Whether you're planning a family day out during the school holidays or looking for inspiration for a weekend adventure, there are plenty of things to do in Cambridge with kids. From exploring beautiful green spaces and discovering interactive attractions to taking to the River Cam on a punt, there's something to suit every age and interest.
One of the best things about visiting Cambridge is that many of its top attractions are within easy walking distance of each other, making it an ideal destination to explore without the hassle of driving. Travelling by train also unlocks exclusive discounts at selected attractions, helping you make the most of your family day out.
Here's our guide to the best family-friendly activities in Cambridge.
| If you're looking for... | You should try... |
| A fun activity for an active family | Cambridge Bike Tours |
| An educational activity for a rainy day | Cambridge museums |
| Paddling pool, tennis, and nature | Lammas Land |
| A classic Cambridge experience | Rutherford's Punting |
| Outdoor adventures for energetic kids | Milton Country Park |
| A fascinating and educational activity | The Centre for Computing History |
| The perfect place for a family picnic | Jesus Green |
Family days out in Cambridge: Free activities
1. Discover Cambridge's museums
Best for: Discovering something magical
Suitable for: All ages
Great value: Many are free or offer 2FOR1 entry when you travel by train
If it’s a classic British rainy day, or you’re visiting Cambridge to make the most of its academic history, the city has a fantastic selection of museums covering everything from dinosaurs and zoology to art, archaeology and polar exploration.
Many of Cambridge's museums are free to visit, while others offer 2FOR1 entry, making this a great value family activity. Read our complete guide to Cambridge museums to discover the best museums to visit with children, how to plan your itinerary, which museums are free to enter, and where you can save with your train tickets.
2. Wander through Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Best for: Nature-loving families
Suitable for: All ages
Great value: Children under 17 visit for free year-round
Spread across 40 acres, Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a beautiful, tranquil space home to more than 8,000 plant species from around the world. Families can enjoy wide paths suitable for buggies, glasshouses filled with tropical plants, and colourful seasonal displays throughout the year.
Children can burn off energy while exploring the gardens, spotting wildlife, and discovering different habitats, making it an enjoyable mix of education and outdoor fun. Read our full guide to find out how to make the most of your visit and what to expect.
Read more: How to find the secret corners of Cambridge University Botanic Garden
3. Let little ones burn off energy at Lammas Land
Best for: Younger children and summer days
Suitable for: Toddlers to primary school-aged children
Great value: Free to visit
If your children need somewhere to let off steam, Lammas Land is one of Cambridge's most popular family destinations. Located beside the River Cam, this large park combines open green space with one of the city's best-loved playgrounds, making it a favourite with local families and visitors alike.
The play area includes fun and engaging equipment for a range of ages, while the surrounding park is ideal for picnics, games and relaxing by the river. During the summer, children can also enjoy the large shallow pool, which is free to use when open for the season.
Thanks to its central location, Lammas Land is easy to combine with a walk along the River Cam or a visit to nearby attractions.
Find out more: www.cambridge.gov.uk/lammas-land
4. Stroll along The Backs
Best for: Sightseeing and scenic walking
Suitable for: All ages
Great value: Free family activity
No visit to Cambridge is complete without exploring The Backs, one of the city's most famous riverside walks. Stretching behind several of the University of Cambridge's historic colleges, this picturesque area offers beautiful views across the River Cam and plenty to keep children entertained.
Watch the punts glide along the river, spot ducks and swans on the water, or simply enjoy the open green spaces as you wander between some of Cambridge's most recognisable landmarks. It's an easy, family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed at your own pace and costs nothing.
The Backs also provide some of the best views of King's College Chapel, Clare College and Trinity College, making it a great opportunity for family photos.
Read more: Cambridge Colleges & Backs Guided Walk
5. Have a picnic at Jesus Green
Best for: Picnics, playtime and outdoor swimming
Suitable for: All ages
Great value: Free activity
Located close to the River Cam and Cambridge city centre, Jesus Green is a large open space that's perfect for families wanting to slow the pace during a day out.
Children can enjoy the wide grassy areas, watch boats travelling along the river and explore the outdoor spaces, while adults can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The park is also home to Jesus Green Lido, one of the city's most distinctive attractions, which offers refreshing outdoor swimming during the summer.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a picnic, take a break between sightseeing stops or simply give children space to run around, Jesus Green is an easy addition to a family day out in Cambridge.
6. Browse Cambridge Market Square
Best for: Food, shopping and a taste of local life
Suitable for: All ages
Great value: Free to browse
For a simple, family-friendly stop in the heart of Cambridge, head to Market Square. The historic market has been running in the city centre for centuries and is a fun place to browse stalls selling everything from artisan jewellery and bags to delicious food and drink.
