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Summer activities for children in Norfolk

 

 

The school summer holiday can sometimes be expensive, so in addition to all those wonderful days out at the local attractions, we’ve included some free ideas for those days in between…

 

 

 

12 free things to do this summer...

 

Go for a Walk

Norfolk is a true walker’s paradise! Your child is likely to take up a lifelong passion to this accessible activity if they are introduced to small segments of different walking routes and trails in the area during the summer.

Try the 1 ½ mile Happy Valley Walk near Cromer, or a walking route at Burgh Castle, or the 3 ½ mile West Runton Circular. See www.norfolktrails.co.uk for details about these and other walks in the area.

There’s a huge list of walks, of varying difficulty, to be found at www.walkinginnorfolk.co.uk. The Norfolk Broads offer 190 miles of footpaths and nature trails, so you are sure to find a walk to suit all ages and stamina – see www.broads.co.uk/norfolk-broads/walks-around-the-broads

 

Clean Up Norfolk this Summer

Plastic pollution is hot news at the moment. The huge public interest, helped by fabulous programmes like The Blue Planet, has resulted in a massive increase in volunteers cleaning up the beaches and countryside.

Do your bit for the planet and participate in one of the many clean up events organised by the Norfolk Coast Partnership (www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk);

the National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/beach-cleans); Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) (www.sas.org.uk/region/east). If there's no beach clean happening near you then you can borrow your local Beach Clean Box (there’s 11 in the area) and step up to organise your own - see www.sas.org.uk

 

Get up to Mischief in the Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

This year’s theme is called Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved iconic children's title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary. Most libraries in Norfolk will start the Challenge on Saturday 14 July. See www.readingagency.org.uk 

 

 

Get Fit for Free

Many schools are adopting the daily mile challenge, where children run or jog for 15 minutes per day, so keep up the motivation throughout the summer holiday and take in some of the most picturesque parts of your local area in the process.

If your child needs a goal, then they could participate in one of the Junior Park Runs in Norfolk - there’s a 2k Junior Park Run for children aged 4 to 14 years, every Sunday at 9am, at the Lower Esplanade in Gorleston-on-Sea, at Eaton Park in Norwich and at The Walks in King’s Lynn. See www.parkrun.org.uk

 

Take Part in the Big Butterfly Count

July and August are good months to see butterflies.  It’s when they are busy feeding on nectar, mating and breeding. Many common butterfly species can be seen all over Norfolk.

Learn more about butterflies and take part in the Butterflies of Hickling Walk on 18 July – call 01692 598276 and the Butterfly Walk at Horsey Gap on 21 July – call 01692 630674.

Read more at www.butterfly-conservation.org

 

 

 

 

Visit a Carnival, Regatta or Festival

By living in such a big tourist hotspot, we are blessed with an abundance of festivals, regattas, carnivals and village shows in the county, such as Holt Festival from 21 to 29 July (www.holtfestival.org); Sheringham Carnival from 28 July to 5 August (www.sheringhamcarnival.com) and Cromer Carnival on 15 August (www.cromercarnival.co.uk).

 

 

Free Firework Displays

Attend one of the many summer carnivals and festivals on the final day as many finish with a free firework display. During the summer, Great Yarmouth Central Beach hosts a free firework display every Wednesday on 25 July, 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August at 8pm – see www.great-yarmouth.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Rockpooling

 

Young children seem to be fascinated in creatures and bugs that are much smaller than them, and the slippery critters found in rockpools are a source of much excitement.

There are great rockpools to be found at: West Runton Beach, Sheringham, Hunstanton and Cromer.

 

 

 

 

Kite Flying

Take a look at www.nationalkitemonth.org/how-to-fly-a-kite for top tips on kite-flying including a reminder of the all-important safety advice such as flying kites away from roads, and overhead wires.

 

 

 

 

Love Parks Weeks – 13 July to 22 July

The aim of Love Parks Week is to raise awareness of the importance of parks and green spaces throughout the year. Local parks are great communal places to meet other mums and dads who have children at the same school as yours, making it easier to maintain contact over the school summer holiday. So, love your local park and celebrate what it has to offer. The official dates this year are from 13 July to 22 July. Visit http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/love-parks-week

 

 

National Fishing Month – 27 July to 2 September

Many people get hooked on fishing as it offers an idyllic escape route away from the daily grind to a mini waterside haven of tranquillity. For a child, the excitement of the first catch can leave a lasting impression, laying the foundations of what could be a lifelong passion.

