Part of LGBTQ+ History Month

Essential information

Type Family fun
Location
Date and times 15 - 20 February 2026 | 11am-4pm
Prices Free

Come along to the National Maritime Museum this February half term for a whole host of fun events for families inspired by LGBTQ+ History Month!

From storytelling and singing workshops to maritime crafts and marvellous history, there's something for all ages at the National Maritime Museum this February.

These activities are part of Out at Sea, a series of events held across Royal Museums Greenwich in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month. The programmes have been created in consultation with families and are suitable for all ages. 

All sessions are free with no need to book in advance. Check out the full programme below.

February half term events for families

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Paper pieces making up a rainbow

Sunday 15 February

Loving keepsakes

11am-1pm and 2-4pm | Learning Space | Suitable for all ages

Once upon a time, sailors swapped tiny, engraved coins to share love and connection as they travelled across the seven seas. Inspired by these loving keepsakes, you can craft your very own keepsake, celebrating love and identity in all its forms. 

Using foam sheets and ink, you’ll create your own prints to keep or give to someone special.

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A child takes part in a family craft activity during Out at Sea, an LGBTQ+ History Month event at the National Maritime Museum (T0892-023)

Monday 16 February

Rainbow fish

11am-1pm and 2-4pm | Learning Space | Suitable for all ages

Let's have fishy fun with all the different colours that help people express their identity, pride and belonging! Rainbows are a proud symbol of the LGBTQ+ community, and Rainbow fish are a bright reminder that every colour and identity belongs in our world's oceans. 

Get stuck into rainbow-coloured craft materials to create your own vibrant rainbow fish, exploring colour and community.  

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Two people take part in a crafting workshop

Tuesday 17 February

Pride in the cosmos

11am-1pm and 2-4pm | Learning Space | Suitable for all ages

A long time ago... in Gbe stories from West Africa, the world was guided by Mawu Lisa, an agender being who held both the Sun and the Moon in perfect balance. This ancient story reminds us that identity isn't binary! 

Create your own Sun and Moon on a stick by decorating one side of a plate as the bright sun and the other as the calm moon, with inspiration from the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition.

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A group of children take part in a craft activity at a table covered in paper and letters of the alphabet. Bunting showing the Pride flag is in the background

Wednesday 18 February

Polari zines

11am-1pm and 2-4pm | Learning Space | Suitable for all ages

Imagine creating a whole new, secret language to express who you are! 

In this fun, family-friendly zine-making workshop, you’ll learn about ‘Polari’ – a secret language once used by sailors and the LGBTQ+ community. Match words to their meanings, invent your own secret language through drawing and play, and create your own Polari zine to take home.

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Photo of person in drag reading to children from a book in their hand and gesticulating

Thursday 19 February

Julian is a Mermaid storytelling and dress-up play 

11am-1pm and 2-4pm | Learning Space | Suitable for all ages

'Julian is a Mermaid' is the perfect story to celebrate LGBTQ+ joy at the National Maritime Museum.

This will be a fun and sparkly dressing-up and storytelling session where little ones can twirl, play and explore who they are through accessories and imagination while listening to the joyful story, 'Julian is a Mermaid'.

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Friday 20 February

Dress to express

11am-1pm and 2-4pm | Learning Space | Suitable for all ages

Clothing has always been a bold way to show the world who you are. From powdered wigs to glittering jackets, the portraits in the Museum show fashions that once tightly set the rules for gender and presentation.

In this creative collaging workshop, families will reimagine and reinvent costumes for figures like Elizabeth I and Admiral Nelson, creating exciting new looks with fresh eyes.

Out at sea

Visit the National Maritime Museum, Queen's House and Cutty Sark this February half term for a week-long festival of LGBTQ+ history