Photo of Ahoy! Play Area in Greater London1 / 2
Museums & Landmarks

Ahoy! Play Area

📍 London, Greater London

★4.5(51 Google reviews)💰£5👶0-6

Interactive ship-themed play space for children under 7 inside the National Maritime Museum. Features ship cabins, cannons, ropes, and a sensory area for babies. Pre-booking is mandatory — walk-ins are turned away.

✓ Must pre-book✓ Free on weekdays✓ Ship role-play✓ Sensory baby area✓ Under-7s focus

🏆 Funzaroo Verdict

Best for families with children under 7 who love role-play and hands-on exploration. Weekday term-time visits deliver the best experience — free entry and manageable crowds. Weekend sessions can feel overcrowded, and some interactive props show wear, so adjust expectations accordingly.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book online before visiting — walk-ins are regularly turned away
⏰Weekday term-time entry is free; weekend visits require paid tickets
🎟️Book two consecutive slots if your child is highly engaged — 45 minutes alone can feel short
🚗Toilets in the museum are busy; a portable potty can help with very young children

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.5
★★★★★

51 Google reviews

G Reviews from Google

S

Sammie L

3 years ago

★★★★★

“It’s a free kids play space and we absolutely loved it. It’s so well done and the kids had so much fun exploring different areas of maritime history. Our favourite was the Ship, and going insider the cabins was great fun. I will happily be going back again. Highly recommend this space. Tickets have to be booked in advance, but they are free during the week during term time.”

S

Sabrina Ali

5 months ago

★★★★★

“Was really nice experience for the kids. We went on a weekday so it was free.”

D

Dee P

2 years ago

★★★★★

“Make sure you pre-book online! You will be dissappointed if you don't. The first time we came here my son was so upset to leave, 45 minutes was not long enough for him! So today I booked him in for 2 slots and that was more than enough- we actually left before our time was up. Lots to explore for various ages, even babies as there is a sensory area. Outside the Ahoy! Play area there is a child friendly gift shop which are somewhat reasonably priced. Toilets are nearby although they are pretty much always busy. If you happen to have a potty training toddler- have a portable wee bottle handy!”

💬 What parents mention

Pre-booking essentialFree weekday entryMaritime ship theme

Overview

The Ahoy! gallery puts young children inside a maritime world: ship cabins to explore, cannons to fire, ropes to haul, and a boiler room to tend. A separate sensory zone caters to babies and toddlers. Sessions run in timed slots; booking two consecutive slots gives children who engage deeply enough time. Weekday term-time visits are free. Weekend crowds and some ageing props are the most-cited considerations.

📍 Other Museums & Landmarks in London

View all →

📍 Similar Activities Nearby

View more in Greater London →
Free to use

Find more Museums & Landmarks nearby

Explore 3,000+ family-friendly places across the UK — wherever the day takes you.

  • Nearby activities

    Find great places close to you

  • Directions in one tap

    Get there easily with maps & navigation

  • Free to use

    No sign up. No cost. Ever.

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

Safe, secure and 100% free — no account, no ads. Learn more

Our app — venues near you, sorted by distance
Our app — venue detail with directions, website and call