With the Easter break just around the corner, it’s time to start planning how you’ll entertain the little ones for over two weeks. For many this can feel like a mammoth task, but with so much on offer across Norwich and Norfolk, and with our major visitor attractions starting to open their doors for the year, Easter can be so much more than just two weeks of eating chocolate and watching TV! Here’s our hand-pick of the best Easter activities on offer in Norwich and Norfolk.
Getting out and about this Easter
The days are getting longer, the weather warmer – Spring is most definitely on its way. It’s the perfect time to get the whole family outdoors, exploring nature and taking part in activities across the county. A trip to Eaton Park is a great way to kick off the Easter break. A day of long walks around the park, a game of 18-hole Crazy Golf, topped off with coffee and cake at the park café. You can even bring the family dog too!
Or if you’re more of a competitive family, Pensthorpe Natural Park’s Easter Eggsplorers Trail (2 – 19 April) might be a better fit. Roam through 700 acres of woodland and wildlife as you hunt for the golden egg hidden somewhere within the park. You’ll need to work together as a family for your chance to find the egg and win the exclusive prize – are you up to the challenge? There’s also a fantastic range of activities throughout the day, from pond dipping and bird feeding, to sculpture trails and craft workshops. There’s free parking all day, with tickets starting from £8.95 for children 16 and under.
Photo: Roar Dinosaur Park by Laura Francis
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure also has some egg-cellent (sorry!) events coming up this Easter. The popular Accessibility Weekend (4-5 April) will be returning to the park as part of World Autism Week. For two days, the music volume and dinosaur sounds will be reduced across the park and a quiet space will be made available for guests to use. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with some of their Easter characters at the Dinosaur Trail, who will be interacting with guests through sign language.
A day out at Holkham Hall is a must at this time of year too, and their Easter Food Fair (11-12 April) is the perfect event for all the family. Enjoy local and regional artisan products from homemade chutneys and jams, fresh bread, cheeses and a mix of amazing local beers, ciders and spirits. Expect live music and over twenty vendors to explore as you wander the grounds of Holkham Hall. Entry to the food fair is free and parking is only £4 all day.
Photo: Norwich Puppet Theatre
All the fun of the theatre
Keep the kids entertained this Easter with a trip to the theatre. With shows for all ages throughout April, there is something to please everyone. The Garage kicks off the holiday fun with ‘My First Play: After the Storm’, a retelling of The Tempest, for ages 1-7. Expect music, play and audience participation throughout the show. It’s a perfect introduction to theatre for the little ones.
Norwich Puppet Theatre is also offering some great family shows and events this April. ‘Eggs on Legs’ (9-11 April) is a cracking (last one, we promise!) family show following a group of zany eggs living in a lost pocket of the earth – you’ll never look at eggs the same way again! Or if you’re looking for something more hands-on and engaging, the MagiMation Animation Workshop (6-7 April, £70) is a great place to start. A two day workshop for ages 9-16, learning the basics of stop-motion animation, model creation, sound recording and computer programming. It’s the perfect Easter activity for the creative child!
Big Weekends in Norwich and Norfolk
We all love a freebie. And nothing says ‘freebie’ quite like Norwich Big Weekend! On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April 2020, 57 venues and attractions across the county will be opening their doors for members of the public to participate in free experiences and activities. With over 800 free pairs/group tickets up for grabs, it’s the ideal way to kickstart your Easter break.
Fancy an overnight stay at the 4* Park Farm Hotel & Leisure? Or how about a day out with the family at Norwich Castle? From family days out at Banham Zoo, fine-dining at Benedicts, gin tasting experiences with Bullards and ten pin bowling at Bowling House, there is something for everyone. There’s even the chance for one lucky entrant to win a £1,000 gift card from intu Chapelfield!
For your chance to win amazing days out and experiences, head to norwichbigweekend.co.uk to enter before the ballot closes on 16th March.
Photo: Benedicts
