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September and October in Norfolk

The kids may be back to school but there is still plenty going on at weekends and after-school between now and half term for families across Norfolk. See our featured local businesses below or see our frequently updated online listings guide here for more tips and ideas

 

 

Ready for the next year?

As children advance through their schooling, the academic demands placed upon them significantly increase. This can lead to performance anxiety or struggling to keep pace in a new class. For some, these difficulties stem from an underlying learning difficulty like dyslexia, which, if unidentified, can hinder progress. Parents often worry that something is being missed, especially if their child seems unprepared for the increased workload of a new school year. Early identification of dyslexia allows schools to provide tailored support to help children thrive academically.

Find out more and make an appointment at: www.4dyslexics.com

 

New Tropical Butterfly House

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 230 amazing minibeast species. There are indoor and outdoor 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 at www.thebugparc.com

 

Bounce into the Best Party Ever at High Altitude!

Looking for the ultimate stress-free kids' party in Norwich? At High Altitude Trampoline Park, their hassle-free party packages take all the pressure off so you can enjoy the day too. From the moment you arrive, their friendly party hosts handle everything – welcoming guests, keeping the energy high, and serving up delicious food in your private party area.

With wall-to-wall trampolines, exciting games, and a buzzing atmosphere, kids have the time of their lives while you sit back and relax. They will even sort the cake!

It’s more than just a party – it’s the High Altitude experience. Book today and let the good times soar!

Find out more at www.highaltitudepk.co.uk

 

 

“At the Horstead Centre we do things differently!”

“With nearly 60 years of experience, the Horstead Centre has established itself as a provider of the highest quality residential and day experiences for school children.

What makes us stand out is our commitment to our values and ethos. All guests will receive a warm welcome and will always be treated with patience, kindness, and respect.

Situated near Norwich, our exclusive site can host up to 65 people in the same house. We prefer to host one group at a time, to allow our guests the space to relax and enjoy themselves.

Our food is freshly cooked and locally sourced, and our qualified activity team can deliver a choice of over 20 adventurous and challenging outdoor activities.

With affordable pricing, and with 99% of guests saying that they would recommend us, is it time you considered a visit to the Horstead Centre?”

Find out more at www.horsteadcentre.org.uk

 

New Year of Performing Arts Classes Starts at The Garage Norwich!

“Watching the younger members of The Garage family grow as they begin their creative journey is a special privilege.

With our autumn classes now under way, we shone a spotlight on one such participants Poppy, who took My First Ballet, then joined our Rambert Grades class.

She’s always shown a keen interest in performing around the house and sharing this with her family. Poppy was two years old when she started My First Ballet at The Garage and has been Dancing for 3 years at the venue now.

“With tutor patience and expertise, she really enjoyed the fun aspect of the classes. I was impressed that they started very early ballet techniques from the outset.” –Grandmother Christine told us.

Beth a tutor at The Garage, says one of the best things about working with early years is witnessing and being part of their creative journey.

“Participants progress from My First classes, they can sow the seeds for a great range of transferable skills such as confidence, developing memory and attention, movement, and following instructions. There’s a range of progression routes up to adult classes!”

To sign up for a class visit thegarage.org.uk/classes to see the range of classes on offer”

 

Labyrinth Norwich

“We’re back to school, but that doesn’t mean the fun should stop. As the weather cools and Christmas creeps closer, now’s the perfect time to plan your birthday party or group celebration at Labyrinth Norwich.

Whether you’re 7 or 77, our party packages are high energy and low maintenance. Choose a laser tag party for fast-paced fun in our bright & colourful arena, complete with exclusive use, pizza, fries & party bags. Or opt for a make-a-bear party, stuffing your choice of cuddly toy to take home, along with a party bag and delicious food served in-house. Two different experiences, both stress-free with all the extras included.

We’re also a popular spot for team socials and youth groups. From Cubs, Beavers and Scouts to sports teams and school groups, our laser tag sessions are a brilliant way to bond and blow off steam. With Christmas around the corner, it’s also a great time to book your festive gathering.

For younger guests, our weekday play cafe is open Monday to Friday, 10am–2pm; a welcoming space for preschoolers and babies to play while grown-ups relax with a coffee.

Find us inside Rose Lane car park and visit www.labyrinthnorwich.co.uk”

 

Spook-tacular Fun This October Half Term – Book Now!

Get ready for a frightfully good time at Norfolk Snowsports Club this October half term! Their spooky activities are now open for booking, perfect for keeping kids active and smiling.

Top Tip: It’s also never too early to prep for those winter ski holidays. Autumn’s mild weather and light evenings make it ideal for learning or sharpening skills before hitting the snow. From first timers to seasoned skiers and snowboarders, they’ve got sessions for all ages.

Spaces will disappear faster than a ghost in the fog!

Book now at www.norfolksnowsports.com

 

 

Let’s talk big machinery!

Everyone loves a tractor but getting up close to them doesn’t happen very often. That’s all about to change. Pensthorpe, near Fakenham, is holding a Big Machinery Weekend on the 27th and 28th September.

Some of the biggest, most loved farm machinery will be on display for children (and grown-ups!) to explore. Plus, there will be experts to answer those important questions.

Alongside the massive machinery, families can explore the 700-acre reserve, visit the indoor and outdoor play, marvel at nature including flamingos and cranes plus enjoy a delicious bite to eat at the Courtyard Café.

Find out more at www.pensthorpe.com

 

 

 

Back to School, doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop.

Make a trip to Wroxham Miniature Worlds to discover a whole world of wonder. From model railways of the UK to Europe and Japan, knitted masterpieces of Buckingham Palace and the Sandringham Estate and discover the amazing Matchbox Collection, with an incredible 18,000 diecast vehicles beautifully displayed in a classic double decker bus. One for the kids to enjoy no matter their age and even the grandparents too! Our amazing kids offers are now live on our website under Discounts & Offers, don’t forget to check them out!

