Stuck for ideas this weekend? Browse our pick of family days out in Cambridge, from world-class museums and wildlife parks to hidden gems right on your doorstep. We include prices, age suitability and what to expect so you can plan ahead.
Imperial War Museums' airfield site, with hangars full of historic aircraft, free family activities on many days and a huge outdoor play area. Opening is 10am–4pm with last entry at 3pm, so arrive early to make the most of it. Allow most of a day.
Official info →A working estate with a grand hall, gardens and parkland, plus Home Farm with rare breeds including Shire horses, pigs, sheep, cows and goats, and a children's play area. There is a free junior parkrun on Sunday mornings for 4–14s.
Official info →A zoo about ten miles south-east of Cambridge, with animals from around the world plus an adventure play area. Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and dogs are not allowed.
Official info →A wildlife park a short hop south of Cambridge, right next to Shepreth station, so it works well without a car. Look out for seasonal events such as Father Christmas experiences in the run-up to Christmas, which need booking.
Official info →University gardens and glasshouses a short walk from the station, with plenty of space for toddlers to explore. Walk-ups are welcome. It is open daily apart from a Christmas closure (24 December 2026 to 1 January 2027).
Official info →Days Out vary by age, timetable and provider style. Parents usually get the best results by checking practical details first: location, session length, costs, age range, booking terms and how the provider handles safety and communication.
Shortlist options that fit your normal school run, weekend routine or holiday dates before comparing extras.
Ask about trial sessions, what is included, staff checks, cancellation terms and what your child needs to bring.
Keep one backup option nearby in case a class is full, a camp sells out or weather changes your plans.
Many offer free entry, family trails, hands-on exhibits, lockers, cafes and school holiday activities.
Zoos, farms, aquariums, nature reserves, beaches and forest trails are strong all-weather or seasonal options.
Castles, theme parks, climbing centres, swimming pools and adventure playgrounds work well when children need to burn energy.
A good day out is not always the biggest attraction. Parents usually get a better result by matching the outing to travel time, weather, food needs and how much energy everyone has left at the end of the week.
Choose a local museum, library event, short trail, garden centre, cinema, cafe-plus-playground or a familiar park with one new thing added.
Look for outdoor space, climbing, swimming, bikes, beaches, country parks or attractions with several activity zones and places to pause.
Prioritise venues with buggy access, baby-change facilities, safe toddler areas and enough challenge for older siblings.
Before travelling, check step-free access, quiet spaces, Changing Places toilets, sensory guides, wheelchair hire, buggy storage and whether carers enter free. If your child finds busy places difficult, search for relaxed sessions, early openings or quieter weekday slots.
Libraries, museums, soft play, swimming, indoor climbing and covered markets can rescue a wet weekend.
Water play, beaches, lidos, farms, forest trails and evening picnics make the most of longer days.
Light trails, pantomimes, city museums, short walks and hot-chocolate stops can be easier than full outdoor days.
A paid attraction can be good value when it fills most of the day, suits the whole age range and avoids extra costs once inside. If the visit is mainly for one short activity, compare a free museum, park trail or local activity session before booking.
Useful next read: planning family days out. For lower-cost options, see free things to do with kids or browse activity-led ideas in children's activities.
We're prioritising useful, factual listings for parents. Providers and parents can suggest additions for review.
Suggest a Listing