs. Climbing the smaller ‘hump’ was also a hit while it took her a while to discover various moving parts like those that turned on the wall. She was also thrilled by opening and closing an object rather like a clothes horse that was draped with a length of translucent fabric although it collapsed on top of her. No harm was done as we were present but I wondered if something could be devised that provided the same experience while being somewhat safer. There were lots of opportunities for sharing with the many soft balls, buckets, bean bags and pots that were distributed around appealing to my granddaughter’s sociable nature. My granddaughter will definitely be taken again either by myself or my daughter and her partner. I thought it was well thought through with different types of exploration for children and was very good value for the experience.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with babies and toddlers aged 14 months to 2 years who want a calm, stimulating indoor play experience run by engaged staff. Weekday afternoons deliver the most relaxed sessions. Parents expecting traditional art activities should know it is a sensory play space, not a craft session.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →35 Google reviews
Jude Clynick
5 months ago
“I took my adult daughter and 14 month old toddler granddaughter. My granddaughter was intrigued by all the options and was particularly keen, as a flat dweller, on climbing the stairs. Climbing the smaller ‘hump’ was also a hit while it took her a while to discover various moving parts like those that turned on the wall. She was also thrilled by opening and closing an object rather like a clothes horse that was draped with a length of translucent fabric although it collapsed on top of her. No harm was done as we were present but I wondered if something could be devised that provided the same experience while being somewhat safer. There were lots of opportunities for sharing with the many soft balls, buckets, bean bags and pots that were distributed around appealing to my granddaughter’s sociable nature. My granddaughter will definitely be taken again either by myself or my daughter and her partner. I thought it was well thought through with different types of exploration for children and was very good value for the experience.”
Petra Bravencova
5 months ago
“I recently visited the ArtPlay Pavilion at Dulwich Picture Gallery with my two-year-old son, and we had the most wonderful time! The staff were incredibly welcoming and encouraged us to join in. The space is beautifully set up: creative, interactive, and thoughtfully designed to inspire little imaginations. My son was completely absorbed in the activities, and it was lovely to watch him explore and enjoy the experience alongside the older and younger kids. We both had so much fun, and it felt like such a warm and uplifting environment. I highly recommend ArtPlay Pavilion to anyone looking for a creative outing with young children. We’ll definitely be returning!”
Karen Beck
2 months ago
“Warm and welcoming space for young children & carers. Noisier and busier at weekend, quiet during the weekday session I attended. Both were fun. I thought there would be paint, but there wasn't!”
Kate Fischer
4 months ago
“My baby (14 months) absolutely loves art play - we late late afternoon so it was a little quieter so was really relaxing. The staff are really friendly. We’ll definitely go back.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
ArtPlay Pavilion operates within the grounds of Dulwich Picture Gallery, offering structured sensory play sessions for babies and toddlers. The space includes low climbing humps, interactive moving components, and imaginative play elements — no paint or traditional art materials. Sessions are led by staff who actively encourage family participation. Weekday sessions are noticeably quieter than weekends. On-site café and parking available.
