The Fitzwilliam Museum is the principal art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge, housing a world-class collection spanning centuries and continents. Families with kids will find a wealth of engaging activities, including family trails, art workshops, and the 'Mini Museum' area designed specifically for under-5s.
- Highlights: Egyptian mummies, ancient Greek pottery, Impressionist paintings (Monet, Renoir), and a hands-on discovery room.
- Age suitability: All ages welcome; activities tailored for toddlers, primary-age children, and teens. Family backpacks with interactive materials are available to borrow.
- Facilities: Baby-changing facilities, buggy parking, step-free access throughout, and a welcoming café with kids' menu and high chairs.
- Practical tips: Entry is free (donations encouraged). Open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–17:00, Sunday 12:00–16:00, closed Mondays except bank holidays. Arrive early for quietest experience. The museum offers a 'Quiet Hour' on select mornings for sensory-sensitive visitors.
At a glance
Cost
Free / cheap
Setting
Indoor
Ages
0–18+
County
CambridgeshireCountry
England
Rainy day
Great for rainy days
Travel tips
Location
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❄️The Polar Museum
The Polar Museum, part of the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge, offers a fascinating journey into the history of polar exploration and the science of the Arctic and Antarctic. Exhibits include authentic gear from early expeditions, a stuffed polar bear, and interactive displays on climate change. Kids love the 'touch table' with real animal furs, skulls, and a chance to try on polar clothing. The museum also features a replica of a sledge and a dark 'Aurora' room with glowing lights. - Highlights: Real polar bear, explorer diaries, hands-on dressing-up area. - Best for ages 5-12, but toddlers can enjoy the tactile items. - Small gift shop with affordable polar-themed toys. - No cafe on-site, but nearby cafes on Lensfield Road. - Allow 1-2 hours for a family visit.
🌳Parker's Piece
A large, flat triangular green in the heart of Cambridge, Parker's Piece is ideal for families seeking open space for picnics, ball games, and running around. The well-maintained grass is perfect for toddlers to practice walking and for older kids to kick a football or fly a kite. Benches line the paths, offering spots for parents to relax. - No dedicated playground equipment, so bring your own toys. - Popular for cricket and informal sports; often hosts events and fairs. - Close to city centre amenities, including cafes and toilets (pay). - Flat and pram-friendly, with wide paved paths for cycling or scootering. A classic urban green space that encourages unstructured outdoor play for all ages, though best on dry days as there is little shelter.
💻The Centre for Computing History
A hands-on museum dedicated to the story of the Information Age. Interactive exhibits let kids explore vintage computers, play classic video games, and learn about coding. Highlights include the retro arcade, the BBC Micro classroom, and the story of the smartphone. - Best for ages 5–14, but younger children can enjoy the play area and older teens will appreciate the tech history. - Facilities: café, gift shop, baby changing, wheelchair accessible. Parking available on site. - Plan 2–3 hours. Check website for special family workshops and events.
🌳Homestead Park
Homestead Park is a charming public park in Cambridge, ideal for families with young children. The park features a well-maintained children's playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames suitable for toddlers and primary school-aged kids. Open green spaces provide plenty of room for picnics, ball games, or simply relaxing. The park also includes a basketball court and a small wooded area for exploring. - Playground equipment for ages 2-12 - Benches and picnic tables - Dog-friendly (on leads) - Free entry - On-street parking available
🎳Cambridge Leisure Park
Cambridge Leisure Park is a family-friendly entertainment complex located in Cambridge. It features a variety of indoor activities perfect for kids, including Jungle Adventure soft play area, Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, and a Vue cinema. There are also several family-friendly restaurants such as Nando's, Pizza Express, and Zizzi. The soft play area is ideal for younger children with slides, ball pits, and climbing frames. Bowling is great for all ages, and the cinema shows the latest family films. Practical tips: The park has free parking, and it's advisable to book soft play sessions in advance on weekends. The complex is fully accessible with baby changing facilities available.
🐑Cambridge City Farm
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🌳Lammas Land
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🌿Cambridge University Botanic Garden
A 40-acre botanic garden featuring over 8,000 plant species, including a popular Children's Garden with sensory plants, a willow tunnel, and interactive play areas. Families can explore glasshouses (tropical, desert, alpine), a bee garden, and seasonal events like pumpkin trails and Easter egg hunts. The garden is pushchair-friendly with paved paths and offers a café, picnic areas, and baby-changing facilities. - **Highlights**: Children's Garden, glasshouses, lake, and plant collections. - **Ages**: Suitable for all ages; toddlers enjoy the sandpit and water play; older children can follow nature trails. - **Facilities**: Café, toilets with baby-changing, free buggy loans, and on-site parking (pay & display). - **Tips**: Book tickets online in advance for events; visit the Glasshouse Gallery for family craft sessions.
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A 40-acre botanic garden featuring over 8,000 plant species, including a popular Children's Garden with sensory plants, a willow tunnel, and interactive play areas. Families can explore glasshouses (tropical, desert, alpine), a bee garden, and seasonal events like pumpkin trails and Easter egg hunts. The garden is pushchair-friendly with paved paths and offers a café, picnic areas, and baby-changing facilities. - **Highlights**: Children's Garden, glasshouses, lake, and plant collections. - **Ages**: Suitable for all ages; toddlers enjoy the sandpit and water play; older children can follow nature trails. - **Facilities**: Café, toilets with baby-changing, free buggy loans, and on-site parking (pay & display). - **Tips**: Book tickets online in advance for events; visit the Glasshouse Gallery for family craft sessions.