Share:

Family summer activities in Norfolk 2022

 

With things returning to normality this summer after long last, there are lots of  fantastic things for families to do in Norfolk for the 2022 summer holidays.  

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

 

Summer at Norfolk Museums

With ten museums across the county there’s always something to see and do at Norfolk Museums. From heavy horses and rural history at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse; to maritime history and Retro Games at Time and Tide in Great Yarmouth; and activities and a new exhibition, The World we Live In, at Norwich Castle - there really is something for everyone.

A Norfolk Museums Pass is the ideal way to visit  as membership opens the door to not only a summer of fun, but a whole year of unlimited visits. Find out more at www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk.

 

Much to see at Thrigby Hall Wildlife gardens

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is renowned for its collection of Asian Mammals, birds and reptiles in the pleasantly landscaped grounds and gardens of Thrigby Hall. There are attractions for all age groups, including Leopards, Tigers, Gibbons, Otters, aviaries, and waterfowl. Visit the exciting tropical Swamp House to see Crocodiles, Alligators and Asian Turtles. The unique wooden walkways give visitors the opportunity to get close to the animals. There is a giftshop on site and Cockatoo Café serves a range of hot and cold food, ice creams, sweet treats, and drinks. There are several play areas for children and parking is free.

Find out more at www.thrigbyhall.com

 

 

Summer holiday fun for your little ones at Redwings

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, who have visitor centres across the UK, are excited to launch their brand new website for teeny tiny Redwings supporters – Mini Reds World!

Packed with games and activities from the popular Mini Reds magazines, there are even more activities to come in the future. Parents and Guardians can rest assured that there are no links or web addresses where little ones can access other sites, so it is a completely safe space for them to be online and learn more about Redwings whilst having fun at the same time.

Find out more at www.redwings.org.uk/youngredwings

 

Pettitts Animal Adventure Park

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 our new 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 our special events happening this 2022 season by visiting their website or join them on Facebook.  

 

Strawberries and Steam

A taste of British summer awaits their visitors in July. Enjoy a nostalgic journey by steam with a traditional summer treat of strawberries and cream. Every full fare-paying passenger on Saturdays and Sundays in July receives FREE locally sourced strawberries and cream.

Trains will be running from both Aylsham and Wroxham Stations. Please see their website for the full timetable. Booking is advised.  Adult Return £16:00, Child Return £8.00 and Under 5’s travel FREE.

Visit the website at www.bvrw.co.uk  

 

 

Explore an incredible underwater world at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth.

Discover the creatures that live in the shallow pools of our coasts at the Rockpool Explorer Experience, you can even touch a Starfish!

Vsit their tropical ocean display and come face-to-fin with their largest inhabitants, meet their cheeky Humboldt colony and journey into the fascinating world of jellyfish.

With so much to uncover, you will have a fintastic visit!

Summer Event - Join Peppa Pig on an amazing Aquarium Adventure! Meet Peppa as she dives in and makes friends with some of the ocean's most incredible animals.

Find out more at www.visitsealife.com/great-yarmouth/

 

 

The Jungle Book at Hoveton Hall

Join Mowgli as Bagheera and Baloo teach him about life in the jungle.

Watch as they encounter the monkeys, run from Shere Khan the tiger and get hypnotised by Kaa the snake!

A fun family show that takes you on a rollercoaster adventure! Brought to the stage by a cast of 5 actors, this production is sure to entertain the smallest to the eldest of your wolf pack.

DOT Productions return after the success of Robin Hood last year with this fun show for a younger audience. Bring a chair or rug and set up your little monkeys to enjoy an hour of fun filled entertainment on 14th August at Hoveton Hall.

Find out more at www.hovetonhallestate.co.uk/events

 

 

Megamaze and more at Hirsty’s Family Funpark

Go to Hirsty’s Family Funpark for a great family day out. Get lost on their 10 acre Megamaze, find all the clues and then get out! They have two new bouncing pillows for all ages, crazy croquet, hay bale mountain, rope climber, a double zip wire, football game, pedal go carts, trampolines and their own barrel train ride round the maze field. Relax in Hirsty’s Hunger Hut with fresh cooked meals, hot and cold drinks and best of all Dann’s Ice cream. A fun filled day out not to be missed

Find out more at www.hirstysfamilyfunpark.co.uk

 

 

Beasts & Beaks at Pensthorpe: Saturday 23 July – Monday 5 September

Pensthorpe has a MAMMOTH summer planned! Choose from one of 3 epic trails- a mammoth hunt to find where Pensthorpe’s very own mammoth tusks were found, a terrific trail to discover the evolution of dinosaurs to birds and a mini trail around the outdoor play area, WildRootz, that has been created with award-winning children’s toy company, Orchard Toys. Take part in pop-up wildlife talks, free arts and crafts activities, pond dipping and plenty more, and don’t forget a visit to the café to try a mammoth burger. Yum!

