Family friendly activities in South East London
From the wonders of the night sky to tending farmyard animals. Discover South East London with your kids.
Home to London’s oldest enclosed park, the Prime Meridian Line and a wide array of historical landmarks. South East London is a treasure trove for all-year-round children’s activities.
EDITOR’S PICK
Take your children on a tour of the universe in London’s only public planetarium. This interactive hotspot allows you to explore space and experience the wonders of the night sky with commentary from real astronomers.
Address: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8XJ
Prices: Adults from £7.50; children (3-15) from £5.50; under 3s free, family ticket (one adult, two children), £15.50; family ticket (two adults, two children), £20.
First things first, you need to get to South East London (if you don’t already have the pleasure of residing there). For adult and child alike, there’s no better way to get there than by City Cruise. Cruises take you from the spires of Westminster direct to Greenwich, passing the London Eye, St Paul’s and the Tower of London along the way.
Address: Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier.
Prices: Adults from £16.65; children from £8.33; infants (0-4), free; family ticket £33.30 (two adults, three children).
Staying on the Maritime theme, the legendary Cutty Sark is a must-see when exploring the area. You and your kids can discover what life was like on the fastest sailing ship of her time. Expect a fascinating immersive experience that brings her history to life.
Address: King William Walk, SE10 9HT
Prices: Adults, £12.15; children, £6.30; under 5s free; family (one adult, two children), £21.60; family (two adults, two children), £31.50.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, by retreating to this urban oasis. As well as housing a small herd of deer, this park also hosts the Prime Meridian Line and the old Royal Observatory. Sat on top of a hill, Greenwich Park also provides incredible views across the London skyline, including St Pauls and Canary Wharf.
Address: Charlton Way, SE10 8QY
Price: Free admission
Mudchute boasts one of the largest inner city farms in the whole of Europe and houses over 100 animals and fowl on its farm. This urban retreat is a fantastic day out for children of all ages. We’d recommend booking a farmyard tour, so you can get first hand experience of all the animals up close.
Address: Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3HP
Price: Free admission
Greenwich Cable Car Mission Treasure Trail
A family adventure awaits you on the self-guided spy themed Treasure Trail. Take part in this escapade and explore both North Greenwich and the Royal Victoria Docks, seeking out clues along your way from buildings, monuments, signs and plaques. As the name implies, it also includes a journey across the Thames in a cable car (tickets purchased separately).
Address: Trail starts at Peninsula Square, SE10 0AX
Prices: £6.99 (order treasure trail pack online).
Housed in an architectural wonder designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This landmark is as impressive inside as it is outside. You can explore over 500 years of history with rare artifacts, scale models, film footage and interactive displays. Plus, this family favourite has an impressive line-up of child-friendly events and exhibitions.
Address: Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN
Price: Free admission
The skies the limit for your children, as they take on an invigorating trip up one of London’s most iconic buildings. Adventurous families can take part in thrill-seeking 90 minute climb to the peak of the dome, which sits at 52m above ground level. You will be rewarded with spectacular views across the London skyline.
Address: Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX
Price: Prices start from £28. Please note, children must be 10+ and 1.2m or taller.
Stand at the centre of world time. This is the historical home of British astronomy, Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian Line. The Royal Observatory allows you to take an awe-inspiring journey through the past, present and future of astronomy, from mapping the stars to discovering asteroids.
Address: Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8XJ
Price: Astronomy Centre: free. Meridian Line and Historic Royal Observatory: adults, £9.50; children, £5; under 5s free; family (one adult, two children), £15; family (two adults, two children), £22.
Thames Barrier Info and Learning Centre
This is a must for all budding engineers. The centre is small, but it offers some great views and insight into the barrier itself. Learn about the history, how it was designed and its construction. It’s a great opportunity to learn about one of largest flood barriers in the world. Book tours in advance.
Address: 1 Unity Way, Woolwich, SE18 5NJ
Price: adults, £4; children, £2.50; under 5s free; family ticket (two adults, three children), £11.
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