Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this summer without heading too far from home?
Whether you’ve got little ones with big energy or teens looking for something different, East Cambs has plenty going on throughout the holidays. Here are some brilliant days out, easy wins, and memorable moments waiting to happen — all close to home.
Young Ranger Days at Wicken Fen
Let your young adventurers become rangers for the day at one of the country’s oldest nature reserves. Kids aged 7-12 can help monitor moths, check in on the Konik ponies, and discover what owls have been eating by dissecting owl pellets.
Available 19th and 26th August. Booking is essential, and all young rangers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a purchased ticket.
Please be advised the day involved 2-3 miles of walking.
Pop-Up Beach at Ben’s Yard
Ben’s Yard Beach is the perfect getaway for families looking for some much-needed fun and quality time together. With a wide range of activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone here.With soft sand, deck chairs, a paddling pool, and all your favourite fairground rides, this pop-up beach is perfect for a family day out. Little ones can explore safely while older kids enjoy the attractions.
Tickets are available to purchase on the day, no pre-booking is required. Under 2’s will be free of charge and there will be unlimited wristbands available per session. There will still be the option to purchase tokens for the rides in a pay-as-you-go system, should you not want to purchase a wristband, tokens can be purchased for the rides on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Please note that for hygiene, health & safety reasons, dogs are not permitted in The Beach Event, but are welcome throughout the rest of Ben’s Yard site.
Summer at the Museum
Get hands-on with history at Ely Museum this summer.
Alongside the permanent galleries, a fun and informative new temporary exhibition ‘Hold On To Your Hat!” arrives for the summer which includes plenty of hats for visitors of all ages to try on and over 100 historical images of local residents and their hats.
On Saturday 13th August the museum will be holding out Victorian Living History Day, where visitors will be able to talk to various reenactors about work and play in Victorian Ely and learn about toys, games and even help with the washing. Event included with standard admission.
Children’s craft events are a weekly occurrence on Thursdays throughout August, with Thursday 4th and Thursday 11th August featuring drop in crafts. These are priced at £3 per child in addition to an admission ticket or annual pass.
There are also two pre-booked craft sessions. Thursday 18th August is Craft Your Own Cap, which starts at 11am where each child will leave with two different decorated hats. Thursday 25th August, is Marvellous Mosaics and children will learn about the ancient Roman art of creating pictures from tiles and then make a real ceramic mosaic tile to take home with them. £9.50 per child
Summer of Play at Anglesey Abbey
The National Trust’s Summer of Play returns with five creative, beach-themed play zones around the gardens, including a giant sandpit, sports like volleyball and badminton, and hands-on craft sessions. There’s even a live sand sculpture event on 13th August, where you can watch artists create a giant Anglesey Abbey replica from sand!
Crazy golf also returns until the 10th August.
Some activities may carry an extra charge. No booking needed; standard admission applies.
Summer at South Angle Farm Park
South Angle Farm Park is ready to welcome you for a summer full of furry friends and hands-on fun.
Each week brings a new animal theme, from reptiles to rabbits, plus daily talks, storytelling with puppet pals, and meet & greets with the farm’s cutest residents.
Daily activities include:
-Storytelling featuring an animal puppet
– Animal talks
– Themed crafts related to the animal of the week
– Bubbles for everyone
And don’t miss the brand-new mini golf course, fun for all ages.
On top of all this, the farm boasts a host of adorable animals, sand play areas, a pedal tractor play track and craft barns, ensuring your little ones will not be short of entertainment.
Booking essential.
Whether you’re staying local or visiting from nearby, East Cambs is packed with family fun this summer. Bookmark this list, pack your suncream (and a raincoat, just in case), and get exploring.