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!
Family summer activities in Norfolk 2025
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Discover the Best Family Summer Holiday Activities in Norfolk – 2025 Guide
Planning a summer holiday in Norfolk with the kids? Look no further! Norfolk is one of the UK’s top family holiday destinations, offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From golden beaches and scenic coastal walks to family-friendly attractions and exciting outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Summer 2025. Our ultimate guide to family activities in Norfolk will help you make the most of your summer break and holiday - there’s something for every age, interest, and energy level—ensuring fun-filled days and magical memories for the whole family.
See below for a selection of fantastic ways for kids and their adults to spend their time this summer, some of which are free.
Don't forget to also check out our frequently updated Norfolk family listings for hundreds more family friendly days out, activities and events taking place this summer and beyond
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Robin Hood at Hoveton Hall Estate
Come and meet Robin and his Gang as they battle against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and steal from the rich to give to the poor.
With Maid Marion’s help they might be able to finally stop Prince John and the Sheriff from ruining everything and set the people of Nottingham free?
Full of memorable characters, silliness, songs,and charm this production is an hour of pure escapism which will leave all the family with a smile on their face!
Find out more and book via the website
BeWILDerwood: A summer of FUN and stinky new adventures!
Get outdoors and visit BeWILDerwood for a summer filled with fun, imagination, and muddy knees. Follow the Pongy Potions stink trail, watch the new show Minty and the Big Stink, meet Minty herself and create lasting memories together as you swing and slide your way through the woods!
Inspired by the brand-new BeWILDerwood book Minty and the Big Stink, a Summer of fun is all about getting outside and getting stuck into magical adventures – just like Minty does.
The woods are open 10am – 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Book your tickets online today at bewilderwood.co.uk.
Early identification is the key to effective intervention.
“At Indigo, we specialize in dyslexia and dyscalculia screening, offering a more in-depth assessment than standard school-based tests. Our face-to-face screenings, costing £95 each or £190 for both, provide a probability of a learning difficulty, a results report, and an interpretation meeting to discuss strengths, weaknesses and strategies for improvement. Our assessors are specialists in SEND with 20 years of experience giving advice on literacy and numeracy development. Our services are offered at our city centre office in Norwich or online by videoconference.”
www.4dyslexics.com" target="_blank">Find out more and make an appointment at: www.4dyslexics.com
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Rescue and Recycle!
More and more people are recycling things from all around their homes. Lots of items we regularly use in the bathroom could be recycled but it’s a room that often gets forgotten about. Things like pump dispenser soap bottles, aerosols containing shaving foam or deodorant, trigger spray cleaners and bleach bottles can all be recycled but often end up in the rubbish bin. It’s time to rescue these items and recycle them!
To find out more, please visit www.norfolkrecycles.com
Summer Fun at Mattishall Golf Club - 23rd July - 3rd September.jpg)
Putt your way around the 9-hole fun and challenging Indoor Mini Golf course this summer, it’s sure to entertain you all! They’ve got lots of fun and games taking place on their Indoor Mini Golf and Simulators book 1hr for only £25 during summer holidays, make sure you add Mattishall Golf Club into your summer holiday plans!
Book via 01362 882556 or online
Find out more at www.mattishallgolfclub.co.uk/indoor-mini-golf/
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KIDS GO FREE!! ALL Summer Holidays at Billingford Lakes
Go and enjoy their Nature Walks this Summer Holidays- open daily from 9am
- Explore the Beach Themed Activity Trail,
- Explore nature and wildlife
- Discover the new Giant Deckchair and Baliff Basil Photo Boards
- New music area
- Visit the Lakeside Cafe
- Swing in the nest swing and much much more!!
- Free parking & dogs Welcome
The contact number is 01362788111 or visit www.billingfordlakes.co.uk/naturewalks/
Step Aboard a Journey of Miniature Discovery 
New for Summer 2025, the Mike Pearce Matchbox Collection. Go and be wowed by one of the largest collections of Matchbox diecast vehicles in the country. Step aboard a beautifully displayed collection inside a classic Leyland Olympian double decker bus. There are thousands upon thousands of diecast vehicles to see. From the very first models ever produced by Matchbox all the way up to current day vehicles. Ranging from cars, lorries, planes, and monster trucks. This is a collection to not be missed. On display at Wroxham Miniature Worlds until October 2025.
