There’s lots going on in the region this summer to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays
In the garden
As well as various drop-in events, from plant printing on 4-5 August to summer nature wand making on 26-27 August, Cambridge University Botanic Garden is also hosting two family Saturdays (The Wonder of Worms on 4 July and Magnificent Moths and Beautiful Butterflies on 1 August) and a special trail that’s perfect for young explorers. An adventure through the garden with activities that reveal facts about how plants help people, wildlife and the planet, Professor Filbert’s Plant Heroes runs from 17 July to 7 September. All activities are free with standard garden admission. botanic.cam.ac.uk
In the fens
There’s lots for nature lovers in the wildlife-rich surroundings of Wicken Fen. Discover creatures under logs, among long grass and in the watery depths of the fen during bug-hunting and pond-dipping sessions (equipment provided). Learn the ropes through Young Ranger Days or try your hand at techniques to create striking bug and butterfly designs in family printing workshops. Various dates are available; find out more and book online at nationaltrust.org.uk/wickenfen
In the laboratory
As part of its Building a Better Future programme, which runs until March 2027 and aims to deepen children’s and families’ understanding of the world we live in, various interactive labs will be taking place during the school summer holidays at Cambridge Science Centre, including Tank to Tap, Human Habitats and I Spy Ecology. Meanwhile, a Genome Guardians show (on at selected times from 20 July to 31 August) calls for clue following to solve genetic puzzles. All shows and labs are first-come, first-served, but there’s also a gallery floor chock-full of fun hands-on exhibits. Find out more and book a session at cambridgesciencecentre.org
In the museum
Throughout the school break, families are invited to Gainsborough’s House in Suffolk to enjoy Tom’s Tuesday, a weekly drop-in programme packed with hands-on activities. The highlight of the season is Family Week (3-7 August), a celebration of creative play featuring events designed for all ages. From activities for toddlers in collaboration with Make Play to opportunities for older children, parents and grandparents to get involved with Suffolk Archives: The Hold’s Archive Trailer, there’s something for every generation to enjoy together. For more information, visit gainsborough.org
In the woods
The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants’ Wild in the Woods Great Fen Day Camp is designed to allow children (aged seven to 12) time to explore the great outdoors – with no parents required! The day is packed full of activities, games and crafts: swing from the trees, cook over the fire, design a den, go bug hunting, get creative with mud, use hand tools and more. Taking place at Ramsey Heights, day camps are available on 5 and 26 August, 10am-3pm. Find out more and book at wildlifebcn.org
In the ocean
From 18 July until 31 August (instead of the space exhibition we mentioned last issue, which will now take place early next year), Grand Arcade will be transformed into an underwater journey celebrating marine conservation. Featuring aerial and ground-level recycled-paper art sculptures of fish, dolphins, turtles, jellyfish, seahorses and a whale – plus educational displays, free children’s activities (including a ‘draw your favourite sea creature’ competition) and more – Grand Depths is a free-to-enter exhibition that’s being delivered in partnership with the University Museum of Zoology. grandarcade.co.uk, museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk