Fun Things for Teenagers to Do in Norfolk

Norfolk is the perfect place for a family holiday, offering a mix of adventure, nature, and culture for all ages, teens included. If you’re visiting with teenagers, you’ll find everything from adrenaline-pumping activities to chilled days by the coast. This guide explores the best things for teenagers to do in Norfolk, so everyone in the family makes lasting holiday memories (some of which might even make Instagram).

Big Hitting Adventure Activities for Teens in Norfolk

Teens with a taste for excitement will love Norfolk’s outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best high-energy activities:

• Go-Karting & Quad Biking: There are tracks around the county where your teens can test their driving skills in a safe, competitive environment. Perfect for families who love a bit of friendly rivalry.
  
• High Ropes & Zip-Lining: Adventure parks such as Bewilderwood and Go Ape offer thrilling treetop challenges. These activities are brilliant for building confidence and letting teens test their limits in stunning Norfolk forests.
  
• Water Sports: Norfolk’s coastline and the Broads are fantastic playgrounds for water-loving teens. Try paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating on the Broads.
  
• At Waxham Sands, our Norfolk holiday park, everyone can enjoy mini golf conveniently located next to our dunes beach access
  

Coastal Fun & Beach Days

With over 90 miles of coastline, Norfolk is all about seaside adventures. Teens will love:

• Surfing & Bodyboarding: Head to beaches like Sea Palling, right next to our owners only park Golden Beach, or Cromer where waves are perfect for beginners and teens wanting to learn. Plus, charming Cromer boasts a lively pier filled with arcade games that teens are sure to enjoy.
  
• Coastal Walks: Active, outdoorsy teens will enjoy the Norfolk Coast Path, which takes in dramatic cliffs, sandy stretches, and wildlife rich dunes.
  
• Seal Watching Trips: Join a boat tour from Blakeney or Morston to spot thriving colonies of grey and common seals, or wander across the dunes for a scenic stroll alongside our wild neighbours.
  
• Beach Games & Exploration: Whether it’s volleyball, football, or simply exploring rock pools, Norfolk’s beaches such as Great Yarmouth and Cromer are natural adventure playgrounds. Let your teens search for crabs or run free.
  
• Wildlife & Nature Experiences: Don’t miss Norfolk’s best nature reserves, wildlife parks and zoos for unique animal encounters.. Choose between Banham Zoo, Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, and Pensthorpe Natural Park if your teen loves animals.

Unforgettable Immersive Experiences – Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Norfolk

Rain doesn’t have to put a dampener on your day in Norfolk, it simply opens the door to a different kind of adventure. From action-packed indoor attractions to historic sites and cosy cultural sights, there’s plenty to keep teens, families, and mixed age groups entertained come rain or shine.

Adventure & Active Fun:

• Sealife Centre, Great Yarmouth – Dip into an underwater world and meet everything from sharks to playful rays. An engaging mix of conservation, education, and fun.
  
• The Big Wheel – While you’re in Great Yarmouth, why not take in the scenery from the sea front’s Big Wheel?
  
• Jump, Great Yarmouth & Gravity Trampoline Park, Norwich – Bounce, flip, and challenge friends to dodgeball or foam pit battles – the perfect energy outlet for teens on a wet afternoon.
  
• Indoor Climbing & Bouldering Centres – Test your teen’s strength and agility while they learn new skills, indoor climbing is great for active teens seeking a challenge.
  
• Funky Monkey’s Roller Skating, Norwich – A retro-inspired roller disco experience that mixes music, lights, and plenty of laughter. Grab some skates and get moving to the music.
  

Games, Puzzles & Team Challenges

• Escape Rooms (Norwich & Great Yarmouth) – Work together to solve clues and beat the clock in immersive themed rooms – from mysteries to adventures there’s puzzles for all age groups and interests.
  
• Lazer Quest, Great Yarmouth – A high-energy battle of strategy, teamwork, and reflexes in a glowing maze. Your teens will leave with big grins.
  
• JR’s Bowling, North Walsham – Strike up some competition with family bowling, arcade games, and diner-style food. Daytime or evening fun for all.