During National Fishing Month, from 27 July to 2 September, there will be plenty of opportunities for children to experience the joys of fishing. Visit www.nationalfishingmonth.com

 

 

National Play Day – Wednesday 1 August

Many local authorities host free fun activities in recreation grounds throughout the summer. From family fetes to live music in the park – these events provoke a lively atmosphere and offer a real taste of community spirit. For younger primary school children, look out for one of the National Play Days that are usually held in local parks on the first Wednesday in August – this year it takes place on Wednesday 1 August. Visit www.playday.org.uk

 

Take a look at some of the great events and activities taking place in and around Norfolk this summer...

 

Wells Maltings - The new arts, heritage and community centre 

Wells Maltings is open to everyone and there are lots of family-orientated activities taking place over the summer months.  These are as follows:

Wells Heritage Art Trail: an exciting open-air sculpture trail celebrating the town’s rich and varied history

Wells Heritage Centre: four galleries dedicated to the fascinating history of Wells-next-the-Sea

 

 

BeWILDerwood’s Summer Holiday Spectacular 

BeWILDerwood always hosts to brilliant, inclusive events and this year, their summer holiday spectacular is Swampy’s Silly Summer Parade, running from Saturday 21 July to Wednesday 5 September. Young wild explorers can meet at the storytelling stage to take part and keep an eye out for Mildred the Crocklebog as she makes her swishy way through the woods.

As well as the parade, BeWILDerwood will have all their inclusive activities available for visitors, such as free face painting, arts and crafts, and Grubbles Messy Mini Games. As always, there will be a delectable offering of locally sourced food, including delicious cooling ice cream! Pssst: book online in advance to save some pennies at www.bewilderwood.co.uk

 

Family Activities Every Day at RSPB Strumpshaw

Children can get closer to nature at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen and take part in hands-on, fun family activities every day, during the school summer holidays. With the launch of its new adventure trail, visitors will be able to relax in the family sized hammock, hunt for minibeasts around basecamp and learn how to build a shelter at outpost.

A pond dipping kit, adventurer backpack and binoculars are available to hire daily. Don’t miss the #Wildthings Wild Fridays on 27 July, 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August from 11am-2pm. At these sessions families can enjoy organised bug hunting, pond dipping, wild art and games. Call 01603 715191 or visit www.rspb.org/strumpshawfen for more information.

 

Step Back in Time to Muckleburgh

The Muckleburgh Collection enables children to learn about history through objects and military vehicles. There’s a fun quiz to stimulate their interest and a military lorry ride to see the old Army Camp.

KS1 to KS3 documents focussing on curriculum subjects and risk assessments forms are available to assist teachers. The Café serves up tasty lunch packs and the shop provides plenty of ‘pocket money’ gifts. The whole museum is accessible by wheelchair. See www.muckleburgh.co.uk

 

Summer Holiday Fun at Blickling Estate

Get your family out and about this summer by joining Blickling for a variety of activities across the estate. Enjoy everything from cycle hire in the park to green fingered fun in the walled garden.

Cycle hire is available every Saturday and Sunday and provides a range of bikes, including tag-alongs and children’s bikes for just £5 per day. You can also keep your little explorers busy with a lively activity trail in the garden and an adventurous nature trail in the park. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate

 

A Magical World Awaits at Wells and Walsingham

The Wells and Walsingham Light Railway is offering families the chance to get carried away into a magical, fairy-tale world of fairies, trolls and dragons. As part of its 'Enchanted Railway' season, families get to sit back and let the steam engine transport them for four miles through wildflower strewn banks with a myriad of butterflies fluttering along beside the train.

Children can keep an eye out for the magical inhabitants of the line - some of them, beautiful and friendly; some that you need to be wary of! Call 01328 711630 or visit www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk

 

Free Kids Club at Castle Mall Shopping Centre

Castle Mall shopping centre, in the heart of Norwich, will be running a free kids club - Kastle Kids - this summer. Kastle Kids hosts events regularly throughout the year in their very own Kastle Kids room. As Norwich is known as the city of stories the events are themed around children's stories.

The Kastle Kids team invite all the children of Norwich and surrounding villages to join them at the clubs, where there will be storytelling, craft workshops, meet and greets, fancy dress, competitions and lots more. Kastle Kids also has a member scheme that is free to join and where members get exclusive discounts and benefits in Castle Mall shopping centre. See www.castlemallnorwich.co.uk/kastle-kids

 

Summer Holiday Activities at Whitlingham Adventure

Whitlingham Adventure is an exciting place to be during the summer. Based on the edge of Norwich, a gateway to the Broads National Park, children aged 8 years+ can partake in activities such as sailing, stand-up-paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, archery plus lots more. On offer are adventure days, weeks, accredited courses, clubs and craft hire.

