Family-friendly things to do at Wicken Fen

A family with a pushchair and a young child running ahead walk along the boardwalk at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, with sedge growing on either side and mature trees in the distance — On the boardwalk at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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 enjoy the wheelchair/pushchair-friendly woodland walk, join our popular brass rubbing trail around the boardwalk, pick up an explorers' bag and there's always some colouring or craft activities waiting for you in the family discovery area inside the visitor centre.

Autumn adventures

Don't miss the Super Spider Trail in the Woodland Walk until 10th November. Learn about our eight-legged residents of Wicken Fen with family games and activities throughout the woods to test your skills. And see if you can spot some soft, cuddly spiders hidden around the Fen Cottage!

Our popular Mucky Pups sessions are running on 15 November - for pre-school children (aged 2-5) who love getting grubby!

Winter wonders

Father Christmas at the Fen, every weekend from 23 November to 22 December. Enjoy a traditional festive treat with your little ones in the Fen Cottage at Wicken Fen. Join the Elves to make a Christmas decoration and collect a take-home Christmas craft pack, then make your way to Fen Cottage to meet Father Christmas and receive a present. This event is very popular and always sells out quickly. Tickets are £13.50 per child.

Please note that all dates are now sold out except for Saturday 23 November - so book now to avoid disappointment!

From 30 November to 13 January, there will be a new winter trail around the accessible boardwalk. Enjoy the story of Parsnip the Highland calf as she makes her way back to the herd, finding new friends along the way. The trail is free, but normal admission applies.

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 (March to October only)

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 running daily throughout the summer

Go on a cycling adventure (March to October only)

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 (March to October only)

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.

Boat trips run daily throughout the summer. Please contact us on 01353 720274 to check availability and to book. 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.