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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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The maritime-themed playground is just past the Queen's House at the bottom edge of the park. The boating lake nearby is a treat in summer.
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Leave some time to leisurely climb the hill to the Royal Observatory (it’s quite steep!) and take in the view of the park and Canary Wharf.
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.
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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.
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Before your visit to a Planetarium show, check out our free exhibition Exploring Mars and discover fascinating facts about the Red Planet.
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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.
Ready to visit?
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Showing family-friendly events.
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 with a combo ticket
- Entry to Cutty Sark
- Entry to Royal Observatory
- Guaranteed entry time
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | from £30 |
|---|---|
| Child | from £15 |
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 | from £20 |
|---|---|
| Child | from £10 |
Royal Observatory
- Visit the Prime Meridian line
- See the best view in London
- Guaranteed entry time
- Audio guide included
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | from £20 |
|---|---|
| Child | from £10 |
National Maritime Museum
- Guaranteed entry time
- Access to all free galleries and activities
- Special exhibitions free in 2024
| Free entry |
|---|
| Book online |
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 |
Experience
Cutty Sark Rig Climb
- Unique climbing experience
- Zip line descent
- Entry to ship included
- Restrictions apply - check T&Cs before purchase