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!
May half term events for children in Norfolk
Updated: 1/5/2015
Norfolk – Fun Play from May
There’s really no excuse for the kids to get bored this May, June and July as there’s a truly wonderful line up of events taking place week after week. Here’s a little taster for you...
Museums at Night: 16 – 18 May
Museums at Night, the annual late night festival of art, culture and heritage, will take place this year over three nights in May from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 May.
Tying in with the European event La Nuit des Musées, hundreds of museums, art galleries and heritage spaces all over the country will be opening up late and putting on a fantastic mix of events: expect bands playing in art galleries, costumed balls, contemporary artist happenings, unique literary events, sleepovers in museums, family-friendly science and astronomy events and beautiful historic houses lit by candlelight. For up-to-the-minute listings, visit www.museumsatnight.org.uk
National Family Week: 27 May to 2 June
National Family Week is back once again from the 27 May to 2 June 2013! Since launching in 2009, families have enjoyed competitions and over 15,000 family friendly events all over the country. The week creates a wealth of opportunity for families to spend time together and works with organisations to provide fun activities and useful resources that actively combat the biggest barriers to positive family life. To find an event near you, check out the website, www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk
National Camping and Caravanning Week – 27 May to 2 June
National Camping and Caravanning Week celebrates the nation’s growing love of camping, caravanning and the great outdoors. Now in its 13th exciting year, this outdoor event is designed to provoke families to spend more time pitching up and enjoying the fresh air. A recent survey conducted at the Spring Caravan and Camping Show showed that 54% of families had never been on a camping or a caravanning holiday, despite 60% of them wanting to. For more information about Camping and Caravanning Week go to www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Open Farm Sunday – Sunday 9 June
Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic project which has seen hundreds of farmers across the UK open up their farm for one Sunday each year since 2006! It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old, to discover what it means to be a farmer. To find out which farms in your area are taking part visit www.farmsunday.org.
Bike Week: 17 to 23 June
Last year the nation fell in love with cycling, with more families than ever riding their bikes, inspired by Olympic heroes Victoria Pendleton and Bradley Wiggins. So it goes without saying that British cycling really is riding on the crest of a wave at the moment and organisers of Bike Week are hoping these endorsements will inspire families to fall in love with the sport all over again this year. A number of exciting events will take place across the country from 17 - 23 June 2013, demonstrating the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling. Bike Week aims to get people to give cycling a go - for fun or as a means of getting around to the local shops, school, the library or just to visit friends. You will be able to find a special bike week event close to you by going to www.bikeweek.org.uk/event_search.php
Go wild at Banham Zoo
Banham Zoo is an award winning family attraction and one of the most exciting wildlife collections in the country with over 2,000 animals from around the world.
Throughout the day there are plenty of activities to thrill and entertain families, and as children go around the zoo they can collect stamps to complete the Passport Challenge and collect a medal at the end of the day. There are daily animal feeding talks and displays, an exciting Birds of Prey display, the incredible Giraffe House and Zarafa Heights, Province of the Snow Cat, live Amazing Animal presentations, a free safari roadtrain, indoor soft play, a Tarzan Towers adventure play area, and fun interactive activities in the Education centre. An incredible new experience at Banham Zoo is Lemur Encounter - visitors are often captivated by the beautiful lemurs! For admission prices and closing times go to www.banhamzoo.co.uk or call 01953 887771
Fathers VIP Day at Bure Valley Railway
Join the Bure Valley Railway for a special train and lunch package on Sunday 16 June 2013. Starting from Wroxham, experience the magic of steam through nine miles of Norfolk countryside, following the picturesque Bure Valley before arriving at Aylsham. On arrival receive a complimentary drink and sit down to a two-course set lunch, including coffee and mints, at the Whistlestop. After lunch each father has the opportunity to drive a steam engine before the return journey to Wroxham.
Limited spaces are available for this special package and therefore must be pre-booked at a cost of £22 per adult and £11 per child. Alternatively, enjoy a steam train ride starting from either Aylsham or Wroxham and treat your father to a cream tea or purchase a small memento from the well-stocked gift and model shop.
Also: Spring Bank Holiday weekend on 25 - 27 May 2013 will be a busy time for The Bure Valley Railway, as all available engines, coaches and rolling stock will be action. To keep younger visitors entertained there will a competition on the train journey, with a free prize for every correct entry. For further information call 01263 733858 or go to www.bvrw.co.uk
Africa is closer than you think!
