Ultimate guide to days out in Norfolk with the kids

Days out, Family, Activity

Posted by Ed Roberts on 27th January 2022

Great Yarmouth Beach

Norfolk is one of the country's most popular holiday destinations, where beautiful long sandy beaches meet windswept marshes. Wherever you go, you will be near to the coast or country and not far from pretty little villages with wonderful historical buildings and monuments to visit. Choose from BeWILDerwood, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Pirates Island Adventure Golf and so much more. Discover Norfolk; it's a wonderful destination to take your kids on holiday.

If you are planning a holiday in Norfolk, take a look at our self-catering holiday cottages across Norfolk and East Anglia. You are bound to find the perfect family-friendly property for you and the kids and toddlers in Norfolk.

Family-friendly cottages

We understand that when you are looking for top things to do on holiday with children in Norfolk, you need activities that will keep them interested and engaged. Therefore, we have put together some of the best days out in Norfolk for tiny tots up to teenagers, all of which should see them happy and tired out, ready for another exciting adventure the next day! So, find out the best places for kids activities, all-weather places to go with the kids when it rains, and a selection of zoos and theme parks for kids in Norfolk.


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Theme parks and attractions for families

Places to visit with babies and toddlers

Animal parks and sanctuaries

Outdoor places to explore in Norfolk


Theme parks and attractions for families in Norfolk

Two girls securely traverse the treetops

BeWILDerwood, Wroxham

Based on the book series, ‘A Boggle at BeWILDerwood’, this adventure in the heart of the forest is great at bringing parents and children together for an amazing day out. Magic can be had by all as you meet the dwellers of the forest including Swampy and pals. 

BeWILDerwood in Wroxham is amongst the best things to do in Norfolk with the kids as it has zip wires and a sky maze for adrenaline seekers and marsh walks, jungle bridges and treehouses if you prefer something (slightly) more sedate. Hop onto a BeWILDerboat along the river or attend one of the daily special events like fancy dress parties and puppet shows. This woody wonder is one day out you won’t forget!

  • Prices: Under 92cm free entry; 92cm-105cm £19.50; over 105cm £21.50; 65+ years - £13.50. Visit the site for further details.
  • Facilities: WCs, baby changing, parking, picnic areas, gift shop, places to eat, wheelchair access around the park (see their FAQ page)
  • Stay at: Orchard Farmhouse | Sleeps: 10 guests + 2 dogs

A scary dinosaur

Dinosaur Adventure Park, Lenwade

If your little ones love big scary monsters, head to the brilliant Dinosaur Adventure Park in Lenwade. Set in 85 acres of parkland, you will see all your favourites come to life including the famous T-Rex and his pals T-Bone and Allosaurus – just watch out that they don’t catch you as they escape their enclosures and ravage the park while you are there! 

As well as living the experience, the kids can also learn all about fossils and go on the Dino Trail. There is a splash zone, a maze, karting tracks - so many things, you won’t know what to try first! There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities so whatever the weather, they will find something fun to do.


Boy on a pirate ship dressed up as a pirate

Pirates Island Adventure Golf, Blofield

There is nothing more exciting (in our humble opinion) than pirates, and this adventure combines not only pirates but putting greens too! As you make your way around the golf course, you will meet hungry crocodiles in treacherous waters as well as coming across caves and exploding cannons while you look for hidden treasure with Captain Albert Ross and his crew.  

Pirates Island Adventure Golf is pushchair friendly so you can take tiny tots around with you too; no need for them to miss out. As an extra adventure, why not get the children to dress up as pirates before you go - it will only add to the sense of excitement!


Places to visit with babies and toddlers in Norfolk

Two girls enjoying a carousel

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Great Yarmouth

Loved by thrill-seekers from all over the country, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is a great summer's day out for all the family. If you are in Norfolk with kids and toddlers, embark on some exciting rides such as the white-knuckle Skydrop Freefall which stands 22 metres above the stunning Norfolk beach, sitting alongside traditional funfair rides such as the colourful dodgems and the spooky ghost train. 

