Things to do with kids in Norfolk – Ideas for days out
Locals and visitors alike will find Norfolk is packed with things to do to keep the kids entertained. From thrilling outdoor adventures to educational experiences, there’s something for every family. We’ve got 20 of our fav ideas to help families explore some of the best places for kids of all ages. Getting out and spending time together is a great way to bond as a family and leave those screens behind, so let’s get out and active…
1. BeWILDerwood, Hoveton
This imaginative outdoor adventure park is a dreamland for children, all tied into the narrative of a collection of wonderfully illustrated fantasy tales. Expect wooden treehouses, bridges, zip wires, and storytelling sessions in a setting that encourages creativity and active play. Parking is ample and free, and there’s a variety of food options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. For those not eating on-site or taking a packed lunch, the nearby King’s Arms in Ludham offers a kid-friendly pub atmosphere with outdoor seating, ideal for a post-adventure meal.
2. Holkham Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea
Known for its vast expanse of golden sand and tranquil dunes, Holkham Beach is perfect for kite flying and nature spotting. Behind the beach, explore the pine woods or the nature trail. Parking is ample in Holkham Reserve via a pay and display car park on Lady Anne’s Drive. After your visit, consider heading to Bang in Wells, a kid and dog friendly café known for its lovely cakes, warm atmosphere, and outdoor seating. It’s an excellent spot for a family-friendly meal and some downtime.
There’s also the Courtyard Café at the nearby Holkham Hall which is an excellent spot for refreshments (albeit a little pricey at times), offering options for many dietary needs. We’ve previously written a wonderful circular walk around the Holkham estate, suitable for families with kids and dogs alike.
3. Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade
From a thrilling dinosaur trail to a splash zone and monitored high rope course, this park promises a roaring good time. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take full advantage of the activities including one of the largest soft play areas in Norfolk with zoned areas for different age ranges. There’s ample free parking on site and if you’re not eating at the reasonably priced outlets within Roarr! You might consider heading to The Red Lion in Drayton, a kid friendly pub with a great pub garden out back, offering banging, great-value roasts and traditional pub grub for kids and adults alike.
4. Cromer Pier and Beach, Cromer
Crabbing on Cromer Pier is a must for families, and the traditional end-of-pier show provides entertainment for all ages. The beach is ideal for paddling and sandcastle building. Nearby, Amazona Zoo offers an intimate look at South American animals, making it a perfect companion activity. Amazona Zoo’s small onsite café serves a variety of family-friendly meals and treats. Near to Cromer Pier, don’t miss No.1 Cromer, this Fish & Chip Bar, renowned for its locally-sourced delicious, crispy fish and chips, comes complete with child-sized portions for little appetites served up in little buckets and spades that the kids can then keep!
5. Pensthorpe Natural Park, Fakenham
A haven for nature enthusiasts, Pensthorpe combines wildlife spotting and getting away from life’s stresses with eco-friendly play areas and the time-allocated Hootz House indoor zone for rainy days. Pensthorpe’s size means it’s an ideal place to fill a good, long day out amongst nature. Parking is free, and the on-site Courtyard Cafe is ample in size and caters to all tastes. After a day of exploration, consider Dixie’s Kitchen in Fakenham, a kid friendly cafe with hearty jacket potatoes, sandwiches and meals to satisfy hungry adventurers.
6. Norfolk Broads National Park
Boat trips on the Broads offer an unforgettable experience, with opportunities for stopping off at some of the most scenic picnic sites in Norfolk, like Caen Meadow near Wroxham. Many families recommend hiring a day boat for the full experience and a chance to explore a number of the broads, their moorings and facilities. Boat hire from Wroxham is a good choice as the marina area offers a good number of businesses offering hire. The navigating of the waterways and skills associated with boating are some of the easiest things for children to learn alongside their parents.
If boating, consider heading to, and mooring in, Coltishall to relax at The Rising Sun. This popular pub boasts a charming riverside setting combined with a welcoming atmosphere and decent mid-priced pub grub. Alternatively, if heading from Wroxham to moor in Ranworth Broad, The Maltsters is conveniently located at the edge of the Broad and offers a cosy spot with a great family-friendly menu and scenic surroundings in the form of nature trails and walks for the kids.
