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A group of children and adults stand behind a barrier and watch as molten glass is poured out of a metal ladle and into a dish of sand.
A group of children and adults stand behind a barrier and watch as molten glass is poured out of a metal ladle and into a dish of sand.

Learn & Create with National Glass Centre & Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art

Children & Families

Enjoy a day out with the family at National Glass Centre and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art. Find out about our family space, children’s workshops and activity spaces.

Four colourful backpacks, one orange, one green, one pink and one blue, sit on a table. In front is a pair of binoculars and various shapes of thick glass.

SEND Backpacks

Free activity | ages 4+

Our sensory backpacks are individually tailored for visitors who may have sensory or additional needs. You can choose which items go into your backpack to support your visit including ear defenders and fidget toys.

The backpacks are free to use, suitable for ages 4+, and available from our Visitors Services desk.

Children playing in a room with colourful chairs and toys. The room has a wall of glass looking out on a collection of green trees.

Learning Studios

Free family spaces | all ages

Our Learning Studios are filled with colouring activities and fun toys for little ones.

When they aren’t in use, visitors are welcome to explore and enjoy.

A blue wooden box with the words Activity Trolley printed in white. The trolley has six windows cut out with various toys in each slot. There are also books placed on the top of the trolley

Activity Trolley

Free activity | all ages

Explore the activity trolley next to our reception desk and get creative with drawing and colouring sheets for all our visitors.

A child sits at a desk and draws under the supervision of an adult.

Drop In Learning Space

Free activity | all ages

Pop into our colourful learning space and play, draw, or create using a range of materials and activities. Alternatively, just hang out and enjoy the beautiful view.

Upcoming events for Children & Families

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Christmas Glass Fusing
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A hexagon shaped

Children and Young People's Activities

Christmas Glass Fusing

20 – 22 Dec 2025

Ages 6+

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National Glass Centre

Glassmaking demonstrations

Experience the heat of our 1000-degree furnace and watch our expert glassmaking team craft works of art right before your eyes.

Glassmaking – 12:00, 13:45, 15:00 Monday – Saturday*

Flameworking – 11:00, 15:45. Not available on Tuesday or Sunday.

*We would recommend checking website alerts for schedule changes before visiting.