The 10 best things to do in Norfolk with kids

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I’ve been hunting for the 10 best things to do in Norfolk with kids – it was a tough one to narrow down because it’s a fabulous location for a family holiday! (If you’re planning a trip to Norfolk, you’re in for a treat!) This beautiful county is bursting with seaside fun, wildlife encounters, magical adventures and amazing days out that kids will love. There are some fabulous holiday parks in the Norfolk area too, with Great Yarmouth in particular being a popular base, so make sure you check out my article on the best places to stay as well. And, to help you to plan a fun family getaway, here are my top 10 picks for the best things to do in Norfolk with the kids.

1. See the seals at Blakeney Point

A trip to Norfolk wouldn’t be complete without seeing its famous grey seal colonies. Take a boat trip from Morston Quay or Blakeney and you’ll cruise along the coast to Blakeney Point, where hundreds of seals can often be seen lounging on the sandbanks or popping their heads up from the water. The boat skippers are brilliant at pointing them out and the close-up views are unforgettable for little ones. Frugal Mum Tip: Morning trips are often cheaper and less busy, and don’t forget your binoculars!

2. Have fun at ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure

If your kids love dinosaurs, ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure is an absolute must. Wander through the woodland trails to spot life-sized dinos, explore the dinosaur dig, hop on the rides and tackle the outdoor adventure play zones. There’s also a splash park for sunny days and a large indoor soft play area if the weather turns. Frugal Mum Tip: Off-peak visits offer cheaper tickets, but check that the attractions you want to access will be open as there are some restrictions.

3. Get grubby at BeWILDerwood Norfolk

One of Norfolk’s most unique attractions, BeWILDerwood is a magical woodland adventure inspired by children’s books. Kids can climb, swing and slide their way through treehouses, rope bridges and zip lines all set within an enchanting forest setting. There are storytelling sessions, den building, crafts and plenty of imaginative play opportunities for all ages. Don’t forget to pack a rain coat and some wellies as it’s all outside. My kids had a lovely time at BeWILDerwood (check out my review for all the details) but tickets can be pricey. Frugal Mum Tip: Bring your own lunch and drinks to save money and look out for deals – over February half-term they offered 2 for 1 tickets!

4. Spend a day at the zoo

Home to over 2000 animals, Banham Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers. You’ll find everything from giraffes and tigers to penguins and lemurs, plus daily talks and feeding sessions that the kids will love. Just over the border in Suffolk, you’ll also find Africa Alive Zoo – a huge wildlife park dedicated to the animals of Africa. You’ll spot lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebra and lemurs across the 100-acre site. With two fabulous zoo options in Norfolk – it’ll be impossible to run out of things to do with the kids! Frugal Mum Tip: Both Africa Alive and Banham Zoo are Blue Peter Badge attractions – so bring the kids badges and they’ll enter for free!

5. Enjoy beach days at Great Yarmouth

If you’re looking for free things to do in Norfolk with the kids, for good old-fashioned seaside fun, Great Yarmouth Beach is hard to beat. The huge sandy beach is perfect for sandcastle building and paddling – just bring your bucket and spades, and some beach games, to enjoy plenty of fun without spending a penny. The seafront is also packed with arcades and cafés, if you do fancy a pit stop, and be sure to stroll along the two piers for even more attractions and live entertainment. The weather was a bit chilly on our last visit, so we took the kids bowling! Frugal Mum Tip: Pack up a picnic to keep things cheap and cheerful.

6. Explore the Norfolk Broads by boat

For a slower-paced day out, hire a boat to explore the stunning Norfolk Broads. The kids will love helping to steer the boat and spotting wildlife along the riverbanks – from swans and herons to dragonflies and the occasional otter. Popular places to hire boats include Wroxham, Horning and Potter Heigham, and you can stop at riverside pubs or picnic along the way. Frugal Mum Tip: Book your boat hire in advance during the summer months – prices seem to start from around £20 per hour.

7. Go under the sea at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth

If you’re looking for things to do with the kids in Norfolk that’ll work out-of-season, or for rainy day entertainment, then head to SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth. Wander through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, turtles and rays, and check out the penguin enclosure and rock pools. There are hands-on zones, regular talks and feeding sessions that’ll keep the kids engaged. Frugal Mum Tip: Book online in advance – tickets are cheaper than on the gate prices. You can also get discounted multi-attraction tickets to ride the giant wheel next door, and for the VR experience too.

