Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Easter Family Fun in Norfolk
Spring into Easter
Check out our guide for things to do at home and out-and-about this spring season
**Don’t forget that the clocks go forward on 31st March at 1am**
Easter craft
Stores such as The Works, The Range and Hobbycraft have lots of low-cost Easter craft ideas that you can enjoy at home including blank decorations for painting/colouring, bonnet making, garland and card crafting amongst other ideas.
If you are stuck for ideas, or want to utilise materials that you already have at home then take a look at our Easter Pinterest board at www.pinterest.com/primarytimeswriteplacemedia
Easter bookshelf
The Easter Story (My First Bible Story Series)
This illustrated retelling of the story of Easter is presented in simple and easy-to-understand language for young children and ideas for participation. Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
Would You Rather? Easter Edition by Lindsey Daly
In this Easter-themed book based on the popular game, readers of all ages can enjoy over 160 ‘Would You Rather’ questions and scenarios as a way to pass time and open up light-hearted discussions. Recommended for all ages but particularly age 8 to 12.
Easter Puzzles (Usborne Minis)
In this pocket-sized puzzle book, kids can enjoy spot the difference activities, crosswords, wordsearches, logic puzzles and more. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
New for 2024 – Sylvanian Families: Easter Search and Find
Explore the world of Sylvanian Families at Easter time with over 25 scenes to search and 200 things to spot. For ages 6 to 9.
New for 2024 – Dear Easter Bunny by Maxine Lee-Mackie
In this funny and warm hearted story, we join the Easter Bunny who needs her chick helpers to save the day when her superspectacular Eggatron chocolate making machine goes badly wrong
Nature spotting
Check out this quick guide to wildlife that you might be able to find when out and about this season
March/April: Peacock butterfly, brown hare, house martin, early bumblebee, bluebells
May: Badger cubs, fox cubs, rabbit, cuckoos
Easter dates
Good Friday – 29th March
Easter Sunday – 31st March
Easter Monday – 1st April
Easter Eggs
A chocolate treat can often be the main attraction during celebrations this season and in recent years, manufacturers have become increasingly adaptable to different requirements. For example, chocolate eggs that cater to food allergies and intolerances as well as vegan options are now more widely available than they ever have been before. Also, many Easter eggs are now in more environmentally friendly packaging with an increase in recyclable materials and reduction in plastics.
Easter Recycling
Can you believe that almost one third of the weight of an Easter egg is the packaging?! But did you know, you can actually recycle everything but the egg? Just pop the foil, cardboard box and any plastic inserts into your home recycling bin!
For more information and ideas about recycling, please visit www.norfolkrecycles.com
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Norfolk’s premier family park situated in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.
Pettitts has so much to offer for all the family. Fun rides, live shows and a variety of animals and reptiles, go bananas in their Monkey Mayhem indoor soft play and don’t forget unlimited Jurassic golf, all this included in the admission price.
Relax with a Costa Coffee and cake or try one of their many flavoured ice creams from the ice cream parlour.
Check out their special events happening this 2024 season by visiting their website or join them on Facebook.
Find out more at www.pettittsadventurepark.co.uk
The Stody Family Fun Day 2024
Flower fairies and cuddly bunnies await Norfolk’s youngsters on Sunday 5th May (free for under 12s). A wide range of activities and farmyard animals will be available for everyone to enjoy. There will be a brilliant Fun Dog Show, exciting treasure hunt, face painting and traditional fete games on the lawn. New for 2024 is a free kids 'animal journey' yoga session with the wonderful Hannah The Strong Yogini. There will also be an exciting art activity session with local artist Mary Blue. Ice-creams and delicious treats will be on offer as well as the full run of technicolour gardens and wide open spaces.
Find out more at www.stodyestate.co.uk
Redwings Book Festival - 18th May
Redwings Caldecott, in Norfolk, will host the first ever Redwings Book Festival on Saturday 18th May celebrating an array of local and national authors, from non-fiction, fiction and children’s literature, who all tell moving and inspiring stories about animals, and especially horses.
Those attending include best-selling author Elly Griffiths, television personality Suzie Fletcher (pictured), writer and Anna Sewell expert Dr Celia Brayfield, celebrated children’s author Joyce Dunbar and specialist in 19th century literature Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, among many others!
The festival is open to all ages, and tickets will cost £10 for adults with free entry for children aged 16 and under. Every adult ticket includes a free Redwings Book Festival tote bag.
