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 AHOY! Children's Gallery is perfect for younger children. Polar exploration, pirates and a host of other maritime themes are brought to life in this playful and immersive gallery for under-7s. During weekends and school holidays the gallery is ticketed, so make sure to book ahead.

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Two adults playing with a toddler who is sitting on a model ship on a big world map printed on the floor
  • Take a trip to the Great Map and join in with interactive play games. Steer a model ship across the seas, or hop from continent to continent. The Great Map is also at the heart of all our major festivals and events.
  • Older children can head upstairs to the All Hands Gallery. Send a signal to your friends via Morse code, haul provisions into the cargo hold and meet characters from Greenwich's past.
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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

There are two family-friendly cafés 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.

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The Great Map Café is located on the first floor of the National Maritime Museum, meaning you can relax and finish your coffee while your children play!

The café serves sandwiches, a variety of cakes and Cream Teas, as well as a special children’s lunchbox.

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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A brother and sister with their back to the camera look out from the viewpoint at the top of Greenwich Park towards historic Greenwich

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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A family poses for photographs on the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
  • 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.

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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

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Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

  • Save 25% with combo ticket
  • Cutty Sark
  • Royal Observatory
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Planetarium shows not included
Adult £27
Child £13.50
BOOK NOW
Captain Woodget and kids with ropes

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 £18
Child £9
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A couple walks along the Prime Meridian Line in front of the historic Royal Observatory Greenwich building

Royal Observatory

  • Walk the Prime Meridian line
  • See the best view in London
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Audio guide included
  • Planetarium shows not included
Adult £18
Child £9
BOOK NOW

National Maritime Museum

  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Access to all free galleries and activities
  • Paid exhibitions not included
Free entry
Book online
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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
BOOK NOW
A photography looking up at the rigging of sailing ship Cutty Sark. A man wearing a helmet and harness is standing in the ropes looking down at the photographer

Experience

Cutty Sark Rig Climb

  • Unique climbing experience
  • Zip line descent
  • Entry to ship included
  • Restrictions apply - check T&Cs before purchase
Adult £52
Child (10-17) £43
Student (18+) & Under 25 £46
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