Creative kids - half term arts & crafts adventures in surrey
As a Surrey-based interior designer and mum to two young children, I’m always looking for ways to nurture creativity, especially during half term, when little ones are brimming with energy and looking for inspiration. Thankfully, Surrey is full of brilliant spots to spark imagination and celebrate creativity in all its forms. Whether you’re discovering a new gallery, building a model house, or simply crafting around the kitchen table, these moments of making are often the most memorable.
1. CREATIVE ESCAPES AT WATTS GALLERY, COMPTON
Tucked into the woodland at Compton, Watts Gallery – Artists' Village is a magical place to spend a morning. The Make Space family workshops encourage children to get hands-on with art inspired by the gallery’s unique Arts & Crafts heritage. It’s calm, creative and incredibly inspiring; and there’s a lovely café, too.
Photo credit: www.wattsgallery.org.uk
2. MAKE & CREATE AT THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
The Lightbox in Woking is one of Surrey’s creative gems. Over half-term, they run engaging art workshops, story-led craft sessions, and interactive family exhibitions—all designed to ignite children’s imaginations. Their drop-in sessions are ideal if you're after a spontaneous day out.
Photo credit: www.thelightbox.org.uk
3. POTTERY PAINTING FUN in surrey
There’s something timelessly joyful about painting your own mug or tile. Head to a pottery studio for relaxed, colourful sessions where children can decorate keepsakes that are later fired and ready to treasure, or gift to a lucky family member. Here are a few of the many options available: The Fired Frog Pottery Cafe in Woking, The AppleTreeStudio in East Horsley, Hersham Pottery Cafe in Walton-on-Thames, Guildford Pottery in Guildford or Wildcroft Pottery in Godalming.
Photo credit: www.firedfrogpottery.co.uk
4. get inspired by nature
Art and nature go hand in hand, and Surrey offers both in abundance. RHS Wisley often hosts natural craft sessions and garden-themed workshops during half term. Painshill Park is perfect for an imaginative wander. Children can sketch sculptures, explore fairy-tale follies or collect leaves and textures to turn into collages or prints when they get home.
Photo credit: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
5. try something new at Farnham maltings
Farnham is known as England’s craft town for good reason. Farnham Maltings regularly hosts brilliant hands-on workshops, from sewing and printmaking to sculpture and model building. Their half term schedule usually includes sessions for a wide range of ages, so it's worth checking what’s on.
Photo credit: www.farnhammaltings.com
6. Design, Build & Dream at Young Designers Academy, Milford
If your child is always sketching, building dens, or dreaming up cities of the future, this design-led experience is perfect for them. Young Designers Academy, Milford, is a hidden gem for older children with big imaginations. Over three days, they’ll design and build their very own Tiny House—complete with mood boards, scaled plans and a final 3D model. It’s a wonderful introduction to architecture and sustainable design in a fun, hands-on format.
Photo credit: www.youngdesignersacademy.co.uk
7. RIBA DESIGN QUEST, LONDON
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) run excellent activities for families and children, including RIBA Design Quest. These activities go beyond paint and paper, encouraging spatial thinking, problem-solving, and a real sense of creative confidence.
Photo credit: www.architecture.com
8. AT HOME PROJECTS WITH A LOCAL TWIST
Not every day needs to be an outing. Here are a few simple, Surrey-inspired ways to keep creativity flowing at home:
Box Hill Leaf Collages – Head out on a family walk, gather fallen leaves, then create beautiful layered artworks back at home.
Mini Gallery Walls – Frame your child’s masterpieces alongside postcards or prints picked up from places you’ve visited together.
Eco Tie-Dye – Use natural dyes like beetroot, turmeric or blueberries to upcycle plain t-shirts or tea towels with earthy, artistic patterns.
Photo credit: www.beautifulenglandphotos.uk
