A glut of ceramic centres has sprung up recently, offering lots of creative fun – but at a price. If you can only run to a pottery painting session every few months or for a birthday treat, there’s no need for the kids to miss out on a regular dose of arty fun. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have a wealth of art galleries and museums bending over backwards to get kids involved, without charging you a penny.

In Edinburgh, the National Gallery (0131 624 6200) runs its Doodles and Tales session on the last Sunday of every month. Hear a story, look at some art – then make your own. And each Saturday and Sunday from 2–4pm, you’ll find Bags of Art, the Art Cart and Painted Postcards – all of which enable young visitors and their families to explore the diverse range of art on show. The Bags and Cart are loaded with art materials, while Painted Postcards uses different works from the collection to inspire all the family. The National Museum of Scotland (0131 225 7534) also has an Art Cart, which is wheeled out from 10am–4.30pm everyday, filled with interesting designs to colour in.

Every Saturday from 10.30am–1pm in Glasgow, the Gallery of Modern Art (0141 287 3050) holds its Art Club. Aimed at children aged 3–12, the sessions are a fun way to explore the art on display through drawing, collage, sculpture and games. Adults feeling inspired are encouraged to join in, too. At the Museum of Transport (0141 287 2720) each Sunday from 2–3.30pm, it’s time to get Back to the Drawing Board. Young and old can stroll round the museum, choose an object, sketch it then head back to the workshop to make a finished version. Children under 8 must be accompanied, but over-8s can be left to draw if their adult stays in the museum.

There’s also an ever-changing weekend programme of craft and design at Scotland Street School Museum (0141 287 0500) and don’t miss the Family Arty Weekend at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (0141 276 9599) on Sat 25 & Sun 26 April.