Find out more at shop.redwings.org.uk/products/redwings-book-festival-ticket
Easter at The Bug Parc
Look out for the Easter themed trails at The Bug Parc, looking for eggs around the Parc - find them all and you will be entered into the monthly prize draw to win a hooooge fluffy tarantula cuddly toy. There is so much to see and do at the Parc with over 200 different invertebrates, outside play areas with a jumping pillow, pedal karts and an undercover sandpit. Never handled an insect? Now’s your chance to hold a millipede, insect, snail or other amazing creepy crawly in one of their hourly handling sessions but book early as sessions always get sold out.
Find out more at www.thebugparc.com
Mattishall Golf Club
Get into the Easter swing with the egg-citing Indoor Mini Golf course! Grab your putter and score card, and hop around the challenging, fun and egg-citing course for all ages. Don’t forget to take that all-important photo for the ‘gram on the floral photo wall before or after your game. The fun doesn’t stop there they have plenty of added extra fun and games for you to enjoy such as the magic pond, dinosaur, skyscraper or nearest the pin games on the Trackman Simulators. And for even more Easter joy, head to the function room kitted out with a table tennis, pool table and more!
Visit www.mattishallgolfclub.co.uk for all the details.
Orchard Toys partners with Chantry Place for the Peter Rabbit™ Word Trail
Visit Chantry Place from 23rd March to 14th April* for their new free trail inspired by The World of Peter Rabbit™ this spring, in partnership with Orchard Toys.
The fun trail is part of the launch celebrations for Orchard Toys’ new ‘The World of Peter Rabbit’ collection which features six stunning games and jigsaws, blending fun, educational gameplay with Beatrix Potter’s iconic characters to bring Peter Rabbit to life
To get involved with the Trail, pick up a booklet from Langleys or The Works at Chantry Place, before hopping off to collect letters and posting an entry in the postbox at Langleys Toy Store.
All correct entries are in with the chance to win an Orchard Toys bundle of games and a £50 H&M voucher courtesy of Chantry Place. Plus, the first 3,000 children to do the trail will receive a free Peter Rabbit Word Trail badge. Adding to the fun, every day of the trail, children (together with their families) can play the giant Orchard Toys Peter Rabbit floor garden maze.
Also, The World of Peter Rabbit collection from Orchard Toys will also be available to purchase at Langleys at Chantry Place while stocks last.
*Excluding Easter Sunday due to the Centre being closed
For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk/
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zing Easter Treasure Quest at Hoveton Hall Gardens: Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April
Enjoy a great day out this Easter and keep your children entertained with the Easter Treasure Hunt at Hoveton Hall Gardens (near Wroxham).
Easter at Hoveton Hall Gardens is an exciting place to be. Children can take part in their Easter Treasure Hunt. Following the clues, the treasure hunt will take you all on an exciting journey around the gardens ending at the tearooms so they can collect their Easter prize.
There is also a mini Easter egg hunt around the walled gardens for the under 5's.
Entry to the gardens is £9 per adult, £4.50 for children aged 4 -16, Concessions £8, under 4’s are FREE. Once you have paid your admission the Easter Treasure Hunt and Toddler Egg Hunt is free to take part. The gardens are open from 10.30am to 5.00pm.
For more details of this event and of the gardens please visit their website at www.hovetonhallestate.co.uk
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Easter Eggspress - 29th March to 14th April
This Easter school holiday, hop on the Easter Eggspress for a fun day out with the family. FREE Easter Egg for every child on completion of the Easter Stamp Trail at both Aylsham and Wroxham.
To add to this themed event, the stations and cafe will be decorated and Easter lunch boxes will be available to purchase (not included in ticket price).
Trains running from both Aylsham and Wroxham Stations. Under 5’s travel free.
ZB Class 30th Anniversary Day - 27th April
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their four ZB class steam locomotives and enjoy a great train day out with the family. Hop on and off as many times as you like during the day and travel behind each locomotive.
Dogs Day Out – 6th May
Join in for a special dog-friendly day out with family. Dogs travel FREE with a full fare-paying owner. Each dog will be offered a doggy bone when travelling and there will be doggy treats on sale in the café for the rest of the family
Find out more and book at www.bvrw.co.uk
Want to work in education or childcare?
