Things to Do in Norwich for Families this Summer
Things to Do in Norwich for Families This Summer
By Livvie Spencer-Powell
With the school holidays just around the corner, Norwich is heating up! It’s time to gear up for a fun-filled summer in the city. There’s something for everyone, and certainly enough to keep the whole family entertained from July all the way through until September. Oh, and don’t forget to look out for those Great British Summer Savings for fantastic discounts!
From story-themed trails to inspiring workshops with a historical twist- this is just a teaser of what’s to come this summer! (And if the weather’s not playing ball or you need some time in the shade, we’ve got a great range of indoor and outdoor attractions, too!) If you’re here for a week away or simply spending time with the family, it’s time to indulge in what Norwich has to offer across the season.
So go on, take a look at our favourites things to do in Norwich for families this summer!
Things to Do in Norfolk for Families This Summer
Workshops at The Cat House
Select dates from 17 July – 30 August, various times, from £13
Take part in feline-themed workshops this summer at The Cat House
For any cat lover- whether parents or children, The Cat House has a wonderful choice of workshops and events to try.
On various days throughout the school holidays, you can have a go at Copy Cats Painting (in July it’s Banksy), Cat Crochet, Clay Cats, Cat Linocut Printmaking and a special board games evening. Alongside all this, our picks would have to be Cat Terrarium Making and Giant Cat Plushie Making! Take inspiration from the friendly felines around you as you craft a unique piece to take home.
Whilst workshops and events are for 12+ years, younger cat lovers (specifically 8- and 9-year-olds) can join a Cat Awareness Session and introduce themselves to The Cat House’s residents in a fun and relaxed way.
Sounds of Summer at Strangers’ Hall
18 July – 29 August (Wednesday – Saturday), 10am – 4pm, included in admission (family discount adults from £6.12 with paid child ticket from £5.85, pre-book online for the best prices, twilight ticket 1 hour before close £2)
Listen out for the sounds of Strangers’ Hall and create your own soundscape
This summer, discover the sounds of Strangers’ Hall. Following the trail, listen out for ‘Whispers from the Parlour’ and immerse yourself in a Victorian soundscape (you’ll need a smartphone and headphones to scan the QR codes dotted around). Then, have a go at creating your own soundscape, inspire by the noises that have filled this merchant house throughout the centuries!
And if you’re visiting on a Saturday, join a guided tour (£5) for more stories on the maze of passages and rooms within.
Kids Eat Free at Namaste Village
18 July – 30 August
What could be more delicious than a table full of Namaste’s vegetarian dishes?
Whether you’re a family full of veggies or looking for a delicious meal to end your day in Norwich, at Namaste Village, all children under 8 eat free with every adult meal!
Parents, tuck into authentic Indian curries like paneer angoori and bombay pav bhaji, with a side of delicious dosas and fluffy, buttery breads. Kids, devour a dish from the dedicated children’s menu and savour the moment and flavours as a family. Yum!
Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail
18 July – 31 August, citywide, FREE
Can you follow the trail?
To celebrate the National Year of Reading, VisitNorwich, in partnership with Norwich Cathedral, are inviting you to experience the City of Stories for yourself this summer! Explore the city centre, one stop at a time. Indulge in a sweet treat (or two!) and explore one thousand years of history as you search out the storybooks and crack the code. Each one uncovers tales from Norwich’s history!
Falcons, Knights & Medieval Fun at Norwich Castle
18 July – 2 September, 10am – 5pm, included in admission (family discount adult from £13.95 with paid child from £13.05, pre-book online for the best prices, twilight ticket 1 hour before close £2.50)
Immerse yourself in medieval life at Norwich Castle this summer!
Welcome to the court of Henry I! Immerse yourself in medieval life at Norwich Castle and see what it takes to live, work and play here.
There’s something for every courtier to enjoy. Learn about the noble art of falconry from Queen Adeliza (and make your own flappy falcon to take home), meet a knight to find out about arms and armour, and help the steward prepare the Keep for a grand feast. Wow, that’s sure to fill your day- and that’s without exploring everything else on offer!