7. Thetford Forest, Thetford
With a Gruffalo Trail snaking through the trees, cycling routes, and bookable treetop adventures, there’s plenty that makes this forest a top pick for families with kids. Parking is charged at £3 per hour unless you’re a member but that’s reasonable considering the ample grounds, activities picnic areas available. It’s a dog friendly zone with a cafe and visitor centre onsite.
Nearby, Thetford Garden Centre offers an alternative spot for lunch with kid friendly food options available in their cafe.
8. Wroxham Barns, Hoveton
Junior Farm experiences, funfair rides, and hands-on crafts make Wroxham Barns a hit with young children. Parking is straightforward, and the on-site eateries include options for dietary requirements. This is an ideal venue to combine with a trip into Wroxham to feed the ducks or consider a short boat trip on the Broads.
9. Blakeney Point Seal Trips, Blakeney
Spotting seals in their natural habitat is a magical experience for kids and the North Norfolk coast is one of the best places in the country to see them. Book in advance and bring binoculars for the best views to avoid getting too close and spooking the colonies.
For a meal afterwards, combine your seal-watching adventure with a circular walk out to the coast from Salthouse. Stop by The Dun Cow, a welcoming pub with stunning views and a dog-friendly atmosphere, perfect for families. Enjoy their hearty meals, ideal for refuelling after a day outdoors.
10. Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Norwich
Interactive exhibits and a well-loved medieval keep make this a fun and educational day out. Norwich Castle has undergone significant improvements over the last few years as part of a multi-million-pound renovation effort. Enhancements include a new glass atrium providing stunning views of the Keep’s east facade, a child friendly 60-seat restaurant, improved accessibility features such as a lift, bridge links, and a viewing platform ensure everyone can explore whatever their age and needs. The Keep’s medieval floors and room layouts have been reinstated, offering an immersive experience of Norman royal palace life. The full reopening is expected in early 2025.
After exploring, consider a visit to Bill’s at the Back of the Inns or Cafe 33 on Exchange Street for hearty, kid-friendly meals and some of the widest menu options in the city. Both offer diverse menus catering to children and adults, ensuring a delicious end to your day out. – Try the pancakes at Cafe 33!
There are convenient parking options for Norwich Castle nearby in Castle Quarter Car Parks 1 and 2 (previously known as Castle Mall). Consider combining this visit with a stop at Chapelfield Gardens for a runaround before heading home.
11. Sheringham Park, Upper Sheringham
Full of vibrant rhododendron displays during the warmer months of the year, Sheringham Park is a visual treat with plenty of scope for a good yomp around fields and parkland. Climb the viewing towers for panoramic views, and enjoy an array of clearly laid out family-friendly walking trails. The park’s tea room offers snacks and refreshments, and The Two Lifeboats pub in Sheringham provides kid-friendly dining options.
12. The Bug Parc, Lenwade
For a unique and fascinating experience, The Bug Parc is a little-known venue that allows allows kids to get up close with exotic insects and learn about their habitats. The Chrysalis Café on-site offers family-friendly refreshments and light meals, making it an ideal spot to recharge after exploring. Parking is available, and the venue is both fun and educational for children.
13. Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, Wells-next-the-Sea
Take a ride on one of the world’s smallest public railways, a delight for kids and train enthusiasts alike. It’s around a fiver for a half-hour round trip and is ideal to combine it with a visit to the Wells Beach or Holkham Beach options we mentioned earlier for a full day out. The Wells Crab House is a good spot for family-friendly dining.
14. Banham Zoo, Banham
Known for its conservation efforts, Banham Zoo features a variety of animals, from tigers to meerkats. Don’t miss the bird of prey displays. Their red pandas and sloths are particular favourites for many, along with the inclusive road train tours. For a relaxed post-zoo meal, consider The Grill in nearby Old Buckenham, a kid friendly cafe with a lovely outdoor lakeside seating area. They even have evening entertainment and food truck events, just check the social media pages of Old Buckenham Country Park.
