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!
Image
Discover Ocean Court at the National Maritime Museum
Dive into an ocean adventure this summer as your kids play in the museum’s largest indoor space on the giant Ocean Map and discover the wonders of our watery world.
The fun continues with free storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and outdoor activities taking place most days at the National Maritime Museum, all designed to explore life beneath the surface and the incredible journeys made across the seas. 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.
Image
Meet real astronomers and experience a planetarium show
Head to the National Maritime Museum's newest experience, Astronomers Take Over, to enjoy a unique space-themed adventure.
Astronomers Take Over is a multi-zone, family-friendly experience, perfect for little ones and anyone with a love for all things space!
Inside the new gallery, you can try your hand at landing a Mars rover, use a starlight splitter and step inside an awe-inspiring ‘galaxy box’ to find out just how amazing our universe is.
Plus, visit the National Maritime Museum's planetarium and take a journey through the cosmos.
Image
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 characters from the ship's past, play interactive games, take the helm at the wheel, discover Play Boxes hidden around the ship, and see how the crew lived and worked at sea.
Discover storytelling sessions and craft workshops beneath Cutty Sark. They take place throughout the summer, and are all included with entry to Cutty Sark.
Sign up to the families e-newsletter
Be the first to hear about exciting events and activities for little ones at our Museums.
Image
Climb the rigging of Cutty Sark
Summer highlights don't get higher than the Cutty Sark Rig Climb.
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?
Image
Swing over to The Cove
Let your children's imaginations run wild at The Cove, an 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.
Image
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.
Or make your way upstairs to the Parkside Shake Bar for a post-play treat with a delicious range of maritime-themed ice creams and milkshakes, as well as hot and cold drinks.
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.
Image
Take part in live science demos
Learn how things work with live science demonstrations, including how a camera obscura bends light, how to use an astrolabe, and how the time ball operates.
Get hands-on with a safe solar-filtered telescope, explore the surface of Mars, try your hand at using a sextant, or see the invisible with our weekend interactive Observatory Unlocked sessions this summer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich!
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
Maritime adventures await in the AHOY! Children's Gallery
The AHOY! Children's Gallery for ages 0-7 at the National Maritime Museum is the perfect place for little explorers with big imaginations.
The gallery includes playful elements tailored for different ages, from sensory areas and role play for babies and toddlers to interactive displays and activities for older children. Whether firing cannons or hiding in the cabins, hauling on ropes or stoking the boilers, there are plenty of ways to let off steam!
Image
Unleash your inner artist
Head inside the Queen's House and discover one of London's best free art galleries.
Meet a cast of historical characters as they bring to life the history of the House through play and performance. Join in in a range of art and craft activities, and interactive sessions filled with stories, songs and sensory play. Free family trails and activity packs will help kids explore the galleries for themselves.
It’s a great way to get creative, curious, and hands-on while discovering the secrets of this historic house.
Image
Touch the Moon
A new installation by artist Luke Jerram has landed at the Royal Observatory. Called Mirror Moon, this scale model is 2m in diameter and made from mirrored stainless steel.
You and your kids can touch craters, valleys, mountains and smooth lava fields on the lunar surface, giving you a multi-sensory experience of our unique natural satellite. Don't miss this chance to run your fingers over the once-mysterious 'far side' of the Moon!
Mirror Moon is included with entry to the Royal Observatory.
Image
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 Museum, Queen's House, Cutty 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.
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.
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
- Greenwich Station
- Cutty Sark DLR
- Maze Hill Station
- Greenwich Pier
What’s on
Find more family events in Greenwich.
Top tips and recommendations
Deals, discounts and great ideas for days out in Greenwich.
Travel to Greenwich by boat
Start your journey in the maritime spirit and and travel down the River Thames to Greenwich
Become a Family Member and save
Join today and give your family the freedom to explore Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory and special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum
£3 tickets to our sites and exhibitions
Learn more about our £3 ticket offer for visitors on Universal Credit
Book a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass
Get 25% off entry to Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory with a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass. Click here to see all tickets and prices
Visit Greenwich
Green space, historic London attractions and beautiful city views - discover the best that Greenwich has to offer