Norfolk has a diverse range of educational establishments, from nurseries to schools, colleges to universities and specialist and alternative provision. If you are looking for a job in education or childcare Education Job Finder is the place to go! Working in education is so rewarding and every day brings different ways to support children in their development.
To support you in your job search they also have teaching and teaching assistant talent pools, which you can join to maximise your chances of gaining a position. They also run the Norfolk Supply Register if supply teaching is for you.
Visit www.educationjobfinder.org.uk to find out more about the varied opportunities available for your first, or next step, in your career.
Everyone Active’s Kids Pass offer
Great news for those who love getting value for money – you can grab extra bonuses when you book swim
ming lessons, a sports course or hold a children’s party.
Leading operator Everyone Active runs leisure centres in partnership with North Norfolk District Council, which offer a wide range of activities for all ages, abilities and interests.
When you book Everyone Active’s award-winning swimming lessons, a sports course or hold a children’s party, you’ll get a free six-month membership to Kids Pass, which gives access to fantastic offers.
North Norfolk leisure centres: The Reef Leisure Centre, Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre, Victory Swim and Fitness Centre, North Walsham Sports Centre and Cromer Sports Centre.
Find out more at EveryoneActive.com/KidsPass
Easter at National Trust Norfolk
Bring the whole family together this Easter and treat your loved ones to a spring adventure with the National Trust.
From getting active in the great outdoors, to spotting the signs of spring, and experiencing nature bursting into life at the places the National Trust cares for there are over 190 Easter trails to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In Norfolk, there are lots of trails for you to tackle, take your pick from Blickling Estate, Felbrigg Hall, Horsey Windpump, Morston Quay, Oxburgh Estate or Sheringham Park.
You’ll receive a trail sheet to guide you on your adventure and bunny ears to wear along the way. Every single National Trust Easter trail is different and celebrates nature, history and beauty. So, if you fancy doing more than one, go for it, they’re all different.
And of course, each National Trust Easter trail ends with a chocolate egg, or vegan and free from egg, made here in the UK using cocoa that’s responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.
National Trust Easter egg trails cost £3 per child, plus normal National Trust admission (free entry for National Trust members). Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk
Norfolk Wildlife Trust
This spring, why not explore the county’s wild spaces by visiting a Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve? From Cley Marshes on the coast to Hickling in the heart of the Broads, the Trust’s reserves and Visitor Centres offer an opportunity to experience the wonder of Norfolk’s wildlife.
From April, NWT Ranworth Broad will reopen for the spring and summer. Visit to enjoy boat trips and a fun and fascinating ‘Discovering Ranworth’ self-led nature trail. While you’re there, keep an eye out for any fearsome, fish-eating ospreys, which are beautiful birds of prey that NWT hopes will return to Ranworth this season!
Find out more at www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/spring
Hop along to Norwich Puppet Theatre this Easter for some springtime adventures!
From classic fairytales The Elves and The Shoemaker and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, to brand new stories of friendship in Moonsmile and The Wood Owl and the Box of Treasures, they have something for everyone!
Animal lovers will delight in The Zoo That Comes To You and Cardboard Carnival, and little ones can enjoy their first theatre experience with storybook favourite Where’s Mrs Ladybird, suitable for newborns to 3 years.
And get creative with your family by making your own Easter Bunny or Cardboard Creature in their puppet making workshops!
For more information please visit www.puppettheatre.co.uk
Easter at Norfolk Museums
There’s so much to do at Norfolk Museums this Easter! Discover how dinosaurs have been re-imagined for film, TV or books at the Dinosaurium exhibition at Time and Tide in Great Yarmouth, try out medieval combat at Norwich Castle, and find out what’s growing down on the farm at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. There’s lots more going on across the county, from King’s Lynn to Thetford and Cromer. Visit the website for more event details, and to find out about the great value Norfolk Museums Pass which gives you admission to all ten of Norfolk’s top museums for a whole year!
Find out more at www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Wroxham Miniature Worlds
The Great Little Indoor Adventure begins at Wroxham Miniature Worlds! Join them for their Ten-Year Anniversary to enjoy their model railways like no other! Depicting scenes from around the world, a variety of miniature displays to marvel at, toy collections from yesteryear and handcrafted dolls houses. Why not try your luck on their Vintage Penny Arcade? And don’t miss out on their retro video games, slot cars and amazing Lego City displays. Stop for light refreshments at the onsite café and be welcomed by their friendly staff. They are one family-attraction you won’t forget anytime soon!
