Essential information
| Type |
Family fun
|
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and times | Fridays, 24 July - 28 August 2026 | Various times |
| Prices | Free |
Set sail for a summer of storytelling each and every Friday at the National Maritime Museum this summer.
All the storytelling sessions take place on the Ocean Map upstairs in the Maritime Museum, and they'll all FREE!
| When | What | Full info |
| Fri 24 Jul; 11am, 12pm, 2pm | Women who mapped the ocean with Olivia Armstrong | Step into a playful storytelling session across the Ocean Map, exploring myths, migration and currents. Discover Marie Tharp and Dr Dawn Wright, two pioneering women whose work helps us see the ocean floor in a new light. |
| Fri 31 Jul; 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm | Sailors in Disguise with Aaron Oliver | In this SEN-friendly storytelling session, hear about sailors who challenged expectations. Uncover stories of women who dressed as men to go to sea, exploring courage, identity and life on board. |
| Fri 7 Aug; 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm | All Aboard Storytime with Aaron Oliver | Join a gentle storytelling session for younger children exploring a day in the life of a sailor. Sensory props and interactive moments allow families to imagine waking, working and travelling on board a ship. |
| Friday 14 Aug; 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm | Stories of Mama D’leau – Protector of the Rivers and Seas with Wendy Shearer | Wendy Shearer shares tales carried across the Caribbean Sea with the Windrush Generation. Join her for adventures of magical water creatures and their fierce protector Mama D’leau. |
| Fri 21 Aug; 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm | Stories of Mama D’leau – Protector of the Rivers and Seas with Wendy Shearer | Wendy Shearer will share tales carried across the Caribbean sea with the Windrush Generation. Join her for adventures of magical water creatures and their fierce protector Mama D’leau. |
| Fri 28 Aug; 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm | Zheng He's Treasure Voyages with Debbie Guneratne | Find out what happened on an amazing sea treasure voyage where a Chinese explorer from the Ming dynasty met the last great king of Sri Lanka. |
More to explore
Before or after your storytelling adventure, you can pick up a free trail or sensory bag from the front desk to explore the Museum's galleries in your own time.
Plus, The Cove outdoor playground and the AHOY! Children's Gallery are also open every day of the summer holidays.
Not free on Fridays?
Here's a complete list of summer holiday activities in Greenwich
Summer Play Tuesdays
Come and play outside at the National Maritime Museum on Tuesdays this summer
Summer Music Wednesdays
Enjoy special music performances at the National Maritime Museum on Wednesdays this summer
Summer craft sessions
Enjoy special craft sessions at the National Maritime Museum on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays this summer
Summer holidays at the Queen's House
Join us at the Queen's House for a range of fun activities for families during the summer break
Summer holidays at Cutty Sark
Hands-on workshops, character actors and storytelling sessions - there's lots to enjoy at Cutty Sark this summer!
What’s on
Family fun events at Royal Museums Greenwich.
Family fun in Greenwich
Go on an epic family adventure of discovery across the seas and through the universe at Royal Museums Greenwich