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 in Norfolk 2024
The summer is getting warmer and there is more and more to do for families in Norfolk. Check out our details below of things to do this May half term and beyond.
Don’t forget that you can also see our frequently updated general listings here
Enjoy unlimited hop on hop off travel on both historic steam and heritage diesel trains at the North Norfolk Railway!
The Railway is open almost every day April – October and there’s lots to see and do, from model railways and bookshops to their 1930s Railway Cottage and brand NEW Play Coach. Running between Sheringham and Holt the Poppy Line runs through some of Norfolk’s most beautiful countryside, giving spectacular views on-board! Join in the fun during half term and take a special trip on their unique Victorian Train (May 24 – 26) or hop off for activities at Half Term S.T.E.A.M (May 27 – 30).
Find out more at https://nnrailway.co.uk/
Do you want to work in a diverse and rewarding organisation and make a valuable contribution to creating a positive learning environment for children?
Education Job Finder is the place to go for all sorts of education, childcare and early years roles in the east of England. You’ll also find lots of job opportunities within schools and early years settings that are non-education facing. Go and take a look and find roles for teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers, nursery managers, caretakers, early years practitioners, administrators, caretakers, cleaners, cooks, preschool managers, nursery assistants, lunchtime supervisors, technicians, IT, Finance and HR. Make a difference!
Find out more at www.educationjobfinder.org.uk
Don’t miss Thursford’s Steam Gala Day!
Back for its fifth year, Thursford’s Gala Day is returning this July! The line-up includes its biggest showcase of over 200 exhibitors of steam engines, mechanical organs, and vintage vehicles, live music from Robert Wolfe, food vendors, a BBQ, mini funfair, facepainting, and a new aerobatic display from duo, The Starlings. The Steam Museum is also open, with vintage fairground rides, a selection of retail shops, and Thursford’s Barn Café serving hot & cold food and drink options.
Sunday 6th July, 11am – 5pm (last admission 3.30pm) | £15, under 12’s free | https://www.thursford.com/gala-day-2025/
Play this May at BeWILDerwood Norfolk, where May-hem and magic await!
Get ready for a full day of magical adventures and PLAY this May half term as you swing, slide and scramble your way through the woods. From extra-long zip wires and towering treehouses to muddled mazes and giant slippery slides, there’s so much for the whole family to explore.
Enjoy Meet & Greets with the famous BeWILDerwood characters and watch enchanting shows at the Storytelling Stage where the story of
BeWILDerwood comes life. You can also get crafty in the Big Hat and take part in the Puzzling Park Trail during your visit – don’t forget to pick one up on arrival.
With so much to do, it really is a full day out with activities to suit all ages – even grownups play at BeWILDerwood! Whether you're staying nearby or exploring Norfolk for the holidays, BeWILDerwood is the ultimate place for a half term adventure.
The woods are open from 10am – 5pm daily, with last entry at 4pm. Tickets are based on height and start from £14.95.
Create magical memories and play all day this May – book your tickets online at bewilderwood.co.uk or simply turn up and pay on arrival.
New Tropical Butterfly House at The Bug Parc
The Bug Parc now have an amazing new attraction at the Parc with the addition of their tropical butterfly house complementing their other three large tropical houses displaying over 200 amazing minibeast species. There are inside and outside stamp trails to complete and we have a large outside play area with a jumping pillow, covered sandpit, pedal cars, swings and slides for lots of outdoor fun. Their onsite Café serves fabulous food at down-to-earth prices. They have limited daily insect handling experiences which sell out fast so book early to avoid disappointment. BOOK ONLINE NOW !
Find out more at www.thebugparc.com
Save money on family fun with Everyone Active
Do you want to get your kids active while saving money? If so, Everyone Active has just the offer for you.
Everyone Active is a leading leisure provider which runs leisure centres across North Norfolk, all of which want to help families move more.
When you sign up to our award-winning swimming lessons, sport courses or a children’s birthday party, you will receive a 12-month subscription to Kids Pass.
Kids Pass entitles you to fantastic offers on family activities, which include:
- Up to 40% off at theme parks, zoos and safaris
- Up to 40% off cinema tickets, seven days a week
- Up to 30% off on family days out
- Up to 20% off on dining out
You can save up to £400 a year by using Kids Pass, with this offer available at participating sites until Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
What’s more, kids who sign up to swimming lessons get free swimming, too!
For more information, visit everyoneactive.com/kidspass
- Everyone Active sites, run in partnership with North Norfolk District Council: The Reef Leisure Centre, Victory Swim and Fitness Centre, Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre, Cromer Sports Centre, North Walsham Sports Centre
Choose High Lodge Thetford Forest for your next birthday or family day out. Enjoy family fun on the Stickman Trail, take the new bike for a spin, or hire a BBQ and get everyone together to celebrate. From adventure golf to birthdays at Go Ape!, there's loads of ways to make your day special. High Lodge has everything you need to make amazing memories together as a family. And if you're looking for something more special, this year we're relaunching Oak Lodge, our private venue hire space. Ideal for intimate family parties, celebrations, and even corporate events and away days, Oak Lodge is a perfect space nestled just away from our main green.
