Things To Do In Cambridge With Kids

**Collaborative post**

Staycations are my favourite thing to do with the children, there are so many beautiful locations within the UK which I plan to introduce to the children, many of which I am yet to explore and discover myself.

With these beautiful locations just on our doorstep, a long weekend away can be rather cheap – just a train journey away, and with many cheap B&B’s or budget hotels around there is no need to spend too much money exploring these new places. Of course, that’s once we are able to travel and explore again but in the meantime, the planning is just as much fun.

I like to take the children to free local attractions when we visit a new location, museums are usually free, parks and open spaces and many cities etc have beautiful lakes, canals or vibrant markets to explore.

The next place I plan to explore with the children is Cambridge, less than an hour away from us but not somewhere we have explored in-depth yet. Trains going to Hitchin from Cambridge run regularly so it is easy to get to, and with a lot of Cambridge being turned over to pedestrians, it is encouraged to use the park and ride facilities when visiting or perhaps much easier to use a train to avoid having to drive at all.

I do love to plan what we will do on a trip, so here are a few ideas of free or cheap things to do while visiting Cambridge with kids (once everything is open again that is):

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Things to do in Cambridge with Kids

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

Visiting these beautifully landscaped gardens if free for a child, when accompanied by a paying adult (adult tickets cost £6, or £5.50 for concessions).

These beautiful gardens are huge, with immaculately tended lawns, winding paths and the most exquisite flowers and trees. Unwind and relax by bringing a picnic to fully enjoy your surrounding. The kids can play hide and seek in the grounds and burn off some energy exploring, while us adults enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, in what can be a very busy world.

Step inside and forget the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, head to the cafe for some refreshments and have a quiet and peaceful stroll around.

Only a 5-minute walk from Cambridge train station, most of the gardens are accessible without steps. There are tours available, educational visits and during set times of the year, there are fun activities run by staff members.

The Centre for Computing History

The Centre for Computing History is much more than a museum. Based in Cambridge, it hosts hands-on exhibitions, educational workshops and a wide range of activities and events. Most importantly, it makes the history of computing relevant and fun for all ages!

Our kids may think that they know all about computers but when us parents were growing up, handheld computers weren’t even invented (I’m showing my age here). Desktop computers had HUGE monitors and the games and graphics very basic indeed, but we just loved them.

Find out about computing through the ages, take a look at the first computers, and those first handheld devices which took 2 hands to hold they were so big!

The kids can learn all about Floppy Disks and Dial-up internet access, maybe they may stop moaning when the WiFi at home runs a little slowly after a visit here?

Visit Market Square

Who doesn’t love the hustle and bustle of markets? The fragrances from the flower stalls, the vibrant colours of the clothing stands.

Mixed in with the mouth-watering aromas from all the different food being cooked around you. There is something for everyone on a Market where you know you want it or not – I tend to find things I never realised I needed when visiting these places.

New garden ornaments, things for the kitchen and foods I never knew existed or have tried before.

Even if you don’t need to buy anything, visiting a Market is always a fun experience, which my kids love.

University Museum of Zoology

The Museum is one of Cambridge’s major attractions, displaying thousands of specimens spanning the entire animal kingdom, from elephants, giant ground sloths and giraffes, to birds, reptiles, insects and molluscs. It is part of the University of Cambridge Department of Zoology and welcomes over 75,000 visitors every year. Entry to the Museum is free.

Our collections are amongst the best in the world. As well as being open for the public to enjoy, they are used for academic study by researchers and students worldwide.

The Museum holds many wonderful treasures, such as specimens discovered by the great naturalists, including Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. The collection contains approximately two million items and thousands of these are on display. Changing displays and temporary exhibitions highlight unusual and significant items from the Museum’s stores, such as the skeleton of the extinct Dodo.

Cambridge Science Centre

Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) is an independent Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) engagement charity.

It is devoted to inspiring young people through hands-on experiences in STEM learning. Through this approach, it hopes to spark scientific curiosity in every guest, ignite the passion for scientific discovery, fuel self-belief in those who doubt their own potential and illuminate pathways into STEM education and careers for everyone.

There are so many hands-on Cambridge Science Centre experiences, workshops and inspirational shows you can enjoy.

IWM DUXFORD

IWM Duxford is Europe’s largest air museum, housing an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft. The airfield has a history that stretches back to the First World War. Walkthrough the same hangars and buildings as those who served at RAF Duxford.

Please do read all about IWM Duxford in this post from Mummy Matters who has visited with her family, her photographs have made me really want to take the kids.

Lammas Land

Located to the south-west of the city about half a mile from the centre, Lammas Land is bordered by Fen Causeway and Newnham Road. There is a bridge to Sheep’s Green.

A very popular park in the summer primarily because of its paddling pool and large play area. There are large areas of mown grass which are ideal for picnics and sunbathing.

A perfect stop for burning off energy, with enough space for ball games, bike or scooter riding etc. The large play area is great for children of all ages – and even better still, outdoors and free fun.

Take a picnic, swimming costumes and sun cream and you can easily spend all day enjoying the park.

Punting down the River Cam

Of course, no trip to Cambridge would be complete without taking a punt down the River.

There are many spots where you can hire a boat and take a trip down the river, varying on price depending on how many of you there are and whether you just want to sit back and relax while being taken peacefully downstream, or if you prefer to take in the culture and history of this city then you can book a guided tour and learn all the in’s and out’s from tour guides.

What a wonderful way to relax and take in your surroundings at the same time – I know this is what my children are most looking forward to when we visit.

Pack a picnic and enjoy exploring in such a different way.

Have you ever been to Cambridge with the kids? Have I missed anything off of my must-see list?

Please do check out from Big Family Little Adventures on 5 Cambridge day trip essentials