There’s always lots of fun to be had for families in Greenwich, from family-friendly museums and award-winning attractions to great London parks.

Because all the museums are a short walk from each other, it's easy to cut down on travel time and make the most of a day out. Child-friendly cafés, buggy parks and changing facilities also make visiting Greenwich with kids a breeze.

For the best value, book a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass and save 25% on the ticket price.

Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for our suggested itinerary for a family day out in Greenwich. How much you do is up to you! If you find there's more to explore, you can always become a Family Member and get unlimited year-round entry for a bargain price.

10am: Step aboard Cutty Sark

Your Greenwich journey starts on board Cutty Sark, one of the last surviving tea clippers and the fastest sailing ship of its time.

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  • The visitor route starts in the Lower Hold of the ship, then winds its way through the 'Tween Deck. On the way, you’ll find a range of fun interactive exhibits and games that will explain the history of the ship. A free audio guide helps bring the stories to life.

  • Arriving on the Main Deck, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of Canary Wharf and the Thames, where you can snap some special photos for the family album.

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  • As you explore, you’ll meet vibrant characters from Cutty Sark’s past including Captain Woodget and the ship’s cook James Robson, who’ll regale you with tales of life on board the iconic tea clipper.
     
  • Take a look around Cutty Sark’s Main Deck – marvel at the 11 miles of rigging swaying overhead, and give the children an experience of historic life at sea that will ignite their imaginations.

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  • In the Dry Berth, say hello to the Cutty Sark figureheads, part of the world's largest collection of ship figureheads.

  • Reach up and touch the shiny copper hull of the ship, which prevented barnacles and molluscs from burrowing into and damaging the hull's structure.

  • Before you head out, you can grab a snack and a hot drink from the Cutty Sark Café if you need fuel for the next part of your adventure.

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12pm: Explore the National Maritime Museum

Head over to the National Maritime Museum, just a five-minute walk from Cutty Sark. Enjoy views of the UNESCO World Heritage buildings in Greenwich as you go.

The Museum is perfect for families, so much so that it was named Best Large Museum in the Family Friendly Museum Awards 2022

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  • If you want guidance for your visit, pick up a family trail from the 'Play and Explore' trolley and let it guide you through the Museum, delving into the items and stories within the galleries as you make your way around.

  • The Cove playground is perfect for younger children. Let your children's imaginations run wild at this new outdoor playground. Clamber aboard the ship and take the wheel, spin on the compass roundabout, scramble through the mighty Kraken’s tentacles and come face to face with the giant Cutty Shark!

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  • Visit the 'Sea Things' gallery, which holds over 600 objects including talking sculptures. Explore the maritime world through interactive exhibits, objects you can play with and touch, plus a host of activities and quizzes.

1pm: Grab lunch in the Museum

A family-friendly café is conveniently located in the National Maritime Museum, so you can easily get lunch whenever you're ready for a break.

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The Parkside Café is bright and spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Greenwich Park. 

On offer is a range of hot food and drinks, sandwiches, cakes, plus a dedicated children's menu. The Museum shop is close by, featuring eco-friendly toys, children's books and gifts.

2pm: Walk around Greenwich Park and head uphill to the Royal Observatory

On your way to the Royal Observatory (weather permitting of course), go for a walk around Greenwich Park, which is full of treats to discover. 

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3pm: Visit the Royal Observatory

From the seas to the stars, time and space! It’s time to inspire your young explorers by looking up to the cosmos.

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  • In the beautiful Meridian courtyard, stand on the Prime Meridian Line and experience the unique sensation of having one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the west.

  • Marvel at the camera obscura – see a natural optical phenomenon which, using lenses and sunlight, lets you see a close-up of the Queen's House and the Thames in real time.

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  • Admire the Great Equatorial Telescope - the largest telescope of its kind in the UK!
  • On a sunny day, tell the time using the dolphin sundial.

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  • A visit to the Royal Observatory wouldn't be complete without a Planetarium show (tickets sold separately). Shows run throughout the day and may not always work with this planned itinerary. If you’re planning on seeing the Planetarium as part of your visit, we recommend checking show timings first and booking in advance.

  • Before your visit to a Planetarium show, check out our free exhibition Exploring Mars and discover fascinating facts about the Red Planet.

  • Younger children can explore the universe with Ted's Space Adventure. Filled with interactivity, music and rhyme, the show is a must for pre-school children.

