Don’t let the rain ruin your family plans. Keep the whole family entertained on rainy days out with these under-cover activities and attractions in Cambridge.
Given how unpredictable the British weather can be, it’s always a good idea to have a few local rainy day activities in your back pocket, ready for when the showers strike. Luckily, Cambridge is full of under-cover activities, attractions and events for the whole family to enjoy on rainy days out – and we’ve rounded up our favourites.
Visit a Cambridge museum: rainy days out and family events at Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum in central Cambridge regularly hosts events for kids and families. Enjoy a relaxed morning amid the masterpieces of the Fitzwilliam Museum collection, at one of the regular family-friendly drop-ins. 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.
There’s also a Family Day during the October half term holiday to add to your diary.
Find out more at fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
See a stage show: upcoming dates at Cambridge Junction and Corn Exchange
Settle back and prepare to be entertained by an exciting schedule of family-friendly stage productions over the coming months. Both Cambridge Junction and Cambridge Corn Exchange offer a range of shows for kids, as well as picks for the whole family. Head to each website to see what’s coming up.
Find out more at junction.co.uk and cornex.co.uk
A family of mad scientists: experiment with rainy days out at Cambridge Science Centre
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.
Find out more at cambridgesciencecentre.org
Immerse yourself in aircraft history: family fun at Duxford
Imperial War Museum Duxford explores aircraft history through a series of indoor exhibits and immersive displays. Loved by kids and adults alike, inside every hangar and exhibition you’ll discover a huge range of iconic aircraft and hear stories from inside the cockpit.
The museum also hosts various events throughout the year, including popular family-friendly picks during school holidays. If the sun happens to make an appearance, there’s also a multi-sensory outdoor play experience for aspiring pilots!
Find out more at iwm.org.uk
Head to a soft play: interactive fun at Bury Lane and Partyman World of 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.
Find out more at burylane.co.uk and partymanworld.co.uk
Get crafty: family art sessions at Kettle’s Yard and Dot Kids
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.
Find out more at kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk and dotkids.co.uk
All aboard: take the train to a nearby city or enjoy a heritage ride
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!
Find out more about Nene Valley Railway at nvr.org.uk
Take your family back in time: enjoy rainy days out at Cambridge’s historic buildings
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.
And don’t forget about the free Heritage Open Days held at a wide range of historic attractions and museums across Cambridge (and the rest of the UK!) every September: there are plenty of family days out that are perfect for rainy weather. Plan ahead to make the most of it!
Discover top local picks at nationaltrust.org.uk
Go swimming: enjoy the pools and flumes at The Abbey Leisure Complex
They say if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em – so why not fully embrace the wet and rainy days in Cambridge by enjoying a family day out 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.
Find out more at cambridge.gov.uk/swimming
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