Families looking for Greenwich May half term events in London have plenty to enjoy. Across the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory Greenwich and Cutty Sark, the programme mixes space activities, family crafts, sea shanties, astronomy shows and heritage experiences. Better still, many activities suit children of all ages, while several offer free entry. If you want a culture-filled day out in Greenwich with kids, May 2026 looks packed.
Space fun leads the way
This month, astronomy takes centre stage. While redevelopment continues at the Royal Observatory, many family favourites now run from the National Maritime Museum. Families can visit Astronomers Take Over, a hands-on gallery where children can meet astronomers, enjoy science demonstrations and explore the night sky. Find out more at: https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/astronomers-take-over
Another strong pick for curious minds is Unboxing the Universe, a lively science show packed with audience participation and big space questions. See times and tickets here: https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/unboxing-universe
Parents can also plan ahead for the Royal Observatory’s ongoing transformation here: https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory/transformation
Best family events for May half term
For many parents, the standout event will be May Half Term: Stars, which runs from 23 to 31 May 2026. Families can enjoy crafts, stories and sensory music inspired by stars, navigation, mythology and design. The event takes place across the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Cutty Sark.
Children who love making and exploring can also try Discover Sundays, Play Tuesdays and the popular family trails and backpacks at both venues. These activities help younger children engage with history, art and storytelling in a playful way.
Useful links:
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/learning-space/discover-sundays
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/learning-space/play-tuesdays
https://www.rmg.co.uk/family-trails-national-maritime-museum-0
https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house/queens-house-family-trail
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/queens-house/character-actors
Inclusive activities for children and teens Greenwich half term
Royal Museums Greenwich also offers excellent inclusive sessions. SENsory Sailors supports families with children with SEND, while Safe Harbour creates a welcoming space for foster and adoptive families.
Parents can book details here:
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/sensory-sailors
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/safe-harbour
Older children and teens can also explore coding and creative clubs at the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre. These include CoderDojo, From Object to Art and SENsory Social Club.
More information:
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/prince-philip-maritime-collections-centre/coder-dojo
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/prince-philip-maritime-collections-centre/object-art
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/prince-philip-maritime-collections-centre/sensory-social-club
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/prince-philip-maritime-collections-centre/behind-scenes-tours-prince-philip-maritime
Cutty Sark brings history to life
Meanwhile, Cutty Sark offers one of the strongest family days out in London this May. Children can meet historic characters, join guided tours and hear traditional sea shanties onboard. Highlights include Heritage Crafts Weekend, Sea Shanty Singers and Character Encounters.
Parents can also enjoy something more grown-up with Opera at Cutty Sark, a striking performance beneath the ship’s hull. Explore the full programme here:
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/heritage-crafts-weekend
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/sea-shanty-singers
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/cutty-sark-characters
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/opera-cutty-sark-monteverdi-choir-orchestras
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/ship-mates
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/shipkeeping-action
https://www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark/attractions/cutty-sark-audio-guide
https://www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark/attractions/niki-gorick-dock-life
Exhibitions worth seeing
If your family enjoys exhibitions, there are several strong options. ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 17 promises spectacular images of the night sky, while Kõmij Mour Ijin/Our Life is Here explores climate change, resilience and creativity through the voices of Marshall Islands artists.
Find out more:
https://www.rmg.co.uk/astrophoto
https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/komij-mour-ijinour-life-here
Plan before you go
Royal Museums Greenwich recommends booking ahead. For the latest opening details, visit:
http://www.rmg.co.uk
https://www.rmg.co.uk/visit
https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory/attractions/royal-observatory-audio-guide
