Punting with Kids
Looking for a family day out that’s a little different? Why not try punting with kids on the River Cam, a magical way to explore Cambridge with your children. Gliding gently along the water, surrounded by historic colleges, beautiful gardens, and wildlife. Punting offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Whether it’s your first time or a much loved tradition, a family punting trip is the perfect mix of adventure and discovery. We know that parents may worry about their littles ones safety on board, so we are here to answer some punting questions you might have to put your minds at ease.
Punting is a relaxing, safe, and exciting activity that’s perfect for all ages. The River Cam is calm and steady, meaning there’s no strong current or choppy water to worry about. The punt itself is a flat, stable boat that glides smoothly along the river without rocking from side to side, making it a comfortable experience even for little ones. For added peace of mind, we offer lifejackets for children and adults; simply request them in advance when you book. With our experienced chauffeurs guiding the way, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure together.
Punts, Paddles, and Peace of Mind!
Safety is our top priority when it comes to punting with kids, and we want every family to feel relaxed and confident during their trip. Our experienced chauffeurs are trained to provide a safety briefing at the start of each tour, ensuring everyone knows what to expect. We also ask that children remain seated and keep their hands, legs, and any belongings inside the punt to ensure a smooth, safe ride. Parents, we encourage you to keep a close eye on little ones as you enjoy the journey. With these simple precautions in place, punting with kids is a fun, stress-free experience for everyone.
Our tours don’t include any toilet stops along the way. We recommend that families use the nearby public toilets at Jesus Green or Quayside before boarding. To keep things running smoothly, we suggest arriving at our landing stage about ten minutes before your departure time, where one of our lovely Cambridge River Cam punting specialists will be ready to greet you and get you set for your punting adventure.
Wildlife Watching from Your Punt
For many children, spotting wildlife is one of the most magical parts of punting on the River Cam. The gentle movement of the boat means there’s no rush, just plenty of time to look, listen, and enjoy everything nature has to offer. As you glide along, ducks and moorhens often paddle right up to the punt, hoping for a friendly wave. Swans drift past, and you might even see cygnets in springtime, fluffy and grey. Below the water, kids might spot fish darting between weeds. It’s like a real life nature documentary, only better because you’re in it!
For even more fun, why not bring a pair of binoculars or add on one of our nature activity books. You can even turn it into a game, who can spot the first swan, or count the most ducks! The river is alive with wildlife all year round, making every punting trip a bit different.
Games on the go – our Activity Book
Why not make punting with kids even more exciting by adding on one of our nature activity books to your booking? These fun filled booklets are a great way for kids to stay engaged during the tour, with space to keep track of the different wildlife they spot along the way.
The activity book is packed with extra games and puzzles to keep young minds busy. Expect fun challenges like dot-to-dot, spot the difference, crosswords, word searches, and more. Whether they’re ticking off birds or solving a riverside riddle, it’s a great way to make their punting journey even more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions: Punting with Kids
Is punting safe for young children?
Yes, punting is very safe for children. Our punts are stable and our chauffeurs are highly experienced. We also provide life jackets for children (and adults) upon request with 24 hours’ notice. We ask that children remain seated and are supervised by an adult throughout the trip. All children aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
What is the ideal age for children to go punting?
Children of all ages can enjoy punting, and there is no minimum age requirement! We find that even babies and toddlers are fascinated by the water and wildlife. Please note that children aged one year and older need to be included in your group booking numbers. For very young children, our standard 45-50 minute trip is usually just the right length, and you’re welcome to bring along a small snack or quiet toy.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes, we have life jackets available in a range of children’s and adult sizes. Please let us know at the time of booking or give us at least 24 hours’ notice if you would like life jackets for your party.
How long does a typical punt trip last?
The standard shared punt tour lasts approximately 45-50 minutes. If you book a private punt, you can choose a longer duration to suit your family’s needs.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We operate punting tours year-round in most weather conditions, and provide blankets and umbrellas to keep you dry and comfortable. In the case of extreme weather conditions (such as lightning, gale-force winds, extreme temperatures, or strong river flows) we may need to cancel for safety. In such cases, we will offer to reschedule or provide a refund according to our cancellation policy.
Can we bring a stroller?
Yes, you can bring a stroller, pram, or buggy. However, due to space constraints on the punt, we ask that you leave it at our check-in desk. We have a secure area where strollers can be safely stored during your trip.
Are there toilet facilities nearby?
Yes, there are public toilets located on Jesus Green or at Quayside, both a short walk from our departure point. We recommend using them before your trip, especially with young children.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Please take all your rubbish with you at the end of the tour.
What should we wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. It’s a good idea to dress in layers, as it can be cooler on the river than on land. Don’t forget sun hats and sunscreen on sunny days!
Do you offer discounts for children?
Yes! Children under the age of one are classified as “babies in arms” and do not require a ticket. We also offer special family discount packages. Please see our booking page for current pricing and family ticket options.
What if my child gets restless during the trip?
Our experienced chauffeurs provide fascinating commentary about Cambridge’s colleges and history throughout the journey. The trip is not too long, and the changing scenery and wildlife usually keep children engaged and entertained. Feel free to bring a small quiet toy or book if it helps.
Is it possible to book a private punt for just our family?
Absolutely! Booking a private punt is a great option for families. It allows you to have the entire punt to yourselves and you can customize the trip to your liking. You can even adjust the duration if you wish.
Are the punts accessible for people with disabilities?
Our punts are traditional flat-bottomed boats. While there is no direct wheelchair access onto the punts, our team can assist with boarding if passengers are able to transfer to a seat. Please contact us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements to help you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy differs depending on whether you’ve booked a shared or private tour:
Private Tours:
- More than 24 hours before departure: 70% refund
- 12-24 hours before departure: Non-refundable, but you can reschedule for a £15 fee
- Within 12 hours of departure: Non-refundable and non-amendable
Shared Tours:
- More than 12 hours before departure: 70% refund
- 2-12 hours before departure: Non-refundable, but you can reschedule for a £15 fee
- Within 2 hours of departure: Non-refundable and non-amendable
Our complete refund and cancellation policies are listed here.
Family Fun, Friendly Prices – Family Discount Tickets
Finding activities that are both suitable to your family and budget can be difficult. So we at the Traditional Punting Company, wanted to make punting something that can be enjoyed by all. When booking a punting Cambridge tour online, we offer the best rates for both private and shared tours. Our morning tours before 11 am is when the river is at its quietest, which means families can take full advantage of the river without the crowds or the midday sun. Conveniently, our most affordable tour times are in the morning before 11am.
We have also introduced family punting tickets, making our shared tours more affordable for those with children. Please note that when booking a punting tour, children under the age of one are classified as babes in arms. Whilst not being included in the head count, they are very welcome to come on board. If you have any questions about booking a family punting tour, contact us on 01223 782306 and talk with one of our friendly office team anytime between 9am – 5pm daily.
Posted on October 28th, 2025, by the Traditional Punting Company Editor
