Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Family activities in Norfolk for February half term
February Half Term 2025 is fast approaching and if you are struggling for things to do, then let us take the hassle of organising your family activities. Venues across Norfolk are putting on lots of fun things for families to do this February and beyond.
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Norfolk Museums is partnering with the Norwich Science Festival this half-term, offering exciting events for all ages. On February 17th and 18, the Gressenhall Environment Hub will be at the Forum in Norwich, featuring hands-on activities with microscopes and magnifiers. Norwich Castle will host special activities all week, including a chance to create your ideal landscape. Norfolk Museums encompasses 10 museums across the county, from Thetford and King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth, Dereham, Cromer, and Norwich. Discover more about events and annual memberships at www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk.
Half-term fun at Norwich Science Festival
It’s back! Norwich’s epic celebration of science returns to the city this half term, from Saturday 15–Saturday 22 February 2025. The much-loved Festival brings an exciting line-up of unmissable shows, workshops and family fun – including an action-packed 3D animal show and a science rapper's guide to the solar system!
Don’t miss a visit to The Explorium at The Forum, where all the family can get stuck into some hands-on science every day of the Festival! With exciting events for kids and grown-ups alike, there’s something for everyone at Norwich Science Festival.
Book tickets online at norwichsciencefestival.co.uk.
The animal world is full of humour, creativity, drama and love … Go and join in at Pensthorpe for their half-term
‘Crazy Courtship’ trail and activity week.
Enter the ‘hideaway’ for activities and fun, follow the trail and win a prize, enjoy a flamingo talk daily, access to their Wild Rootz outdoor fun and Hootz House indoor play (check out session times when you book your ticket – it’s always good to book as Hootz can get very busy). Free onsite parking, fully accessible, café, gift shop and their beautiful nature reserve. There’s something for everyone at Pensthorpe.
Find out more at www.pensthorpe.com
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Learning to swim is a vital life skill which every child should experience. Swimming lessons at Everyone Active leisure centres help children to have fun and be active, as well as giving them the ability to get out of potentially dangerous situations. The need for extracurricular tuition is clear, with Sport England stating that nearly one in three children leave primary school unable to swim 25m unaided. The vital nature of learning to swim is underlined by The Royal Life Saving Society UK, which says that an average of more than 300 lives are lost to accidental drowning across the UK and Ireland every year. Everyone Active can help your child to learn this crucial skill, thanks to its award-winning learn to swim programme. The programme offers lessons for all ages and abilities, with child classes starting at four months, right through to adult classes. All swimming teachers are Swim England level 2 – or equivalent – qualified. Stages are progressive and continually assessed. Children also have the opportunity to develop water safety skills and to take part in other aquatic disciplines.
To find out more, visit everyoneactive.com/centre/
Message from stART Studio
“We have been busy planning our holiday art clubs and workshops this January. Creating your children's art studio, where creativity comes to life is the best job in the world! Led by our team of qualified teachers, young artists will have the chance to learn skills and refine their techniques in a variety of art classes. We foster a supportive environment that encourages self-expression whilst teaching skills they can apply to their Artwork.”
Find out more at www.start-studio.co.uk (16 Market Place Wymondham NR18 0AX - Telephone: 07985405703)
Dive into a world of water confidence with Gems AquaStars!
From babies to preschoolers and even adults, we offer swimming lessons for everyone in a fun, family-friendly environment. With teachers in the water and parents watching proudly, your little ones will learn to love the water while building essential skills. The high teacher-to-child ratio ensures every swimmer gets the attention they need. Join Gems AquaStars and make a splash together! #GemsAquaStars #LearnToSwim #FamilyFriendly #WaterConfidence. Go for a free trial or email gemsaquastars@outlook.com or book online at www.gemsaquastars.co.uk using the parent portal option.
Fun to be had at The Bug Parc
The Bug Parc is a great day out for all the family, from toddlers to grandparents, everyone has a great day. Three large tropical houses contain over 200 amazing minibeast species together with an outside play area with a jumping pillow, a large undercover sandpit, a pedal go-kart track and a play area with swings and slides as well as our new fairground games area with old-times games for all the family. Book early so you don’t miss out on their 45-minute handling experiences at just £2 per person as the sessions are always booked up in school holidays.
