Little living
6th October 2025
Pensthorpe pumpkins © Steve Adams
Who says adults should have all the fun? Whether making magic potions, following seasonal trails or navigating spooky mazes, there’s something for all ages
Holkham’s Halloween Garden
When: 26 to 30 October
What: Have a spookylicious time in the Walled Garden where thrills and chills include storytelling, Halloween crafting, frightful face-painting (select dates), make your own magic potion with the not-so-wicked witches, pumpkin carving, chocolatey treats and more. The question is, do you dare to enter?
Norwich Theatre Family Festival
When: 27 October to 1 November
What: The fun-packed festival returns, offering free, pay-what-you-can and low-cost interactive workshops, drop-in sessions, sensory activities and shows across Norwich Theatre Café Royal, Norwich Playhouse and Norwich Theatre Stage Two. One day you could be making War Horse puppets, the next twirling in a movement session inspired by Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.
Sainsbury Centre for Families
When: Various dates
What: The Norwich museum is laying on some serious fun. Why not sign up your little one to the Young Artists’ Studio day on 30 October (7 to 11 years) to make art with an artist? Or how about the Kids in Museums Takeover Day on 21 November (free) to learn about different jobs in museums. And don’t miss Big Sunday on the first Sunday of each month, when families can take part in free creative drop-in activities.
Escape into autumn at Oxburgh Estate
When: Until 2 November
What: Follow a discovery trail to unearth the secret lives of the animals that call Oxburgh home as they prepare for winter. Afterwards, venture outside for autumnal activities aplenty, including natural art making and leaf raking, followed by hot chocolates and homemade cake in the cafe.
Thursford’s Adventure Play Fair
When: Fridays to Sundays until October half-term, when it will be open every day, closing on 2 November
What: The adventure playground of dreams. The 30,000 sq ft outdoor attraction is themed around a vintage fairground with a Helter Skelter, Ferris Wheel, carousel, stalls and a unique organ water play fountain promising hours of excitement. Note: anyone who has purchased tickets to Santa’s Magical Journey or Enchanted Journey of Light can access the Play Fair at an additional rate.
Pumpkin Pandemonia at Pensthorpe
When: 25 October to 2 November
What: Pensthorpe nature reserve, outside Fakenham, promises its biggest and best Pumpkin Festival yet. Alongside a PYO pumpkin patch, little witches and wizards will love the spooky maize maze, scarecrow displays and ghoulish craft sessions. On 30 October, join in the fun after hours (5.45pm to 9.30pm) with food trucks and a fire performer.
For opening times and prices, visit individual websites or social media
