Compiled by Harriet Cooper and Natalie Douglas

FOR WANNABE TIME TRAVELLERS

History lessons but not as you might remember – these events bring the past to life in imaginative and interesting ways. First stop on the time travel journey: Blickling Estate, where families can play Stranger Folk from 5 October to 8 November, a game of ancient folklore-meets-real-world adventure (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate). All you need to do is download the app and let the excitement begin, but beware the sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts and Old Crone stirring up trouble. Meanwhile at Lynn Museum (www.lynnmuseum.norfolk.gov.uk), in King’s Lynn, families can take on The Temple Challenge trail between 24 and 31 October – unearth a series of objects for decorating the temples of Ancient Egypt and you’ll win a small prize. On 29 October, youngsters are invited to learn the secrets of mummification, discover ancient writing and try their hand at making Egyptian-inspired jewellery. To celebrate the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry in Britain, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is running a ‘Day with the Normans’ event from 24 October to 1 November. Meet Queen Adeliza, try your hand at stitching and practice medieval fighting techniques (www.norwichcastle.norfolk.gov.uk).  

FOR FLEDGLING NATURALISTS

Young adventurers will love Acorns, the club for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups in the dog-free Bower Garden at Sheringham Park (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/sheringham-park; no need to book). Recommended for ages two to four years, the morning sessions are an opportunity to enjoy creative, open-air activities led by National Trust staff and volunteers. Next up is ‘The whole hedgehog’ on 4 November and ‘Owl’s about that, then’ on 18 November. With visitor centres, bird hides and hands-on activities for children, Norfolk Wildlife Trust is a great way to introduce youngsters to the wonders of nature (www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk). This autumn there is plenty to keep everyone entertained across the NWT reserves, including ‘Brilliant birds’ on 28 October, a family event to learn about the feathered species that call Holme Dunes home, and ‘Wildlife filming for families’ on 29 October at Cley Marshes – a family adventure capturing coastal wildlife on film with handheld cameras.

FOR PUMPKIN ENTHUSIASTS

It wouldn’t be autumn without a pumpkin patch or two. For pumpkins with added theatre, head to The Pumpkin House at Thursford (www.pumpkinhouse.co.uk) with its full run of half-term Halloween dates (23 to 31 October). Alongside choosing the perfect pumpkin, expect seasonal displays and family-friendly activities in a setting designed for autumn photographs. Sitting conveniently between Fakenham and Holt, it is an easy addition to a crisp-weather day exploring North Norfolk. Pensthorpe Pumpkin Festival runs from 24 October to 1 November and will be their biggest autumn celebration to date. A brand-new pumpkin patch, undercover carving barn, seasonal games and a spooky transformation of the maize maze are just a few of the fang-tastic highlights (www.pensthorpe.com). From 27 to 29 October you can Make Your Own Pumpkin House, a family activity at Sandringham Estate (www.sandringhamestate.co.uk) – book a ticket for your pumpkin station (a space for up to two adults and three children) and get crafting, carving and decorating.  

FOR LITTLE TRAIN-SPOTTERS 

Choo, choo! Families are invited to leave their broomsticks at home and climb aboard the Bure Valley Railway (www.burevalleyrailway.co.uk). From 24 October to 1 November, up to two children can travel free with every full fare-paying adult, combining a traditional steam railway journey through the countryside with Halloween-themed activities along the way. Fancy dress is optional, with witches, wizards, ghosts and little monsters all welcome. North Norfolk Railway promises magic and mischief from 26 to 31 October (www.nnrailway.co.uk). Hop off the heritage line at Weybourne station to dress up as an apprentice wizard and take part in a Charms and Potions class, before whizzing on to Holt to explore the magical herb garden and take part in a Dragon Egg Trail. All the family will love the annual Steam Gala on 24 and 25 October, which gives visitors the chance to ride on Britain’s oldest working locomotive, Furness Railway No 20. With British Summer Time ending on 24 October, the Saturday timetable has been extended into the early evening to allow passengers the chance to travel by steam after dark. 

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE SPOOKS

Holkham’s walled garden takes a turn for the spooky from 27 to 31 October, with its Halloween Garden event’s trails, tales and pumpkin-filled fun (www.holkham.co.uk). Families can creep through the garden, try seasonal crafts, enjoy face painting, and pick and carve their own wonderfully wonky jack-o’-lantern. Wrap up warm, pull on sensible shoes and prepare for a playful rather than petrifying Halloween adventure, set within one of North Norfolk’s loveliest historic gardens. The annual Halloween Spook-tacular returns to King’s Lynn on 31 October (www.discoverkingslynn.com). The free, family-orientated occasion comprises a Halloween character trail to earn a sweet treat and live street entertainment throughout the day. No need to book – costumes are encouraged. While you’re in town, swing by Stories of Lynn on 27 October for a magical potion brewing session running concurrently with the All Of Us Witches exhibition, part of the West Norfolk Wyrdfest. For children over the age of five years (www.storiesoflynn.co.uk). Freaky Fossils at Cromer Museum on 27 October is an opportunity for all ages to get to know the spookier side of fossil collecting as they get hands-on with eerie specimens and create their own spooky clay fossil (www.cromermuseum.norfolk.gov.uk). While you’re there, make time to pop into the museum’s new Discovery Gallery, which gives visitors the chance to interact with real fossils discovered over a century ago and replicas.

FOR MINI MAKERS 

Crafting boosts children’s confidence and encourages self-expression – adults love it too, as it allows for a little peace and quiet! This autumn, there’s ample opportunity to get creative. Wells Maltings is hosting a number of half-term events including an enchanting storytelling and model-making workshop led by children’s illustrator and author Kate Read on 26 October; and a Magic School Potion Class with Creative Planet on 27 October, during which kids can decorate a potion jar, mix shimmering slimes and create a dream catcher (www.wellsmaltings.org.uk). Reef Make and Do runs creative workshops, courses and classes in Blakeney (www.reefmakeanddo.com). Founder and experienced teacher Rachael Janes also leads holiday art clubs, immersive experiences where children work with real art materials and explore exciting techniques. In October half-term she’s offering a Junior Art Club (5 to 7 years) and a Tweens Art Club (8 to 12 years), the latter including a Street Art Studio (27 October), making mosaic mirrors (28 October) and Multi Media Pop Art (30 October). 

For all prices and timings, please check individual websites or social media platforms