Summer holidays 2023: Days Out With Kids in Greenwich

If you're looking for things to do with kids in London this summer, Greenwich is the place to be.

The historic area is bursting with summer holiday activities and fun for all ages, from free family days out to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Royal Museums Greenwich is at the heart of the action, with Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and Queen's House open every day throughout the summer.

Start planning your summer day out in Greenwich today!

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3 unmissable adventures
Outdoor activities and events
Indoor museums and attractions

3 unmissable adventures

If you only make one trip to Greenwich this summer, put these ideas at the top of your list.

Climb the rigging of Cutty Sark

Summer highlights don't get higher than the Cutty Sark Rig Climb.

This year visitors to Cutty Sark can climb the rigging and get a taste of what it would have been like to sail the historic ship.

Kids aged 10 and older can climb as long as they're accompanied by an adult, making this an unmissable adventure for explorers young and old.

Visit Cutty Sark, climb the rigging and enjoy a view of the Thames like no other. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

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Join the Summer of Play

Taking place on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays throughout the summer, the National Maritime Museum is hosting a series of activities inspired by all things ocean.

From bubble painting to learning about ocean currents, there's a whole watery world of fun to be had at the National Maritime Museum this summer! Check the listings for more details about what's happening when.

See what's on

Experience a Planetarium show

Join Royal Observatory astronomers and leading scientists on a fascinating journey into space, with planetarium shows suitable for all ages.

Younger children will love Ted's Space Adventure, a fun-filled trip through the Solar System with a bear named Ted. Older kids meanwhile will love the immersive science show Moonbase, which makes science fiction a reality and explains how humans really could live on the Moon.

See what's on

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Outdoor activities and events

Green space, gorgeous views and inspiring places to explore: hop on the train to Greenwich and enjoy the sunshine with these outdoor activities for kids.

Get outside and play

Our popular Play Tuesdays events are moving outdoors this summer!

Head to the lawns of the National Maritime Museum every Tuesday during the holidays to take part in a series of fantastic free activity sessions, designed for under 5s and their adults.

Each activity will encourage little ones to play and explore the theme of water. Find them outside the National Maritime Museum.

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Go green in Greenwich Park

Playgrounds, boating lake, trees to climb and hills to roll down: Greenwich Park is a wild adventure all on its own.

The wide expanse of lawn in front of the Queen's House are perfect for picnics, dog walking and games, while winding paths and tree-lined avenues take you deeper in to the historic park.

If you've got the stamina to climb the hill by the Royal Observatory, you'll be rewarded with one of the best views in London.

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Stand on the Prime Meridian Line

What's so special about the Prime Meridian Line? Well, since the late 19th century, this line through the centre of Royal Observatory Greenwich has divided the eastern and western hemispheres of the Earth - just as the equator divides the northern and southern hemispheres.

That means that if you stand with one foot on the right and the other on the left, you are slap bang in the 'middle' of the world: Longitude 0°.

This is just one part of a visit to the Royal Observatory of course. But when the sun's out, it's hard to resist a chance to stop, stand, jump and run along this historic line.

Visit the Royal Observatory

Step aboard Cutty Sark

Aspiring sailors and wannabe pirates will love the experience of exploring historic Cutty Sark.

From the dizzy height of the masts to the miles of ropes and rigging, the Main Deck is where the dream of a life at sea really comes alive. Meet the characters of Cutty Sark, poke your head into the galley kitchen or simply admire the view across the river (and try not to think too much about what it would have felt like to be out here in the middle of a storm).

Visit Cutty Sark

Get creative with your camera

Join Sharp Shots Photo Club this August and dive into a family-friendly photography workshop all about water.

Using the exhibition Our Connection to Water at the National Maritime Museum as inspiration, Sharp Shots will take you on a tour through the exhibition, discussing the inspiring work and showing how you too can capture water creatively with your cameras. It's a great activity suitable for creative kids aged 7-15 and their adults.

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Look through a telescope

Get hands-on with a telescope and discover fascinating facts about the Universe this summer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich!

Every weekend our space-tastic team of Observatory Explainers will be around the site, delivering live science demonstrations and astronomy sessions for all ages.

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Stop for snacks and family treats

The Parkside Café is a bright and airy pitstop at the National Maritime Museum with expansive views of Greenwich Royal Park.

There's plenty of seating outdoors on the terrace (and inside if the weather turns), and you can always pick up takeaway treats for a picnic in the park.

Eat and drink at Royal Museums Greenwich

Museums and attractions

With four amazing museums for kids just minutes from each other, you'll never be short of something to do in Greenwich – even if the sun isn't shining...

Unleash your inner artist

Head inside the Queen's House and discover one of London's best free art galleries.

Free family trails and activity packs will help kids explore the galleries for themselves, while a regular cast of characters will bring to life the history of the House through play and performance.

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Travel on the Great Map

Dreaming of a summer holiday? Make your first step on the Great Map of the National Maritime Museum.

The giant map of the world is a free indoor play area for all ages. Hop across the Atlantic or race down to Antarctica - the whole world is at your feet. When you're done, head deeper into the Museum's galleries to find out more about the places you've 'visited'.

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Enjoy story time at the Royal Observatory

Bring your favourite teddy with you (astronaut suits recommended but not required!) and write them into your very own space adventure.

There are two storytelling workshops taking place this August, suitable for ages 3-6. Come to the Planetarium and join Ted for some out-of-this-world storytelling.

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Touch the hull of Cutty Sark

Reach up and touch the gleaming copper hull of Cutty Sark, and make the most of the glass-enclosed space of the Dry Dock.

The 963-ton ship has been lifted over three metres into the air, allowing visitors to walk beneath and see it from below.

This season, we've got a host of activities taking place, from model ship workshops to dance performances.

Don't forget too that on the first weekend of every month, the ship hosts its Family Fun Weekends, featuring workshops, songs, activities and experiences for all ages.

Whatever the weather, there's always something to discover on board Cutty Sark.

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