There’s a Picnic in the Park Festival on Sunday 29 July, giving families the opportunity to sample some of the adventurous activities. Book online at whitlingham@educatorsolutions.org.uk

 

Activities Galore at with Alive Leisure

Over the past 3 years Alive Leisure has extended its activities for local children within the school holiday. It offers sporting and arts activities during every school holiday at 3 different locations in West Norfolk; King’s Lynn, Downham Market and Hunstanton. During the summer holiday all activities are only £1 each. Alive Leisure offers a massive range of activities including archery, badminton, mini-camp chaos, roller-skating, gymnastics, arts and crafts, tag-rugby, badminton and trampolining. Plus, there are tennis camps every Wednesday and some fun sessions at Alive Lynnsport on Friday 17 August with the Lost in Translation Circus. To book online visit www.aliveleisure.co.uk/activities/holiday-activities/

 

Family Friendly Fun at Fairhaven

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden in South Walsham, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, has a busy programme of family events during the summer school holiday.

There are Scavenger Hunts every Tuesday, followed by Wild Wednesdays with wildlife and craft activities. Then it's I-Spy Fridays at the end of the week, when you can follow the clues in the garden to find hidden treasure. All these activities are included in the garden entry charge.

On Saturday afternoons take a boat trip to St Benet's Abbey followed by a guided tour of the Abbey. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden NR13 6DZ is signposted off the A47 half way between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Call 01603 270449 or visit www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

 

A Wild Maze Awaits at Hirsty’s Family Fun Park

Award winning Hirsty’s Family Fun Park opens for the summer on 15 July until 4 September. This year, this popular family attraction will have a Wild Maze that will shine the spotlight on the fantastic range of wildlife on our doorstep – so go along to enjoy your own local safari!

There’s more to the Fun Park than the maze though. The list of play equipment is extensive with a Haybale Mountain, Hemsby Hill Slide, a football game, swings, trampolines, bouncy fun, the tyre run challenge, Hirtsy’s activity Combine Harvester, a zip wire, a new upgraded pedal Go-Cart track and new for Summer 2018 - Farmyard Crazy Croquet. For very small visitors there is a sand pit, pedal tractors and new animal themed rockers. All this is covered by the entrance price. See www.hirstysfamilyfunpark.co.uk/activities/summer-mega-maze

 

Fun and Free Summer Club for Young Horse Lovers

Young horse fans can enjoy an exciting peak into the world of Redwings Horse Sanctuary this summer with a series of fun and free activities for children over the school holidays.

Kicking-off on Monday 30 July, the charity’s visitor centres in Norfolk will be hosting free Summer Clubs for children aged six to 11 – and bookings are now being taken. Each week, the children will be given a taste of what it’s like to be a Redwings vet, a field officer, a farrier or even a horsey dentist with hands on activities, including giving a rescued horse a mini health check, filling tasty hay nets and creating enrichment toys for donkeys. Places for each 45-minute weekly session are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Head to Redwings Aylsham, north of Norwich, or Redwings Caldecott, near Great Yarmouth, to join in the fun. See www.redwings.org.uk

 

Nostalgic Return to Outdoor Family Fun for Summer Days at Pensthorpe 

Enjoy hands-on nature activities and outdoor play in the hazy summer sunshine at Pensthorpe Natural Park’s ‘Summer Days’ event running from 25 July to 5 September.

Inspired by the heady, rose-tinted memories made outside with friends and family in summertime, the event promises a return to the old-fashioned values of traditional outdoor play.

Den building, summer craft activities and the brand new Hootz and Friends Discovery Trail will weave visitors through the 700 acres of woodlands, wetlands and gardens of the reserve. Whilst there, head to the impressive new Wetland Discovery Area to explore one of Norfolk’s most impressive pond-dipping facilities. Entry to Summer Days is included in the admission price. For more information about Pensthorpe visit www.pensthorpe.com or call 01328 851465.

 

Animal Antics at Church Farm

Exciting activities are planned at Church Farm in Stow Bardolph this summer, with different animal themes each week and free crafts in the Education Room from Monday to Friday.

The Animal Encounters sessions will give youngsters a chance to hold, pet and learn more about some of the animal residents at Church Farm, and the weekly quiz will have children searching the farm in pursuit of the answers, where a small prize can be won.

