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 activities in Norfolk for February half term
February Half Term 2026 is fast approaching and if you are struggling for things to do, then let us take the hassle of organising your family activities. Venues across Norfolk are putting on lots of fun things for families to do this February and beyond.
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Booking for February Half Term is Now Open – Don’t Miss Out!
This February, let your kids fall in love with Snowsports at Norfolk Snowsports Club! Their ‘Falling for Snow’ holiday programme is packed with fun, action-packed activities including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, perfect for beginners and young snow enthusiasts alike. With school half term just around the corner, spaces are limited and will fill up fast. Give your children the thrill of the slopes and create holiday memories that last a lifetime. Book now and make this February half term one full of smiles and adventure!
Find out more at www.norfolksnowsports.com
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Family Fun at Pensthorpe’s Winter Olympics of Nature
This February half term, Pensthorpe invites you to enjoy the Winter Olympics of Nature, a fun-filled trail inspired by the best of British wildlife. Pick up your unique Pensthorpe track number and take on a nature-themed journey, with informative boards and Olympic-style challenges celebrating nature’s real athletes. Children will uncover fascinating facts, enjoy epic outdoor play, explore our incredible pre-bookable indoor play, and spot real wildlife across the beautiful 700-acre reserve. Meet the cranes, flamingos and variety of birds in the Wader Aviary, and don’t miss the Olympics of Nature arts and crafts in the warmth of the Discovery Centre.
Find out more at www.pensthorpe.com and email at info@pensthorpe.com at 01328851465
Supporting Families, Building Futures
Adult Learning’s Family Learning Team is dedicated to empowering families through free, tailored courses that make a real difference. From helping parents support children with schoolwork to easing transitions into primary or high school, the team provides practical guidance and emotional support when it matters most, in a friendly and relaxing environment. Courses cover key milestones like SATs preparation and are designed to meet the unique needs of each school community. Delivered primarily in schools, these sessions create a welcoming space for families to learn together, strengthen confidence, and build brighter futures. Because when families learn, children thrive.
Contact alfamilylearning@norfolk.gov.uk to find out more.
The Bug Parc is a great day out for all the family, from toddlers to grandparents.
Everyone has a great day out. It's cold outside, but all their animal display areas are INSIDE AND WARM with three large tropical houses containing over 200 amazing minibeast species and their new tropical butterfly house. If the weather improves, we have a large outside play area with a jumping pillow, covered sandpit, pedal cars, swings and slides for lots of outdoor fun. Limited daily insect handling experiences sell out fast, especially for half term, so book early to avoid disappointment. BOOK NOW !
Find out more at www.thebugparc.com
HIGH DEMAND – Free Speech & Language Support in 2026
Following their success in 2025, ISLTS are continuing their popular School Holiday Free Advice Sessions into 2026.
Feedback shows 100% of families felt clearer about how to support their child’s communication. Parents valued speaking with a professional, receiving reassurance and practical tips, understanding next steps, and having time to talk openly about their worries.
If you have concerns, this is your chance to speak confidentially with an experienced Speech and Language Therapist about delayed talking, unclear speech, stammering, language or social communication difficulties.
Book your 20-minute session: Children are welcome to enjoy a relaxed stay-and-play environment.
Thursday 19th February, 9.30am–1pm
Call 01603 664433 or email office@islts.co.uk
Helping Children to Express Big Feelings Through Play
Play Therapy with Karen Hammond offers a supportive, child-centred space where children can express feelings through play and creativity, helping them make sense of worries and build emotional resilience.
With Children’s Mental Health Week taking place in February, it’s a timely reminder that emotional health is just as important as physical health. Early support can help children feel understood, confident, and better equipped to manage life’s ups and downs.
Visit www.childplaytherapynorwich.co.uk to learn more.
February half-term at Norfolk Museums
This February Norfolk Museums are teaming up with the fantastic Norwich Science Festival! Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse are on tour at the Forum Explorium in Norwich with the Flax and Fleece Project, Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is showing a free exhibition in the courtyard, exploring microscopic worlds through the art of Edible East, and Norwich Castle are hosting hands-on activities in the galleries focusing on the festival theme ‘Your World, Reimagined’.
To find out more about activities at all the Norfolk Museums, as well as the Norfolk Museums Pass, visit museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Become a lifesaver with East Anglian Air Ambulance
“We are East Anglian Air Ambulance. Fuelled by our supporters, we bring hospital-level critical care to people in severe medical emergencies, every single day of the year.
Imagine an emergency unfolding. We’re on our way, but you’re already there and your actions in those first few minutes, before the emergency services arrive, could save a life. And the good news? You don’t need to be a doctor to help.
