Greenwich, a pretty and historic district in South East London, offers an ideal blend of fun, education, and relaxation for families exploring the city with children. Renowned for its maritime heritage and significant historical landmarks, Greenwich boasts a variety of activities that cater to all ages. In this post we explore things to do with children in Greenwich that will keep your family entertained and make you visit memorable.
If you’re looking for places to eat with kids in Greenwich, check out our separate post with ideas.
About the area
Greenwich, located in the South East of London, is bordered by the River Thames to the north and neighbouring areas like Deptford, Lewisham, and Blackheath, Greenwich is famous for landmarks such as the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian Line, and the Cutty Sark. Visitors from all around the world are drawn to its blend of educational attractions, expansive green spaces, and family-friendly activities.
With its charming market, scenic park, and fascinating museums, Greenwich offers an enriching and enjoyable experience for families exploring London with children.
What to do in Greenwich with children?
Greenwich is full of attractions that cater to families with children. Here are our suggestions of some of the best things to do with children in Greenwich.
Visit the Cutty Sark
Visiting the Cutty Sark with children is an unforgettable experience that combines fun and education aboard one of the world’s most famous ships.
The Cutty Sark, a 19th-century tea clipper, was once the fastest sailing ship of its time, racing to bring tea from China to Britain. Today, it is a museum where kids can climb aboard and explore its decks before going underneath to see its hull, learning about life at sea through interactive exhibits and displays.
Children can steer the ship, imagine being a sailor in the past, and even crawl into the crew’s quarters. Special activities tailored for young visitors make the Cutty Sark a must-visit destination in Greenwich, sparking curiosity and bringing maritime history to life.
Stand on the Prime Meridian line at the Royal Observatory
Visiting the Royal Observatory in Greenwich is an exciting experience for families with children. Perched atop a hill in Greenwich Park, this historic site is the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian, where the world’s time zones are measured from. Kids will love the chance to stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western Hemisphere at the Meridian Line.
The Royal Observatory also features exhibits about astronomy and navigation, making complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for children. Families can enjoy shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium (at an additional cost), where the wonders of the universe are brought to life.
Visit the O2 Arena
Visiting the O2 Arena in Greenwich offers a variety of exciting activities for families with kids, making it a must-visit destination. Originally the Millennium Dome, and now a world-renowned concert venue, the O2 is a shopping centre and entertainment complex.
Kids can bounce and play to their heart’s content at the O2’s vast indoor trampoline park, play interactive football games, or go indoor skydiving.
Older kids and thrill-seekers will love the Up at The O2 experience, where they can safely climb the dome and enjoy panoramic views of London from the top.
The O2 also offers outlet shopping and many child-friendly restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisines to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With its mix of activities, dining options, and experiences, the O2 Arena is a hub of entertainment that guarantees a fun-filled day for families visiting Greenwich.
Make sure to explore the peninsula area on which the O2 sits, there is lots of public art to be discovered in the area.
Take a trip in a cable car
Taking a trip on the IFS Cloud cable cars across the Thames is a memorable experience for families visiting Greenwich with children.
This ride offers a bird’s-eye view of London as the cable cars soar high above the River Thames, connecting Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. Kids will love by the stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, the O2 Arena, and the river below. The journey provides a unique vantage point that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
On the journey, look out for a large scale statue by Damien Hirst, people climbing the O2 arena and enjoy views over the river and to Canary Wharf. Either do a round-trip, or take a one-way trip to the Royal Docks and then get the DLR back to Central London from Royal Victoria DLR station.
See our post Taking the IFS Cloud cable car with children: everything you need to know for more information.
Shop at Greenwich Market
Visiting Greenwich Market is a must for a family day out in Greenwich. The market is filled with a mix of food stalls, artisan crafts, and unique souvenirs. Enjoy delicious treats from around the world, from gourmet street food to sweet delights and browse an array of handmade goods, artworks, and vintage finds.
With its ambiance and diverse offerings, Greenwich Market provides a perfect opportunity for families to shop and snack.
Visit the National Maritime Museum
Visiting the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich offers families a journey through Britain’s rich naval history. As one of the world’s largest maritime museums, it features a plethora of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that captivate children’s imaginations.
The Ahoy! Children’s Gallery is closed until summer 2025 due to works but families can enjoy The Cove, the new outdoor playground located next to Greenwich Park which includes play equipment in the form of the Kraken and the Cutty Shark, and the All Hands Children’s Gallery.
Enjoy a picnic in Greenwich park with a view
Enjoying a picnic in Greenwich Park with a view is a delightful way for families to unwind and soak in the beauty of the city from this green space.
Set atop a hill overlooking the River Thames and with stunning vistas of the London skyline, Greenwich Park offers the perfect backdrop for a leisurely outdoor meal with children. Buy food from Greenwich market or perhaps from the Marks and Spencer near the Cutty Sark DLR station. Spread out a blanket on the lush grass, unpack your picnic goodies, and let the kids run free in the wide-open spaces.
As you dine al fresco, you can admire iconic landmarks such as the Royal Observatory and the Queen’s House, making this a truly memorable experience for the whole family. Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a crisp autumn afternoon, a picnic in Greenwich Park is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Greenwich Park isn’t just a picturesque spot for picnics and scenic strolls – it’s also a haven for children’s entertainment and wildlife exploration. It is home to a maritime-themed playground where kids can run wild, swinging, climbing, and sliding to their heart’s content.
Walk the Greenwich Foot Tunnel
Walking the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a unique and exciting adventure for families exploring Greenwich with children. This historic tunnel, which opened in 1902, runs beneath the River Thames, connecting Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs.
As you descend into the tunnel, you’ll find yourself embarking on a journey under the river, offering a rare opportunity to walk under a river. The walk is short and manageable for kids. Emerging on the other side, families can enjoy the riverside views back over to Greenwich and continue their exploration of London (Island Gardens DLR station is a few minutes away and offers easy access to Canary Wharf or Central London), making the Greenwich Foot Tunnel a memorable part of any visit to this historic area.
Take a boat from Greenwich
Embarking on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers down the River Thames is a fun adventure for families exploring Greenwich with kids.
Setting sail from either Greenwich Pier or North Greenwich Pier, you’ll embark on a captivating journey along the iconic river, passing by some of London’s most famous landmarks. You can also choose where you depart the boat. You could choose to leave the boat at the Tower of London after passing under Tower Bridge, at Westminster having passed St Paul’s Cathedral and the Globe, or at a variety of other piers.
With comfortable seating, the Uber Boat provides an alternative to the Tube or DLR for travelling back to Central London from Greenwich and a unique perspective on London’s sights. Check the timetable for timings.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/embed?mid=1XX5aD2R62hr54xQpEQSqBGxx339szYY&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]Do you know about something in Greenwich that is great for children? Whether it is something to do or somewhere to eat, let us know in the comments.
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[…] involves climbing to the top of one of London’s most iconic landmarks, the O2 Arena, located in Greenwich. Equipped with a climb suit, boots, and harness, your young thrill-seekers will embark on an […]
[…] you’re looking for things to do with kids in Greenwich, check out our separate post with […]