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!
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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 Neighbours, We 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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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?
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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.
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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 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. 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
- Greenwich Station
- Cutty Sark DLR
- Maze Hill Station
- Greenwich Pier
What’s On
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Top tips and recommendations
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Travel to Greenwich by boat
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£2 tickets to Cutty Sark
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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
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
| Adult | from £20 |
|---|---|
| Child | from £10 |
Royal Observatory
- Visit the Prime Meridian line
- See the best view in London
- Guaranteed entry time
- Audio guide included
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | from £20 |
|---|---|
| Child | from £10 |
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
| Adult | from £30 |
|---|---|
| Child | from £15 |
National Maritime Museum
- Guaranteed entry time
- Access to all free galleries and activities
- Special exhibitions free in 2024
| Free entry |
|---|
| Book online |
Queen's House
- Historic house
- Internationally renowned art
- Stunning architecture
- Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I
- Free tours and audio guides
| Free entry |
|---|
| Book online |
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 |