Words: Natalie Douglas

Claw-some encounters

Perched on Wells Quay, the Lobster Hatchery offers a fascinating peek into life beneath the waves. Your little nippers can spy tiny lobsters growing in their tanks, learning how these creatures are nurtured before heading out to sea. Volunteers bring the story to life, making it an easy, hands-on way to connect with Norfolk’s marine world. Plus, there’s plenty of harbourside action to watch afterwards – crabbing lines, fishing boats and ice creams at the ready.

Into the wild

Pensthorpe is a paradise for families, with adventure at every turn. Kids will love WildRootz, a giant playground with zip wires, tunnels and a freshwater stream perfect for splashing. Trails wind through wetlands and woodlands, with daily flamingo talks and pond dipping for hands-on fun. New for this summer is the ‘Migration Maize Maze’ – will you be able to successfully migrate through the maze, or will you hit some of the challenges birds face on their epic journeys around the globe? A brilliant blend of wild play, nature spotting and relaxed family time.

Nature’s playground 

Holkham is where big skies meet big adventures. Head to the park, where children can climb, swing and zip through the huge woodland play area, take on the ropes course, or hop aboard a tractor-trailer for a deer safari. Pick up a free summer spotter sheet, go pond dipping (select dates) or book onto the ‘Bat Chat and Trek’ event, where, accompanied by an expert, you’ll see these fascinating creatures in flight in the woodland (select dates). Keep your eyes peeled, too, for a colourful GoGoSafari sculpture waiting to be found somewhere on the estate. 

Berry nice

Sharrington Strawberries are a Norfolk summer staple, and picking your own is the best part. Kids will love running up and down the rows, hunting for the juiciest, reddest berries to fill their punnets. The fields are just off the A148 near Holt, with an open-air shop full of fresh fruit and goodies. No one minds if little hands get a bit sticky! Keep an eye out for the giant strawberry by the road, it’s your cue to stop.

Curious creatures

Nature comes alive for little adventurers at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s summer workshops. Across reserves like Cley, Sweet Briar Marshes and Hickling, kids can join bug hunts, pond dipping, mini-beast safaris, and nature crafts. Expert guides bring Norfolk’s wild side to life, helping families spot everything from dragonflies to marsh harriers. It’s hands-on, exciting, and a brilliant way to nurture a love of the outdoors, all while having plenty of fun along the way.

Setting sail

For a real family expedition, hop aboard Selkie, a Stiffkey Cockle sailing boat, with Sail North Norfolk. Based at Blakeney Quay, skipper Zoe Dunford takes families on gentle two- to three-hour trips through the beautiful creeks and salt marshes. Spot seals, watch birdlife up close, and even have a go at helping with the sails! There’s room for four, plus plenty of homemade cake and hot drinks to keep little sailors happy. A peaceful, memorable way to see Norfolk from the water.

Little artists in action

For those quieter moments or rainy days, get crafty with the kids at Doodle Pots in Holt, Honeypots Studio in Hunstanton or Sticky Earth Café in Cromer. All are brilliant paint-your-own pottery studios, offering everything from mugs and plates to quirky figurines. Children can let their imaginations run wild while grown-ups enjoy a breather. Best of all, you’ll have a unique, handmade keepsake – a lovely way to remember your summer, whatever the weather’s doing.

Join the crew 

Norfolk’s beaches are beautiful but knowing how to stay safe is key. This summer, kids can get a real taste of lifeboat life with Storm Force sessions at Hunstanton RNLI. Running on Sundays 27 July and 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August at 10.30am, these fun, interactive workshops let young adventurers explore the lifeboat station, meet the crew, and learn essential sea safety skills through games and hands-on activities. It’s a brilliant way to build confidence by the coast. For year-round fun, kids can also join the RNLI’s Storm Force club and receive magazines packed with stories, puzzles and water safety tips.

Happy campers

Castle Wild Camp is set in wildflower meadows just outside Holt; it’s proper back-to-nature stuff with compost loos, fire pits, and endless space for kids to roam. For something really special, book a stay in Hilda, a converted American school bus complete with beds, a kitchen, and bags of quirky charm. Toast marshmallows under starry skies and wake up to birdsong, it’s an off-grid adventure with all the magic of the outdoors.

The joy of car-booting

There’s nothing like a car boot sale for a bit of treasure hunting and North Norfolk is full of them. Cherry Tree Car Boot on Sundays near Fakenham is a local favourite (find them on Facebook), packed with stalls selling everything from toys and books to plants and vintage finds. It’s a great way for kids to learn about recycling, budgeting and even a bit of pocket-money negotiating! Armed with a few coins, they can search for bargains while grown-ups browse for hidden gems. Keep it casual, grab a bacon butty and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Check with venues for timings, ticket prices and any booking requirements