We’ve also got free games and activities to borrow in the park for when rainy days strike, including a full board game library. Learn to play something new or pick up an old favourite.

History, Culture & Curiosity

• Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery – A treasure trove of history, archaeology, and art, with interactive exhibitions that bring the past to life for youngsters.
  
• Strumpshaw Steam Engine Museum – Discover working steam engines, vintage machinery, and engineering marvels all under one roof.
  
• Historic Homes & Halls – Places like Holkham Hall often run hands-on events and tours, making rainy days both educational and engaging. Join a treasure hunt or set off fact finding.
  

Entertainment & Spectacle

• Hippodrome Circus, Great Yarmouth – One of only a handful of purpose-built circus buildings still in use, offering jaw-dropping performances whatever the weather. There’s even some hidden curiosities below the circus – old costumes, machinery – ask nicely, and they’ll give you and your teens a short tour.
  
• Cinemas (Great Yarmouth, Cromer & Norwich) – From blockbuster multiplexes to Norwich’s independent Picturehouse, there’s always a film to fit the mood.
  
• Arcades, Sea Palling & Great Yarmouth – Timeless fun with 2p machines, racing simulators, and the latest VR games. A crowd-pleaser for teens and tweens alike.
  

Relaxed Social Spots

• Gaming & VR Centres – For futuristic fun, try the latest immersive VR experiences across Norfolk. Techy teens can swap their smartphones for something more memorable to tell their friends about once home.
  
• Shopping Districts & Cafés – Norwich’s Royal Arcade and quirky lanes are perfect for browsing unique shops and grabbing a hot chocolate or bubble tea. You know the drill, however. Expect to be asked: ‘Can I have this?’ ‘— and this?’
  
• Museums & Wildlife Centres – Norfolk’s science centres, nature parks, and wildlife reserves often have indoor exhibits that mix learning with discovery. Let your teens’ minds expand and eyes bulge. Creepy-crawly lovers and science fans won’t be disappointed.

Planning Your Teen-Friendly Norfolk Trip

Travelling with teens works best when they feel part of the plan. Here are some tips:

• Get teenagers involved: Let them choose a couple of activities or destinations each day.
  
• Balance structure & freedom: Mix planned activities with downtime so teens can relax their way, too.
  
• Budget smartly: Many outdoor activities, like hiking or beach days, are free and balance out paid attractions. You could spread out the big-hitting activities alongside cheaper days out with teens in Norfolk. Alternatively, why not involve older teens in some of the budgeting?
  
• Transport: Norfolk is best explored by car, but buses link you to most of the coast.
  

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The Perfect Base for Teen Adventures: Holiday Parks in Norfolk

Choosing the right base is key to a stress-free holiday with teens in Norfolk. A holiday park makes it easy:

• Fun at our park: Whether it’s spotting the Big Five of local wildlife (seals and puffins included), borrowing free board games, or grabbing a belly board for the waves, there’s always something to keep everyone entertained.
  
• Flexibility: Self-catering accommodation gives teens the freedom to eat whenever they like, and the on-site park shop is perfect for picking up their favourite treats.
  
• Location: Our Norfolk parks are perfectly placed for easy access to the region’s best attractions. Where will you take your teens?

Explore Accommodation for Families

FAQs: Getting the Most Out of Norfolk with Kids and Teens

Is Norfolk good for family holidays?

Absolutely, with its beaches, adventure activities, wildlife, and historic attractions, Norfolk offers something for every age group.

What to do with teenagers in Norfolk?

From go-karting and escape rooms to surfing and shopping in Norwich, there’s plenty to keep teens entertained.

What to do in Norwich with teens?

Teens will enjoy exploring the city’s street art, independent shops, escape rooms, and climbing centres.

What to do in Cromer for kids?

Cromer is great for beach days, crabbing off the pier, surfing, or enjoying the traditional amusements along the seafront. Think independent sweet shops and fresh fish and chips.

Ready for Your Teen-Friendly Norfolk Adventure?

Book your stay at Waxham Sands and enjoy the perfect base for family fun, right on the Norfolk coast. With easy access to beaches, adventure activities, and wildlife experiences, Waxham Sands is your gateway to an unforgettable Norfolk holiday with your teens.

Book now