Ahoy! Play Area

Absolutely a hidden gem in the National Maritime Museum. We were really enjoying the experience with our two years old girl. This is definitely more than a soft play, with quite a lot of interactive games with marine knowledge for toddlers to learn. Highly recommend.

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.

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.

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!

Went on a weekend and although you book a time slot it felt super packed, they shouldn’t let so many kids in at one go. The place looked tired, for example the section with ice cream and shop front role play lacked props and the very few that was there looked old. The place didn’t feel very educational at all. There’s toy boats that u can sit in and it has buttons but those buttons don’t even work. Overall, wouldn’t bring my kids back.