Enjoy the fresh air and fun with this line-up of alfresco family entertainment for the coming months
The South Suffolk Show
11 May
Ampton Racecourse, near Bury St Edmunds
There’s lots of family fun to be had at this traditional agricultural show, with thrilling displays by the Imps Motorcycle Display Team, barrel racing from 4 Strides Equestrian UK Ltd, farm animals including pigs, sheep and cattle, fairground rides, food vendors – and more! southsuffolkshow.co.uk
Cambridge Midsummer Fair
18-22 June
Midsummer Common
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at this vibrant annual event. Don’t miss the Mayor of Cambridge issuing the historic proclamation to officially open the fair – and, as tradition dictates, throwing pennies into the crowd. Then get stuck into the array of children’s games, thrill rides, side stalls and a market. Don’t forget to indulge in a classic fairground treat too – kiosks on site will be selling candy floss, toffee apples, doughnuts and hot dogs.
Little Bugs
27 June
Cambourne Nature Reserve
Pre-schoolers aged two to four (with some flexibility) can embark on an adventurous stroll around Cambourne Nature Reserve, enjoying storytelling and outdoor activities such as puddle-jumping and tree-climbing along the way. Taking place across multiple dates (also 4 July and 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August), these relaxed family sessions can be attended as a programme or individually. wildlifebcn.org/events
Glow-worm walk
11 and 18 July
Great Fen
One for families with slightly older children, this magical guided walk will take you out after sunset to discover the glow-worms and other nocturnal wildlife of the Great Fen. Bat detectors will be on hand, so you can tune in to hear who’s flying overhead. Taking place 9.30-11.30pm, the walk is suitable for ages 13+. wildlifebcn.org/events
Wild in the Meadows
31 July
Trumpington Meadows
Get the kids back to nature with a host of summer activities, from bug hunting and bee hotel making to den and mini raft building. Other Wild in the Meadows dates include 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, with similar sessions called Wild in the Woods taking place at Cambourne Nature Reserve. Check out the website for more information and other events planned for the summer. wildlifebcn.org/events
Nature Butterflies
2 August
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Little ones will love getting creative and learning about nature during this special Saturday craft session, aimed at children aged 3+. They’ll spend the morning transforming leaves, flowers and petals from the Botanic Garden into colourful, nature-inspired butterflies! It’s free to take part in the session, but booking is essential. botanic.cam.ac.uk
Dinosaur Day
9 August
Newmarket Racecourse
Where else can you see world-class racehorses and prehistoric reptiles in the same place? At Newmarket Racecourse’s Dinosaur Day, of course! An event designed for the whole family, here you can enjoy an afternoon of racing on the July Course alongside a uniquely immersive Jurassic experience. Europe’s largest walking T rex, Zeus, will be in attendance along with all his friends. Entry is free for under 18s. thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket
Red Panda Day
23 August
Shepreth Wildlife Park
Calling all red panda fans! You won’t want to miss this special themed day at Shepreth Wildlife Park. Not only can you listen to the keeper’s talk at 1.30pm to find out all about the park’s resident red pandas Ago and Sundara, there will also be a special stall set up next to their habitat where you can access extra information and take part in activities throughout the day, as well as checking out the red panda goodies that will be on sale in aid of the Red Panda Network. The fun continues indoors too, in the park’s Discovery Centre. sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk