Every day is an adventure at Watts Gallery, but this summer we have lots of exciting workshops and activities for all the family to enjoy as we celebrate our Japan season across the site. We've selected the top five things for families to enjoy here this summer.

Photo of a mother and daughter in the Edo Pop exhibition at Watts Gallery doing the eye spy activity sheet

1. Summer Family Days

Join us for a jam-packed day of drop-in workshops and activities inspired by our Edo Pop and Hanga Ten exhibitions. Create wall hangings, paper flowers, and even try your hand at printmaking! On Tuesdays 6, 13 and 20 August.

Find out more about Summer Family Days here >

Father with two daughters sitting at a table doing pottery

2. Pottery taster sessions

Ever wanted to try making something out of clay? If you have, then you're in luck! From Thursdays to Sundays until 25 August, our Foyle Pottery Studio is open for visitors of all ages to create with clay. Book your session as an add-on to your admission, or as a stand-alone workshop. Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Find out more about pottery taster sessions here >

A photo of a group of young people sitting in a class drawing

A photo of a young boy sitting at an easel drawing

3. Watts Creatives: life drawing

13- to 18-year-olds can be dropped off for a life drawing workshop with artist Rachel Mercer to develop their observational drawing skills. Perfect for those studying art courses.

Find out more about the Watts Creatives life drawing workshop here >

Japanese woodblock print of a traditionally dressed Otokodate looking off to the side. — Toyohara Kunichika 豊原国周 (1835 - 1900), Three Otokodate and the New Shimbashe Station (detail), 1872, colour print from woodblocks © Collection of Frank Milner

Japanese woodblock print of a sumo wrestler — Utagawa Kunisada 歌川国貞 (1786 - 1865), Kagamiwa of The West Side, 1846, Colour print from woodblocks. © Collection of Frank Milner.

4. Edo Pop Top Trumps trail

Six of the characters seen in the Edo Pop exhibition are hiding across the site. From 23 July, pick up a Top Trumps trail and go for an adventure to find them! Once you've found them all, take your very own Edo Pop Top Trumps home with you as a special souvenir.

Free with admission >

Photo of a young child walking along some tree sump stepping stones in the Verey Playwood

5. Verey Playwood

Enjoy the sunshine and escape into nature with our Verey Playwood made from natural materials. Play on the rope swings, stepping stones, or build a den!

Find out more about the Verey Playwood >

Planning your family visit

Watts Gallery is a family friendly day out with lots to offer, from interactive touch points to book baskets. We also have fantastic facilities including baby changing, children’s menu in the Tea Shop, emergency supplies available and buggy friendly.

Find out more