Find out more at www.thebugparc.com
Kids go free at the Mid Norfolk Railway!
Step back in time onboard the heritage railway and enjoy the stunning Norfolk Countryside with a trip onboard the Steam & Diesel train services between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey station. PLUS on standard running days with every purchase of a full-price Adult Rover Fare, TWO children go FREE!
Join in for their hugely popular events – from The Polar Express™ Train Ride, Alice on The Wondertrain, The Dino Squad Express to their 1940s Weekend and Steam & Diesel Galas, there is something for the whole family!
For more information visit their website www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk
Tennis for everyone at Easton College Tennis Centre
Looking for a new challenge or just fancy getting out of the house, why not pop along to Easton College Tennis Centre for some fun, interactive tennis? With 8 indoor hard courts and 4 outdoor clay courts, whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, they have something for everyone. With everything from group coaching to individual sessions and tournaments to fun holiday camps, there is something for everyone.
For more details, please call 01603 731302 or email Easton.tennis@ccn.ac.uk
Upcoming events at Bure Valley Railway
Teddy Bear Express – 15th to 23rd February
All aboard the Teddy Bear Express! This February half-term, hop on the Teddy Bear Express for a fun day out with the family. With every full fare-paying adult, two children (0-15) can ride for free! Keep your eyes peeled and see how many teddy bears you can spot down the line. To add to this themed event, the stations and cafe will be decorated and Teddy Bear lunch boxes will be available to purchase (not included in the ticket price). Don't forget to bring your favourite teddy along for the ride!
Local Saver Weekend – 1st & 2nd March
Lived in Norfolk but never visited the railway? Take advantage of this special offer to kick off the start of their new season. Receive 50% off all full-priced fares by entering code LOCAL5025 when making an online booking or quoting this code for a telephone booking.
Mum Goes Free Weekend – 29th & 30th March
Travel with us this Mother's Weekend for a special family day out. A Mum travels FREE with a full fare-paying adult (one free mum per booking. Just add a Mum’s Go Free Ticket when making a booking online or request a Mum’s Go Free Ticket for a telephone booking. Their pre-bookable traditional Afternoon Tea in the Whistlestop Cafe at Aylsham is also available as a special treat for Mum! Trains run from both Aylsham and Wroxham. Pre-booking is essential for this offer.
Find out more at www.bvrw.co.uk
Wroxham Barns
Lambing season at Wroxham Barns begins in February, so you won't have to wait until Easter to see some adorable lambs! Currently, 15 pregnant ewes are housed in the maternity ewe’nit on Junior Farm, receiving excellent care from the dedicated team at Wroxham Barns. With a combination of singles, twins, and triplets expected, there will be 32 newborn lambs arriving around the half-term week. If you're lucky, you might even witness a birth! Experiencing real lambing in person is truly special. Tickets are available now, starting from £12 per person.
For more information, visit wroxhambarns.co.uk.
Family fun awaits at 'Chantry Plays' this February half term!
The popular 'Chantry Plays' returns to Chantry Place from 15th to 23rd February 2025. Located on the lower ground floor near The Works, there'll be a free jungle-themed soft play area and interactive games, like giant noughts and crosses, and the chance to have some fun as a family. Open during Centre hours, the area is staffed for safety, but children must be supervised. Join in or take a break while the little ones enjoy exploring the jungle!
Find out more at www.chantryplace.co.uk
Mother’s Day Crafternoon Tea at Dotty Pottery
Why not make this mother’s day extra special and treat your mum to an afternoon of creativity and cake!! They are holding this event on Saturday the 29th of March at their Wroxham Barns studio 1-4pm. This is a relaxed event open to both adults and children. The afternoon tea is held at the Courtyard café, which is just adjacent to the studio, so once you have filled up on yummy cakes and savouries, head over to the studio for some painting fun.
For more information, please visit the website www.dottypottery.co.uk or call the studio on 01603536526 opt.2
Mattishall Golf Club
Pick up a putter, grab a scorecard and start putting your way around the 9-hole fun and challenging Indoor Mini Golf course, enjoy unlimited mini golf. It’s sure to entertain you all. Suitable for 4yrs+. The fun doesn’t stop there, they have plenty of added extra fun and games for you to enjoy, with the magic pond, dinosaur, skyscraper or nearest-the pin games on their Golf Simulators. Why not book an extra hour on the simulators for just £20.00. Also enjoy Pool, Darts, school holiday competitions and food and drink.