Explore the sights and sounds of Africa and discover lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas and many more animals and birds from the African continent. Visit the “Plains of Africa” to see giraffe, antelope, zebra, rhino and ostrich roam freely together as they would in the wild.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the magnificent lions from the Lookout Lodge and visit Lemur Encounters to be captivated by the beautiful ring-tailed lemurs. For the under 12s there is an amazing innovative indoor adventure play area aptly named ‘The Wild Zone’ Watch and listen to the daily feeding, seasonal Bird of Prey displays and climb aboard the safari road train for a free journey around the Park. For more details ring 01502 740291 or visit www.africa-alive.co.uk
Fairhaven Gardens goes green on 23 June
To find out how your family can go green, make sure you go along to the Green Festival at Fairhaven Gardens on Sunday 23 June to discover new and easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and have a great family day out too! For more information take a look at our special Go Green for Energy feature or go to www.fairhavengarden.co.uk or ring 01603 270449
Craft Fair at Hoveton Hall Gardens - Saturday 25 to Monday 27 May
With lots to do, see and enjoy for all the family, the place to be over the late May bank holiday weekend is at Hoveton Hall Gardens, near Wroxham. From Saturday 25 to Monday 27 May, there will be an array of local crafts people selling their wares at the annual craft fair. Two children’s trails will also be open to keep the kids entertained and for the under 5's there is a stamp trail where a prize will be awarded to all youngsters who manage to collect all six animal stamps which are located around the garden. For the older children there is Harry Hover, a friendly dragonfly who will guide children through the interactive challenges and activities providing hours of fun and hidden learning.
Hoveton Hall Gardens is one of Norfolk’s best kept secrets. It offers a rare mixture of experiences for gardeners, walkers and families. Hoveton Hall Gardens is situated at the edge of the Norfolk Broads, just north of Wroxham. For more information visit www.hovetonhallgardens.co.uk or call 01603 782558.
Having fun is a top priority at BeWILDerwood!
Having fun in the outdoors is a top priority at BeWILDerwood, The Curious Treehouse Adventure Park near Wroxham. It’s also the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of 2013 and create your own adventure. Stories are important, that’s why there’s several storytelling sessions a day (weather permitting of course!) Plus, there is Twiggle Twirling and Boggle Bouncing, where kids can really let their imagination go berserk! That’s not all...this year the park has some stupendously good new events which encourage children (and big kids too!) to be super silly, dress up, bounce, build, create, parade and prance! For more information about BeWILDerwood and all the events in 2013 visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk or call 01692 633 033.
See the deer park in all its glory at Snettisham Park
Snettisham Park is a 329 acre working farm in Snettisham near King’s Lynn where a visit can involve many exciting adventures from seeing lambs being born, to a ride on the spectacular 45 minute deer safari where there’s a chance to meet the magnificent red deer herd. Visitors can bottle feed lambs, collect fresh farm eggs, and take a walk on one of three wonderful trails. During the calving months of May, June and July you will be able to see the beautiful spotted calves. During this time the Stags will be growing their new antlers in time for the rutting season towards the end of September. This is the best time of year to visit the deer park - just be sure to bring a camera. There is also the chance to relax in the Visitor Centre, enjoy a light lunch, or unwind on the terrace with views out over the magnificent cattle and sheep pastures. For more details call 01485 542425
Hautbois Activity Centre celebrates its 25th birthday on 25 May!
This year the Family Fun Day at Hautbois Activity Centre on Saturday 25 May is going to be bigger and better than ever and it will be celebrating the adventure centre’s 25th birthday. Daring family members can abseil down the tower, scale the heights of the climbing boulder or whizz along the zip wire. Afterwards they can take to the water in a kayak on the private cut which is the perfect location for both children and adults to explore the waterways of Norfolk.
Families can take time to relax and enjoy each other’s company in the picturesque surrounding of the Hautbois estate by playing one of the giant games, getting crafty in the art tent or relaxing on the lawn. Refreshments and lunch will be available to buy, or bring a picnic. Family entry is £5 per car and £2 by foot. Hautbois Activity Centre is located just off Norwich Road (B1130) and is about 20 minutes from Norwich city centre. For more information call 01603 737357, email admin@hautbois.org.uk or visit www.hautbois.org.uk
Go on an adventure with the dinosaurs
The closest you'll get to experiencing Jurassic Park is tracking through the woods at Dinosaur Adventure. Children will gasp in amazement as they come face to face with the 8 meter Spinosaurus and the mighty T-Rex, Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and more, along the woodland dinosaur trail.
The all-weather indoor play ‘Dinomite’ has 3 levels of fun and adventure for all the family, with a two-level area totally dedicated to the under 5s. Inside you will find everything from climbing nets, bridges and ball pools right up to the three massive slides which go from gentle slopes to a terrifying vertical drop. Another experience at the park is Stone Age Road Race where children will have oodles of fun as they race round the track.
Brave children can also tackle the adventure play area, Arachnophobia, a giant prehistoric spider’s web, 'Climb-a-Saurus' - a 75ft dinosaur activity, Xtinction, Jurassic Putt, Raptors Racers and down in the Secret Animal Garden experience some reptile encounters. For admission prices and closing times visit www.dinosauradventure.co.uk or call 01603 876310
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park - Three parks in one location
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park is a wonderful attraction for children to visit as it’s has three parks in one location! Most notably, fun attractions include superb fun rides such as flying elephants, teacups, a runaway train roller coaster, a ½ mile miniature train, Alice in Wonderland, Toad of Toad Hall, a Robin Hood Adventure play area plus lots more. New for 2013, families will be able to meet the meerkats, see a chicken puppet show, enjoy the construction playground and bounce on the giant bouncy castle. There are animals galore with lemurs, alpaca’s, racoons, a reptile house and a petting area where children can feed the goats and chickens. Entertaining live shows feature bubbly Bingo the Clown’s 3 shows a day, plus the park mascot Maxi Mouse will be pleasing crowds during the school holidays. For more details call 01493 700094 or go to www.pettittsadventurepark.co.uk
Something for everyone at Bressingham
Whether your passion is gardens, steam, exhibits, rides or even a mixture of them, Bressingham has something for all! A wonderful way to explore the beautiful gardens and woodlands of Bressingham is by climbing aboard the magnificent steam engine. With over five miles of narrow-gauge steam lines and four journeys to choose from, it's the perfect way to relax and enjoy the scenery.
