Cambridge Attractions for Children

(Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK)

If you are visiting Cambridge as a family and looking for specific children's attractions, then it is well worth considering taking an excursion outside of the city and heading to one or more of the surrounding zoos, wildlife parks and farms. Being so close by (less than 4 miles / 6 km), the Linton Zoological Gardens is very likely to be your first choice and comes with many exotic birds, African animals, creepy crawlies and attractive grounds.

Slightly further from Cambridge, although equally appealing and highly suitable for a day trip, is the Shepreth Wildlife Park, where animal attractions are accompanied by daily keeper talks, special lemur and tiger days, themed weekends (Easter, Halloween and Christmas) and play areas. For a rather hefty charge, you can even become an assistant keeper for the day. Elsewhere, Wimpole Home Farm, Sheep's Green and Lammas Land, and the Wood Green Animal Shelter are all worthy of consideration.

Linton Zoo / Linton Zoological Gardens

Address: Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire, CB1 6NT, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 891308
Linton Zoo, in southern Cambridgeshire, is one of the most popular attractions for children visiting the area. Covering just over 6 hectares / 15 acres, Linton Zoo is full of a wide range of animals, such as lions, tigers, snow leopards, Grevy's zebras, tapirs, lemurs, owls, parrots, hornbills, giant tortoises and insects. There is also a gift shop, a café, a playground and a picnic area.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00, weekends only during the winter months
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and young children

Shepreth Wildlife Park

Address: Willersmill, Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ, England
Tel: +44 (0)9066 800031
The Shepreth Wildlife Park is located in the nearby village of Shepreth, roughly 20 minutes to the south-west of Cambridge. Full of exotic animals of all descriptions, the Wildlife Park is called home by wolves, prairie dogs, tigers, lynx, mountain lions, horses, goats and pony rides. Another particular interest is the petting zoo area, where children are able to stroke some friendly animals, such as goats and rabbits. Also onsite is Bug City, Waterworld - with stingrays, a buttery pavilion, picnic areas, a café, a playground area, coin-operated rides, animal food bags and an extensive gift shop, overflowing with cuddly creatures.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and young children

Wimpole Home Farm

Address: Arrington, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 207457
Wimpole Home Farm was founded in the late-18th century and is part of the vast Wimpole Hall Estate, located in the southern Cambridgeshire area. Full of many rare-breed animals, such as pigs, cattle, sheep, horses, goats, poultry and much more, additional attractions include a Victorian dairy, historic farmyard machinery, woodland walks and a farmyard shop full of local produce. Of note, Wimpole Home Farm is now managed by the National Trust.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 to 17:00, also open on Fridays between July and August
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, National Trust members are free

Sheep's Green and Lammas Land

Address: Fen Causeway / Newnham Road, Cambridge, CB2 2AD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 302580
Sheep's Green and Lammas Land is located on the southern side of the city, being just past the Cambridge University Botanic Garden and close to the Lakes Golf Course. With riverside walks, sheep, cattle, a large playground area for children, expanses of grassland, a nearby Mill Pond and a small paddling pool, the park also provides the perfect spot for a riverside picnic - weather permitting of course!
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Wood Green Animal Shelter

Address: London Road, Godmanchester, PE18 8LJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1480 830014
The Wood Green Animal Shelter is to be found roughly 30 minutes to the north-west of Cambridge city centre, just before the market town of Huntingdon, where it is full of rescued animals and pets, such as rabbits, cats, dogs, llamas, pigs and donkeys. Other attractions at the shelter include a shop, a restaurant, a designated picnic area, water gardens and a playground.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children