Find out more at www.wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk
Summer Trail at The Museum of the Broads - Fun and Frolics!
Have a go at hoola-hoop and hopscotch and challenge yourself to build something super out of sponge! Who can complete the giant jigsaw in the fastest time and spot all the miniature holidaymakers hidden in the museum displays! Fun and games for all the family and a playful look back at holidays on the Broads!
Take a boat trip! Bring a picnic and have an ice-cream!
Explore the museum which brings the stories of the broads alive!
Find out more at www.museumofthebroads.org.uk
This summer at Whitlingham Adventure
Whitlingham Adventure, based in the beautiful Whitlingham Country Park, on the edge of Norwich within the Broads National Park, is the perfect place for a summer adventure. With school holiday courses for ages 8 to 16 years, active birthday parties, family craft hire and private launch available, throughout the summer. A range of water activities including sailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and more, with nationally qualified instructors to ensure a high-quality adventure afloat and on the land. School activity days and group bookings available for youth organisations.
Find out more at www.whitlinghamadventure.org.uk, email whitlingham@norfolk.gov.uk. Tel: 01603 632307.
“We’ve got a busy summer at High Lodge Thetford Forest.”
“On 24th July, we’re holding our annual Open Day. Reduced parking rate for the day, and loads of stalls and activities to see – watch our harvesting team demonstrating our massive tree felling machines, or meet our wildlife rangers! On 22nd August we’re getting a special visit from Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man! You can meet Stick Man, have a picture taken, and have loads of fun with games and crafts on the day. Plus, all your usual favourites at High Lodge Thetford Forest.”
Find out more at www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge
Great Yarmouth Racecourse is set to host two Family Fun Days this summer, promising unforgettable experiences for children and parents alike.
First up is Superhero Family Fun Day, where little heroes can meet their favourite characters, save the day like their favourite heroes, and enjoy a full afternoon of racing action. With face painting, a Shetland Pony Race, and fairground rides, young adventurers will be entertained throughout. Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters, with prizes for the best costumes!
Later in the summer, families can step back in time at Dino Family Fun Day. A roaring day out awaits, featuring life-size animatronic dinosaurs, more face painting and fairground rides. Children can come face to face with their favourite prehistoric giants!
Families are also encouraged to bring their own picnics – making it a great value day out during the School Summer Holidays. Plus, both days are covered by ARC’s Wet Weather Guarantee – meaning if it rains, you will be invited back to an alternative race day at Great Yarmouth Racecourse for free.
With thrilling racing on the track and a host of free entertainment off it, Great Yarmouth’s Family Fun Days offer fantastic value and are not to be missed this summer.
Find out more at www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk
Norwich Castle Keep – Reopening this Summer!
It’s going to be an exciting summer at Norfolk Museums, with Norwich Castle Keep reopening to the public, restored to its former medieval splendour and now accessible from basement to battlements. The space is bedecked with specially created tapestries and decorations alongside immersive story-telling projections and the new Gallery of Medieval Life, created in partnership with the British Museum, with national treasures and Norfolk’s own collections on display.
Find out more about opening details for Norwich Castle, along with events and membership for all ten Norfolk Museums at museums.norfolk.gov.uk.
Message from Dotty Pottery
“Visit one of our award-winning Dotty Pottery ceramic painting studios, located at White House Farm in Sprowston, or at Wroxham Barns in Wroxham.
Enjoy a fun, family friendly activity (even your fur babies can get involved!), with ceramics to suit all ages and abilities. Enjoy a couple of hours decorating your chosen ceramic.
You can bring your own food and drink to enjoy in the studio while you paint, or you can purchase some tasty treats from the cafes open at both sites.
Booking is advised during school holidays, but we always try to fit in walk ins where we can.
To book, visit our website www.dottypottery.co.uk or call the studio you want to visit on 01603536526 ext. 1 White House Farm ext.2 Wroxham Barns.”
Get ready for a summer full of thrills at Pleasurewood Hills.
The Big Top Spectacular with Circus Hassani is not to be missed, featuring dazzling displays of acrobatics, jaw-dropping stunts and laugh-out-loud comedy, with daily performances from 19 July to 31 August. Little ones will love the Egg-Spress rollercoaster and the splashtastic Water Fun Factory. Enjoy wonderful encounters at Sea Lion Splash and be amazed by the colourful Birds of Paradise display. With rides, shows and adventures for all ages, there's something for everyone.