Also on offer are daily games and activities as well the ever-popular pig racing. Hourly tractor and trailer rides will be running, giving visitors a chance to explore the outskirts of the farm. For details visit www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk or call 01366 382162.

 

 

Get Creative at Hoveton Hall

Introduce your children to the art of sculpture at Hoveton Hall Gardens for Sculpture Uncovered, until 31 August, where you can wander through the gardens to view a range of stunning figurative and abstract art including a range of wildlife sculptures.

Admission to Hoveton Hall Gardens includes the price of the sculpture park. The gardens open from 10.30am to 5pm.

To book tickets visit www.hovetonhallestate.co.uk or phone 01603 784297.

 

 

Free Fireworks at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, a free entry amusement park, is situated at the south end of Great Yarmouth’s famous Golden Mile dominating the seafront with its rides. From rollercoasters to bumper cars, a revamped fun house to water attractions, there is something to keep the family happy for hours. Don’t miss the free firework display every Wednesday throughout the summer holiday. The Pleasure Beach is open seasonally from March till October. Visit www.pleasure-beach.co.uk for the latest information.

 

 

Sign Up to NWT’s Wildlife Watch

Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts and the UK’s leading environmental action club for children. Wildlife Watch members receive loads of exciting wildlife goodies throughout the year. Watch membership costs £15 for up to five children living at one address - you can also join Wildlife Watch as part of a Norfolk Wildlife Trust family membership. Norfolk Wildlife Trust plan an event on the second Saturday of the month. Visit: www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

 

 

Children’s Fun Day at Peter Beales Roses

Join Peter Beales Roses for a memorable day out at the special Children’s Fun Day on Wednesday 8 August, from 10am to 3pm. Many exciting activities can be enjoyed throughout the day including donkey rides, face painting, storytelling, crafts, games and more.

Situated within the beautiful rose and wildlife gardens of Peter Beales, entry is free (although a small charge will apply for face painting and donkey rides). Visit www.classicroses.co.uk or call 01953 454707.

 

 

Great Yarmouth Racecourse’s Family Fun Day

Looking for a fun day out over the school holidays? Look no further than Great Yarmouth’s Family Fun Day on Sunday 26 August where there will be plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family entertained.

Great Yarmouth Racecourse offers a relaxed atmosphere and is welcoming to all with plenty of facilities, including a children’s playground and expansive family lawns.

Children under 18 enjoy free admission to all fixtures enabling a great day out for the entire family. Read more at www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk

 

A Summer of Fun with Norfolk Community Learning Services

This year, Norfolk Community Learning Services is taking part in the GoGoHare trail with a stunning, Boudicca Hare, which is located in Norwich Castle Gardens.

A host of interesting events for families and adults will be taking place so try creating finger puppets or perhaps, participate in mindfulness activities with your kids.

Plus, each week of the summer holiday, there will be opportunities to win a Family Norfolk Museums Pass.

Visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/adultlearning to find out more.

 

Start the Holiday with a Trip to the Circus!

The story of My First Circus: The Circus Child puts the audience in the centre of the big top ring by asking the crowd to help Jack and Jess through their circus training. From learning to juggle, to experimenting with acrobatics and taming the tricky tigers; families can take part in this performance rather than just watching from a distance. This performance is ideal for children aged 2-5 years and their families and runs from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 July. For more information and bookings see www.thegarage.org.uk or 01603 598646.

 

Outdoor Theatre at Holkham

Join Holkham Hall this summer for an exciting programme of outdoor theatre in the perfect setting of Holkham’s walled garden.

Pack a picnic, relax and enjoy performances which are guaranteed to enthral and captivate children’s imagination.

With popular titles including Treasure Island, The Railway Children, The Adventures of Dr Dolittle and Journey to the Centre of the Earth there’s fun-filled, family entertainment on offer. Visit www.holkham.co.uk

 

Fun Youth Activities at OPEN Norwich

OPEN Youth Trust in the heart of Norwich, is offering engaging one and two-day courses in anything from photography and animation, to dancing and football, this summer holiday. As always OPEN accommodates young people of all ages, with its one-day activities being available to little ones aged 4-6 years, and its two-day courses for children aged 7-12 years. All activities are run by the experienced and friendly youth team and start at 10am. Bookings are open via www.opennorwich.org.uk/youth-activities/whats-on/summer-2018.

 

Gooderstone Water Gardens – A Haven for Children

Gooderstone Water Gardens is Breckland’s enchanting garden with ponds and flowing waterways spanned by 13 bridges. It boasts beautiful grassy paths that lead to secret places – in fact, it’s the sort of garden children love, and admission is free!

