a family with two children and friend with a dog walking near an artwork outside at YSP
Plan your visit

Family Visits

Visit Us

Family Visits

Visiting YSP will awaken your senses and get the imagination flowing. It's the perfect place to ignite an interest in art and nature in the minds of young people, or to simply enjoy the atmosphere together. This environment is proved to be excellent for wellbeing, and we know you'll love it. Plus, kids visit for free!

Get your boots on and step out in the fresh air to discover woodland, lakes and beautiful green spaces, dotted with incredible sculptures – it's a place like no other.

YSP is fantastic for the whole family.

Our family events programme has something for children of all ages to take part in.

Join in with family events to think, make and play, and pick up free activities in the indoor galleries. We also have lots of exciting resources for you to explore on your visit to YSP.

Kids visit for FREE.

a child drawing at a table in ysp cafe while family are eating lunch outside

Exploring with activities for families

Get little hands and minds busy with a visit to Little Wild Wood, our natural creative play space, designed to inspire imaginations.

In our galleries, pick up talking and drawing together cards, designed to help curious minds of all ages connect to the exhibitions, or download them to help you prepare for your visit, and grab a sensory bag, filled with objects to help you get closer to the artworks in the exhibitions. 

Head to The Studio at the far end of the Underground Gallery where you can spend some time enjoying books exploring the themes of the Hold to This Earthexhibition, with drawing and building materials available for all ages.

Share your discoveries and creations with us on Instagram @yspsculpture

Family facilities to support your visit

  • Breast feeding welcome
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Highchairs
  • Family friendly gifts, books and food
  • Places to picnic
  • Water fountains
  • Buggy friendly paths


Located in the main Visitor Centre is the Living Room, a relaxed place for anyone who wants to take some time out. It is designed for rest, prayer, feeding and gentle play. In the Living Room you will find comfy sofas and resources for all ages, including books, drawing activities, sensory toys and soft sculpture. Find out more about our accessible facilities. 

Please note, the Living Room will be closed Tue-Fri from 30 June–10 July. 

Our commitment to family learning

Fantastic for Families logo
A young girl in a red polka-dot snowsuit kneels on the ground, picking up chalk to draw on a slate board. Surrounding her are several other slate boards and a wooden bowl, set in a natural outdoor environment.

Getting in touch

Your feedback is important to us. Please let us know when we have done well and what we could improve for your next visit. You can get in touch by emailing learning@ysp.org.uk

Share your family adventures on Instagram @yspsculpture and follow us to find out more.

Sign up to the Family e-news to receive regular updates.

A truly magical experience that captured the whole family's imagination.

- Family workshop participant

Browse our family friendly events

  1. Two women sit closely together, one holding a baby, as they engage in a communal activity. The setting is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and a variety of textures around them. Other participants are visible in the background, creating a sense of community.
    Event

    Sculpture Baby: Nicola Turner

    Spend creative time with your baby and enjoy this sensory session inspired by the cascading Time's Scythe installation by Nicola Turner in the Chapel.
  2. A man and a young boy lift a large piece of wood on to a green tarp in a park. In the background there are several other children and adults collecting objects for sculpture building.
    Event

    Outdoor Sculpture Building: Come Rain, Come Shine

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    Immerse yourself in an imaginative world of sculpture making where you can work and play together to build outdoor sculptures inspired by artists in the Park.
  3. Two children sit back-to-back on crates outdoors, playing with kitchen utensils. One holds a pan and spoon, while the other has a red board. Various objects are scattered around. Adults and other children are visible in the background.
    Event

    Summer in the Hidden Forest

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    Meet underneath the trees in our magical Hidden Forest this summer holiday and get creative, connecting nature with drawing, sculpture building and sensory activities.
  4. A young girl interacts with a woman seated on the floor, both engaged in a creative activity. In the background, various sculptures are displayed on plinths.
    Event

    Artful Saturdays in the Underground Gallery

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    Join us to make, discover and play every month in the Underground Gallery. With a different adventure every month come and find us and make your own discoveries.
  5. A man helps a young child navigate wooden steps in a forested area. The child is wearing a light-coloured top and navy trousers. In the background, other children and adults are engaged in activities among trees and hanging clothes.
    Event

    Thursdays in the Hidden Forest

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    Meet underneath the trees in the magical Hidden Forest and get creative, connecting nature with drawing, sculpture building and sensory activities on the first Thursday of the month.
  6. A man in an orange shirt holds a smiling child wearing a floral outfit. They are outdoors, surrounded by lush green leaves. The child is reaching up towards the branches, both appearing joyful and engaged with nature.
    Event

    Sculpture Baby: Hidden Forest

    Spend creative time outdoors with your baby in the Hidden Forest and enjoy this sensory session inspired by The Family of Man sculptures by Barbara Hepworth.