Our one-hour CPR and defibrillator community training will give you the skills to save someone’s life.”
Find out more at eaaa.org.uk/learn-cpr
Kick‑start the holidays with Norwich City Football Fun
Looking for a way to keep your child active and entertained this school holiday? Norwich City’s Community Sports Foundation Soccer Schools are a brilliant choice. These action‑packed football camps give children aged 5–12 the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and build confidence through fun games and competitions. Led by FA‑qualified coaches, sessions run at venues across Norfolk and Suffolk and have regular and longer day options available. With certificates, Norwich City–themed activities, and even the chance to meet players, it’s the perfect way to swap screens for fresh air and football fun!
Find out more at https://www.communitysportsfoundation.org.uk/programmes/soccer-schools/
Horstead Centre 
Holiday Club Adventures at the Horstead Centre this Easter
This Easter, the Horstead Centre team will be running their popular holiday club, for 8-14s.
Each day comprises two or more adventurous outdoor activity sessions, led by their qualified team, as well as time to enjoy games in their walled garden, games room and indoor lounges.
Attendees also enjoy a home-cooked, healthy lunch each day, in their comfortable dining room.
Situated near Norwich, their exclusive site includes a large house and enclosed grounds within which children can feel safe and comfortable. All guests receive a warm welcome and are treated with patience, kindness, and respect.
Email office@horsteadcentre.org.uk for more info.
Outstanding Bluebell Nursery opens second facility due to overwhelming demand.
“Bluebell Nursery, recognised as “Outstanding” by Ofsted, is located on the Langley Prep site in Taverham, Norwich. Due to overwhelming demand, a second site opened in late summer 2025 on the Langley Senior site in Loddon, Norfolk. Both nurseries welcome children from 6 months to 4 years and benefit from wonderful outdoor and indoor custom-built learning and play areas. Experience the very best in Early Years provision by booking a visit and exploring what we offer on our website at www.langleyschool.co.uk. 30 hours government funding available.
We can’t wait to welcome your little one!”
Stretching along one of Norfolk’s most characterful stretches of coastline, Briarfields, The Lodge, and The Golden Lion stand as three distinctive pillars of hospitality, each capturing a different mood of North Norfolk living. Briarfields offers a contemporary coastal retreat, framed by big skies and wide-open marshland—an ideal haven for guests seeking quiet luxury and a strong connection to nature. The Lodge, set near the dunes of Old Hunstanton, embraces a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with stylish rooms and a welcoming bar and restaurant that make it a favourite for walkers, food lovers, and beachgoers alike. In contrast, The Golden Lion brings timeless charm to the heart of Hunstanton, its traditional elegance and unrivalled sea views offering a quintessentially British seaside experience rooted in local heritage.
Enhancing these hotel stays are seven beautifully curated holiday lets situated in Hunstanton and Old Hunstanton. Each property provides the freedom and comfort of a coastal home-from-home—perfect for families, couples, and dog owners looking to explore at their own pace. Whether its sunrise strolls along the cliffs or lazy afternoons on the sandy beaches, these hotels and holiday cottages together showcase the best of the North Norfolk coast: warm hospitality, unspoiled scenery, and the simple joy of coastal living.
The Right Time for a Dyslexia Screening
There is no such thing as a right or wrong time—only a right age. Reliable screening is generally most effective for children aged seven and older. By this stage, children have had sufficient exposure to formal education, allowing specialists to differentiate between standard learning performance and a learning difficulty. Waiting until seven ensures the results are accurate and actionable. Beyond that milestone, the best time to test is always now. Whether a child is eight or eighteen, identifying their unique learning profile is the first step toward unlocking their full potential and restoring their confidence.
Find out more and make an appointment at: www.4dyslexics.com
Fun for the whole family at Norwich Science Festival
It’s almost time – Norwich’s epic celebration of science is back this February half term, from Saturday 14-Saturday 21 February.
The much-loved Festival, which is presented by The Forum, brings an unmissable line-up of family shows, unique experiences, hands-on science fun and more – from the science of flipping pancakes to epic dinosaur duels!
Don’t skip a visit to The Explorium at The Forum, open every day of the Festival. The whole family can get stuck into free, science activities from a range of exhibitors, plus free science shows outside!
For more information and to book, visit norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
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Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Looking for a fun and memorable family day out this February half term? Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens offers the perfect mix of fresh air, fascinating animals and hands-on learning that children love.
A hidden gem near Great Yarmouth – explore big cats, tropical houses, treetop walkways and 250 years of landscaped gardens. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is home to an incredible collection of animals, including tigers, leopards, red pandas, crocodiles and playful primates. With its unique elevated walkways, families can enjoy eye-level views of many species, making every visit exciting and engaging for curious young minds.