Find out more at www.pensthorpe.com

 

Rebellion on the Wym Trail

When strolling around Wymondham, it’s hard to imagine this was a seedbed for rebellion. Robert Kett, a local landowner, was playing for high stakes in 1549, when he stood up for the rights of workers. On 8 July Kett marched on Norwich and, with 16,000 peasants, set up camp on Mousehold Heath. The King sent his men to deal with the rebels and by 24 August it was all over. Discover this dramatic story by downloading the free Wym Trail app which will guide you along an enjoyable walk. There’s an under 12s trail too, with Henry the Hare telling the tale.

Find out more via the app and www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

 

 

Summer at Norwich Puppet Theatre

This summer holiday, get ready to go on a time-travelling environmental adventure with Stel & Wes Fight the Flood. Witty, interactive, and fun for all the family! See the show 2-7 August in the Norwich Puppet Theatre garden.

Then from 19-20 August, the Theatre is hosting some special ‘Puppets in the Garden’ show and workshop events. After watching Up Jumped the Crab, Laika the Space Dog, or The Four Friends, audiences can join in with a show-themed puppet making workshop.

The Theatre is also offering a fantastic four-day Puppet Club for children to make their own puppets and performances centred around the environment.

Find out more at puppettheatre.co.uk or phone 01603 629921.

 

Summer at Holkham

A day out at Holkham this summer is a day to remember. You can enjoy tasty local street food and the Adnams bar at Feast in the Park. Or why not hop aboard the tractor trailer for a tour of the park? There’s outdoor theatre and cinema to relish with friends and family, and the Walled Garden is a riot of colour. You can explore the state rooms in Holkham Hall, after which you can hire bikes and explore the myriad of cycle paths around the estate. The ropes course and woodland play area are perfect for active adventurers, and our three cafes are the ideal place to refuel. Holkham is a dog-friendly place too with most areas welcoming four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes.

Find out more at www.holkham.co.uk

 

Creepy Crawly Fun with BugzUK

BugzUK is the UK's newest, most unusual zoo, housing only invertebrates. See huge tropical millipedes, tarantulas and stick insects as well as slimy snails and colourful beetles and mantis and loads more other creepy crawlies that you have never seen before. You can even be brave and book a handling experience to get up close and personal with some of their animals. Take a break with a bite to eat at the Chrysalis café, serving breakfast, lunch coffee and cake, or spend some time shopping in the gift shop before relaxing on the patio with an ice cream

Book your tickets now at www.bugzuk.com

 

 

Tennis for everyone at Easton Tennis Centre

Easton Tennis Centre is a pay and play centre with no membership fees, based at Easton College on the outskirts of Norwich. They offer tennis for everyone from pre-school to adults, with all abilities welcome. The Centre has 8 indoor hard courts and 4 outdoor clay courts. If you’re looking to take up tennis for the first time or improve your existing skills, they have something for you. Offering everything from group coaching to individual lessons, and tournaments to holiday camps.

For more details, please call them on 01603 731302 or email them at easton.tennis@ccn.ac.uk. and find out more via the website

 

Norwich Theatre Royal and Stage Two are opening their doors for their annual Open Day on 24th July

This event is completely free and will give you a sneak peek behind the scenes of the largest theatre in the region. There will be backstage tours, an archive of over 100 years of theatre history, and the chance to see some dazzling panto costumes.

Discover what Norwich Theatre has to offer: grab a bite to eat, take part in a workshop, try your hand at lighting and costume design, and find out what it takes to bring theatre magic to life.

Find out more at www.norwichtheatre.org

 

Get safe for summer by learning to swim with Norwich Penguins

Summer holiday intensive courses are available 

Find out more via their website

 

Waste Free Picnic advice from Norfolk Recycles

Check out the Norfolk Recycles website to find out information about waste reduction including waste free swaps and how to make your picnic waste free.

 

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at Redwings Aylsham and Redwings Caldecott which are open 10am to 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  

Visit the website for more information and to book tickets

 

Craft Events at Highway Garden and Leisure

This summer, Highway Garden and Leisure are hosting themed craft workshops on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the summer which start from £5

Week 1 - Gnome Week

Paint a Gnome Moneybox - 25th July

Decorating Gnome Biscuits - 28th July

Week 2 - Garden Week

Decorate a Wheelbarrow Plant Pot - 1st August

Decorating Flower Cupcakes - 4th August

Week 3 - Bug Week

Make a Wooden Bug Scene - 8th August

Decorating Bug Themed Biscuits - 11th August

Week 4 - On The Farm

Keyring and Decorating and Pom-Pom Sheep - 15th August

Decorating Tractor and Animal Biscuits - 18th August

Week 5 - Teddy Week

Teddy Bear Picnic Party - 22nd August

Make a Teddy Flower Pot - 25th August

There will also be a free picture trail running throughout the holidays.

Find out more and book via the website 

 

Wells and Walsingham - The Enchanted Railway: A fairy-tale trail

Get carried away into a magical fairytale world every day during the summer holidays at Wells and Walsingham Light Railway.  Normal fares apply, no extra cost - 4s and under go free.  

Find out more and book via the website

 

Summer fun with Family Learning

Join Family Learning for a jam-packed summer of fun.  Explore the great outdoors, try cooking yummy recipes for all the family to enjoy and have a go at fantastic arts and crafts together.  These activities are suitable for families with children aged 0 to 11 years.

Find out more via the website