Family-friendly things to do at Wicken Fen

Visitors at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire with windmill behind them. — There's lots to do for all the family at Wicken Fen | © 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.

Join us in May for lots of family fun

Celebrating our 125th anniversary

You are warmly invited to join us on Saturday 4 May for a day of celebrations. There will be lots of activities for all the family to get involved in - from pond-dipping and dragonfly walks to making hedgehog crafts in the visitor centre. You can also pop into Fen Cottage, hire a bike or take a family boat trip along Lode's Way. Please note, it is necessary to book some of the activities.

Find out more

May half-term activities

Join us for a Cuckoo Clock workshop on May 28, where you can make a charming cuckoo clock model to hang on your wall at home! This brand new workshop will delight anyone who likes crafts - please click here to find out more and book your place.

We're also excited to be hosting a Building Bricks wetland workshop on Thursday 30 May and Saturday 1 June. What might you find at Wicken Fen in another 125 years' time? Come and have fun building future windpumps, wildlife and wetland artefacts with everyone's favourite building bricks - let your imagination run wild...

Other activities

Join the popular monthly Mucky Pups for pre-school children. Each session has a different theme and they all take place outside for great adventures in nature for youngsters. Booking essential.

You can explore the woodland walk, 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.

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
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.