February is a wonderful time to explore the gardens, with quieter paths, and plenty of opportunities to learn about animal conservation. The gardens are easy to navigate with children, making it suitable for all ages, from toddlers to older primary school pupils.
Whether your child is animal-mad, loves being outdoors or simply enjoys discovering something new, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens provides a relaxed and educational day out the whole family can enjoy together. It’s a great way to make the most of the school holidays while inspiring a love of wildlife and nature.
For more information and discounted tickets, visit www.thrigbyhall.co.uk
Dreaming of your next family getaway?
Hays Travel has teamed up with easyJet holidays to give Primary Times readers the chance to win an incredible £3,000 holiday voucher to spend on a holiday of your choice plus £3,000 for your school to support learning, equipment or unforgettable experiences for pupils.
Whether you’re planning sunshine in Spain, island hopping in Greece or a city break packed with culture and adventure, this prize could turn your holiday plans into reality. Even better, there is great availability for July and August this year as well as free child places with a wide choice of family-friendly destinations and flights available from your region, making it easy to travel during the school holidays.
With Hays Travel’s expert, friendly service, this means you can book with confidence and make the most of your prize. From beach resorts to action-packed escapes, the choice is yours and while your family is making memories, your school will also be celebrating a fantastic £3,000 boost.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to reward your family and your school at the same time. Enter now and start planning a holiday everyone will be talking about!
Visit - www.haystravel.co.uk/primary-times
It’s more than a hobby – It’s a family journey..jpg)
There is something for everyone to be discovered here at Wroxham Miniature Worlds, experience the wonders and joys of their model railways of the UK to Europe and Japan. Spot hidden figures and scenes and see if you can spot them all on their toughest quiz yet. Be immersed in their little brick world. For the parents and grandparents reminisce toys from yesteryear from their incredible Matchbox collection featuring over 18,000 diecast vehicles to vintage toys. Don’t forget to explore the woollen wonders of Buckingham Palace and the Sandringham Estate.
Contact details: www.wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk or 01603 781728 info@wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk
Keep little explorers busy at Blickling Estate this February half-term
Have a fun-filled family day out at Blickling Estate this February half-term. Step inside the House and enjoy a spotter trail, perfect for curious minds. Hop into the wild out in the garden on a playful family adventure! Look out for daffodils and hellebores bringing a burst of early colour along the way. Explore the parkland along the bike and buggy-friendly multi‑use trail and discover the striking pyramid-shaped Mausoleum. Afterwards, warm up with delicious seasonal food and drinks at the Stables or Muddy Boots Cafés. The House is open daily from 11am–3pm, and the garden and cafés from 10am–4pm, last entry 30 minutes before closure.
Discover more at nationaltrust.org.uk/Blickling
Shhh… want to know a secret? Keep reading for a wild Kids Go Free code for Banham Zoo this February half term!
Go around the world in 80 species with family fun, live entertainment, hands-on activities, keeper talks and unforgettable animal encounters — and the best part? KIDS GO FREE! Follow the Explorer Passport Trail, take on exciting challenges, meet roaming characters and discover amazing animals from every continent.
New for 2026: new shows, new characters, and new activities — plus meet Ranger Bruce, Ranger Ruby and Tiko the Toucan! Use code KIDSGOFREE online before Friday 13th February. Up to three kids free with every paying adult. Offer expires Friday 13th February 2026.
Find out more at www.banhamzoo.co.uk/february-half-term
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Experience the joy of lambing this February half-term at Wroxham Barns’ Lambing Live
Families can step into the heart of spring and meet expectant ewes, see adorable newborn lambs, and learn about caring for them from friendly Lambing Hosts. Alongside lambing fun, you can explore the Junior Farm with goats, rabbits, ponies and more, enjoy hands-on animal encounters, and make the most of the fun park, discovery play areas and indoor soft play. It’s a perfect day out for children and adults alike during the school holidays.
Find out more at www.wroxhambarns.co.uk
North Norfolk Railway
Go loco and shelter from the weather this spring with unlimited steam train rides and free activity sheets to enjoy on the ride!
For more information and details of activities visit www.nnrailway.co.uk
Room on the Broom Lands at High Lodge
‘Forestry England High Lodge is thrilled to unveil the magical Room on the Broom trail, marking 25 years of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved book.
Launching in February, families can join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding forest adventure—helping her find a lost hat, bow, and wand, while collecting ingredients to complete her spell and uncovering fascinating forest facts.
Each stop offers hands-on activities and woodland surprises. Trail packs cost £4 and include a lanyard, spell cards, stickers, pencil, and pop-out craft wand.
