Top family thing to do in Cambridge this half-term!
From Father’s Day celebrations to country fairs, these local excursions promise a slice of fun for everyone. Act fast to catch some of them before the half-term holidays come to an end!
1. Festival of Plants
Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 8 June
This fun-filled, fact-finding day has lots of craft activities for kids in store, including gnomes exploring the garden and science stalls to help your little ones learn all about plants!
There is no better time to see the gardens in full bloom and lose yourself in the weird and wonderful world of flora.
Head to botanic.cam.ac.uk to find out more.
2. Under Five’s Gardening Club
Anglesey Abbey, 3 June – 12 July
Take your little ones to savour some time in nature this summer at Anglesey Abbey. From 3 June, there will be an under five’s gardening club running on weekdays. It’s free to participate, but normal admission fees apply.
Enjoy sensory garden play, do some digging or read a story in the garden, all while making new friends. Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill
3. Summer Air Show
IWM Duxford, 1-2 June
Marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Duxford will be commemorating the event with the arrival of a fleet of Dakotas – the historic aircraft used in the original landings.
Over the weekend, there will be a series of flypasts and a parachute drop on Saturday. Enjoy the living history groups and access to the museum and static collections. Children under 15 go free, but tickets are selling fast! Head to iwm.org.uk to get yours today.
4. Kids Rule!
Audley End, ends 2 June
Make your way to the scenic grounds of Audley End to catch the last of its May half-term kids’ special extravaganza! Here you will find a host of traditional Victorian lawn games to try, including lawn billiards, cups and balls and croquet.
Promising a day of good old-fashioned fun, have a go at Victorian lawn games like shove ha’penny. Learn more at english-heritage.org.uk and book online for a 15% discount.
5. Sheep Shearing
Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, 8 June
This fun-packed farm has plenty to keep the family entertained, including an award-winning play area and over 50 acres of gardens. Head on down for the annual sheep shearing event as it’s time for the fleeces to come off for summer!
You will find Sacrewell conveniently located near Peterborough, just off the A47. Learn more at sacrewell.org.uk
6. Cambridge Town & Country Fair
Parker’s Piece, 8-9 June
Located in the heart of Cambridge, one of the city’s favourite free events returns for the weekend. Parker’s Piece will be taken over by a host of exhibitors spanning arts and culture, food and drink, outdoor and garden goodies, plus a whole heap of interesting and unusual stalls! Aside from live music, spectators can also enjoy equestrian displays, steam engines, a WWI mounted re-enactment, birds of prey shows and children’s entertainment. The event runs from 10am to 5pm both days with free entry.
7. Little Acorns at the Farm Cafe
Wimpole Estate, 11, 18 & 25 June
This pre-school group is a popular event now returning for a second term. For children aged between two and five, spend the morning getting creative with craft activities and messy play while learning about the animals down on Home Farm.
Events run between 10.30am and 12pm and are a brilliant way to develop social, communication and fine motor skills through stories, songs and plenty of activities. Booking is essential. Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wimpole-estate
8. Father’s Day Celebration
Audley End Miniature Railway, 15-16 June
In honour of its 60th anniversary and in loving memory of its founder Lord Braybrooke, Audley End Miniature Railway is going to be celebrating Father’s Day with the launch of a brand-new electric train!
On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, guests will enjoy a day out with music, interesting machinery to explore, fair rides and cream teas, to list a few, as families are invited to continue the tradition of visiting Audley End Miniature Railway in its 60th year. Best of all, fathers go free!
Book your tickets at audley-end-railway.co.uk/whats-on/60th-anniversary
9. Seska: Don’t Wee Your Pants
Cambridge Junction, 16 June
This afternoon show promises a bonkers performance from one of the UK’s funniest family-friendly comedians. Viewers can expect a fast-paced interactive magic show that’s bound to have your sides splitting. The show is suitable for children over the age of two and lasts for 45 minutes.
Tickets available at junction.co.uk
10. Steam Engine Collection
Thursford, ends 4 September
Since opening for the 2024 season in early April, the incredible steam engine collection at Thursford is well worth a visit if you’re making a trip to North Norfolk – especially if you’re in search of an indoor activity for a rainy day!
Here, you will find the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs, plus you can ride on fairground carousels or the gondola and enjoy silent movies. At 12.30pm and 2pm daily, you also get the opportunity to hear one of the world’s leading theatre organists play the mighty Wurlitzer!
Once you’ve had your fill of the display, stop for a spot of lunch in the Barn Cafe and pay a visit to the ‘olde worlde’ shopping village. Tickets available at thursford.com
