What are the best things to do with kids in the beautiful region of Norfolk? Norfolk is officially the driest county in the UK, but occasionally it does rain!
Luckily, Norfolk has loads of activities to keep your family entertained indoors, from medieval Norwich castle to an award winning, sustainable indoor play centre. Norfolk’s miles of wide sandy beaches and acres of unspoiled countryside is what attracts so many families each year.
In search of seaside relaxation, fresh air and a family bonding time. Whether you’re after an action packed experience in bustling Great Yarmouth, or a remote stay surrounded by the wild beauty of The Norfolk Broads National Park.
BabyBreaks has listed the Best Things to do with Kids in Norfolk:
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1. Sea Life Centre, Great Yarmouth
Children will love this amazing aquarium, home to over 1,500 creatures in its 250,000 litre Tropical Ocean Display and a Shark Nursery. Meet a huge array of sea life, from the tiny seahorse to colourful jellyfish and graceful rays. Animal talks and feedings take place throughout the day, where the kids can learn loads of cool facts to impress their friends.
BabyBreaks tip: Save up to 40% when you book your ticket in advance online.
Address: Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 3AH
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm
2. Norwich Castle
One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a over 900 years ago. Visitors can walk through the ages as they explore galleries devoted to Boudicca, the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. Kids will love the Egyptian tomb’s ancient mummies, and the Natural History galleries’ taxidermy, fossils and butterflies.
There are lots of child-friendly events at weekends and during the school holidays, as well as tours of the dungeons.
Address: 24 Castle Meadow, Norwich NR1 3JU
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm. Sunday 1- 4.30pm
3. Hire a Boat to Explore the Broads
Norfolk is the perfect place to find exciting adventurous activities to share with your kids. It’s a place where you can rent boats and have fun with other water-related activities. Your children will enjoy the boat adventures Norfolk has to offer. It’s a different and exciting way to spend time with your children during your visit.
Address: Bridge Road, Potter Heigham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 5JF
Opening Hours: vary so please website
4. Merrivale Model Village
The Merrivale model village is a great way to spend time with your children. It is a place where children can learn about history, geography, science and many other topics through hands-on activities. The village features a range of attractions, like a water park, model railway, animal farm, play area, restaurants and cafes.
Address: Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JG
Opening Hours: everyday 10am until 4pm
5. Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre
The last remaining last end-of-pier theatre in the world, a visit to Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre is as much about history as it is entertainment. Consequently, the annual Cromer Pier Show entertains audiences with a line up of traditional variety acts for three months throughout the summer.
From comedians to jugglers, singers and dance troops from Britain’s Got Talent, there’s something for everyone here. Throughout the year there are also lots family friendly shows like “Horrible Histories” which brings famous figures to life, including King Henry VIII and Mary Queen of Scots.
Address: Promenade, Cromer. NR27 9HE
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am -5pm (show timings may vary)
6. Oxburgh Hall
The Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk is one of the best places to go with your family, especially if you have children. It is a beautiful Georgian building that has been converted into an interactive museum that explores the history of Norfolk life. The exhibits are educational, but they also have fun activities like dressing up as Tudors or playing games like cricket on the grounds.
Address: Oxborough, King’s Lynn PE33 9PS
Opening Hours: vary. check out here on the day of your planned visit
7. Hootz House at Pensthorpe Natural Park
Hootz House is an indoor play area with a difference. Voted Best Sustainable Project 2015, this imaginatively designed indoor playground aims to blend adventurous play with a connection to the natural world. Furthermore, the wooden structures encourage children to move as they would outside- balance across rope bridges, climb up huge tree towers and race down winding slides. There is also a separate soft play area for little ones under 5’s.
If the weather brightens up you can explore the rest of the amazing Pensthorpe Natural Park – a 700 acre site nature reserve complete with lakes, woodland and abundant wildlife.
Address: Pensthorpe, Fakenham NR21 0LN
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 4:30pm
8. The Sandringham Estate
Where better to spend a rainy day than The Royal Family’s private country house? All the main ground floor rooms used by the royals are open to for the public to explore. You can also admire family portraits, priceless antiques and treasured family possessions. Some highlights in the museum include a 1900 Daimler and an Aston Martin used by Princes William and Harry.
There are also stunning manicured gardens, 600 acres of parkland and the Sandringham Church to explore.