Picnic anywhere or use the friendly Tearoom for snacks, cakes and ice-creams. When it’s very quiet you may spot a Kingfisher from the Hide. On Norfolk Day, 27 July, there will be an exciting Bishy Barney Bee Hunt, where children can go in search for the 12 fat ladybirds hidden in the garden. Find them all to win a chocolate prize. Find Gooderstone Water Gardens near Swaffham, PE33 9BP. See www.gooderstonewatergardens.co.uk

 

Fun Holiday Childcare at Barracudas Activity Day Camps

Barracudas has been entertaining kids between the ages of 4½ to 14 years for over 25 years. This family-run company offers an amazing experience for children in fantastic settings.

With a choice of varied activities for every session including archery, fencing, arts and crafts, motor sports and dance and drama, it’s no wonder Barracudas is such a popular choice. All Barracudas camps are Ofsted registered and there is added flexibility for busy parents with the Early and Late Clubs. Barracudas will be at Norwich High School for Girls from 23 July to 24 August. To secure your child’s place call 0845 123 5299 or visit www.barracudas.co.uk.

 

Chocks Away at RAF Air Defence Radar Museum 

The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, the once top-secret radar establishment, occupies the site of the world’s longest continuously operating radar station and is the biggest museum in North Norfolk.

View the Story of Radar along with interactive displays for children and adults, see the Tornado Cockpit and sit in the Jaguar cockpit. Guided talks operate throughout the day -- both in the World War II room and the Cold War Room.

The museum is open each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 10am-5pm, until 10 November. See www.radarmuseum.co.uk

 

Relax at Norfolk Lavender

Unwind in the relaxing ambience found at Norfolk Lavender and Animal Gardens this summer.

Stroll through the gardens of lavender, roses and herbs to learn the fascinating history behind the oil distillation process.

From there it’s a short walk to the animal gardens where you can get up close and personal with a range of domestic, exotic and farm animals.

Visit www.norfolk-lavender.co.uk

 

Strawberries and Steam at the Bure Valley Railway 

This summer enjoy a family day out aboard the Boat Train at the Bure Valley Railway, which will operate on a daily basis throughout the school holiday.

Also, a taste of summer awaits visitors this July. Enjoy a nostalgic journey by steam and tuck into a traditional summer treat of strawberries and cream.

The Bure Valley Railway is giving free strawberries and cream to every fare-paying passenger on Saturdays and Sundays in July. Call 01263 733858 or visit www.bvrw.co.uk

 

 

Plenty to Explore at Priory Maze 

Priory Maze and Gardens is home to Norfolk’s only traditional hedge maze. Visitors can try to find their way out of the 7-foot-tall maze or spot their friends from the viewing tower.

There are various themed gardens, plenty of picnic areas and 10 acres for the little ones to explore, including aquatic life in the pond dipping area. There is also a very popular café, gift cabin and plant centre, which are open to non-garden visitors. See www.priorymazegardens.co.uk

 

Keep your Children Active this Summer

South Norfolk Council’s Ofsted registered Kids Camps enable children to get involved in a whole range of exciting activities and challenges, keeping them entertained over the school holidays.

Children aged 5-15 can attend between 8am – 6pm and enjoy fun activities such as roller skating, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, science shows and much more. Kids Camp costs £27 for the full day, £18 for a half day and childcare vouchers are accepted. Available at both Wymondham Leisure Centre and Long Stratton High School. Visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/summercamp

 

Summer Survival Tips…
 

1. Keep Calm! You don’t need to fill every minute of every day with exciting adventures. It will only exhaust you, and anyway children don't need that much stimulation. Besides, if you work or are tied to other commitments, remember it's quality time that counts.
 

2. Be Flexible. Find out what childcare options are available in your area. Although some parents share childcare with friends, relatives and each other, others balance it with children's clubs. A variety of options will make childcare more satisfactory for everybody.
 

3. Let your children get bored. Seriously! It may be a challenge, ignoring the whining, but, in time, imaginations dream up ideas. Children need unplanned chill-out time just as much as we do. 
 

4. Just relax and remember it's your holiday, too. Give yourself a break. Don't feel guilty if you pack the kids off for the day, or get a sitter-in for a night out. You need and deserve time to rest up and unwind.
 

5. Re-establish their normal school routine in good time. Although summer holidays are all about late nights and long days, children will need to re-adjust as the holiday comes to an end. That way, bedtimes won't be such a struggle when they do go back to school.