Children can enjoy exploring the different stalls, while families can pick up snacks, drinks or picky bits for a picnic during your visit. Its central location also makes it easy to combine with nearby attractions, including the city's historic colleges and museums.
The market operates throughout the week, although the traders and products available vary depending on the day.
7. Enjoy the outdoors at Milton Country Park
Best for: Outdoor adventures
Suitable for: All ages
Great value: Free family activity
It’s well worth hopping on the train one stop to Cambridge North to visit Milton Country Park, which offers more than 95 acres of lakes, woodland and open green space to explore. It's an excellent choice if you're looking to spend several hours outdoors or have active children who like to run around.
There are waymarked walking routes, cycling paths and plenty of wildlife to spot throughout the park. Children will also find a large adventure playground, while the open spaces are perfect for family games or a picnic.
The park regularly hosts seasonal events and activities, making it worth checking what's on before your visit.
Things to do in Cambridge with kids: Paid activities
1. Take a punt with Rutherford's Punting
Best for: Seeing Cambridge from the water
Suitable for: Families with kids of all ages
Great value: Get 2FOR1 when you travel by train
A chauffeured punt along the River Cam is one of the most iconic experiences in Cambridge, and it's a fantastic way to introduce children to the city's famous colleges and bridges without spending the whole day on foot.
Rutherford's Punting offers guided tours along the College Backs, where you'll glide past landmarks including King's College, Trinity College, Clare College and the Bridge of Sighs while your guide shares the history of Cambridge.
When you travel to Cambridge by train with Great Northern, you can take advantage of 2FOR1 tickets, making it an even better value family activity.
Insider tip: For some famous Cambridge sights, like the Bridge of Sighs, the river is the best (and sometimes only) way to get a good view
2. Explore Cambridge on two wheels with Cambridge Bike Tours
Best for: Older children and active families
Suitable for: Confident cyclists
Great value: 20% off with valid train tickets
If your family enjoys cycling, a guided bike tour is a great way to see more of Cambridge than you could on foot. Cambridge Bike Tours takes visitors through some of the city's most famous streets, colleges and green spaces while sharing fascinating stories about Cambridge's history.
Travelling by train also comes with an added bonus, as Great Northern ticket holders can receive 20% off eligible tours.
3. Step inside King's College Chapel
Best for: History and architecture
Suitable for: Older children
Great value: Get discounted entry when you book in advance
King's College Chapel is one of Cambridge's most recognisable landmarks and an impressive place to visit if you're exploring the city with older children. Famous for its spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling and magnificent stained glass windows, the chapel has been part of Cambridge's skyline for more than 500 years.
Families can admire the remarkable architecture while learning about the history of King's College and the University of Cambridge. Throughout the year, the chapel also hosts services and concerts, including the world-famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
As it remains a working chapel, opening arrangements can vary, and it’s worth booking in advance so you can get a discount.
4. Discover the Centre for Computing History
Best for: Technology fans and curious minds
Suitable for: All ages
Great value: Under 5s go free
The Centre for Computing History is a museum dedicated to the history of computing and technology. It features a collection of historic computers, gaming technology and interactive exhibits that show how digital technology has developed over the years.
It's a great option for families looking for an indoor activity, particularly if children enjoy computers, gaming or discovering how technology has changed over generations.
The museum also runs events and activities throughout the year, so it's worth checking what's on before your visit.
Find out more: www.computinghistory.org.uk
How to get to Cambridge by train
Cambridge is one of the easiest places to visit without a car, with regular train services connecting the city with London and beyond.
Cambridge station is around a 20-minute walk from the historic city centre, with regular buses available if you prefer not to walk. If you’re venturing further than the centre, Cambridge North and Cambridge South stations provide a super convenient option.
Travelling by train can also help you save money on your family day out. Up to four children can travel for just £2 each at Off-Peak times on most journeys across the Great Northern network, when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket, and children under five travel for free.
What’s more, selected Cambridge attractions offer discounts when you travel by train, including Rutherford's Punting, Cambridge Bike Tours, and Cambridge museums.
Plan your family day out in Cambridge
From gliding along the River Cam on a punt to exploring green spaces, museums and historic landmarks, there are plenty of things to do in Cambridge with kids.
The city is compact, easy to explore on foot or by bike, and well connected by train, making it a convenient choice for a family day trip. With train discounts available at selected attractions, travelling with Great Northern can also help you make your budget go further.
Whether you're visiting during the school holidays, planning a weekend adventure or looking for a fun day trip from London, Cambridge offers plenty to discover for families.