Free Entry to the Museum of Norwich
18 July and 18 – 22 & 25 – 29 August, FREE
Discover our city’s social and industrial history with free entry to the Museum of Norwich to mark their centenary!
In celebration of its centenary, the Museum of Norwich is not only presenting an exciting programme of exhibitions and events but also offering free entry on select dates across the summer!
You can visit the Museum of Norwich for free during Freeman’s Fortnight (18 – 22 & 25 – 29 August), Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre (12 July) and Norwich History Festival (16 – 18 July). Plus, there’s an exhibition on founder Henry Holmes and 1920s Norwich, tours from local guide Paul Dickson and activities from local artists like Rose Feather.
And for some hands-on family fun, you can make a finger puppet inspired by a famous Norwich character, follow the trail to uncover stories from the city’s past and dress up like a 1920s flapper!
Kids Kingdom at Castle Quarter
20 – 31 July, 10am-4pm, FREE
Step into a world of imagination!
Let your children’s imagination run free in this fun-fuelled role-play experience at Castle Quarter. Throughout July, kids can experience what it’s like to style someone’s hair, save the day as a doctor or run their very own supermarket. No booking required – just turn up and play! It’s the perfect way to spend a curious afternoon and spark your child’s passion in a new interest.
And on other dates throughout the holidays, you can meet miniature donkeys (30 July, 10am – 1pm, FREE) and enjoy the centre’s indoor beach every day in August (10am -4pm, FREE). Complete with buckets and spaces, giant sand pit, hidden treasure and a special seaside explorer trail, there’s even the chance to win some special prizes!
Family Imagination Days at National Centre for Writing
20 July – 23 August, 10am-3pm, FREE
Enriching activities for the whole family!
Take part in the Family Imagination Days at the National Centre for Writing. Bring the whole family along for a day of storytelling, games and creative play. Why not read a story in the book nook? Pick up an activity bag? Or take a self-led tour and explore the medieval Dragon Hall, one of Norwich’s most iconic buildings?
Whilst you’re here, keep an eye out for exciting pop-up activities (select dates, 10am – 12.30pm, FREE), including picture book making, puppet making, medieval storytelling, cyanotype printing, monoprinting and more!
Creative Planet Kids Craft Workshops at Yalm
29 July, 10.30am – 12pm & 12 August, 1pm – 2.30pm, £10
Get hands-on with Creative Planet at Yalm
One of the best ways to occupy the children during the summer holidays (and get out of the heat or the rain!) is with creative crafting workshops. And Yalm has teamed up with Creative Planet to bring two workshops in the school holidays.
Super Seaside (29 July) is all about sun, sand and summer holidays. Take inspiration from the Norfolk coast when you decorate your own papier-mache beach hut box and design a giant postcard that you’d want to take home. Then you can create a clay fish and even make a colourful sand art picture! The best part- you get to take them home!
On 12 August, it’s time for a Harry Potter-esque Magic School Potion Class! Step into a world of magic with this spellbinding workshop as you mix, make and create your own keepsakes inspired by wizarding worlds. Think slime, a decorated glass for it to go in and a House tie bookmark!
Red Riding Hood at Norwich Puppet Theatre
Thursday 25 July, 11am & 2.30pm, adults £10, children £8
Will Red riding Hood outrun the big bad Wolf?
Immerse yourself in this classic fairytale, brought to life in a new adaptation by Strange Fascination Theatre!
Join fearless Red Riding Hood as she journeys through the deep dark wood on the way to help her grandma. But travelling through the woods isn’t as simple as it first appears. Watch out for the hungry big bad Wolf, lurking in the trees! Told in verse and comedy, this table-top puppet show is perfect for ages 3+, and a fun and engaging trip to Norwich with family this summer.
