Discover the Best Family Summer Holiday Activities in Norfolk – 2026 Guide
Planning a summer holiday in Norfolk with the kids? Look no further! Norfolk is one of the UK’s top family holiday destinations, offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From golden beaches and scenic coastal walks to family-friendly attractions and exciting outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Summer 2026. Our ultimate guide to family activities in Norfolk will help you make the most of your summer break and holiday - there’s something for every age, interest, and energy level—ensuring fun-filled days and magical memories for the whole family.
See below for a selection of fantastic ways for kids and their adults to spend their time this summer, some of which are free.
Don't forget to also check out ourfrequently updated Norfolk family listings for hundreds more family friendly days out, activities and events taking place this summer and beyond
Learn to swim with Norwich Penguins
Norwich Penguins have over 90 years experience teaching children to swim with a long legacy and high standard of teaching. They pride themselves on being great value for money. With a wide range of swimming locations in and around Norwich this makes finding a pool near you easier than ever. Prioritise the safety of your children this summer and build their water safety knowledge by quoting ‘Primary Times 10’ when booking any Summer Splashdown course for 10% discount. #becomeyourbest #norwichpenguins
Step onto the Yellow Brick Road this summer with DOT Productions’ magical family theatre adventure, Frank L. Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In this fast-paced 60-minute production, Dorothy is swept into a dazzling world where nothing is quite as it seems and adventure waits around every corner. Along the way she encounters curious companions, peculiar places, and powerful forces that test courage, kindness, and belief. Bursting with fun, silliness, and lively songs, this fantastical retelling sparkles with imagination and theatrical magic. Created for families and audiences of all ages, DOT Productions brings its signature warmth and playfulness to Baum’s timeless tale. A joyful celebration of wonder and friendship, this summer adventure reminds us all that there’s no place like home.
Their brand new maze is here, and there’s a traitor to uncover! Can your little detective crack the clues and uncover the sneaky farm animal who can’t be trusted?
Plus, you’ll find trampolines, mini tractors, bouncy castles, a barrel train, go-karts, crazy croquet, inflatables, swings and slides, so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained all summer long.
Their on-site café will be serving tasty treats and lunches, and our nearby farm shop, fish counter and café is open daily.
Book online for the best prices or pay on the day.
Discover a summer full of stories, music and creativity in Norwich.
From 18 July to 31 August, families can explore the free Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail, uncovering hidden clues and book-themed surprises. Then, every Sunday throughout August, Norwich Summer Sessions will bring free live music, street theatre and performances to Hay Hill, Westlegate, St Gregory’s Green and Gentleman’s Walk in the city centre. Together, the two events celebrate everything that makes Norwich ‘The City of Stories’, creating memorable experiences for visitors and residents of all ages throughout the summer holidays.
Watch stories brought to life with music at the stage, take part in an interactive Flower Power Trail, meet your favourite characters and enjoy all the usual family fun BeWILDerwood has to offer this summer. To celebrate the launch of the summer holidays, you can get 25% off tickets with a special discount code – head to the website for more details and offers! *T&Cs apply, limited time offer.
Indigo Dyslexia Centre - Open throughout the summer!
“The academic year may be over and ‘Schools Out!’ but there is no rest for the wicked and defiinitely not for us. We’ll still be doing Dyslexia and Dyscalculia screening tests throughout the summer break. This is a great time to get them done as it allows you to entre the new academic year or your new school with the evidence you need to ask for support and a proper understanding of any strengths and weaknesses. Book early to avoid disappointment via our website.”
Family walks are back this year with Great Yarmouth Heritage Guided Walks and Talks.
Not your average history walk, they mix the past and present using an app to being history to life.
Listen to the Guide plus use the app to watch short videos, take selfies, and answer fun quiz questions – remember, points make prizes! Will your family work as a team or against each other?
Puzzles near the Pier shows walkers the history of the Golden Mile, while Crime and Yuckishment is well, yucky!
Get ready for a fun family adventure on two wheels!
The Norfolk Churches Trust Annual Bike Ride invites children, families and friends to explore Norfolk’s beautiful churches while enjoying a day outdoors. Participants can cycle, walk or even scooter between churches, collecting sponsorship to help care for these historic buildings. Whether you visit one church or many, it’s a great way to discover local heritage, spend time together and support a worthwhile cause. The event is open to all ages and abilities, making it the perfect family day out. Join in and help keep Norfolk’s churches thriving for future generations!
World Horse Welfare Hall Farm is open every weekend and is a fun day out for the whole family.
