From high ropes to escape rooms, ramp up the adrenaline factor with these family-friendly attractions meant for the thrill seekers among us
Climbing walls
Perhaps one of the most popular adventure activities of all, of course we must begin with the climbing wall. The Perse School’s sports centre has a fully equipped 10.5m climbing wall and bouldering facility, offering instructor-led classes for newbies aged four and above, plus pay-to-climb sessions for experienced climbers aged 14+. Meanwhile, at Clip ’n Climb Cambridge, kids can tackle the Speed Climbing challenge, clamber on the Jungle Gym, reach new heights on the Skyscraper and perform an array of daring feats. Birthday parties, as well as autism-friendly, SEND and toddler sessions are also hosted here.
sportscentre.perse.co.uk, clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk
High ropes
Explore the tree canopy and get a bird’s-eye view of the world at Go Ape in Thetford Forest, Suffolk. One for the whole family, it offers a choice of adrenaline-fuelled forest adventures, each one challenging intrepid tree explorers with high ropes courses to follow, obstacles to overcome and zip lines to whizz along. From 26 August to 27 October, National Trust’s Wimpole Hall is holding Big Tree Climbing sessions (booking essential), where visitors can ascend one of the estate’s largest trees using ropes and harnesses. Admire the stunning views, hang out in the canopy or even venture out along the branches if you’re feeling brave!
goape.co.uk, nationaltrust.org.uk
Water parks
Here’s something really entertaining for the summer: obstacle courses on the water! At Cambridge Aqua Park in Stretham, just north of Cambridge, and Southlake Waterpark in Southoe near St Neots, kids and adults alike can tackle the formidable, but fun-packed inflatables. Climb the increasingly slippery surfaces, zoom down the slides, bounce on giant cushions and leap from great heights as you navigate your way around the obstacle courses. Buoyancy aids are provided and wetsuits are available for hire.
cambridgeaquapark.com, southlakewaterpark.co.uk
Funfair rides
Perfect for a day trip to Norfolk, kids will have a whale of a time riding on the fairground carousels at the Thursford Collection, home to the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs. The attraction has also recently begun construction of a new 30,000 sq ft play park, featuring huge climbing structures, swings, slides, a water play fountain and open spaces to suit all abilities, each one themed around the vintage fairgrounds of yesteryear. It’s hoped that the play park will be completed towards the end of summer this year.
Adventure playgrounds
If the kids are craving a playground right now, Stanwick Lakes boasts one of the best in the area. Located in Stanwick, Northamptonshire, it not only has an adventure area with water and sand play, a climbing tower with giant slide, tunnels, stepping stones, a sunken ship and more, but also an adventure trail with climbing rocks, a traversing wall, rope bridge, hexagonal swings, climbable animal structures, balance beams and a double zip line. It even has a full-size assault course with ropes, monkey bars, cargo nets and many other obstacles, suitable for children and adults alike!
Assault courses
Budding ninja warriors can also hone their skills at The Playground’s three epic obstacle courses. They’re all within easy reach – one at Barrow near Bury St Edmunds, one in Wherstead, Ipswich and the closest at Waterbeach Barracks in Cambridge, which incorporates the assault course formerly used by the Army’s 39 Engineer Regiment. The kilometre-long course boasts 30 obstacles, including slides, hurdles, stepping stones and a range of walls. With challenges to suit all abilities for ages seven and over, it also makes for a great birthday party venue.
Escape rooms
Surely one of the most popular pastimes of recent years, escape rooms have taken the UK by storm – and Cambridge has a plethora of themed challenges to undertake. There’s the Armageddon, Egyptian Tomb, Secret Agent and Mayan Temple adventures at Lockhouse Escape Games on Regent Street; Aladdin, Dracula, Excalibur, Alice in Puzzleland and other rooms at Escape Hunt Cambridge on St Andrew’s Street; Shakespeare- and tarot-themed challenges at CryptX in Knapwell; and, open all year but perhaps best enjoyed during the festive season, Victoria’s Christmas Challenge at Exit Rooms on Ditton Walk. Age suitability varies, so be sure to check each escape room company’s FAQs before choosing the most appropriate one for your family group.
lockhouse.co.uk, escapehunt.com, cryptx.co.uk, exitrooms.co.uk
Adventure clubs
If your children have a taste for adventure, there’s a special club just for them. Designed for young people aged eight to 12 years who want to try new things, make new friends and challenge themselves, the Adventure Club at Grafham Water Centre provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience a range of water- and land-based activities, including archery, mountain biking, bushcraft, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, climbing and loads more. Sessions take place every Saturday morning.
For more fun family days out, take a look at our rainy days edition