8. Feel festive at the Thursford Christmas Spectacular

If you’re visiting Norfolk over the festive season, Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular is a must-see! It’s one of the UK’s biggest Christmas shows, combining music, dance, lights and magic. (Our neighbours travel to Norfolk for it most years – it’s definitely on my to do list!) There’s even Santa’s Magical Journey for younger kids, where they can wander through twinkling displays and meet Father Christmas himself. It looks like an incredible experience that would really get everyone into the festive spirit. (Parkdean Resorts Cherry Tree Holiday Park and Haven Seashore Holiday Park offer festive breaks if you need a base!) Frugal Mum Tip: Tickets sell out months in advance so book early and, for cheaper options, look for midweek performances.

9. Have day of thrill-seeking

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is a traditional seaside amusement park that has been entertaining families for over 100 years! (Throwback photo of my two when they were tiny! 😍) It’s home to rollercoasters, dodgems and plenty of rides for all ages – from toddlers to thrill-seekers. The iconic wooden rollercoaster is a must-ride and still operated by hand – it was my children’s first rollercoaster experience! Alternatively, head to Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park in nearby Suffolk for a day of rides, shows and animals – not quite in Norfolk but there’s plenty of things to do and it’ll be a fun day out with the kids! Frugal Mum Tip: If you’re heading to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach buy wristbands for unlimited ride access – it’ll be far cheaper than paying per ride if you plan to stay all day.

10. Spend an evening at The Hippodrome Circus

If you’re looking for things to do with the kids in the evening, or want something to do in the warm during your Norfolk break, the historic Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth is one of the few purpose-built permanent circuses left. The shows combine incredible acrobatics, comedy and even a water stage that transforms mid-performance – what a brilliant evening out for the whole family and something truly different! Frugal Mum Tip: Look out for weekday and matinee shows to reduce ticket prices.

Where are the best places to stay in Norfolk with kids?

You’re spoilt for choice on where to stay as Norfolk is definitely home to some of the best UK holiday parks to visit with kids! I’ve been looking for great kids’ activities, beach locations, swimming pools, waterslides and even luxury extras like hot tubs – as well as some quieter locations for a more relaxed holiday too. Head to my article: The 10 best holiday parks in Norfolk for families for more information on what’s on offer at these sites, and for more great holiday park options, but here’s a quick glimpse at a few of my top picks:

Haven: Seashore Holiday Park: One of the top Haven parks, situated right on the beachfront in Great Yarmouth, this site has an indoor waterpark with flumes, slides and a splash-zone, soft play, Junior segways, a NERF training camp, crazy golf, crafts, evening entertainment and all sorts!

Parkdean Resorts: Vauxhall Holiday Park: One of the best Parkdean Resorts, families can enjoy the indoor Tropical Waterworld pool (with a waterslide and splash play areas), an outdoor pool, adventure playgrounds, laser tag, soft play, mini golf, bowling, VR, kids’ clubs and more!

Haven: Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park: A popular Haven holiday option with direct beach access that boasts an indoor swimming pool with slides, play areas, junior Segways, tank off-roaders, NERF camp, ‘The Jump’, crazy golf, crafts, sports and aerial adventures for little ones and bigger kids.

Parkdean Resorts: Cherry Tree Holiday Park: This fab holiday park has indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, an adventure playground, hoverboards, pedal-kart hire, mini 4×4 adventures, sports and family-friendly entertainment – plus hot tub accommodation options.

Norfolk or Suffolk – which is best for a family holiday?

Both Norfolk and Suffolk are brilliant choices for a family holiday, each offering a slightly different charm. Norfolk is perfect if you love a mix of seaside fun and countryside calm, with miles of sandy beaches, traditional resorts like Great Yarmouth and Cromer, and family favourites such as Bewilderwood and the Norfolk Broads for boat adventures. Suffolk, on the other hand, feels a little quieter and more rural with pretty coastal towns like Southwold and Aldeburgh, plus plenty of wildlife parks, walking trails and local markets to explore. If your family enjoys lively days out and classic seaside entertainment, Norfolk has the edge, but if you’re after a slower pace with quaint villages and peaceful beaches, Suffolk is hard to beat.

Is Norfolk worth a visit?

Absolutely! As you can see there are far too many fabulous things to do with the kids in and around the Norfolk area – no wonder this part of the country is such a popular place for family holidays! We had lots of lovely holidays there when I was a child, and we’ve visited a few times with our own children too. Quite a lot of these days out can be a little pricey, so follow my tips to save some money and make a plan before your trip. I always ask the kids which things they’d most like to do in advance to help with budgeting and to manage expectations – Norfolk has lots of fabulous attractions but it’s not feasible to do everything. I hope this has given you plenty of ideas for fun days out with the kids – have a lovely holiday! 😍