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!

3 unmissable adventures

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

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Step aboard Cutty Sark

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

From the dizzy height of the masts to the miles of ropes and rigging, Cutty Sark is where dreams of a life at sea really come alive. Meet the characters of Cutty Sark, poke your head into the galley kitchen, and join in with everything from sailor crafts to sea shanty singing! See the full schedule of summer activities for kids at Cutty Sark here.

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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. This summer they will also have a chance to take part in Once Upon a Star, a special space-themed storytelling workshop for 3-6-year-olds.

Older kids meanwhile will love shows like The Sky Tonight, Meet the NeighboursWe Are Guardians and Starstruck, featuring stunning visualisations and expert astronomers to guide you through the Universe.

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Discover a new skill at the National Maritime Museum

Let your kids try out printmaking, design a tote bag, experiment with blow painting, or simply pick up a brush and see where the inspiration takes them. There are free art workshops and craft activities taking place most days at the National Maritime Museum, with different activities to suit all ages. Events are drop-in and available throughout the day, so it's easy to combine an activity with the rest of your visit to Greenwich.

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Outdoor activities and events

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

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Take over the Queen's House

Join us on select dates in July and August for a unique family activity, where you'll create an immersive art gallery on the lush green grounds of the Queen’s House.

Engage your senses and creativity and shape a living art experience. Come with your ideas on what changes would make art galleries more accessible and friendly places for your family. 

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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?

Find out more

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Swing over to The Cove

Let your children's imaginations run wild at The Cove, a brand new outdoor playground at the National Maritime Museum.

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! 

The playground is free and open every day from 10am-5.45pm. Make sure to also book free Museum tickets so can enjoy everything the National Maritime Museum has to offer this summer.

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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.

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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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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.

Just be aware that, as part of a project to Greenwich Park's 17th-century landscape, there are a number of path closures at this time.

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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.

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...

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Discover storytelling and sailor crafts beneath Cutty Sark

The glass-enclosed Dry Dock, with the gleaming copper hull of Cutty Sark above you, is a unique (and dry!) space for kids to play in London.

The 963-ton ship has been lifted over three metres into the air, allowing visitors to walk beneath and see it from below. Craft workshops and storytelling sessions take place here on select dates throughout the summer, and are all included with entry to Cutty Sark.

Don't forget too that on the first weekend of every month, our resident sea shanty singers can be found filling the ship with traditional maritime tunes. Whatever the weather, there's always something to discover on board Cutty Sark.

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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 the world at the National Maritime Museum

Dreaming of a summer holiday? Feed your imagination in the National Maritime Museum's free galleries.

From the islands of the Pacific to the icy Arctic, the Museum takes you on a global journey through our seafaring past: a treat for explorers young and old.

Plan your visit

Getting here

The National Maritime MuseumQueen's HouseCutty Sark and the Royal Observatory are all a quick, easy journey from central London via train, DLR and bus. If you want to start your day out in style, travelling by boat to Greenwich is a fantastic option for families.

There is a secure car park at the National Maritime Museum which is open to visitors during school holidays. Spaces can be reserved in advance when booking tickets.

Check our travel pages for more information about getting to Royal Museums Greenwich sites.

Tickets and prices

Entry tickets for all our attractions and exhibitions are available online in advance. These tickets

The National Maritime Museum and Queen's House are free to enter. Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory are paid sites, but child tickets are available and children under 4 go free.

Please note that entry to specific summer holiday activities may need to be booked in advance. See the individual listings for more information.

The Bookings office is also open daily from 9am-5pm if you have any questions or need more information: call +44 (0)20 8312 6608 or email bookings@rmg.co.uk.

Booking activities for children

There is no need to book for drop-in activities taking place at the National Maritime Museum or Queen's House, although please be aware that capacities are limited and you may need to wait for spaces during busy periods.

We highly recommend booking Planetarium shows and storytelling workshops in advance, as these events tend to sell out during the summer months.

The Cutty Sark Rig Climb is open to participants aged 10 and over. Children aged between 10-17 require parental consent and at least one paying adult (18+) accompanying them on the climb. See our frequently asked questions for more details.

Eat and drink

Take a pit stop during your exploration of Greenwich at one of our cafés. We have something for everyone, whether you’re looking for healthy snack, delicious breakfast or lunch. The Parkside Café at the National Maritime Museum is open to all, while both Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory have their own dedicated cafés for ticketholders.

Tickets and Opening

Advance booking recommended

Open daily

Times vary

  • Greenwich Station
  • Cutty Sark DLR
  • Maze Hill Station
  • Greenwich Pier

What’s On

Find more family events in Greenwich.

Cutty Sark Characters
Family fun

Cutty Sark Characters

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
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
SENsory Sailors
Family fun

SENsory Sailors

Come along and enjoy this brand new sensory play session for children under 13 years with special educational needs
Once a month on Saturdays | 11am-12.30pm
Free | Pre-booking required
National Maritime Museum
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 at the National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours

Character Encounters at the National Maritime Museum

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
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 30 November 2024 | 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Ticketed | Free
National Maritime Museum
Character Actors at the Queen's House
Family fun

Character Actors at the Queen's House

Meet historical characters connected to the Queen's House and take part in exciting performances
22, 29 December and 5 January | 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
18 February 2025 | 10.30am - 12 noon
£5 per Child
Royal Observatory
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.
20 February 2025 | 10.30am - 12.00pm
£5 per child
Royal Observatory

Choose your tickets

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
Adultfrom £20
Childfrom £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
Adultfrom £20
Childfrom £10
BOOK NOW

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
Adultfrom £30
Childfrom £15
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

Queen's House

  • Historic house
  • Internationally renowned art
  • Stunning architecture
  • Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I
  • Free tours and audio guides
Free entry
Book online
BOOK NOW

Become a Member

  • Unlimited entry all year
  • Royal Observatory
  • Cutty Sark
  • Planetarium Shows
  • Special exhibitions
Direct Debit One-off
Individual: £50 Individual: £60
Family: from £60 Family: from £70
JOIN TODAY