Address: Sandringham, Norfolk. PE35 6EN
Opening Hours: Open daily from April to October. Opening times vary, check the website for more information.
9. Pensthorpe Natural Park
Winner of Norfolk’s Best Large Attraction (EDP Norfolk Tourism Awards), Pensthorpe Natural Park is certainly the perfect Family Day out in Norfolk. The 700 acre nature reserve has woodland walks, interactive nature trails and amazing outdoor and indoor adventure play areas to explore. You can spend the whole day here – bring a picnic and see if any wildlife comes to say hello!
Address: Pensthorpe, Fakenham NR21 0LN
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm
10. Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
A dinosaur-themed adventure park that the kids will love, Roarr! offers hours of fun for a wide range of ages. Aside from the huge, life size models of dinosaurs hidden around the park, there’s in addition a Victorian Walled Garden home to a range of farmyard animals, a Lost World Maze, High Ropes Course and a Deer Safari to spot the red and fallow deer who live here.
If the weather turns wet, there’s an indoor play area too, which of course is also dino-themed!
Address: Lenwade, Norwich NR9 5JE
Opening Hours: Open daily 9:30am – 5pm
19 More Things to Do with Kids in Norfolk? Read on…
11. Day at the Beach
Norfolk’s coastline is some of the UK’s most unspoiled, so a day at the beach is an absolute must when you visit the area. Some of our favourites are below:
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk’s most popular family resort has a large beach and lots of entertainment on the Golden Mile. A promenade between the two piers lined with amusements arcades, ice cream shops and cafes. However it does get very busy in the school holidays. You will be guaranteed a great family day out in Norfolk.
Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the most photographed beaches in Norfolk, thanks to its row of 200 colourful beach huts which line the sand. This picturesque stretch of beach is ideal for dog walking and birdwatching, and it’s never likely to feel crowded.
Holkham Bay recently won “Beach of the Year” (BBC Countryfile magazine awards 2018) and “Best Beach in the UK”(in a survey of travel writers on 101 Holidays). Your family is bound to love it as much as we do. Stretching for more than four miles, it is part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, and is home to a fascinating array of flora and fauna. Unspoiled Norfolk beauty at its best.
12. Holkham Estate
This 25,000 acre estate on the north Norfolk coast is an exceptional place to explore with your family. Rich in history, architecture and wildlife. 18th century Holkam Hall is home to the Earl of Leicester and his family, who take great pride in sharing their house and grounds with visitors.
Designated walks allow visitors to explore the extensive grounds, where you can spot the free roaming fallow deer, as well as lots of other wildlife. There are lakes, a farm, woodland and a walled garden to discover, as well as a high ropes course, cycle hire and boat hire.
Address: Holkham Road, Wells-next-the-Sea. NR23 1AB
Opening Hours: Opening times for individual attractions vary, check the website for more information.
13. BeWILDerwood
Be WILDerwood is an award-winning Adventure Park based on the series of children’s books written by local author, Tom Blofeld. Your kids will love spotting characters from the books as they enjoy a Lazy River boat ride, or tackle the Sky Maze treetop trail. There are always lots of activities happening throughout the year, from storytelling to treasure hunts, puppet shows and craft workshops.
Address: Horning Road, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8JW
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5:30 pm from February to October
14. Watch the Seals at Brancaster Bay
Where usually seals are mostly found in Scotland, population seems to spread also in England and more particularly on the Norfolk coast. During the low tide, you can spot some seals families resting near Brancaster beach. They are getting less afraid of humans now but don’t stand too close to them. They are still wild animals to preserve as much as we can.
15. Bircham Windmill
Very few functioning windmills are still visible today in England. Bircham Windmill is one of those cherished windmills you can still appreciate today. The windmill has over 200 years of history and requires 5 floors to climb in order to get the view from the fan stage. The venue also have a bakery, tea rooms and a gift shop.
Address: The Mill, Snettisham Rd, Great Bircham, King’s Lynn PE31 6SJ
16. Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
The Gardens are a delight to visit with the changing colors of their trees depending on which season you plan to visit Norfolk. Your children will also enjoy one of the most elegant country houses in the region by discovering the different rooms at the Hall. The kitchen is particularly impressive and you could immerse yourself as if you were the cook in this massive mansion. Felbrigg Hall is part of the National Trust charity.