You can meet the ponies undergoing rehabilitation in the courtyard stables and take a walk around the paddock tracks to see the horses relaxing in the fields in their natural environment. Dogs on leads are welcome. There is also a fun Activity Trail, indoor & outdoor play areas and a recently refurbished coffee shop serving cakes & snacks. Booking is required at www.worldhorsewelfare.org/visit-us where you will also find details of special events, activity days and more about the charity. The centre is also open Wednesdays in the school holidays.
Visit Redwings Horse Sanctuary at its sites in Norfolk at Caldecott near Great Yarmouth and in Aylsham, North Norfolk, to meet some of the sanctuary's 1000 rescued residents. Make a new friend, enjoy our paddock walks, do some shopping in their gift shops and relax with a coffee in their cafes. And feel good knowing every penny you spend goes towards helping the charity’s work supporting horses and donkeys across the UK!
Entry is free of charge, and the centres are open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday all year round. Dogs on leads are welcome too!
Winding through three and a half acres of beautiful mature gardens. This magical adventure invites families to explore, imagine and play. Follow the map, uncover hidden doors, create fairy rubbings and collect a prize. This garden is filled with plenty of open spaces to play. Perfect for picnics, games and quiet moments. Visit the fairy observatory to see Valarie’s remarkable findings, including never before seen photos capturing what look like real fairies! Enjoy a full day out with lunch, treats and craft workshops at picturesque Alby Crafts and Gardens. Fun and wonder for all ages.
If you’ve ever fancied a night under the big Norfolk starry sky, why not make Holkham Park your base for your next North Norfolk camping holiday? Perfect for enjoying the amazing attractions and summer events at Holkham, just park up your touring caravan, campervan or motorhome or pitch up your tent in the beautiful surroundings of Holkham Park. With both Holkham Beach and Wells Town a leisurely walk (or short drive) away, and the stunning Holkham Park on your doorstep, our exclusive pop-up campsite is a wonderful way to stay with us this summer.
Hello Summer
Say goodbye to screens and routines and switch to real life adventures at Holkham this summer. Think relaxing picnics in the park surrounded by deer, treetop adventures on the ropes course, exploring by bike, enjoying outdoor theatre and trailer tours, and having the best fun in the woodland adventure play area. With sandcastle building on the beach and weekend street food at Feast in the Park continuing the summer vibe, you are guaranteed some memorable days out at Holkham this summer holiday.
Autumn Adventures: Book Your Next Residential at How Hill!
Looking for the perfect residential for the next school year?
Where learning meets adventure in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Team building and nature-based programmes bring education to life through hands-on experiences, from traditional thatching to exploring the Broads by boat.
Enjoy exclusive use of their beautifully refurbished Edwardian house, accommodating up to 41 children and 5 adults, complete with single beds, ensuite rooms and spacious communal areas. As a LOtC Quality Badge holder, they ensure safety, comfort, and unforgettable memories.
There’s never been a better time to visit Pleasurewood Hills.
The park is bursting with excitement this summer, offering families and thrill-seekers more reasons than ever to make unforgettable memories. Guests can experience the park’s newest attractions, adding fresh thrills and fun to an already action-packed day out. Alongside the rides, the spectacular Summer Circus brings world-class entertainment, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, daring performances and family-friendly comedy throughout the summer. With fantastic value, exciting events and something for every age group, Pleasurewood Hills continues to be one of the region’s top destinations for summer adventure and entertainment.
Enjoy a walk round the reedbeds, woodlands and orchid-rich meadows before an al fresco cuppa or ice-cream. Little ones will love their den building area along the adventure trail. If the weather's kind, why not stop for a picnic too? Pond dipping kits and adventure backpacks can be hired from Reception hide to enhance your adventure.
Find out more at events.rspb.org.uk/strumpshawfen
Norwich School Nursery
Located in the heart of the city, Norwich School Nursery provides a nurturing setting with exceptional pastoral care. Each child benefits from highly individualised support from qualified early years practitioners. Learning is experience-led, with role-play central to a fun, developmental curriculum enriched by specialist teaching in IT, Music, Languages and STEM. Children also enjoy excellent outdoor spaces, alongside weekly Outdoor Education and Sport, including swimming. Included in the fees are healthy snacks and lunch, wraparound care from 08:00–17:00 (with the option to extend this from 07:30–18:00), and a wide range of clubs and trips. With 15 hours’ funding also available, Norwich School Nursery offers an outstanding start to your child’s education.