16. Hunstanton Beach and Cliffs, Hunstanton
The shallow waters for paddling, rock pools for exploring, and stunning striped cliffs, make Sunny Hunny a family favourite. Bring a picnic or visit the huge number of arcades, shops and cafes in the main town before considering a trip out to sea on The Wash Monster. The Wash Monster is a unique amphibious craft that’s ideal for exciting seal safari tours, panoramic coastal views, and a family-friendly experience of seeing seals in their natural habitat
Those wanting a stroll can head to park at Hunstanton Cliffs and enjoy the wider, less busy beaches to the east or walk west at low tide to see the exposed shipwrecks and the most amazing exposed sea bed and rockpools in Norfolk.
17. Bressingham Steam & Gardens, Diss
There’s an array of activities and beautiful gardens that make Bressingham an exciting day out. The museum’s interactive exhibits are perfect for young train enthusiasts and they can ride steam trains, explore vintage fire engines and enjoy a carousel. There’s also a children’s play area and plenty of opportunities to learn about steam power and the history of the associated industries.
If you’re looking for a unique foodie destination which caters well for veggie and vegan diets, Amandines in Diss would be a good nearby idea. Amandines offers family-friendly vegetarian cuisine with kid-approved options like peanut butter and jam sandwiches with fruit and veg salad, delicious cakes, and a welcoming atmosphere that will even impress carnivorous kids.
18. Joyland and The Marina Centre, Great Yarmouth
For a day packed with fun and variety, combine a visit to Joyland with the Marina Centre. Joyland, a nostalgic favourite, offers pay-as-you-go thrills with nostalgic rides like the Snails Roller Coaster and Tyrolean Tub Twist. Many families love sharing memories of these iconic attractions while creating new ones with their kids.
The Marina Centre, just a short walk away, provides a modern twist to family fun. There’s something for everyone with a state-of-the-art climbing wall, a fantastic swimming pool with slides (a novelty in Norfolk), and a well-equipped gym. Complimentary parking is a convenient option in the nearby beachside car park, making your visit hassle-free – just remember to get your car registration validated at the Marina Centre reception.
Refuel at the Marina Centre café or one of Great Yarmouth’s many family-friendly restaurants along the stretch of the seafront. Fish and chips are a firm family favourite in many outlets here, but be warned, they’re not always as inexpensive as they used to be when feeding a family.
19. Holt Country Park, Holt
With well-maintained trails and peaceful surroundings, Holt Country Park is a great option for a relaxed day. It offers waymarked trails, a children’s play area, wildlife spotting and seasonal activities like treasure hunts. The site is filled with sculptures, clean facilities, and diverse landscapes, it’s perfect for family outdoor adventures with picnic spots aplenty.
For a potential kid-friendly idea for food nearby, Hetty’s House Tea Room is a great option. The te room serves freshly made sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls, cakes (including gluten-free and vegan options), hot drinks, and ice cream, and is conveniently located in Holt Country Park itself. If you’re travelling further afield, check out Byford’s in Holt for a larger menu and some of the best, freshly made foods in this area.
20. Funky’s Roller Skating, Norwich
Funky’s is a great choice for an “indoor” day out. Kids can enjoy soft-play adventures while older children and adults have fun on the roller-skating rink. Food options on-site include pizza, burgers, and light snacks to keep everyone on their feet, wheels and rollerblades.
For a nearby food option with more space to explore for kids, head to The Feed Café in Waterloo Park Pavilion. It’s known for its hearty breakfasts, light lunches, and delicious cakes. Their kid-friendly menu includes sandwiches, toasties, and simple meals to please even the pickiest eaters and supports the local charity. Combine your trip to Funky’s with some outdoor play at Waterloo Park for a well-rounded day of fun.
Norfolk really does boast a mix of history, nature, and fun that ensures there’s always something to do – our list is just a handful. Whether it’s beaches, forests, or a roller disco, you’ll find plenty of things suitable for a day out with children.