Contact details: www.wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk

 

Ignite Confidence This September with Razzamataz Theatre School!
Back to school is the perfect time for children to try something new! At Razzamataz, they offer high-energy performing arts classes in singing, dance, and drama for ages 4–18. Whether your child is full of confidence or just finding their feet, their classes help them grow in self-esteem, make new friends, and express themselves creatively.
They’re offering FREE taster sessions throughout September, so your child can come and give it a go with no pressure. Join the fun and watch them shine, book now!

Contact 07454041131 or email norwichcentral@razzamataz.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

With the kids back to school, could you spare a few hours a week to help local families?

Families charity Home-Start Wessex is excited to be opening its first ever children’s charity shop in Christchurch and is looking for volunteers to help in the shop. Home-Start Wessex offers friendship, practical support, and emotional advice to parents in Dorset with at least one child under 5 who are in crisis, providing specialist groups and one-to-one home visits. Over the last year, the charity has transformed 1,682 lives, helping a record 501 families.

Flexible hours are available, along with the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new friends and make a real difference to local families.

 Contact carla@homestartwessex.org.uk or call 01202574877 to find out more.

 

senSI

“At senSI, we are a dedicated multidisciplinary team offering high-quality specialist assessments and a comprehensive range of therapeutic treatments, aligning NICE guidelines.

 Our approach combines clinical expertise with a compassionate, person-centred ethos, ensuring every individual receives tailored, evidence based care.

 Our treatment services include:

• Sensory Integration Therapy

• Motor Coordination Sessions

 • SI Climbing Activities

• Psychotherapy – Dance, Play, Integrative, and Art Therapies

• Psychological Therapy – CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR

 • Sleep Coaching

 • Therapeutic Parenting Support

• SEN-Friendly Haircuts

 • Therapressure Brushing

• Therapeutic Listening Programme

• Home Programmes

• Sensory Integration Room Hire

 • SenSI is a Short Breaks provider

Tel: 01508 578577 Email: info@sensitreatment.com Visit: www.sensitreatment.com”

 

Helping Children Settle Into the New School Year

September brings fresh starts—and for many children, big emotions. Whether transitioning to a new class, school, or routine, this period can feel overwhelming.

Play Therapy with Karen Hammond offers a safe, creative space to help children process worries, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. Play Therapy can support emotional wellbeing during times of change, helping children feel more secure and resilient.

Visit www.childplaytherapynorwich.co.uk to learn more.

 

Grandparents Day at Bure Valley Railway

Celebrate Grandparents Day at Bure Valley Railway on Sunday, 5th October and enjoy a family day out on the railway.  A Grandparent travels FREE with another full fare-paying adult (one free Grandparent per booking).  Pre-booking is essential for this offer.

For something special, also treat the Grandparents to one of their pre-bookable traditional Afternoon Teas in the Whistlestop Cafe at Aylsham at £16.00 per person.

Trains will be running from both Aylsham and Wroxham Stations. Adult Return £24:00, Child Return £12.00 and Under 5’s travel FREE.

Book online at www.bvrw.co.uk and add a Grandparent Go Free Ticket or Call on 01263 733858 and request a Grandparent Go Free Ticket

 

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 they are relaunching Oak Lodge, their 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 their main green.

 

Autumn is going to be amazing at High Lodge!

They’ve got their got their wonderfully wicked Hocus Pocus fun day returning on Friday 31st October! Featuring stalls, games, magic shows, fairground rides, and pumpkin carving - it's delightfully spooky fun for the whole family. And new for 2025, we've got their Halloween Light trail - an illuminated wander through the dark and eerie woods will take you through a haunted pumpkin patch, a ghostly shipwreck, and a headless horseman all while ghostly eyes watch you from the trees. Pre booking is recommended, and the trail is suitable for most ages and dog friendly!

 

Dotty Pottery

Visit one of the award-winning Dotty Pottery ceramic painting studios, located at White House Farm in Sprowston, or at Wroxham Barns in Wroxham.

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly activity (even your fur babies can get involved!), with ceramics to suit all ages and abilities. Enjoy a couple of hours decorating your chosen ceramic.

You can bring your own food and drink to enjoy in the studio while you paint, or you can purchase some tasty treats from the cafes open at both sites.

Please see website for events and promotions.

To book, visit the website www.dottypottery.co.uk or call the studio you want to visit on 01603536526 ext. 1 White House Farm ext.2 Wroxham Barns.

 

Join GEMS Aquastars!
“We offer free trial lessons so you can see the difference for yourself. With our teachers in the water and a high teacher-to-child ratio, every swimmer gets the support they need — while parents can watch poolside.

Lessons run weekdays and weekends for all ages: Parent & Baby (from 12 weeks), Pre-school, and Stages 1–10.

 Locations: Thorpe St Andrew High School, Mangreen Country House, Colman Junior School, and Swanton Morley VC School near Dereham.

Come and swim with us — safe, fun, family-friendly lessons for everyone!”

Find out more at www.gemsaquastars.co.uk

 

Autumn & Winter at The Mid-Norfolk Railway!

Hop on board at Wymondham Abbey or Dereham Station & join in  for autumnal train journeys through the Heart of Norfolk on our weekly services running until mid-October 2025. With a NEW Halloween Train running from Wymondham in October Half Term, followed by their amazing Christmas spectacular The Polar Express™ Train Ride throughout November & December, the Mid Norfolk Railway really is the place to be for autumn family entertainment!

For more details visit their websites www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk or www.midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com