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 team members 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.
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 May 12th, 2025, by the Traditional Punting Company Editor