20 Of The Best Family Days Out In Cambridgeshire

8 March 2017

Cambridgeshire is known for its quaint villages and spectacular scenery, but the charming county has so much more to offer.

A great destination for family day trips, Cambridgeshire is full of hidden gems that can be enjoyed by adults and youngsters alike and here are 20 of the best family days out in Cambridgeshire.

Planet Ice Arena

This public skating rink makes the perfect day out for families of all ages. You’ll be able to find activities to suit any ability from novice to pro, and Planet Ice Arena also hosts weekly ice disco sessions with a live DJ.

If you’re going with young children, you can take full advantage of the budget-friendly Penguin Club which hosts fun ice skating activities for youngsters from 18 months to five years old.

Where: PE3 8YN

Black Shuck Cambridge Ghost Tours

The picturesque Cambridge streets do have a more sinister side and, if you want to explore it, Black Shuck Cambridge Ghost Tours offer you the perfect opportunity.

You can choose between three tours: Haunted Cambridge, Wickedness & Witchcraft, and Colleges & Corpses, which take you through Cambridge’s history of witches, hauntings, and murders.

These tours are suitable for family members of any age as long as they can handle the thrill – children below the age of three are eligible for free admission.

Where: CB2 3BQ

Hamerton Zoo Park

Hamerton Zoo Park prides itself on its conservation and vast variety of animals. With a railroad train that runs from the donkey stables to the tiger enclosure, play areas, a picnic area, and a coffee shop, there are enough activities here for you to spend the whole day.

The zoo also offers animal contact sessions where, for an extra fee, you can get up close and personal with the cheetahs, tigers, lemurs, or reptiles.

Where: PE28 5RE

Skylark Maize Maze and Funyard

The Maize Maze is exactly what it says on the tin – a maze constructed of maize. The aim is to make your way to the centre of the maze and then find your way out, but don’t panic if you can’t! There are trained professionals to help out anyone who gets lost.

Once you’ve made your way out of the maze, you can get involved in a range of activities including pig racing and the Pesky Pigeon tractor ride, along with the bouncy castle, giant sand pit, petting zoo, and obstacle course. There’s also an onsite cafe where you can purchase food and drinks.

Where: PE15 0PE

Clip ’n Climb

Cambridge’s Clip’n Climb is an indoor climbing centre that is suitable for anyone over the age of four. This engaging experience puts safety as the main priority, with all of the climbing equipment provided as you have fun on the interactive climbing apparatus.

There are also Climb ’n Shine classes put on for those who need a bit of extra help, so this really is a great family day out for everyone.

Where: CB1 7EB

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

The historical Cambridge University Botanic Garden has been open since 1846 and provides its visitors with stunning foliage, flowers, and wildlife.

This is the ultimate picnic location on a sunny day, where you can explore the plant-life, look for wildlife in the vast lake, and use the enormous outdoor space to wear out the little ones.

Where: CB2 1JE

Oliver Cromwell’s House

Whether you believe Oliver Cromwell to be a traitor or one of history’s best military leaders, his house in Cambridgeshire will certainly spark some interest.

You’ll get a taste of what life was like in the 17th century, where you can dress up, visit the Civil War exhibition, and those brave enough can go into the haunted bedroom.

The house now also features a Cromwell themed Escape Room, where you have 60 minutes to pick up clues and solve puzzles in order to find the golden key that will lead you out of the room. If you don’t find the key in time, your fate will lie in the hands of the guards…

Where: CB7 4HF

Cambridge Museum of Technology

The Cambridge Museum of Technology is set in Cambridge’s original pumping station and exhibits how Cambridge played a huge part in the progression of power.

At this museum, you’ll find everything from working engines to printing presses, as well as one-off exhibitions and events that will keep the whole family entertained.

Where: CB5 8LD

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre

Whatever the weather is doing, Church Farm will be a great day out. With an indoor play area, nature walks, pig racing and, amongst other activities, tractor rides, there are plenty of things to wear out your little ones. 

During lambing season, you can bottle feed the newborn lambs and you might even get a chance to see lambs, piglets, calves, and guinea pigs being born!

