1 / 2Ahoy! Play Area
📍 London, Greater London
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.
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.
🏆 Family Action 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
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →48 Google reviews
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.”
Sabrina Ali
5 months ago
“Was really nice experience for the kids. We went on a weekday so it was free.”
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!”
Kevin Thomson
a month ago
“Great softplay for kids. lots of free activities for kids in the museum also. two cafes, with kids menus. parking at the museum is £12 flat rate for the day on weekends. there's an outdoor playground at the back that's fun too. 4 stars because it's a little busy.”
Reviews from Google
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.