Book online at www.mattishallgolfclub.co.uk or give them a call at (01362) 882556.
Billingford Lakes & Country Park
Embark on any of the three Nature Walks whether you're strolling with a pram, enjoying a leisurely dog walk or gathering with loved ones, it's the perfect outdoor adventure for all ages. The walking routes range in distance 2.5k, 3.2k and 4.7k across the 150-acre site which surrounds the tranquil lakes, incorporates beautiful wildlife and includes lots of fun activities! Don’t forget to explore the fantastic play area, equipped with various climbing frames, slides, and swings for endless more fun. Plus, you can grab food and drinks at the Lakeside Café. Kids go free, adults £5.
Find out more at www.billingfordlakes.co.uk or call (01362) 788111.
Available at Hautbois Activity Centre
Holiday fun club - £27 per person
Hautbois offer their holiday club during school holidays for 10–16-year-olds. Starting at 8.30am with 4 adventurous activities throughout the day, finishing at 5pm for pick up. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included throughout the day.
Family activity sessions – £12.20 per person
Join in with your family & friends for a 90-minute session run by their experienced instructors. A range of different activities offered, suitable for ages of 7+. Available between April & August.
Visit their website to book – www.hautbois.org.uk or contact by email at admin@hautbois.org.uk or phone 01603 739696
Save lives by taking part in East Anglian Air Ambulance’s Trek 24 - Norfolk on 10 May 2025!
Take on a fully accessible, family-friendly 2.4-mile route around the picturesque Whitlingham Country Park. The money you raise will provide life-saving treatment and care across our region. If you prefer a longer walk, there are also options to Trek 24-miles or 24km. The routes start at the gateway to the Broads, and there is so much beautiful countryside to enjoy. Bring your friends, family and colleagues, or trek solo and meet other like-minded adventurers on the way!
Register your place today at www.eaaa.org.uk!
Supporting Children's Emotional Wellbeing
Child Play Therapy Norwich provides a safe and nurturing space for children to explore their feelings, develop resilience, and work through difficulties at their own pace. Using creative and evidence-based approaches, the practice supports children facing anxiety, low self-esteem, or other emotional hurdles. Every child deserves the opportunity to unlock their potential and build a brighter future. To learn more about the services offered, visit www.childplaytherapynorwich.co.uk.
Looking for a job in education, early years, or childcare?
Education Job Finder is the place to go for opportunities in the eastern region. Explore a wide range of roles across nurseries, childcare providers, schools, colleges, universities, and specialist provision. Whether you're interested in teaching, early years practice, play work, leadership/management, teaching assistant work, caretaking, or administration, they have something for you! Boost your chances by joining one of their talent pools for teachers, teaching assistants, or early years/childcare professionals. Get noticed by employers and stay ahead of the game. Learn more at www.educationjobfinder.org.uk
Message from Norwich High School for Girls - Where Girls Learn Without Limits
“At Norwich High School for Girls, we nurture, challenge and empower every student to thrive. Through a dynamic and active approach to learning, we inspire curiosity, critical thinking and a love of knowledge. Our girls flourish academically and personally, supported by outstanding pastoral care and a vibrant community. Recognised as the top Independent School in Norfolk by the Sunday Times Parent Power League 2024, we consistently achieve excellent results. Discover why we’re the best choice for your daughter.
Join us for our Open Week, Monday 24th – Friday 28th March. Visit norwichhigh.gdst.net/open-events”
Expand your child's communication skills with MTW Speech and Language Therapy!
They specialise in communication skills for children, offering tailored 1:1 therapy sessions, group therapy, forest school groups and convenient online training courses. Their expert therapists are dedicated to fostering each child's ability to express themselves, connect with others, and thrive. They work with everyone who communicates with your child in order to support the whole family and education setting. They empower your child to confidently take their next steps towards effective, joyful communication. Visit www.mtwtherapy.co.uk or @MTWtherapy (facebook) to learn more and schedule a consultation. Let's help children bloom!