Discover your next action-packed adventure at ROARR!
With a mammoth-sized amount of dinosaur themed attractions, including indoor and outdoor play, it’s the ultimate family day out in the East of England.
Travel back in time on the Swing-O-Saurus and Raptor Contraptor, run wild in Dinomite Indoor Adventure Play, marvel at the pre-historic creatures within Valley of the Dinosaurs, scale the dizzy heights of Predator High Ropes and wave a big hello to Dippy & Friends within Dippy’s Theatre. Whatever the weather, ROARR! has something for all dino-hunters to enjoy.
Plus, with every ride and attraction included in your ticket price, you’ll be exploring all day long!
Visit the ROARR! website for more information, to check out what attractions are open when and to book tickets: www.roarr.co.uk
The next best thing to having your own pony or donkey!
This Spring, you can experience the joy of your very own four-legged friend by adopting a Redwings Adoption Star.
For just £2 a month, choose from over 20 lovable rescued ponies, donkeys and horses. You’ll get an adoption pack, photo, certificate, regular updates and even an invite to their birthday party!
Each has a heartwarming story, like gentle Maya or cheeky Dotty.
It’s a fun, meaningful gift for you or somebody you love, that supports the care of over 1,500 rescued animals.
Sponsor today at redwings.org.uk/adopt
May Half-term at Norfolk Museums
Dig in to gardening activities at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, and explore the interactive automata exhibition Cabaret Mechanical Marvels at Time and Tide. Meet costumed sailors at Lynn Museum on 29 May, and discover dinosaurs and fossils at Ancient House on 30 May. At Norwich Castle enjoy hands-on activities throughout the week inspired by the new exhibition, One Self: The Creative Life of Colin Self, plus, get medieval with a boot camp for young people on 30 May!
Find out what’s on at all ten museums, and how to save with a Norfolk Museums Pass at www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk.
Upcoming events at Bure Valley Railway
Nature By Rail – May Half Term – 24th May to 1st June
This event highlights the rich diversity of nature along the railway. Visitors can enjoy a steam train ride through the pretty Bure Valley countryside tracing the meandering River Bure and keeping an eye out for wildlife. Children can participate in an ‘I Spy’ nature trail during the train journey and receive a free prize upon completion. Along with a decorated station, there will be colouring activities for the children in the Whistlestop Café at Aylsham and Woodland Lunch Boxes available to purchase
35th Anniversary Gala Weekend – 7th and 8th June
Two visiting locomotives “Samson” and “Winston Churchill” from the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway which hauled their opening day back in 1990. Additionally, all available BVR locomotives will be in action., providing the most intensive train service they have offered in many years. Tickets for this event are Day Rovers, allowing visitors to start at either Aylsham or Wroxham and ride as many trains as they wish throughout the day
Dad Goes Free Weekend – 14th and 15th June
Join in for a memorable family outing – a dad travels free with a full-fare paying adult (one complimentary dad per booking). Tickets need to be pre-booked to take advantage of this special offer. Book online and select a Dad’s Go Free ticket or request one when making a telephone booking. For an extra special experience, treat Dad to a pre-bookable traditional Afternoon Tea in the Whistlestop Café at Aylsham Station before or after your train journey.
Trains departing from both Aylsham and Wroxham Stations.
Find out more at www.bvrw.co.uk
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
So much to see at Wroxham Miniature Worlds
Experience the wonder of Miniature Worlds and their collections of models and toys this May half term school holiday. From model trains travelling through the English countryside, to Japanese bullet trains racing through to the city. To their little brick world, full of miniature scenes and a fantastic quiz to challenge the whole family. Learn to fly planes on ther simulators and take on your family on our retro gaming arcades. Make memories with Wroxham Miniature Worlds this year. **Remember to bring in the offer on the advert on the back of this edition of the Primary Times to enjoy cheaper entry.**
Find out more at www.wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk
There’s fun for all at Holkham this May half term.
Pop your thinking caps on and step into history to solve the great Holkham mystery! Follow clues around the stunning Walled Garden and crack the case to earn a tasty chocolate reward!
Gather your friends and family for some open-air movie magic. Pack a picnic, grab your deckchairs and enjoy fabulous flicks including Mamma Mia, Moana 2 and more!
Hop aboard our tractor trailer tour, swing through the trees on the ropes course, savour delicious eats from The Bucket List or explore Holkham Hall’s magnificent state rooms. Your adventure awaits!
Find out more at www.holkham.co.uk
Weeting Steam Engine Rally & Country Show
Our first show in 1968, was started by Rally Chairman, Richard Parrott. They’ve grown over the years to a three day event over 170 acres!
Plenty for all the family to enjoy, from steam engines to the fairground, model train rides to tractors, there's something for everyone, whatever your age. Join in for a fun day out filled with nostalgia of steam.
As a charity, their main aim is to educate on the history, use and conservation of all types of vintage steam driven engines and vintage vehicles.
