Looking for something creative to do with the children or teenagers this weekend? Plymouth Art Weekender, taking place from 16–18 October 2026, is packed with opportunities to explore, discover and get inspired together. From playing with clay and making colourful books to meeting artists and exploring exhibitions in unexpected places, there's plenty to keep curious minds of all ages entertained.
Finding something to do that appeals to the whole family isn't always easy. Especially when you've got younger children who want to get stuck into everything, or teenagers who are a little less enthusiastic about another family outing!
But Plymouth Art Weekender might just have the answer.
Taking place across the city from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October, this celebration of creativity brings artists, makers and communities together for three days of exhibitions, open studios, workshops and unusual artistic experiences.
And while contemporary art might not be the first thing that springs to mind when planning a family weekend, there's plenty to capture young imaginations.
You don't have to know anything about art, and you certainly don't have to be able to draw. Whether you've got a budding artist in the family, a curious six-year-old or a teenager looking for something a bit different, here are some great places to start.
1. Get Messy with Clay – Off Centre: Play Clay
Great for: Younger children, creative families and anyone who loves making things
If your children love getting their hands messy, this could be right up their street!
Artists Angie Wickenden, Christina Peters and Molly Budd are inviting visitors to help create an imaginative sculptural landscape at Flameworks in Devonport.
Think pinching, rolling, stretching and squishing clay into strange creatures, unusual objects and whatever else your imagination can dream up.
Working together, visitors will help build a wonderfully imperfect world using clay and scrap metal structures.
There's no pressure to make anything perfect, which is exactly what makes it such a lovely activity for children. It's all about playing, experimenting and seeing what happens.
And the grown-ups can join in too!
Where: Flameworks, 7 Richmond Walk, Devonport, PL1 4LL
When: Saturday 17 October, 10.30am–4pm
Suitable for: All ages
Find out more: Off Centre: Play Clay
2. Make Your Own Mini Masterpiece – Rhizome Artists Collective
Great for: Families, primary-school-aged children and creative teens
There's something rather special about making a little book of your own.
At Stonehouse Lawn Tennis Club, Rhizome Artists Collective is inviting visitors to create simple, colourful handmade books.
These could become mini sketchbooks, journals, places to write stories or somewhere to collect ideas and drawings. They could even make lovely handmade gifts.
It's a relaxed, hands-on activity that doesn't require any experience, and children and adults can enjoy making something together.
For teenagers who enjoy doodling, journalling or designing their own characters, it could even be the beginning of a new creative hobby.
Where: Stonehouse Lawn Tennis Club, 173 Durnford Street, Plymouth
When: Saturday 17 October, 11am–3pm
Cost: Free
Suitable for: All ages and abilities
Find out more: Rhizome Artists Collective – Book Making
3. Go Behind the Scenes – Open Studios at Grow Plymouth
Great for: Curious children, budding artists and teenagers interested in creative careers
Have you ever wondered what an artist's studio actually looks like?
Grow Plymouth is opening its doors over the weekend, offering families the chance to discover the spaces where artists work and see how they develop their ideas.
From painting and photography to sculpture and printmaking, it's an opportunity to introduce younger visitors to the many different ways people can be creative.
You might meet someone whose work you love, discover an art form you've never heard of or find out what being a professional artist actually involves.
There's also Totems for Troubling Times, an exhibition by artist collective Room to Manoeuvre and invited artists exploring the meaning we attach to different objects.
Why not give the children a challenge? Ask them to choose their favourite artwork and explain why they've picked it. There are no wrong answers!
Where: Grow Plymouth, 14 Drake Circus, PL4 8AQ
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, open studios 11am–3pm
Cost: Free entry
Find out more: Grow Plymouth
Accessibility note: The ground-floor exhibition space has street-level access, but the upstairs studios are accessible by stairs only.
4. Discover Art with a Story – The Box
Great for: Families who love history, stories and exploring
If your family enjoys discovering interesting things about Plymouth, The Box is a brilliant place to include in your Art Weekender adventure.
As part of the programme, visitors can explore nine paintings from Plymouth's art collection that have recently been displayed in Downing Street through the Government Art Collection's Museum in Residence scheme.
These artworks have been selected for the stories they tell about creativity, resilience and innovation.
For younger visitors, it could be an opportunity to start looking at art in a completely different way.
Who can spot the smallest detail? What do they think is happening in a painting? If they could step into one of the pictures, which would they choose?