Address: Felbrigg, Norwich NR11 8PR
17. Norfolk Lavender
As the name mentions it, this venue hosts one of the biggest lavenders fields in the UK with over 100 acres of lavender collections. This place is a perfect place for a day out with the kids. You will enjoy a tour guide of the estate, as well as a garden centre, animals gardens and play park. And if you would like a hot drink or have lunch, it is possible thanks to their tearoom and restaurant. Breakfast is also served from 10am until 11am.
Address: Norfolk Lavender, Caley Mill, Lynn Rd, Heacham PE31 7JE
18. Time & Tide Museum
The Time & Tide Museum offers a variety of fun activities for kids and adults alike. There are also exhibits on the history of the sea and a boat ride around the harbour. The museum also has an educational section that includes interactive games, hands-on science experiments, and more.
Address: Blackfriars’ Rd, Great Yarmouth NR30 3BX
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm. Saturday to Sunday 12pm until 4pm (last admission is 3pm)
19. North Norfolk Railway
North Norfolk Railway is a great way to spend time with the kids. There are lots of things for them to do on the train, such as playing games, listening to music, and reading books. You can take them to ride the steam train, visit the gift shop, and even enjoy a meal! So, if you’re looking for one of the most original things to do in Norfolk with your kids, The North Norfolk Railway is a great place to start.
Address: the train runs from Sheringham to Holt
Opening Hours: check website for train time tables
Hang in there! I have 9 more things to do in Norfolk with Kids…
20. Sheringham Park
Sheringham Park is an excellent destination for families, as it offers a range of activities and attractions that are perfect for children, from playing on the swings and climbing on the play equipment to watching wildlife in its natural habitat and enjoying some time outdoors. It has a play area, swings, sandpits and a pond with ducks. There are also plenty of activities that children can do on their own or with their parents. The park, part of National Trust is also full of wildlife, including rabbits, foxes and deer.
Address: Visitor Centre, Wood Farm, Sheringham NR26 8TL
Opening Hours: everyday dawn to dusk
21. Joyland
Joyland is a fun, affordable and safe place to spend time with the kids. It has a wide range of activities for children and families to enjoy. The park also offers a variety of food options for everyone to enjoy. The food is fresh and delicious, ensuring that you can have a great time without having to worry about going hungry or getting sick from bad food. Joyland is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your family without breaking the bank!
Address: Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 2DL
Opening Hours: currently CLOSED and due to re-open in mid late March 2022
22. Snettisham Park
Snettisham Park is a great way to spend time with the kids because it has a lot of things to do. It has a play area, a small zoo, and even an adventure trail. The park is also home to the Snettisham Mill. It’s open for tours during the summer months, so you can learn all about how it used to work and what it used to produce. It’s a beautiful park with plenty to do and see. There are lots of different activities, such as archery, fishing, and geocaching.
Address: Bircham Rd, King’s Lynn PE31 7NG
Opening Hours: Every day. March to September 10am until 4pm (Easter holidays and Summer 9am until 5pm) / October to February 10am until 3pm
23. City of Norwich Aviation Museum
The City of Norwich Aviation in Norfolk is a great way to spend time with the kids. The airport has a wide variety of things to do and places to visit. It is also a great place for kids to explore their aviation interests and find out more about the world around them, as well as learn more about the UK’s RAF history.
Address: Old Norwich Rd, Horsham St Faith, Norwich NR10 3JF
Opening Hours: November to March Open on Wednesday and Saturday 1oam until 4pm and Sunday on 11am until 3pm. Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday/ April to October Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am until 5pm. Closed on Monday
24. GoApe Thetford
The Go Ape Thetford team is always on hand to provide advice and support, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re letting your children get up to! It’s safe and secure, so parents can let their children explore without worrying about them getting lost or into harm’s way. It also has a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy, from zip-lining to archery. The Go Ape Thetford in Norfolk is a great way to spend time with the kids, and there are a range of activities that children can enjoy, including tree climbing, zip wire, rope bridges, and an obstacle course.
Address: Go Ape Thetford,, High Lodge Forest Centre, Brandon IP27 0AF
Opening Hours: open on weekends during Winter
25. Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse
Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse is a living museum which tells the story of Norfolk’s rich agricultural heritage and its people from 1700 to 1900. The museum is situated in the centre of Gressenhall Norfolk, England. It was founded in 1760 by a group of Quakers who were looking for an alternative to the workhouses that were then prevalent in England. The museum tells the story of Norfolk’s farming community through its exhibitions, displays and collections, which include tools, photographs, and maps.