A trip to the locomotive sheds brings the power and the glory of mighty steam engineering up close. The National Dad's Army collection lets you wander through Walmington-on-Sea looking at original props and vehicles from the series. Also, there’s a real chance to step back in time and enjoy a ride from bygone days on the 1897 Gallopers Roundabout.
Children and dads, are in for a treat this spring as some really special events have been arranged including a visit by TV favourites Ben and Holly on Sunday 2 June, the delightfully cute Peppa Pig will be appearing at intervals on Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June plus there’s a Father’s Day sleepover event on Saturday 15 June too! For more details go to www.bressingham.co.uk or call 01379 686900
What’s on for families at Theatre Royal Norwich?
For spectacular family entertainment this spring head to the Theatre Royal Norwich. See the explosive performance of Séquence 8, a groundbreaking circus troupe on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May; witness world Olympic and championship skaters at Sleeping Beauty on Ice from Tuesday 28 May to Saturday 1 June and watch TV favourite’s Chris and Pui, from Show me, Show me, entertaining the little ones on Sunday 30 June. For details ring 01603 630000
The new season sees four new rides at Pleasurewood Hills
As part of a £3.5 million investment pledge, Pleasurewood Hills has four new rides for 2013. Significant resource has also been spent refurbishing the Theme Park making it an even more vibrant place for a day out for all the family. New rides for the 2013 season will include Hobs Pit, one of the most scary rides in the UK – not for the faint hearted - coming soon; Pleasurewood Paddlers - the return of the pedalos to Pleasurewood Lake; Woody’s Tea Party - a traditional family tea cup ride and ‘Moby Dick’ mariners fun for the youngsters.
Since 2011 when the Looping Holding Group, who own seven attractions across Europe, took over the park, a total of nine new rides and attractions have been added to Pleasurewood Hills. Last year new rides and attractions included The Jolly Roger, a 40 metre drop tower; The Lighthouse, a thrilling kid’s shoot-up-tower; the Pleasurewood Pony Rail, a gentle family fun ride; Laser Labyrinth, an adrenaline fuelled indoor laser game and the Illusionist Magic Show performed by Britain’s Got Talent star, Sean Alexander in the Castle Theatre.
Day visitors will also have the opportunity to ride ‘Wipeout’, the tallest, fastest and most extreme rollercoaster in the East of England, get soaked on the ‘Timber Falls’ log flume and watch the Sea Lion and Parrot shows. Plus, there’s loads more rides and attractions to explore in the 50 acres of enclosed coastal parkland. For full details go to www.pleasurewoodhills.com or call 01502 586000.
Throw your own street party!
Street parties are a fantastic way to get together with your neighbours and friends and Norwich City Council can help you do it. From a simple lunch to a full-blown party with a home-cooked feast, games, music and bunting, you can stage your own party at any time of the year. If you need to close your road for your event, you will need to apply at least three weeks in advance and Norwich City Council has an application pack available to help you. If you have any questions contact the highways network manager on 01603 212203, email events@norwich.gov.uk or go to www.norwich.gov.uk/events and www.thebiglunch.com
Giant Walking Bus 2013: get marching!
On Wednesday 12 June 2013 thousands of kids will march for road safety from their school gates in the annual Giant Walking Bus. This brilliant event raises awareness of the dangers of traffic and how cool it is to walk, and raises funds for Brake's work to improve road safety and care for road crash victims.
Kids take part in this giant march for a giant reason: to say no to driving fast, and yes to walking! The UK has a poor record for protecting children on foot compared to many of our European neighbours. Half our kids are driven to school, increasing pollution and danger, and affecting health.
It doesn't matter if your march has five kids or 500, you can make a difference. All schools taking part get a free resource pack to help them promote road safety.
Register your interest now. Here are three giant reasons to march...
1) Great summer term project
In the days leading up to your march, kids can research traffic pollution and danger and transport choices, and make their own 'slow down' and 'get walking' placards and other creative materials such as leaflets and posters.
2) Slow down drivers and get kids walking
Your march (in a crocodile of supervised kids, holding hands on safe pavements, or around your grounds) gives kids a voice, helping them tell drivers to slow down and look out for people on foot.
3) Help bereaved families
Kids can be sponsored to take part, helping fund Brake's campaigns and services for families bereaved and injured by road crashes.
Register your interest for 2013 online, call 01484 559909 or email walkingbus@brake.org.uk