Thanks to the Government’s VAT reductions on family activities this summer, Wells Maltings are delighted to offer lower prices on children’s tickets, family packages, and meals. These reductions have been applied across a wide range of events and activities throughout our summer programme here at Wells Maltings.
You can save even more by booking early through their new early‑bird scheme. Plus, if you’d like the chance to win a £20 gift voucher for our café bar, simply be one of the first 10 people to book any event in our summer season.
Alternatively pop in to pick up a summer brochure. The Maltings, Staithe Street, Wells-Next-the-Sea, NR23 1AU. Look Forward to welcoming you!
Thursford’s Adventure Play Fair is an all-encompassing, immersive 30,000sqft outdoor play park themed around a vintage fairground. With a giant Helter Skelter, Ferris Wheel, Carousel and more all connected by bridges, tunnels and walkways, and a UK-first of its kind water play fountain, don’t miss one of East Anglia’s newest attractions! Open every day during the summer holidays. Thursford offers free parking, onsite catering, and Changing Places Facilities. The Steam Museum is also open Sunday to Thursday, with fairground rides, steam engines, Wurlitzer shows, retail shops, and more.
Looking for a summer adventure, the whole family can enjoy? From 18th July to 3rd September 2026, explore Billingford Lakes’ Summer Discovery Trail with activity sheets, play areas, wildlife hides, wood carvings, stunning views and lakeside café. Adults £8, kids go free, dogs welcome and free parking included. New for 2026, Disc Golf is available at an additional cost.
The Great British Summer Savings comes to Wroxham Miniature Worlds. We are passing massive savings on to help families enjoy fantastic days out this Summer by launching our new Family Priced Tickets. Family Adult Tickets £10.85, Family Child Tickets £9.05 when accompanied by two paying children aged (4 to 15 years old). There is no cap on the family size, visiting as a family three (one adult and two children aged 4 to 15 years old) or a family of ten. Enjoy cheaper prices from 25th June to 1st September 2026. It’s more than a hobby – it’s a family journey.
Looking for an exciting way to keep the children active this summer? Norfolk Snowsports Club has plenty of adventures waiting, from thrilling tubing sessions to beginner ski and snowboard lessons. Suitable for ages 6+, our friendly instructors and inclusive environment make it easy for everyone to have a go, whether it's their first visit or they're building confidence on the slope.
All equipment is provided, and Primary Times readers can enjoy 25% off beginner ski or snowboard lessons, taster sessions, and tubing during the summer holidays!
Kids go free to Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserves!
Discover Norfolk’s wildlife and make memories for less this summer with free child admission to all Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserves and visitor centres. Enjoy a day out at NWT Cley Marshes on the North Norfolk coast, or explore brilliant Broadland wildlife at NWT Hickling Broad or NWT Ranworth Broad. Visit our website to plan your wild day out: download free wildlife spotter sheets and book your ticket to an exciting event or guided wildlife boat trip!
Free entry for ages 16 and under - find out more at norfolkwildlifetrust.co.uk/KidsGoFree
Finnbar’s Force Family Adventure Day
Join in on Sunday 6th September 2026 for one of the most loved events in the Finnbar’s Force calendar, their Family Adventure Day. This event brings full day of outdoor adventure at the beautiful Eaton Vale Activity Centre.
With two levels of tickets, All-in ticket £27 holders get unlimited access to the main adventure activities — canoeing, archery, axe throwing, climbing, high ropes, trapeze, crate stacking and more. For younger children and spectators, the Basic ticket £6.50 covers a brilliant range of smaller activities: forest school, go karts, inflatables, soft play, the games tent, and more.
Golden Years at North Norfolk Railway, July 18 – 19
Enjoy a weekend of fun with two days of live music, classic vehicle displays, vintage bus rides and unlimited travel on 4 different historic trains! Hop on and off all day, and be sure to make the most of your visit by saving 15% when you book in advance.
Level up the summer holidays and unlock fantastic activities for your child
Big Norfolk Holiday Fun returns this summer, giving children and young people across Norfolk the chance to level up their holidays by stepping away from screens and enjoying a summer full of new discoveries, new friendships and plenty of adventure.
Running from 20 July to 2 September, the programme offers a wide range of activities, from familiar favourites like football and swimming to different experiences such as sailing, horse riding, climbing and karate. It’s a chance to spark new interests and create lasting memories.
Designed for ages 4–16, the programme is inclusive and accessible, with specialist provision for children with Special Educational Needs.