Find out more at www.weetingrally.co.uk
Lots to see and do at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens opened in 1979 and is the perfect day out for families, with so much to see with endangered leopards, red pandas, noisy gibbons, and many more exciting animals. The park is open all year from 10am. You can follow the bridges across the lake, visit the Swamp House to see the crocodiles and alligators – dare you cross the ‘wobbly bridge’? A large play area is a hit with young visitors. The Cockatoo Café is open all day serving a range of hot food and drinks and a Gift Shop.
Visit www.thrigbyhall.com for more information.
Learning to Swim: Keep your child safe
Swimming is one of the most important life skills to learn, especially in Norfolk! Get your child water ready by learning to swim early in life. A great way to get started is in an intensive school holiday course, where children from age 4 swim for 30 minutes for 4/5 days in a row. Children learn quickly and reinforce skills for rapid progression. If you already have lessons it is a great skills booster. Norwich Penguins has been established for over 90 years, they make swimming fun and have a great team ready to support your family. Visit www.norwichpenguins.co.uk, email norwichpenguinslts@gmail.com or call 01603984949.
The Museum of The Broads – A Great Family Day Out
The Museum has a range of fun activities for all ages – have a go at tying knots and using pulleys; dress up; go inside a Wherryman’s cabin; follow the museum trail. Or just enjoy an ice cream by the river.
Take a boat trip and see The Broads from a new perspective. Learn about how The Broads were made, who lived and worked on the marshes, what a wherryman and his boy did. What about the Romans and the Saxons? Why are there so many windmills on The Broads? Go and find out how they are bringing the Stories of The Broads Alive!
Entrance prices held at 2024 rates.
Find out more at www.museumofthebroads.org.uk
Here are the images - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13fR96oPGsMj_1LDrsGhG9vLnOxHZbzvt?usp=drive_link
Norwich Games Festival is back: Mon 26 – Sat 31 May 2025!
Calling all families, students, future creators, casual and competitive players! Celebrate the world of gaming this May half term at Norwich Games Festival. You’ll find everything from tabletop games to cutting-edge gaming tech, your favourite retro classics to never played before indie games.
Enter The Arena at The Forum Norwich: Play video and board games, get involved in physical games and activities, join interactive family workshops and gaming tournaments galore! Play, create and collaborate this May half term – for free!
Visit norwichgamesfestival.co.uk to explore what’s on.
Available at Hautbois Activity Centre
Holiday fun club - £27 per person
Hautbois offer their holiday club during school holidays for 10–16-year-olds. Starting at 8.30am with 4 adventurous activities throughout the day, finishing at 5pm for pick up. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included throughout the day.
Family activity sessions – £12.20 per person
Join in with your family & friends for a 90-minute session run by their experienced instructors. A range of different activities offered, suitable for ages of 7+. Available between April & August.
Visit their website to book – www.hautbois.org.uk or contact by email at admin@hautbois.org.uk or phone 01603 739696
Message from Norfolk Snowsports - "Come Tube, Ski or Snowboard With Us!
Looking for a fun, active way to get your kids outdoors all year round? Norfolk Snowsports Club offers exciting tubing parties, ski lessons, and snowboard sessions for all abilities – no snow required! Whether they’re complete beginners or ready to race, there’s something for every young adventurer. Our friendly instructors make learning safe, social and seriously fun. Plus, parents can grab a coffee while the kids hit the slope! Join us for an unforgettable experience right here in Norwich.
Find out more or book online at https://www.norfolksnowsports.com/"
Gems Aquastars
As we are heading towards the summer, you may be planning sunny beach days, poolside adventures, or boat trips, making sure your child can swim confidently is a must for a safe and stress-free holiday!
Gems Aquastars here to help your little ones build the skills they need. Whether they’re complete beginners or just need a boost in confidence.
Give your child the gift of swimming safely this summer – and enjoy your holidays knowing they have the skills to stay safe in and around the water.
Spaces for summer lessons are filling fast — book now with Gems Aquastars!
Email gemsaquastars@outlook.com or visit https://www.gemsaquastars.co.uk/
Expand your child's communication skills with MTW Speech and Language Therapy!
They specialise in communication skills for children, offering tailored 1:1 therapy sessions, group therapy, forest school groups and convenient online training courses. Their expert therapists are dedicated to fostering each child's ability to express themselves, connect with others, and thrive. They work with everyone who communicates with your child in order to support the whole family and education setting. They empower your child to confidently take their next steps towards effective, joyful communication.
Visit www.mtwtherapy.co.uk or @MTWtherapy (facebook) to learn more and schedule a consultation. Let's help children bloom!
Free lead pipe check from Anglian Water
Pregnant women and children under ten are particularly at risk of the effects of lead and if your home was built before 1970 you may have lead pipes.
Anglian Water are offering free visits to homes that might have lead pipes and will let you know what you can do to minimise lead in your drinking water.
To learn more, or to book a free lead test visit anglianwater.co.uk/leadfacts or call Anglian Water on 03457 070 3445