Don’t let summer showers ruin your family plans! You can still keep the kids entertained with these under-cover activities
Artistic inspiration
Enjoy a relaxed morning amid the masterpieces of the Fitzwilliam Museum collection, stopping by at one of the upcoming family-friendly drop-ins (4 June and 2 July). With picture books, drawing materials and sensory play resources on hand to keep little ones amused, the museum team will also be able to provide you with tips and ideas for other things to see and do during your visit.
fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
Taking to the stage
Settle back and prepare to be entertained by an exciting schedule of family-friendly stage productions over the coming months. Seska will be bringing his brilliantly inventive, super-silly magic show to Cambridge Junction on 15 June. The following month, Fun Kids Science Weekly – Live! visits the same venue on 27 July as part of its first UK tour, featuring hilarious experiments, exciting guests and a real-life meteorite. Meanwhile, at Cambridge Corn Exchange, you can see Milkshake! Live on Holiday. Join the gang for an all-singing, all-dancing family show on 28 July.
junction.co.uk, cornex.co.uk
Mad science
Challenge young minds, and make some fascinating discoveries yourself, with more than 20 hands-on exhibits and plenty of opportunities for experimentation in lab and workshop spaces at Cambridge Science Centre.
Special themed events are also held regularly, as well as thrilling 30-minute live science shows covering topics such as DNA sequencing, space exploration, dinosaurs, sound and bubble science.
cambridgesciencecentre.org
Code cracking
From now until 2 November, you can spend the day searching for clues along Imperial War Museum Duxford’s Amazing Aircraft Top Trumps Family Trail. Grab a free activity trail sheet and head to the Battle of Britain hangar, where you’ll find top trump cards hidden throughout the exhibition. Unscramble their letters to uncover the secret code word! Of course, there’s lots more to see while you’re at the museum too. If the sun happens to make an appearance, there’s even a multi-sensory outdoor play experience for aspiring pilots!
iwm.org.uk
Soft play
When running around outside isn’t an option, soft play steps in to help little ones burn off some energy! Book ahead for the Fun Barn soft play at Bury Lane near Royston, where there’s an imaginative children’s playground for those aged ten and below, with slides, balance beams, cargo nets and even an interactive sensory area with bubbles, fibre optics and colourful lights designed for babies under two years and children under ten who have additional needs. Or just turn up to Partyman World of Play on the outskirts of Cambridge for multi-level play structures, ball pools and obstacles.
partymanworld.co.uk, burylane.co.uk
Be crafty
Enjoy creative time with the kids at Kettle Yard’s Studio Sunday sessions. These artist-led workshops are inspired by artworks and ideas at the gallery. Most suitable for families with children aged three to 11, no art experience is required to take part. Relaxed sessions are also available for children with additional sensory needs. Another option is the Dot Kids Art Inspiration club, where six- to 11-year-olds can discover artists and experiment with a range of techniques, from paint and collage to drawing and sculpture.
kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk, dotkids.co.uk
Climbing aboard
Why not embark on a train adventure from Cambridge’s National Rail stations? Kids will love watching the world go by as the rain streaks across the train windows, with brollies at the ready to disembark in Ely, Norwich, King’s Lynn or London and soak up exciting new experiences at their indoor attractions (such as Oliver Cromwell’s House at Ely). Alternatively, make the journey the focus of the day out, with a heritage ride on the Nene Valley Railway – perfect for budding train enthusiasts!
nvr.org.uk, olivercromwellshouse.co.uk
Step back in time
We’re blessed with so many beautiful, historic buildings in Cambridgeshire, and their array of architectural detail, historical collections and vivid tales seem to provide a new experience on every visit. See how many dragons you can spot in the King’s College Chapel; experience the sights, sounds and smells of an 18th-century watermill through the interactive activities at Houghton Mill; and watch a rather opulent set of pineapple plants spin to a merry tune at noon each day on the Pagoda clock at Anglesey Abbey. There’s sure to be plenty more hidden gems to explore at this year’s Heritage Open Days event, from 12 to 21 September – keep an eye out for the full line-up to be revealed in the coming weeks.
kings.cam.ac.uk, nationaltrust.org.uk, heritageopendays.org.uk
Get even wetter!
They say if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em – so why not fully embrace the wet weather and dive into some fun at the swimming pool! The Abbey Leisure Complex has a five-lane, 25-metre pool, plus a learner pool and a splash pad, while Parkside Pools has a competition-standard pool, children’s leisure pool, two flume rides and a cafe for those all-important post-swim refreshments. Keep an eye out for special holiday activities.
cambridge.gov.uk/swimming
For more fun family days out, take a look at our outdoor edition