What’s On

Showing family-friendly events.

Play Tuesdays
Family fun

Play Tuesdays

Bring your under 5 on a different adventure every week! Explore the Museum together through song, dance and stories
Term time Tuesdays | 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm
£4 per child and accompanying adult | Under 6 months free
National Maritime Museum
Character Encounters
Talks and tours

Character Encounters

Visit the National Maritime Museum every Saturday to discover a different character from history with their own fascinating story to tell
Every Saturday
Free
National Maritime Museum
Ted's Space Adventure
Planetarium shows

Ted's Space Adventure

Join Ted the bear on an adventure around the Solar System in this special live planetarium show for under-7s - perfect for little astronauts everywhere!
Weekends and school holidays
Adults £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Meet the characters of Cutty Sark
Family fun

Meet the characters of Cutty Sark

Meet colourful characters from Cutty Sark’s past and hear astonishing stories about life at sea in the age of sail
Weekends and Fri-Mon in school holidays
Included with entry to Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark
Discover Sundays
Family fun

Discover Sundays

Each Sunday come and explore the Museum's collection through hands on creative activities
Term time Sundays | 11am - 1pm | 2pm - 4pm
Free | Drop-in
National Maritime Museum
LGBTQ+ Family Network
Family fun | Identity

LGBTQ+ Family Network

A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection
23 November | 11am-1pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
October half term at the National Maritime Museum
Family fun

October half term at the National Maritime Museum

Free craft activities, science games and family-friendly tours: there's something different happening every day at the National Maritime Museum this half term!
26 October - 3 November 2024
Free
National Maritime Museum
Safe Harbour
Family fun

Safe Harbour

Safe Harbour is a series of free workshops created to provide a safe space for foster and adoptive families with children under 13 years
Monthly: Next date 19 Oct 2024 | 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Ticketed | Free
National Maritime Museum
October half term at the Queen's House
Family fun

October half term at the Queen's House

Find fun for all the family at the Queen's House this October half term
28 October - 2 November 2024 | See page for times
Free | Drop in | All ages and abilities
Queen's House
Queen's House characters
Family fun

Queen's House characters

Meet historical characters connected to the Queen's House and take part in exciting performances
28, 30 October and 1 November 2024 | See below | 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Free
Queen's House
Out Of This World: Moons
Family fun

Out Of This World: Moons

Explore the moons of our solar system in this family workshop
29 October 2024 | 10.30am - 12 noon
£5 per child
Royal Observatory
October half term at Cutty Sark
Family fun

October half term at Cutty Sark

Join us on board the famous tea clipper this October half term for some family fun!
29 October - 3 November 2024 | Selected times
Free with entry to the ship
Cutty Sark
Holiday to Space
Family fun

Holiday to Space

Travel across the Solar System and help Ted prepare for a holiday on another world during a planetarium show and interactive workshop for ages 3-6.
31 October 2024 | 10.30am - 12.00pm
£5 per child
Royal Observatory

Become a Member

With Family Membership starting from just £60, get free entry to all Royal Museums Greenwich sites for a whole year, plus priority booking and exclusive access to Member events

Choose your tickets

Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

  • Save 25% with combo ticket
  • Cutty Sark
  • Royal Observatory
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Planetarium shows not included
Adult£30
Child£15
BOOK NOW

Cutty Sark

  • Explore the main deck
  • Walk beneath the ship
  • See how the crew lived
  • Family activities and interactives
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Audio guide included
Adult £20
Child £10
BOOK NOW

Royal Observatory

  • Visit the Prime Meridian line
  • See the best view in London
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Audio guide included
  • Planetarium shows not included
Adult£20
Child£10
BOOK NOW

National Maritime Museum

  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Access to all free galleries and activities
  • Special exhibitions free in 2024
Free entry
Book online
BOOK NOW

Family fun

AHOY Gallery

  • Soft play
  • Maritime fun
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Museum entry included
  • Suitable for all children under 7
Term time weekdays FREE
Weekends & holidays £3
Gallery currently closed

Experience

Cutty Sark Rig Climb

  • Unique climbing experience
  • Zip line descent
  • Entry to ship included
  • Restrictions apply - check T&Cs before purchase
Adult £55
Child (10-17) £45
Student (18+) & Under 25 £49
BOOK NOW