Address: Gressenhall, Beetley, Dereham NR20 4DR
Opening Hours: daily from 14 March until 30 October 2022 10am until 5pm (last admission is 4.30pm)
26. Amazona Zoo
So, there’s a zoo in Norfolk with lots of animals and fun activities, so you and the kids can spend a day together.. It is a fun place for them to explore and learn about animals. It is also a good way to get some exercise in the fresh air. The Amazona Zoo in Norfolk has over 2,000 animals that are on display and open to the public. There are also many interactive exhibits that will entertain children of all ages.
Address: Hall Rd, Cromer NR27 9JG
Opening Hours: The Zoo re-opens on 111 February 2022 / Daily from 10am to 3.30pm (last admission is 3pm) / Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
27. Norwich Theatre Royal
Norwich Theatre Royal is the perfect place for a family day out. The theatre has been around for over 150 years and has a wide range of shows to choose from. It also provides a great way for children to learn about the world of theatre as it offers lots of things to do with them, including puppet shows, musicals, and even dance classes. In February, the theatre offers the young audience to watch different shows such as Fireman Sam, Ministry of Science or Everybody’s Talking about Jamie.
Address: Theatre St, Norwich NR2 1RL
Opening Hours: vary depending of the performance
28. Redwings Caldecott
The Redwing Caldecott Centre is a great way to spend time with your kids. It hosts one of the largest horse sanctuary for horses that have been abandoned, sick, mistreated. There is usually around 100 horses who found refuge at Redwings Caldecott. It is a place where children can go and explore nature, learn about the natural world, and enjoy creative play. There is also a coffee shop called Oliver’s Cafe that serves cold food and hot drinks. So perfect for a family lunch or in the middle of the afternoon.
Address: Caldecott Hall, Beccles Rd, Fritton NR31 9EY
Opening Hours: Friday to Monday 10am until 4pm / Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
29. Strangers’s Hall Museum
The Strangers’ Hall Museum in Norfolk is a great place for families and friends to spend time together. There are many activities that can be done by all ages that will keep everyone entertained. The museum has a unique collection of exhibits and artefacts from around the world and it is easy to find something interesting or educational about any topic you are looking for. The museum offers different workshops such as exploring all different types of textiles or study the medieval textiles.
Address: 4 Charing Cross, Norwich NR2 4AL
Opening Hours: reopen on 16 February 2022
30. Sea Life Hunstanton
Here is another aquarium centre to check out in Norfolk. Sea Life Hunstanton might not be the largest venue in the country but it has lots of fishes, penguins and even sharks. There are feeding times sessions that you don’t want to miss.
The Ocean Tunnel is probably the highlight of the attraction where you can see all sea animals passing by above your head. Outdoor, you can also discover the life of otters
Address: Seagate Rd, Hunstanton PE36 5BH
CONCLUSION
So here we go. I am sure there are plenty of activities you can choose for your next holiday in Norfolk whether it rains or not. Norfolk is a perfect place to be if you want to get close to nature at its best. I hope you have found these things to do in Norfolk with your Kids super inspiring to help you before or during your stay in East Anglia.
If you have found other great family attractions in the region of Norfolk, please let us know by email or send us message on Facebook or Instagram.
Happy holiday in Norfolk!
29 Things to Do in Norfolk with Kids
1. Norwich Castle
2. Hire a Boat to Explore the Broads
3. Sea Life Centre Great Yarmouth
4. Merrivale Model Village
5. Cromer Pier Pavillion Theatre
6. Oxburgh Hall
7. Hootz House at Pensthorpe Natural Park
8. The Sandrigham Estate
9. Pensthorpe Natural Park
10. Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
11. Day at the Beach
12. Holkham Estate
13. BeWilderwood
14. Watch the Seals at Brancaster Bay
15. Bircham Windmill
16. Felbrigg Hall
17. Norfolk Lavender
18. Time & Tide Museum
19. North Norfolk Railway
20. Sheringham Park
21. Joyland
22. Snettisham Park
23. City of Norwich Aviation Museum
24. GoApe Thetford
25. Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse
26. Amazona Zoo
27. Norwich Theatre Royal
28. Redwings Caldecott
29. Strangers’s Hall Museum
30. Sea Life Hunstanton
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