This enchanting trail offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for young explorers throughout 2026.’
Find out more at www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge
Helping Children to Express Big Feelings Through Play
Play Therapy with Karen Hammond offers a supportive, child-centred space where children can express feelings through play and creativity, helping them make sense of worries and build emotional resilience.
With Children’s Mental Health Week taking place in February, it’s a timely reminder that emotional health is just as important as physical health. Early support can help children feel understood, confident, and better equipped to manage life’s ups and downs.
Visit www.childplaytherapynorwich.co.uk to learn more.
The Right Time for a Dyslexia Screening
There is no such thing as a right or wrong time—only a right age. Reliable screening is generally most effective for children aged seven and older. By this stage, children have had sufficient exposure to formal education, allowing specialists to differentiate between standard learning performance and a learning difficulty. Waiting until seven ensures the results are accurate and actionable. Beyond that milestone, the best time to test is always now. Whether a child is eight or eighteen, identifying their unique learning profile is the first step toward unlocking their full potential and restoring their confidence.
Find out more and make an appointment at: www.4dyslexics.com
Message from Millgate Music
“At Millgate Music in Trowse, Norwich, we believe that music is a gift for everyone. Led by professional, qualified musicians, our lessons are designed to help you play with joy, learn with purpose, and achieve musical mastery. We offer personalised guidance in violin, piano, music theory, and composition, helping you build skills and foster confidence in a welcoming environment. Whether you're learning for yourself or preparing for exams, we'll guide you every step of the way.Unlock your potential—start your musical journey with a FREE lesson today!”
Find out more at www.millgatemusic.com
How Do You Know Club™
Making sense of big emotions by listening to the body
with Nicola Besley, Registered Play Therapist and Relational Coach
A gentle, playful 5 week parent programme designed to reduce dysregulation and support regulated, connected relationships.
Suitable for all ages and all brains, How Do You Know Club™ supports parents to learn how to guide their child to
• Name a feeling
• Think about how they know
• Notice what is happening in their body
• Identify what their body needs to feel better
These simple, embodied steps form the foundations of self regulation, emotional awareness, and secure connection.
Parents attend all five sessions. Children are warmly invited to join their parent for the final session, where the ideas are shared and experienced together in a playful, supportive way.
🌿 What you and your child will gain
• A shared language for talking about feelings and body signals
• Greater confidence recognising and naming emotions together
• Practical ways to support regulation during moments of dysregulation
• A deeper understanding of what your child’s body is communicating
• Stronger connection, trust, and emotional safety
• Foundations that support lifelong emotional resilience
Perfect for parents who want nurturing, practical ways to support big emotions while strengthening their relationship with their child.
Connection first. Regulation follows.
Cost is £150–£280 for the full 5 week programme (for 1 parent, with child attending the final session)
Pricing is offered on a sliding scale. Please choose the rate that feels manageable for you at this
Shhh… want to know a secret? Keep reading for a wild Kids Go Free code for Banham Zoo this February half term!
Go around the world in 80 species with family fun, live entertainment, hands-on activities, keeper talks and unforgettable animal encounters — and the best part? KIDS GO FREE! Follow the Explorer Passport Trail, take on exciting challenges, meet roaming characters and discover amazing animals from every continent.
New for 2026: new shows, new characters, and new activities — plus meet Ranger Bruce, Ranger Ruby and Tiko the Toucan! Use code KIDSGOFREE online before Friday 13th February. Up to three kids free with every paying adult. Offer expires Friday 13th February 2026.
Find out more at https://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/february-half-term
Coming soon to Bure Valley Railway
Teddy Bear Express – 14th to 22nd February
This February half-term, hop on the Teddy Bear Express for a fun day out with the family. With every full fare-paying adult, two children (0-15) can ride for free! Keep your eyes peeled and see how many teddy bears you can spot down the line.
To add to this themed event, the stations and cafe will be decorated and Teddy Bear lunch boxes will be available to purchase (not included in ticket price). Don't forget to bring your favourite teddy along for the ride!
Local Saver Weekend – 28th February to 1st March
Lived in Norfolk but never visited the railway? Take advantage of this special offer of HALF PRICE TICKETS for travel. Simply enter the code LOCAL5026 when booking your tickets online. Plus, children under four can travel for free!
Mum Goes Free Weekend – 14th & 15th March
This Mother's Day Weekend a Mum travels free with another fare-paying adult! A traditional Afternoon Tea in the Whistlestop Cafe at Aylsham is also available as an additional treat.
Pre-booking essential for this offer.
Find out more at www.bvrw.co.uk