Book online for the best prices at pleasurewoodhills.com.
Ignite Confidence This September with Razzamataz Theatre School!
Back to school is the perfect time for children to try something new! At Razzamataz, they offer high-energy performing arts classes in singing, dance, and drama for ages 4–18. Whether your child is full of confidence or just finding their feet, our classes help them grothew in self-esteem, make new friends, and express themselves creatively.
They are offering FREE taster sessions throughout September, so your child can give it a go with no pressure. Join the fun and watch them shine, book now!
Contact 07454041131 or email norwichcentral@razzamataz.co.uk
Get ready for a Summer of Play!
Enjoy fun-filled days out and exciting adventures in Norfolk throughout the summer holiday with the National Trust’s Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank.
Each place has something different – try your hand at archery, badminton, sports day races and croquet. Put your skills to the test with outdoor games of swingball, giant tumble towers and noughts and crosses. Dress up and step centre stage or make music on mushrooms! Explore the great outdoors, go bug hunting, wildlife spotting and make your own wild art.
Summer of Play has been designed with families in mind, to make each visit special. In between activities, there are plenty of picnic spots and shady rest areas to enjoy and of course, toilets, tea-rooms and cafés offering refreshing food and drink and ice creams.
Adventure awaits at Holkham this summer holiday.
Tuck into incredible local eats at Feast in the Park, pop your explorer hat on and search for the Go-Go Safari animal hiding at Holkham, enjoy excellent entertainment at outdoor theatre, swing through the treetops on the high ropes course, glide across the lake in your very own rowing boat or hop aboard our tractor trailer tour!
Looking for a thrilling experience for the whole family? Gone Wild Festival returns for its second year in Holkham Park! Say goodbye to screens and routines and immerse yourself in a world of unforgettable adventure
Find out more at www.holkham.co.uk
New tropical butterfly house in Norfolk
The award-winning Bug Parc in Lenwade has opened a new tropical butterfly house to complement the other 230 different invertebrate species on show. They also have lots of outdoor play, such as a jumping pillow, undercover sand pit, pedal karts, climbing frames and old-style fairground games. They give regular animal talks and have Interactive animal handling experiences and pond dipping, adding to the day's fun. The handling experiences always book up in advance and now the Parc is often full in the holidays, so it is important to book in advance to secure your place.
Find out more at www.thebugparc.com
Ditch the screens and head outdoors for the ultimate family adventure at Gone Wild Festival!
Join Bear Grylls & friends for an action-packed weekend at Holkham Hall, Norfolk (7-10 August) or Powderham Castle, Exeter (21-24 August).
Adventure by day and party by night with over 100 activities to choose from, family entertainment, interactive live shows, talks & workshops and huge live performances every evening, with this year’s lineups including Ministry of Sound Classical, Clean Bandit, Dick & Dom and more.
Do something different with your family this summer and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Choose from Weekend tickets (camping included), Day tickets, or Evening tickets. Discover more at gonewildfestival.com.
GONE WILD FESTIVAL NORFOLK
Location: Holkham Hall, Norfolk
Event date: 7th - 10th August 2025
Event website: norfolk.gonewildfestival.com
Event contact email: norfolk@gonewildfestival.com
Facebook: Gone Wild Festival Norfolk
Instagram: @gonewildfestivalnorfolk
GONE WILD FESTIVAL DEVON
Location: Powderham Castle, Devon
Event date: 21st -24th August 2025
Event website: devon.gonewildfestival.com
Event contact email: devon@gonewildfestival.com
Facebook: Gone Wild Festival Devon
Instagram: @gonewildfestivaldevon
Snow Much Fun This Summer at Norfolk Snowsports Club!
Looking for something different to keep the kids active and smiling this summer? Norfolk Snowsports Club is bringing mountain-style excitement to the school holidays with Snow Much Fun This Summer! From high-energy tubing sessions to beginner-friendly ski and snowboard tasters, there’s a whole slopeful of adventure waiting for children aged 6+. No snow? No problem. With expert instructors, a safe, welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of fresh air and fun, it’s the ultimate way to cool off and burn energy, whatever the weather!
