Cambridge, a city renowned for its prestigious university and rich history, also offers a treasure trove of fun and exciting activities for families with children. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there’s no shortage of places to explore, things to do, and memories to make. From outdoor adventures and fascinating museums to magical moments on the river, Cambridge has something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the best family-friendly activities in the city right now!
1. Visit the Cambridge University Botanic Garden
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a perfect spot for families to enjoy nature and explore the great outdoors. Covering 40 acres, the garden features beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and a wide variety of plants from around the world. It’s a wonderful place for children to roam freely, discover new plant species, and engage in seasonal activities such as pond dipping or scavenger hunts. The garden also offers family-friendly trails and interactive displays that help kids learn about plants and nature in a fun way.
- Opening Hours: Daily, from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £6, Children £3, Family Ticket £15
- What’s on Right Now: Seasonal plant displays and outdoor family trails.
- Learn More: https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/
2. Explore the Fitzwilliam Museum
For families interested in art, history, and culture, the Fitzwilliam Museum offers a fantastic, free experience. The museum houses an impressive collection of art, antiquities, and artifacts from around the world. The hands-on galleries and family-friendly activities make it easy for children to engage with the exhibits. They also run regular art workshops, storytelling sessions, and interactive activities designed to keep kids entertained while learning about history and creativity.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry (some special exhibitions may charge)
- What’s on Right Now: Family activities, special exhibitions, and art workshops.
- Learn More: https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk
3. Punting on the River Cam
One of the most iconic things to do in Cambridge is a punting tour on the River Cam. This traditional Cambridge activity is a fun and unique way to see the city from a different perspective. Families can hire a punt or join a guided tour where you’ll float past the famous college backs, beautiful bridges, and scenic riversides. Kids will love the chance to spot wildlife, while parents can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and history of the university.
- Opening Hours: Tours available from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Prices start around £20 for a shared punt (family rates available)
- What’s on Right Now: Family-friendly punting tours and wildlife spotting.
4. Cambridge Science Centre
For curious minds, the Cambridge Science Centre is an exciting and educational destination that is sure to captivate children of all ages. This interactive science museum is filled with hands-on exhibits covering everything from space to engineering. There are tons of activities that encourage kids to explore science in a fun and creative way, such as building bridges, learning about robotics, or experimenting with physics.
- Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £6, Children £4, Family Ticket £18
- What’s on Right Now: Fun, interactive science exhibits, workshops, and live science demonstrations.
- Learn More: https://www.cambridgesciencecentre.org
5. Sheep's Green and Coe Fen
For a lovely family day outdoors, Sheep's Green and Coe Fen are wonderful spots for a picnic, a nature walk, or just to let the kids play. These vast green spaces near the city center are perfect for running, playing ball games, or enjoying a relaxed day out. The area also has a stream where children can paddle, and the large open spaces make it a popular spot for cycling and birdwatching. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and unwind with the family.
- Free Entry: Open year-round
- What’s on Right Now: Springtime nature walks and outdoor games.
6. Wimpole Estate
A short drive from Cambridge, the Wimpole Estate is a fantastic destination for families looking for a countryside adventure. The estate features a grand house, a farm with animals, and expansive gardens to explore. Kids will love the opportunity to meet farm animals, including pigs, cows, and sheep, as well as explore the grounds and learn about life on a working farm. The estate also runs seasonal events, so there’s always something exciting to look forward to.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £14.50, Children £7.25, Family Ticket £36
- What’s on Right Now: Spring farm activities, outdoor trails, and nature walks.
- Learn More: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wimpole-estate
7. The Polar Museum
For a unique and educational experience, head to The Polar Museum in Cambridge, which explores the history of Arctic and Antarctic exploration. This small but fascinating museum is filled with exciting exhibits that tell the stories of the brave explorers who ventured into some of the world’s most extreme environments. With plenty of interactive displays and opportunities to engage with the exhibits, it’s an ideal destination for curious young minds.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry
- What’s on Right Now: Interactive exhibits and seasonal talks on Arctic exploration.
- Learn More: https://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum/
8. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Just outside the city centre, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a wonderful place for children to discover the magic of butterflies and tropical wildlife. The conservatory is home to hundreds of species of butterflies that fly freely in a warm, lush environment, making it a perfect way to escape the chilly weather. Kids can learn about the butterfly life cycle, and the experience is both educational and enchanting.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £6.50, Children £4.50, Family Ticket £20
- What’s on Right Now: A burst of colourful butterflies and educational sessions on nature.
- Learn More: https://www.cambridgebutterfly.com/
9. Castle Hill and the Cambridge Castle Mound
For a fun mix of history and outdoor exploration, take your children to Castle Hill and climb the Cambridge Castle Mound. This site offers fantastic views of the city and is a great place to let kids run around. While there are no longer any structures on the site, the history of Cambridge’s medieval castle is fascinating. It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air, learn about local history, and enjoy views of the city skyline.
- Free Entry: Open year-round
- What’s on Right Now: Springtime walks and picnics in a historic setting.
10. The David Attenborough Building and Wildlife Garden
For families who love wildlife, the David Attenborough Building is a must-visit. This iconic building is home to the University of Cambridge’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, and it features a wonderful wildlife garden that’s open to the public. The garden is full of native plants and wildlife, and it’s a peaceful and educational spot where children can learn about conservation while enjoying the outdoors.
- Opening Hours: Weekdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry
- What’s on Right Now: Nature walks and educational talks about conservation.
- Learn More: https://www.cambridgeconservation.org
11. Ultimate Activity Camps at Sancton Wood Prep School
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in Cambridge? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: Cambridge Summer Camps
Cambridge is a wonderful city for families, offering a wide variety of fun and educational activities to enjoy with your children. From exploring the beautiful Botanic Garden and punting on the River Cam to engaging with interactive exhibits at the Science Centre and Butterfly Conservatory, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day outdoors or an exciting cultural adventure, Cambridge provides plenty of opportunities for creating lasting memories.