AHOY! Children's Gallery

Essential Information

Location	National Maritime Museum
Price	FREE weekdays during term time \| £3 weekends and school holidays \| See FAQs for details
	Family members get 50% off. Not a member? Join now

Gallery currently closed Find more family activities in Greenwich

Visitor update

The AHOY! Children's Gallery is closed until Summer 2025 due to roof works at the National Maritime Museum.

You can still enjoy other family-friendly galleries at the Museum including Sea Things and All Hands, or make the most of new outdoor adventure playground The Cove. Find more family events and things to do with kids in Greenwich here.

Polar exploration, pirates and a host of other maritime themes are brought to life in this playful and immersive gallery for under-7s.

Stoke the boiler of a steamship, buy and sell fish in the marketplace, and make new friends in the interactive boatyard. Come inside and let the kids explore!

Useful information

The AHOY! Children’s Gallery is ticketed during weekends and school holidays to improve the visitor experience of this extremely popular gallery. Families can book a guaranteed entry time and avoid the need to queue. Each session lasts for 45 minutes.
Entry is free during weekdays in term time, but we still recommend you book in advance to guarantee entry. A limited number of time slots during term time weekdays are unavailable for families to book to facilitate our schools programme, please do check availability online to avoid disappointment.
Your ticket also includes free entry to the National Maritime Museum.
There’s a buggy park nearby and easy access to all the facilities you need to have a stress-free visit.
AHOY! is a quick lift-ride away from the Great Map Café on the first floor of the Museum, where you can re-fuel with coffee and cake after playtime.
Family Members receive 50% discount on the admission charge.

Become a Family Member

Frequently asked questions

How much are tickets?

We only charge for tickets during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Term time entry is free.

Children under six months: free
Children over six months: £3
Accompanying adult: free
Additional adult tickets: £3
Family Members receive a 50% discount on the admission charge.

All children and adults who visit the gallery during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays need a ticket.

All children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+ years. Entry for the accompanying adult is free, but you must book a ticket as gallery capacity is limited. Admission for additional adults is charged.

Join the Family Membership scheme

How can I book?

You can book tickets online or in person at our admission desks. Royal Museums Greenwich Family Members can book tickets here.  On the day you'll need to show your ticket on your phone or bring a printed copy with you.

Tickets on the day are subject to availability and advance booking is recommended.

When do I need to book?

The AHOY! Children’s Gallery can often get booked up early, especially during weekends and school holidays, so we recommend booking online in advance to guarantee entry.

Families can book a guaranteed entry time and avoid the need to queue – something which we know can be difficult with young children. Your ticket also includes free entry to the rest of the National Maritime Museum.

Entry is free during weekdays in term-time, but we still recommend booking online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Can I book on the day?

Yes, you can book in person at our admission desks subject to availability. Due to the popularity of the gallery however, we recommend that you book in advance online.

What cleaning facilities are in place?

This is an interactive gallery designed for young children. Sanitiser dispensers will be available for parents and their children, but visiting the gallery will be at the visitor’s own risk.

What happens if my plans change?

Your ticket applies for your booked time slot only. Read the full terms and conditions for tickets.

Can I exit and re-enter the gallery during the timed slot I have booked for?

Yes. You can enter and exit the gallery as many times as you like within your time slot. Ticket holders do not have to re-queue for entry. 

How long does each session lasts?

Each session lasts for 45 minutes.

What happens if I’m running late?

Each session lasts for 45 minutes. You can enter the gallery at any time during your booked session. However, at the end of the indicated time slot you need to leave the gallery so that our team can reset this ahead of the next session. 

Can I bring my pram into the gallery?

No, due to capacity constraints inside the gallery you need to leave buggies and prams outside. There is a Buggy Park adjacent to AHOY!, plus lockers and cloakroom at the Parkside entrance of the Museum.

What can I do if AHOY! is fully booked?

Due to the popularity of the gallery, we recommend that you book in advance.

If AHOY! is fully booked on the day of your visit, there are many other family-friendly galleries and activities across Royal Museums Greenwich.

Find more family things to do