Ready to try something new? Get 25% off your summer session now at www.norfolksnowsports.com
Message from senSI
“At senSI, we are a dedicated multidisciplinary team offering high-quality specialist assessments and a comprehensive range of therapeutic treatments, aligning NICE guidelines. Our approach combines clinical expertise with a compassionate, person-centred ethos, ensuring every individual receives tailored, evidence based care.
Our treatment services include:
• Sensory Integration Therapy
• Motor Coordination Sessions
• SI Climbing Activities
• Psychotherapy – Dance, Play, Integrative, and Art Therapies
• Psychological Therapy – CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR
• Sleep Coaching
• Therapeutic Parenting Support
• SEN-Friendly Haircuts
• Therapressure Brushing
• Therapeutic Listening Programme
• Home Programmes
• Sensory Integration Room Hire
• SenSI is a Short Breaks provider
Tel: 01508 578577 Email: info@sensitreatment.com
Visit: www.sensitreatment.com
An a-maze-ing day out at Hirsty's!
This summer holiday, there's a brand new maze at Hirsty's Family Fun Park! Go and get lost, search for quiz clues, and collect stickers on your journey to find your way out.
Plus, you’ll find trampolines, mini tractors, bouncy castles and their barrel train, alongside go-karts, crazy croquet, inflatables, swings, slides and games galore… There really is no end to the fun you can have at Hirsty’s Family Fun Park!
Their on-site café is available for refreshments, and their nearby farm shop, fish counter and café is open daily.
Book online for the best prices or pay on the day.
Find out more at www.hirstysfamilyfunpark.co.uk
There’s lots to see and do at the North Norfolk Railway this summer!
Enjoy unlimited hop on hop off travel on both historic steam and heritage diesel trains, alongside model railways and bookshops to their 1930s Railway Cottage and brand NEW Play Coach.
Running between Sheringham and Holt enjoy spectacular views on-board, and join in the fun at their Golden Years event (July 26 – 27) with classic cars, live music and free rides on a variety of vintage buses too!
Plus, enjoy 15% off fares when you book in advance - see www.nnrailway.co.uk/opening-dates/ for timetables and full visiting details.
Join us at Hautbois activity centre for…
Family activity sessions - available during summer holidays - £12.20 per person, per session
The perfect opportunity to challenge family members and join in for an adventure! Suitable for ages of 7+.
Hautbois holiday fun club - open to 10–16-year-olds during school holidays - £27 per person, per day
4 adventurous activities throughout the day with breakfast, lunch, snacks and refreshments included!
Book all of these opportunities via the website at https://www.hautbois.org.uk/
Email – hello@hautbois.org.uk /Phone – 01603 739696
Win £150 of wildlife prizes with Norfolk Wildlife Trust!
Are you ready for a wild summer? Take part in Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s summer nature challenge and you could be in with the chance of winning £150 of wildlife prizes, including a hedgehog adoption! Simply complete six fun activities that will help you make the most of nature in Norfolk this summer and help the wonderful wildlife while you’re doing so.
To get started, visit norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/Summer and download your free nature challenge sheet.
Don’t forget - kids go free to all Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserves and visitor centres this summer!
"High Altitude Parties – Where Fun Takes Flight!"
Looking for the perfect party that’s stress-free and packed with fun? High Altitude Trampoline Park in Norwich has you covered! From trampoline adventures and inflatables to toddler soft play, they offer party packages starting at just £16.95 per person. Each party includes an hour of exciting activities, a dedicated party host, and delicious food options to make your child’s special day unforgettable.
They even host exclusive sleepover parties for larger groups – the ultimate celebration experience!
Book now at www.highaltitudepk.co.uk/birthdays, email us at info@highaltitudepk.co.uk, or call 01603 567200 to plan a party your kids will love!
Let off steam this summer!
Visit the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs at the Thursford Museum! With vintage fairground rides, live Wurlitzer shows from resident organist, Robert Wolfe, delicious catering options, a selection of retail shops and a picturesque picnic area – there’s lots to see and do. Celebrate the mighty machines of yesteryear this summer. Pay on the day of arrival. Free parking available with a fully accessible site. Open until September (check website for more details).
Coming soon to the collection - East Anglia’s biggest themed Play Park! Inspired by a vintage fairground. Keep a look out online for further information.
Find out more at www.thursford.com
Message from MTW Therapy
Expand your child's communication skills with MTW Speech and Language Therapy! We specialise in communication skills for children, offering tailored 1:1 therapy sessions, discounted summer assessments and convenient online training courses. Our expert team of therapists are dedicated to fostering each child's ability to express themselves, connect with others, and thrive. We work with everyone who communicates with your child in order to support the whole family and education setting. We empower your child to confidently take their next steps towards effective, joyful communication.