Find out more at www.wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk
The Foster Care Charity
The Foster Care Charity supports foster carers across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to look after vulnerable children and young adults. Their mission is to make a positive impact on children's lives, enabling them to achieve their full potential, have a sense of belonging, and grow as individuals. With an average of 30 children needing help each week across Norfolk, they are growing their local team of foster carers. Do you think you could help?
Please get in touch for an honest conversation to find out if fostering is right for you and your family at www.fostercarecharity.org.uk
Make the most of your May Bank Holiday at Great Yarmouth Racecourse’s Family Raceday.
With thrilling horseracing action on track and a wide host of entertainment throughout the day, it’s the perfect outing for all the family. There’s some fantastic entertainment lined up including a fun fair, magic, face painting, Punch and Judy and balloon modelling. You can also watch the fantastic Shetland Pony Grand National before the first race!
This Norfolk race day is the perfect excuse to get the family together, enjoy the Spring sunshine, and dive into the world of horseracing. Book your tickets early for the cheapest price and avoid disappointment!
Find out more at www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk
Bamble Learning Community
“Bamble is an innovative alternative for children in Norwich, a children’s democracy and a happy haven. It’s a place where nothing has to happen and anything can (this week: song-writing, metal-detecting and planting trees). At Bamble you can play with friends, get inspired, you can be and become whoever you want to be. Join our open day on Saturday 6th April or arrange a visit any time: info@bamble.org. See if this is the dream place for you to have the happiest childhood imaginable.”
'He packs the night before Bamble and bounces out of bed in the morning' O's mum
Find out more at www.bamble.org
World Horse Welfare Hall Farm
World Horse Welfare Hall Farm is open every weekend and is a fun day out for the whole family. You can meet the ponies undergoing rehabilitation in the courtyard stables and take a walk around the paddock tracks to see the horses relaxing in the fields in their natural environment. Dogs on leads are welcome. There is also a fun Activity Trail, indoor & outdoor play areas and a recently refurbished coffee shop serving cakes & snacks.
Booking is required at www.worldhorsewelfare.org/visit-us where you will also find details of special events, activity days and more about the charity. The centre is also open Wednesdays in the school holidays.
Briarfields - the ultimate one stop shop for families this Summer to enjoy the best that North Norfolk has to offer.
The light and airy restaurant backs onto a spacious mowed garden and the brand new children’s play area is huge and suitable for children of all ages (and adults if so inclined!). Food is served daily from 12pm, the menu is interesting yet classic and even better, KIDS EAT FREE between 12pm and 5pm everyday! (excluding Sundays). Catch one of the live music or other events taking place this summer for the ultimate visit to the North Norfolk coast.
Great value passes available for Hirsty’s Family Fun Park
This year, why not treat the family to one of Hirsty Family Fun Park’s money saving passes.
Their full season passes cost £80 for adults, £90 for ages 3 to 16 and £50 for ages 1 to 2. Alternatively, their summer passes are available for £28 for adults, £45 for ages 3 to 16 and £20 for ages 1 to 2. These passes include unlimited entry to their upcoming events including Spring Baa-nanza, Woolly Whitsun, Summer Mega Maze and Hirsty’s Halloween Hoot!
Activating sun protection at Easter
With sunburn in childhood doubling the risk of melanoma, children should understand the importance of sun protection, and have access to sunscreen when playing outdoors.
Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code
To support this, Melanoma Fund is working with the Department of Education and local authorities, to get 'Holiday & Food' children's clubs signed up to the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code, a FREE accreditation campaign, offering downloadable sun protection resources that are fun and easy to implement.
Sunscreen for ALL
The charity also provides wall mounted sunboards, which come with a refillable dispenser and house a 1lr cartridge of SPF50 sunscreen, sun safety tips, and an adjustable UV dial, educate children that sun protection is only required when the UV Index is 3+. The idea ensures that if children arrive without sunscreen, they can still protect their skin!
Local support
The boards can be purchased by local authorities, or sponsored with logos, providing an impactful advertising opportunity for local/regional groups or individuals who want to give something back. Available at subsidised prices, which include delivery, branding and a small donation to the Melanoma Fund, the idea helps provide a level playing ground around children's future health.
For further information visit: https://www.melanoma-fund.co.uk/sunscreen-support/ or email. info@melanoma-fund.co.uk