Events at Norwich Theatre Royal
26 July, 10am – 3pm & 4 August, 10am – 4pm, FREE
See what it’s like to stand on the stage of Norwich Theatre Royal with their behind-the-scenes tours
This summer Norwich Theatre Royal is ready to welcome you with two fantastic days out!
In July, it’s the return of their annual Open Day– where you get the unique chance to go behind the scenes and see how the magic is brought to life. From access-all-areas tours (including BSL, audio described and quiet tours) (we highly recommend) that take you into dressing rooms, the orchestra pit and even on stage, to tech talks and the chance to delve into the theatre’s archives!
Then in August, it’s time for the Family Festival. Bursting with creativity, have a go at interactive experiences like crafting, puppet making and drama sessions (book required for certain sessions). Decorate a set, enjoy a community singalong and embrace your inner artist!
Games at the Gallery at the Sainsbury Centre
Select dates from 28 July – 25 August, 2pm – 4pm, FREE
Be inspired by the Sculpture Park and create your own helter-skelter marble-run artwork!
At the Sainsbury Centre, everyone is encouraged to have fun and interact where art is concerned. Here, art is seen as living, so get up close and experience pieces in a different way in the art museum’s Living Area.
With Games in the Gallery, you can play table-top games from around the world, construct your own board and make a teeny game piece to take home. Then, pick up a Corners construction kit and make sculpture inspired by the Sculpture Park!
Look out for other exciting events, too. Think a Family Friendly Sculpture Park Tour (6 August, 11am – 12pm, FREE), taking you on an outdoor journey punctuated with activities and stories, and Big Sunday (2 August, 10.30am – 3pm, FREE), whose outdoor explore family sessions invites you to create kinetic helter-skelter marble-run artworks inspired by Tatlin’s big red tower.
Matilda at Norwich Theatre Royal
6 August – 6 September, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, from £47.70
Matilda arrives at Norwich Theatre Royal for the entirety of August!
When we grow up… we’ll spend every evening at Norwich Theatre Royal watching Matilda the Musical!
Dubbed “the best British musical of the 21st century”, this award-winning production from the Royal Shakespeare Company is an adaptation of iconic children author Roald Dahl’s much-loved book, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Following the tale of an extraordinary little girl armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind who dares to take a stand against her parents and the formidable Miss Trunchbull, Matilda is a funny and heart-warming family musical.
This is a story packed with ‘naughty’ and ‘revolting children’, chocolate cake and, most importantly, love.
Peter Pan at The Garage
14 August – 31 August, various times, from £10
Immerse yourself in this magical tale!
Explore the power of imagination this summer at The Garage as their summer school retells this enchanting classic. With faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust, you are sure to have a great time! Join Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, as he leads Wendy and her brothers on a magical journey filled with Lost Boys, dastardly Pirates, and the fearsome Captain Hook.
Rock N Roll Circus at Earlham Park
20 – 23 August, various times, adults from £75, children from £35
Prepare to be amazed!
Gear up for one of the most epic weekends of the year! Rock N Roll Circus is a show like no other. This year’s headliners include James (20 August), The Streets, playing their seminal album, A Grand Don’t Come for Free in full (21 August), The Kooks, The Fratellis and The Vaccines (22 August) and Madness (23 August)! With multiple stages, a food and drinks village and circus workshops, what more could you need? Make your way through the site and enjoy various acts from amazing artists. Don’t forget to book your tickets!
A Fine City Summer Fete at The Forum
28 – 30 August, 10am –5pm, FREE
Enjoy the end of the summer on the August bank holiday with A Fine City Summer Fete!
See out the summer in style with Fine City events’ Summer Fete! Filling The Forum- inside and out- across the August bank holiday, this three-day market is a celebration of local makers (think handmade jewellery, prints and skincare), food and drink, and good causes.
On different days, you can enjoy classic summer and carnival games, alongside performances from Norfolk-based bands, pianists and choirs, before tucking in to street food ranging from Jamaican cuisine to gluten-free sweet treats, Italian goodies and authentic Filipino foods.