For families eligible for benefits-related free school meals, activities are free and include a healthy lunch. Low-cost paid places are also available.
Visit eequ.org/bignorfolkholidayfun to find activities near you.
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.
ROARR! has announced that Matty Campbell AKA Bionic, star of the hit BBC show Gladiators, will officially open the park's spectacular new attraction, Fossil Falls, on 18th July 2026 — to kick off the school summer holidays.
Fossil Falls is a record-breaking 107-metre tubing slide, the longest in the UK and the most exciting addition yet to the Norfolk park's already action-packed line-up of attractions. Visitors will leap onto a doughnut-shaped inflatable tube and hurtle down the 107-metre-long ride, which is set to become a firm family favourite.
Get out and experience the incredible heritage and history our county has to offer this September with hundreds of amazing events, that are all entirely FREE! Explore hidden gems, fascinating places, and uncover the Everyday Histories of Norfolk’s places and people. From free entry to your favourite museums to sneak peeks behind the scenes, there's so much to discover!
Book tickets for prebook events from Wed 26 Aug, but there are plenty of drop-in events too!
Find out more at NorfolkHeritageOpenDays.co.uk
Get ready for a summer of toys, splashes and family fun at Wroxham Barns.
Join the Toy Takeover on the farm with a playful trail and fun activities adding a fresh twist to your visit. Cool off in the brand-new Splash Zone, featuring a giant paddling pool and their popular foam parties. Meet their farm favourites during daily feeding sessions with the farm team and learn more about them. Explore the Maize of Illusions and Adventure Play for all-day fun. Plus, we’re passing on the summer VAT reduction through lower ticket prices for even better value.
Explore and tour our award-winning school for girls aged 3-18 at our Autumn Open Day on Saturday 26th September!
“At Norwich High School, our girls can discover who they are and have confidence to be themselves. We give them the support and encouragement they need to make decisions, to find their own way and, when something goes wrong, the resilience to pick themselves up and start again.
At our Open Day, you will get the opportunity to tour our beautiful 14-acre site and fantastic facilities, meet our inspiring staff and find out what makes our school so special – and how our girls learn without limits.”
Do you want to a diverse and rewarding job which makes a valuable contribution to children’s education and development?
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, colleges, early years settings and a whole range of education providers. Take a look and find roles for teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers, nursery managers, caretakers, early years practitioners, administrators, caretakers, technicians, cleaners, cooks, preschool managers, nursery assistants, lunchtime supervisors, technicians, IT, Finance and HR.
Make memories on a fun-filled day of outdoor play and adventure
Enjoy a Summer of Play at National Trust Blickling, Felbrigg and Oxburgh Estates, with something for the whole family. At Blickling, head out on a mini-beast safari, try balance bikes and archery, or get moving on the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. On Sunday 9 August, don’t miss ‘Buzz: A Bee-rilliant Adventure!’ at 11am and 2pm.
At Oxburgh and Felbrigg, become an adventurer – build dens in the woods, get creative, or take on sports and garden games. Refuel with ice creams and relax in the gardens.
Safari Family Fun Day at Great Yarmouth Racecourse - 30th August
Make this August Bank Holiday Weekend one to remember for years to come at Great Yarmouth Racecourse on Sunday 30th August for Safari Family Fun Day. What better way to spend your Bank Holiday with the kids in Norfolk than an afternoon of thrilling seaside flat racing, featuring epic lifesize wild animal characters such as elephants, orangutans, parrots, pandas and many more… All entertainment is free and kids will also get a free ice cream on course! You won’t want to miss this magical safari experience, complete with thrilling racing action, every animal lover’s dream!
Whether you're bringing your whole family, meeting friends, or simply enjoying some time to yourself, this Sunday fixture promises the perfect mix of sporting action, children’s entertainment and laid-back seaside charm. The best bit? Under 18s attend free, all entertainment is included, and you can get a pint on course from only £5!
Will you be following the form? Enjoying a drink and a bite to eat in the sun? Or just there for the buzzing seaside atmosphere? One thing is for sure - there will be plenty to enjoy both on and off the track for all ages.
Tickets and family value packages available from just £17.
Norfolk Museums are filled with fun this summer. From Pirates at Time and Tide in Great Yarmouth, to medieval activities at Norwich Castle, and space to explore all summer at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. Plus, there are Family Fossil Days and a chance to meet mini-monsters at Cromer Museum, new displays at Ancient House in Thetford, a chance to see curious objects from the stores at Lynn Museum, and much more to see and do across the county.
