Family-friendly things to do at Wicken Fen

A family takes part in an insect hunt in front of a windmill at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire — Family on an insect hunt at Wicken Fen | © National Trust Images/John Millar

If outdoor activities and learning about nature sound like a good day out for your family, Wicken Fen is the right place for you. Discover everything you need to plan your family day out, from events and activities for kids to hiring bikes.

Find out more

You can explore the wheelchair/pushchair-friendly woodland walk, follow the Creature Challenge trail (open to the end of June), join our popular brass rubbing trail around the Boardwalk, and there's always some colouring or craft activities waiting for you in the Family Discovery Area inside the Visitor Centre.

Summer activities

Delve into the watery world of Wicken Fen to find out what is living beneath the surface on our Pond Dipping sessions, running throughout the school summer holidays.

Discover creepy crawlies under logs and catch crickets in the long grass on a Bug Hunters adventure, running 24th July, 2nd and 5th August.

We have outdoor crafting sessions for those who like painting, cutting, sticking, stencilling and drawing, with Dragonfly Fun: Discover and Do on the 26th and 29th July, or Butterfly Fun: Discover and Do on the 7th, 16th and 19th August.

For the energetic, there are active play ideas, sensory challenges and medal-making with the Minibeast Superheroes event on 14th, 23rd and 28th August.

From 30th June to 1st September, there is a seasonal Dragons and Damsels family trail around the boardwalk.

And on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings there will be pizza and cold drinks available throughout the summer: 5-7.30pm on Friday and Saturday; and 5-8pm on Thursday when the visitor centre and boardwalk will also be open until 8pm.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Wicken Fen:

Baby-changing facilities are available in the toilets
Pushchairs and baby back-carriers are welcome
The Boardwalk and woodland walk on Sedge Fen are suitable for pushchairs
The Lodes Way cycle path is suitable for pushchairs
The road from the car park to the wider reserve is accessible
Drinks and snacks can be purchased from the Docky Hut Café which has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeaway
We stock a range of kids' books and toys in our shop

Family in a boat travelling along the water at Wicken Fen — Explore Wicken Fen by boat | © Mike Selby

Cycling and boat trips

Explore the reserve on two wheels and enjoy an easy family ride to see the Konik ponies or discover the wildlife in the wider reserve. Or take a ride on the Mayfly and see some water wildlife up close.

The cycle hire centre is open daily from March to October
You are welcome to bring your own bikes
Boat trips are now running again until October 2024

Go on a cycling adventure

Explore the reserve on two wheels and enjoy an easy family ride to see the Konik ponies or discover the wildlife in the wider reserve.

The cycle hire centre is open 7 days a week.
Cycle hire opens daily at 10am, last hire 2:30pm for a return by 4:30pm.
We have a range of bikes available for hire including ebikes, trikes and children’s bikes. There’s no need to book for cycle hire unless you have specific requirements.
Helmets are available, although do bring your own if you have one.
Locks are available so that you can secure your bike whilst out on your ride.

Cycle hire rates (all rates are for two hours; additional hours are charged on return)

Adult bike: £9.50
Recumbent trike: £9.50
Child bike: £5.75
Adult bike with child seat: £10.00
Trailer/tag: £16.00
Tandem: £19.50
E-bike: £15 for 2 hours

Enjoy a boat trip

Sit back, relax and watch the world go by as you explore the beautiful fenland waterways on the Mayfly. The 50-minute trips run from mid March to October.

Our open boat is powered by a quiet electric motor, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the Fen. Our expert driver will be able to let you know about the wildlife on the day, point out features of the Fen, and answer questions about fenland waterways and drainage.

At the moment, the boat is running a few times a week. Please contact us on 01353 720274 to check dates, times and to book your place. In the event of unfavourable weather, please call us to check if the boat is running.

Prices: Adult £7.25, child £4.25 (under 1s go free), family £21 (two adults and two children)

Pay on the day, in the Visitor Centre - non National Trust members please be aware, admission for Wicken Fen will also be required

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Dogs are not permitted on board (except assistance dogs)

Child holding a camera to take a photo — Enjoy learning more about photography | © Megan Taylor

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

There are lots of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities to tick off during your visit. Here are some recommendations:

No. 11 Explore on wheels: Feel the wind on your face as you explore the fen on a bike. See if you can spot the Konik ponies and discover more wildlife in the wider reserve
No. 25 Join nature's band: Head to the wider reserve or the Boardwalk and stop and listen for a minute. It won't take long to notice the music of nature and the longer you listen, the more you'll hear. Birds singing, woodpeckers tapping, reeds rustling. The fen is bursting with wildlife and the sounds of nature
No. 31 Make friends with a bug: In the summer the fen is full of the buzz of insects, spectacular hawker dragonflies and smaller darters. See what butterflies you can spot in the woodland walk glades and over the wet grassland
No. 44 Watch a bird: Wicken Fen is home to lots of birds. Birds can be shy or timid. You'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for our feathered friends. Head over to one of our hides to start your birdwatching, be as quiet as you can then sit tight and wait
No. 48 Keep a nature diary: Keep a record of your amazing adventures in nature, capturing your memories of the animals and plants you’ve seen at Wicken Fen. Call into the Visitor Centre where you’ll find information about the wildlife you might see at the fen.