Things to Do in Norfolk for Families This Summer

Things to Do in Norfolk for Families This Summer

by Katie Thompson

With six weeks to fill, trying to find activities to occupy the whole family can be tricky during the school holidays. Luckily, there’s loads going on this summer across Norfolk! 

From exhilarating outdoor adventures to amazing attractions for all the family, this is just a flavour of what’s on offer! If you’re here on holiday, visiting friends or family, or are locals looking for fun things to do, it’s safe to say there’s plenty to do.

And you can make the most of the Great British Summer Savings (GBSS) scheme, which gives you a discount on attractions across the county. (Just don’t forget the suncream– or opt for something indoors to escape the heat!)

Take a look at our top picks below!

Things to Do in Norwich for Families This Summer

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Great British Summer Savings at Norfolk’s Attractions
25 June – 1 September, times and prices dependent on attraction 

Thanks to Norfolk’s wealth of incredible family attractions, you can really make the most of this summer’s Great British Summer Savings scheme offering discounts on tickets across the board- not to mention less for children’s meals and free bus travel for children aged 5 – 15 in August too. 

So, take note of who’s taking part. There’s ROARR!, Holkham and BeWILDerwood (see below), and Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, a wildlife park where you can get close to rare and beautiful animals (adults £17, children £13.50). Elsewhere, pay a visit to Wroxham Miniature Worlds, the UK’s largest indoor modelling attraction (adults £12.95, children £11.25), and Go Ape, a thrilling tree-top adventure in Thetford Forest (get 15% off with code VATSUMMER).

Maize Maze at the Goat Shed
17 July – 6 September, 10am – 4pm, adults £7, children £8, under 3s £4 

The Goat Shed’s Maize Maze returns! And this year it’s all about G1: The Summer of Speed. 

Whether you’re a wannabe racer or intrepid explorer, it’s time to navi-goat your way around the maze. Combining high-speed challenge with full-throttle farmyard fun, your mission is to collect the clues and crack the code to start the race. 

Then, it’s time to rev your engines and pedal your kart around the dedicated G1 Circuit- top the leaderboard and take a photo on the podium! And for smaller visitors, there’s the Pit Stop Puzzle- find all the racing helmets hidden in the mini maze.

Summer Holiday Fun at Holkham
18 July – 31 August, 9am – 5pm, prices vary depending on activity, parking £6.50 

You’ll never be short of things to do at Holkham! Whether it’s a runaround and a picnic in the park, clambering on the adventure play area or a sky-high adventure on their ropes course (10am – 4pm, adults and children £23.20 (GBSS)), there’s something for every age and plenty of ways to expend some energy. 

On weekends, you can enjoy Norfolk’s tastiest street food at Feast in the Park (FREE) and on select dates, take a seat on a tractor trailer tour to spot Holkham’s iconic deer herd (11am – 2.30pm, adults and children £6.25). There’s also a magical and musical, coming-of-age, outdoor theatre performance of Pinocchio to enjoy (11 August, 5.15pm – 8pm, adults £16, children £8.75, family ticket £41.10 (GBSS)).

Summer at ROARR!
18 July – 1 September, 10am – 5pm, £19.80 (includes GBSS) 

For all things Jurassic, there’s nowhere better than ROARR! This incredible dinosaur-themed adventure park is bursting with exciting rides, trails and activities.  

For starters, there’s new ride Fossil Falls. Opening on 18 July by none other than Gladiators’ Bionic (you can meet him from 11am – 1pm), jump on this exhilarating tubing ride and hurtle down a 107-metre slope! Then refuel at Explorers Restaurant. Their Kids Takeover boasts a new menu design by little dino-lovers- chocolate sprinkle pizza, anyone?- and special GBSS prices.

BeWILDerfest at BeWILDerwood
18 July – 1 September, 10am – 5pm, Almost WILD (92cm – 105cm) from £20.95, BeWILD Now (over 105cm) from £22.95 (GBSS) 

You can expect a whole host of family fun this summer at BeWILDerwood! Say hello to all your favourite characters, get lost in enchanting stories and take part in an interactive trail. 

Think live performances on the storytelling stage, brought to life with dance and music, the brand-new Flower Power Trail- spin the flowers to spell out a secret word- and magical games and activities that will make memories for plenty of summers to come.

Summer at Thursford Adventure Play Fair
18 July – 2 September, 10am – 4pm, adults £6, children £12 

Roll up, roll up to Thursford’s fantastic Adventure Play Fair! Here, you’ll have all the fun of the fair combined with the joy of a classic playground. Think slides and climbing frames, but bigger! And with a vintage fairground twist.  

Zoom down the Helter Skelter before finding your way through the carousel, admiring the views from the top of the static Ferris wheel and taking a spin on the teacups. Plus, there are speedy Didi cars and the UK’s first water play fountain to experience!

A Summer of Adventure at Pensthorpe
18 July – 2 September, 10am – 5pm, £16.95 

There’s no better time to get outside than in summer, so with 700-acres, Pensthorpe is one of the best places to experience nature.  

Alongside the usual captivating birds and exciting indoor and outdoor play areas (including their new Living Towers), see if you can uncover the truth behind The Great Cornspiracy! With the help of Chief Detective Hootz the Owl, find out who ate the legendary Golden Corn Cob using hidden clues (included in admission)!  

For an even more unforgettable family adventure, Pensthorpe is opening after-hours for one night only! Soak up summer’s late-night magic and see the nature reserve in a new light, with full access, pond dipping, flamingo talks, the maize maze, outdoor play and tasty street food (15 August, 5.45pm – 9pm, £9.95).

The Jungle Book at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
Saturday 25 July, 2pm – 4pm, adults £16, children £12, family ticket £48 

Forget about your worries and your strife with The Jungle Book at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden! 

Brought to life by Immersion Theatre, this critically acclaimed, high-energy musical adaptation set in the heart of beautiful, atmospheric woodland is a wonderful family afternoon out. Step into the jungle with Mowgli as he navigates friendship, danger and discovery in the wild with iconic characters Balloo, Bagheera and the fearsome Shere Khan. It’s sure to be full of laughter and heartwarming moments.

The Wild Sanctuary at The English Distillery
25 July and 1 & 21 August, various times, adults from £20, children from FREE (booking recommended) 

This summer, The English Distillery has teamed up with Bush Experiences to bring a collection of exciting outdoor experiences to the Norfolk countryside!  

A great way to spend some quality time together, try your hand at paddleboarding along the River Thet, a calming experience that suits all levels (1 & 21 August, 10am – 4pm, £20, under 12s FREE). Or if you prefer to be sitting down, how about canoeing (1 & 21 August, 11am – 4pm, £30, under 12s FREE)?  

And for something completely different, have a go at archery and axe throwing (25 July, 10am – 2.30pm, ages 9+, adults £35, children £25). Sharpen your aim and see if you can hit the bullseye!