Find out more about all the museums, including the annual Norfolk Museums Pass at www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk.
Brunstead Blooms
Looking for something fun, creative and outdoors-y for the kids to do over the summer? Come and try one of Brunstead Bloom’s outdoor yoga and nature craft sessions!
Join Louisa (Brunstead Blooms) and Nicole (Back to the Wild) amongst the trees and flowers at Brunstead Blooms flower farm.
Enjoy some fun and creative outdoor yoga for children to wiggle, play and learn all about nature through mindful poses and activities. Then, make a magical mask, wishing wand or cool crown out of flowers and leaves from the farm to take home.
Bressingham Steam Museum has an exciting summer ahead, with a calendar packed full of events. Their summer holidays will be kicked off with a Fire Engine Rally on 25th & 26th July followed by an August full of Steamy events. Plus the chance to see their guest engine Willy the Well Tank on their Standard gauge line.
This summer, Pensthorpe is offering more reasons than ever to visit, thanks to reduced admission prices and a packed programme of family adventures. Following the recent VAT reduction for visitor attractions, Pensthorpe has lowered its ticket prices and guests can save even more by booking online in advance. From 18 July, families can tackle The Great Cornspiracy, a detective-themed maize maze adventure. Visitors can also enjoy the new Living Towers outdoor play area, award-winning indoor play, flamingos and other wildlife, beautiful gardens, and 700 acres of nature reserve. It's a full day of summer fun, exploration and adventure for all ages.
Looking for an unforgettable family day out this summer?
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach has been creating magical memories for generations and offers something for everyone, from exciting thrill rides to gentle attractions for younger children. Families can enjoy classic favourites including the iconic Scenic Railway, family rides, delicious treats and plenty of seaside fun. It’s just £1 entry to the park this year, and then you only pay for the rides you choose, making it a fantastic value day out. Alternatively, you can book online at pleasure-beach.co.uk and save £3 per wristband! They can’t wait to see you soon.
Great Day Out For Adults and Children at The Bug Parc
The Bug Parc have an amazing tropical butterfly house with free-flying butterflies and three large tropical houses displaying over 230 amazing minibeast species. With indoor and outdoor stamp trails to complete, and a large outside play area with jumping pillow, covered sandpit, pedal cars, playground and old-style fairground games for lots of outdoor fun. Their onsite Café serves fabulous food at down-to-earth prices. Book early for the limited daily insect-handling experiences, which sell out fast. Look out for their weekly fun days with a foam party to end. A great day out for adults and children. BOOK ONLINE NOW !
Take the stress out of May Half Term with Park & Ride
Planning days out with the kids this May half term? Make getting into Norwich one less thing to worry about by using Park & Ride. It’s the easy, great‑value way for families to travel together without the stress of city‑centre traffic or parking.
Services run from five easy to access sites every 10–20 minutes, with late buses available – ideal for everything from shopping trips and museum visits to lunches out and cinema trips.
Even better, it’s just £5 for up to five people all day, making it a budget‑friendly choice for families.
Find out more at norwichparkandride.co.uk
Coming to Bure Valley Railway
Norfolk Day Saver – On Monday 27th July use the online discount code NORFOLK26 to receive a 50% discount code on all full-price fares and experience a 45 minute fun journey by steam through the Norfolk countryside.
August Bank Holiday Saver – Families can round off the summer holiday with an exciting journey by steam train in the heart of the Norfolk Broads with a nine mile trip through Norfolk countryside. From Friday 28th to Monday 31st, save 25% on all standard tickets with online discount code AUGBH2526.
More than just a Maize Maze, Goat Shed is a family day out in the heart of the Norfolk countryside.
Meet their cheeky Boer goats and Simmental cows, enjoy breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake in the kitchen, browse the farm shop packed with local produce, and discover their popular animal experiences throughout the year. Whether you're tackling the maze, stopping for a bite to eat or looking for somewhere the whole family can relax, play and explore, there's always something happening at The Shed. This summer, discover why Goat Shed has become one of Norfolk's GOATEST family destinations.
Planning days out with the kids this Summer? Make getting into Norwich one less thing to worry about by using Park & Ride. It’s the easy, great‑value way for families to travel together without the stress of city‑centre traffic or parking.
Services run from five easy to access sites every 10–30 minutes, with late buses and Sunday services available – ideal for everything from shopping trips and museum visits to lunches out and cinema trips.
Even better, it’s just £5 for up to five people all day, making it a budget‑friendly choice for families.