Turning an exhibition visit into a little game can help children engage with the artwork and make the experience much more memorable.
Where: The Box, Tavistock Place, PL4 8AX
When: Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October, 10am–5pm
Find out more: Art Collection Highlights
Website: The Box
5. Explore Plymouth's Art Scene by the Sea – Royal William Yard
Great for: Families who like combining an outing with a bit of culture
Sometimes the best family days out are the ones where you can mix a little exploring with somewhere lovely to walk, eat and spend time together.
Royal William Yard is hosting a range of exhibitions in the Melville Building as part of its wider Artober celebrations.
Visitors can discover work by local artists including Polly Plouviez, Emma Sprawson and Rosie Allen-Perdikeas, alongside photography, installations and other creative projects.
There's plenty to spark conversations with older children and teenagers, whether they're interested in photography, colour, painting or the ideas behind an artwork.
And once you've had your fill of creativity, you can enjoy a wander around the historic waterfront, take in the sea views or stop for something to eat.
It's a good option for families who want to explore art without making it the only activity of the day.
Where: Melville Building, Royal William Yard, PL1 3RP
When: Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October, from 11am
Find out more: Plymouth Art Weekender at Royal William Yard
6. Discover a Tiny World – The Street That We Built
Great for: Older children and teenagers who enjoy miniature worlds, design and storytelling
Sometimes an artwork doesn't need to be enormous to make an impression.
The Street That We Built is a diorama celebrating Plymouth's queer community, with a particular focus on Bretonside.
Created for the Queer Joy exhibition, the artwork will be on public display at The Old Queeriosity Shop, which is itself featured in the piece.
Dioramas are miniature three-dimensional scenes, often full of carefully considered details, and they can be fascinating to explore.
For young people interested in making models, building worlds, architecture or storytelling, this could be an interesting stop during the Weekender.
It's also an opportunity for families to discover and talk about the different communities and stories that make Plymouth the city it is.
Where: The Old Queeriosity Shop, 41 Bretonside, PL4 0BB
When: Friday 16 October, 10am–5pm and Saturday 17 October, 10am–6pm
Find out more: The Street That We Built
7. Art, Cake and a Little Creative Inspiration – Café Momus
Great for: Families with older children and teenagers who enjoy a relaxed outing
If you're looking for an easy way to introduce your family to contemporary art without the formality of a gallery, why not combine it with a café visit?
Artemis Collective is taking over Café Momus with an exhibition of work by its members, bringing local creativity into a welcoming, informal setting.
It's a chance to discover what Plymouth's artists are creating while enjoying a drink, a slice of cake or simply a change of scene.
For teenagers in particular, it's a good introduction to the idea that art doesn't have to live in museums. It can be part of the everyday places we visit.
Where: Café Momus, 14–17 Manor Street, PL1 1TL
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, 12pm–5pm
Suitable for: All ages
Find out more: Artemis X Café Momus
A Few Tips for Exploring Art Weekender with Children
If you're visiting Plymouth Art Weekender as a family for the first time, here are a few things worth remembering.
Let them lead. Children often notice details that adults overlook. Let them choose what they want to explore and don't worry if they spend five minutes looking at something you'd have walked straight past.
Ask questions rather than giving answers. What does it remind you of? How do you think it was made? What would you call it? You might be surprised by the conversations that follow.
Don't try to see everything. Pick a couple of places that appeal to your family and enjoy them at your own pace. Sometimes one brilliant experience is worth more than rushing around ten exhibitions.
Make room for a little creativity at home. If something captures your child's imagination, encourage them to have a go at making their own version afterwards.
Big Ideas for Little (and Not So Little!) Artists
Whether your children are happiest covered in paint and clay or your teenager is discovering their own creative interests, Plymouth Art Weekender is an opportunity to try something new together.
And perhaps the most important message of all is that art really is for everyone.
You don't have to understand every exhibition, love every artwork or have any particular artistic talent. Sometimes it's enough to be curious, ask questions and see where your imagination takes you.
Who knows? You might just inspire the next generation of Plymouth artists.
Plymouth Art Weekender takes place from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026, with exhibitions, workshops, performances and open studios happening across the city.
Some activities are free, while others may require booking or have limited capacity. Families are encouraged to check individual event listings for age guidance, accessibility and booking information before visiting.
Explore the full programme at www.plymouthartweekender.com.