For a touch of nostalgia, join little ones on the glorious carousel with its 30 magnificent horses and two gilded chariots which date back to 1901. Tiny tots will adore the cups and saucers and who could resist a ride on Flying Dumbo: little child-friendly elephants for those who have started to be a little more independent from mum and dad. There are also fun water attractions, and the roller coaster has just celebrated its 85th birthday and is still the star of the show! This park in Great Yarmouth is suitable for all ages but bear in mind that some rides have a height restriction. Nevertheless, it's still one of the best things to do with toddlers in Norfolk.


Toddler on a trampoline

High Altitude, Norwich

This is the one that the kids are not going to need any persuasion with! With wall to wall trampoline courts, they can jump and fly around as much as they like on the 80 interlinked trampolines. Over 6's can jump without an adult but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t accompany them anyway, it’s great fun! 

If that isn’t for you, take a break and watch them having fun from the viewing gallery or coffee shop. For tiny tots, there is also a soft play area and when tired of the trampolines - if that’s possible - there are also Slam Dunk Lanes and a Dodge Ball court for children to get sporty. High Altitude in Norwich is a great all-weather option for kids' activities in Norfolk.


Animal parks and sanctuaries in Norfolk

A girl petting a horse

Woodland Park Equestrian Centre, South Walsham

Whether your child already rides or is a budding equestrian, there is no better way to spend time on holiday than with an equine pal at Woodland Park Equestrian Centre. If the nearest your child has got to a horse is playing with My Little Pony, don’t worry as lessons are available for all levels and the cheery staff will help you with whatever you need. Hacking in the surrounding countryside of South Walsham is also available, so just give them a call to find out more. 

Children from 4 years old can ride here which is a perfect age to start learning. You can hire hats as well so no need to buy one if you are not sure your child will like it. An exciting bonus is that there is a swimming pool on site that you can book for an hour to cool off after all the fun!

If you're thinking of taking your horse on holiday with you, check out our guide to cottages with stables.


A monkey on a branch

Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Great Yarmouth

Pettitts Animal Adventure Park is bound to become a major highlight for your kids during the holiday. Junior animal fans will love petting and feeding the animals. See meerkats, monkeys, pigs, chipmunks, parrots, owls, racoons and red squirrels. You can also watch lemurs, feed the fish and observe the snakes in the reptile house. 

There are several rides including rollercoasters for kids and grown-ups too. The park in Great Yarmouth is also a great all-weather attraction because there are indoor play facilities on-site at the Fun Factory and Toddler World. Pettits is open in the spring and summer but visit the website for dates.


Outdoor places to explore in Norfolk

Holkham Hall grounds

Holkham Hall and Woodland Play Area, Wells-next-the-Sea

This is one of the best kids days out in Norfolk; not only is Holkham Hall in Wells-next-the-Sea the most stunning building, but it is also brilliant for all ages of children, especially those with a passion for our furry friends! The Field to Fork exhibition shows children where food comes from with brilliant interactive activities, and then there is a great Discovery Trail quiz so that they remember to use their brains whilst there! 

You can hire bikes to whizz around the various trails, or water babies can hire a canoe or kayak to get around. You can have a virtual tractor driving experience, great for budding farmers without any of the risk!


A train on a track

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway, Wells-next-the-Sea

When you are tired of bouncing about, being thrown up in the air and having to zip wire against your better judgement (and ability), what better than a sedate activity to bring the heart rate down? Grab the children and head over to Wells-next-the-Sea (which is one of our top places to stay in Norfolk) where you can hop aboard the world’s smallest public railway at Wells and Walsingham Light Railway

Choo-choo through the magical Norfolk countryside and villages, and enjoy the sounds and smells of traditional steam travel. The children can look out for an abandoned platform on the way, and try to spot all the different types of wildlife and livestock. Get them to take photos and write up a train journal when they get home. This is definitely a holiday adventure to remember. 


Stay in Norfolk

If these adventures and days out with kids in Norfolk sound too good to be missed, why not have a browse through our family-friendly Norfolk cottages for somewhere to stay in-between days out? We have some lovely self-catering holiday cottages throughout the East of England, close to many National Trust properties and areas of beauty to inspire your visit. Where will you stay on your holiday in Norfolk and East Anglia?

Browse our family-friendly collection

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.