Fun Activities for Families in Norfolk

Norfolk is a beautiful county in East Anglia that offers plenty of fun days out for families. With a stunning coastline, nature reserves, historical attractions and adventure parks, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Here are some of the top activities and days out to enjoy in Norfolk with kids.

Explore the Norfolk Coast

Norfolk has miles of stunning sandy beaches perfect for family days out. If you are fostering in Norfolk, visit the seaside town of Cromer for traditional seaside fun – enjoy fish and chips on the pier, build sandcastles on the beach and ride on the Victorian cliff top promenade. Further west lies Holkham Beach, with its huge expanse of sand backed by pine forests. Walk or cycle on the sandy paths, go rock pooling and see the seals at Blakeney Point nature reserve.

Discover Norwich

The historical city of Norwich has lots of family friendly museums and attractions. See dinosaurs and mammoths at Norwich Castle Museum or head to the Elm Hill area to wander medieval streets. Families can also explore Norwich Cathedral and its maze-like cloisters, take a river boat tour or browse the stalls at Norwich Market.

Adventure Theme Parks

For family thrills, head to Bewilderwood adventure park with treehouses, jungle bridges, zip wires and storytelling. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is a fun family zoo with tigers, lemurs and crocodiles. Enjoy rides, farm animals and indoor play at Wroxham Barns. Pleasurewood Hills theme park just over the border in Suffolk has fantastic rollercoasters and rides for all ages.

Steam Railways

Kids will love the Bure Valley Steam Railway, taking you on a nostalgic journey through the Norfolk countryside. The North Norfolk Railway operates steam trains from Sheringham to Holt, passing through pretty stations and Poppy Line. There are special themed events and opportunities to meet Thomas the Tank Engine.

Nature Reserves and Wildlife

Spot birds, deer and seals at the North Norfolk Coast nature reserves. Cley Marshes has bird watching hides overlooking reedbeds, while Pensthorpe Natural Park has wetlands, lakes and gardens to explore. Take boat trips at Hickling Broad to see Norfolk wildlife. SEALIFE Hunstanton aquarium displays local sea creatures.

Outdoor Activities

Burn off energy with outdoor adventures! Kett’s Heights has treetop high wires and climbing walls with amazing sea views. Paddle a canoe along the Norfolk Broads river network or try Go Ape high ropes and zipline in Thetford Forest. Sandringham Estate has cycle paths, lakes and a huge adventure playground.

Historical Attractions and Museums

Norfolk’s heritage offers family days out. Visit majestic stately home Blickling Hall with its huge library and fun children’s trails. Discover how Victorians lived at the Time and Tide Museum in Great Yarmouth. See tanks and military history at Duxford Imperial War Museum. The 100 acre maze at Sandringham is great fun for kids, and Holkham Hall scores very highly for families with its nature reserve and beach, ropes course, and boat/cycle hire.

With beautiful countryside, sandy beaches, family attractions and museums galore, Norfolk promises an amazing array of days out to keep the whole family happy.