Where: PE34 3HT

Centre For Computing History

With computing developing rapidly, it’s interesting to see where it all began. At the Centre For Computing History, you can view artefacts, documents, memorabilia, and vintage computers. All of which tell the long and fascinating tale of the Information Era.

With exhibits on games consoles and calculators, along with fun and educational events, this attraction is not one to miss.

Where: CB1 3EW

Cherry Hinton Park

With two paddling pools connected by a play park, Cherry Hinton Park is a great location to have a splash in the sunshine.

Although the shallow pools and play areas are mainly aimed at younger children and toddlers, people of all ages will be able to enjoy the surrounding tennis courts and table tennis tables. The park also makes the perfect picnic location, so you can really make a day of it.

Where: CB1 8DW

Wimpole Hall

Wimpole Hall is the ideal location for children who love to engage in nature. With pedal tractors, an adventure play area, geocaching, and donkey grooming, there will be something to please the entire family, regardless of how diverse your interests are.

A great family activity at Wimpole Hall is the Walled Garden Challenge. This is a downloadable worksheet that will get everyone learning as they explore the grounds.

Where: SG8 0BW

Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre

The Sacrewell Farm & Country Centre is a heritage area. It’s packed full of activities and scenery that can be enjoyed by adults, teenagers, and children. You can take a walk along one of the ramble routes and take in the sight of the wildlife around you. You might even see a water stick insect or a Red Kite if you look close enough.

At the farm, tractor rides are available and you can even take a trip to the animal village. There children can get up close to the small creatures and are taught the responsibility of having a pet.

Where: PE8 6HJ

Si5 Spymissions

Do you think you have what it takes to save the world? Si5 Spymissions have an interactive family game titled Operation: Broken Arrow and it’s suitable for both adults and children over the age of four. 

The mission involves a series of puzzles and challenges on the hijacked warship Steadfast. With an exciting storyline to follow, this experience will be engaging for the whole family.

Where: CB23 8EL

The Polar Museum

The Scott Polar Research Institute is located just on the outskirts of Cambridge city centre. It is an information and research centre for the study of the polar and cold regions. It hosts a museum full of exhibits that show you what life is like at both poles of the Earth – from survival to science.

Admission to the museum is free. It also hosts a Little Explorers series, where children under the age of 5 can learn through play.

Where: CB2 1ER

Shepreth Wildlife Park

At Shepreth Wildlife Park, you can enjoy animal feeding experiences and expert talks. You’ll find out everything you need to know about the vast variety of species that call the wildlife park home.

From alpacas and carp to tigers and caiman, you’ll be captivated by seeing these amazing animals up close. And, for children who may be too young to appreciate the talks and feeds, there’s the Ringo’s Playbarn to keep them entertained.

Where: SG8 6PZ

Cambridge Arts Theatre

If you fancy catching a show, Cambridge Arts Theatre will have something to match the needs of the whole family.

The selection of plays and shows available at Cambridge Arts Theatre span genres. The theatre also hosts assisted performances so that the productions can be enjoyed by everyone. The assisted performances come in audio description, BSL interpretation, captioned performances, and relaxed performances.

Where: CB2 3PJ

Angela Mellor Gallery

Heavily influenced by her time living in Australia, Angela Mellor is a ceramic artist and began her trade in the 1970s. Now, with her prowess with bone china, she has taken over a gallery in Ely and displays her Coastal Light, Spray, and Sculptural Light series.

You can view her handmade masterpieces and see for yourself how nature can influence artwork.

Where: CB7 4ES

The Raptor Foundation

The Raptor Foundation provides medical care for injured raptors and houses those raptors who can no longer return to the wild.

You can visit the rescue centre and view the spectacular raptor flying displays. Or stretch your legs around the pond while the little ones let off some steam in the play area.

Where: PE28 3BT

Ely River Cruise

If you want to explore Cambridgeshire in style, the Ely River Cruise might just be for you. These half an hour long cruises take you along River Great Ouse on the Liberty Belle. Allowing you to take in the wildlife and the countryside air as you go.

The maximum number of passengers is 12, so it makes for the faultless intimate family day out.

Where: CB7 4BB

We hope you enjoyed our list of Family Days Out In Cambridgeshire.

If you’re going to be going away with the family soon, read our ultimate guide to holidaying with the whole family.