Visit www.mtwtherapy.co.uk or @MTWtherapy (Facebook) to learn more.
Get ready for a summer of spectacular events at Bressingham!
Kicking off the summer is their thrilling Fire Engine Rally. Plus, their beloved Steam in Miniature event returns, promising delightful scaled-down steam power.
New this year, is the Bressingham Model Boat Weekend, featuring the incredible "TUGS the exhibition." Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine won't want to miss seeing original models from the classic TUGS TV series, brought to you by the very creators of Thomas. We'll wrap up the summer with "Steam on the Farm," complete with tractors, steam engines, and a live petting farm.
Get your tickets at www.bressingham.co.uk/events.
Discover the joy of creativity through Norfolk's Art and Pottery studio.
A space for all things creative. Alongside StART Studio’s adult classes they offer engaging children's art and pottery classes with exciting holiday art camps too! Tailored to ignite the imaginations of young artists, their workshops for teens provide a fun and supportive environment where children can explore a variety of artistic techniques and express their unique ideas freely. From the vibrant world of painting to the hands-on experience of sculpting or throwing on a wheel, each session is designed to encourage creativity while building confidence in their artistic abilities. Join in for an unforgettable experience that not only nurtures creativity but also fosters valuable lifelong skills in your young ones!
Find out more at www.start-studio.co.uk
Upcoming events at Bure Valley
Strawberries and Steam
Treat your family to a day out by steam with the classic combination of strawberries and cream. Every fare-paying passenger on Saturdays and Sundays in July will receive complimentary strawberries and cream at the Aylsham Station to enjoy either onboard the train or in their Whistlestop Café.
For a truly special treat, indulge in a pre-bookable traditional Summer Afternoon Tea in their Whistlestop Café before or after your journey.
Adult Return £24:00, Child Return £14.00 and Under 5’s travel FREE.
A discounted family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) is also available at £60.00.
Kids Go Free this August Bank Holiday Weekend
Families can round off the school summer holidays with an exciting journey by steam train, right here in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.The Bure Valley Railway, based in Aylsham and Wroxham, is a nine mile trip through Norfolk countryside and is a great day out for all the family.
This August Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th, up to two kids can travel for free on the railway discount code AUGBHKIDS25.
Adult Return £24:00, Extra Child Return £12.00.
Trains departing from both Aylsham and Wroxham Stations.
Find out more at www.bvrw.co.uk
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is open every day for the summer holidays!
From traditional family favourites to white-knuckle rides for thrill seekers, there is something for everyone in your family. You can purchase your wristbands online and save £2 per person. Go and join in for the perfect seaside day out this summer! Their star attractions include the famous Scenic Railway, Polar Express, Pendulum, Dodgems, Pirate Ship, and the Fun Factory. Not to mention the brand-new Leo’s Jungle Journey, a family ride which takes guests on safari with Leo and friends. Book online now! Seaside fun for everyone.
Find out more at : www.pleasure-beach.co.uk
Pensthorpe Poo Trail, is back and bigger, better and stinkier than ever!
Perfect for young naturalists and explorers, they promise you heaps of gross facts and wonderfully odd insights along the trail to unlock your young ones' nature poo-tential.
Pensthorpe want to make sure you have something new to do every time you come along, so have special activities taking place alongside the trail all summer long starting at 2pm!
- Monday – craft session
- Tuesday – storytelling
- Wednesday – river dipping, to see what lives in the waterways on the reserve
- Thursday – owl pellet dissection, to find out what our owls have been eating?!
- Friday – Professor Poo and Dr Droppings, to find out more about the wonderful world of poo
- Saturday – story telling
- Sunday – bug hunting in the picnic area!
Your day ticket also includes pond dipping, giant den building, Hootz House indoor play, Wild Rootz outdoor play, spotter trails around the reserve, flamingo talks, nature table
You can also take a tour on the Discovery Explorer to see their magnificent 700 acre site up close. *additional fee applies
Sounds like a poo-fectly brilliant reason to buy a summer membership pass for just £30 per person so you can enjoy unlimited visits from 23rd July – 2nd September!
Find out more at www.pensthorpe.com