Whether you’re planning a short weekend break or taking in the sights and sounds of Suffolk for a longer getaway, it’s always a good idea to know your options to keep the kids happy.

Here’s our guide to some of the best family days out in the stunning surroundings of Suffolk that the little ones will love.

The best family days out & child-friendly things to do in Suffolk

Suffolk has plenty to offer even the hardest to please, so nippers of all ages are sure to find something to do. Think sandcastle building on beaches, animal experiences at working farms, Tudor reenactments, teacups at theme parks — and much more besides!

Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park — fun and thrills for all ages (even adults!)

If you’ve got children of different ages to occupy, Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park offers a perfect mix of different fun and activities. With thrill rides, kid-friendly ones and additional fun such as the birds of paradise, it’s a full, fun day out when you visit.

With more than 35 rides to enjoy and as well as exotic birds, you can also visit the sea lion splash section of the park for an unforgettable show. Don’t worry, for the traditionalists there are lots of classic attractions — tea cups, dodgems and, of course, a carousel.

Any mums and dads feeling brave might want to take a seat on Wipeout for an unforgettable ride — certainly the pièce de résistance of Pleasurewood Hills for thrill seekers out there!

There are three food zones, with three more coming soon, which when complete will offer a range of yummy choices including burgers, hotdogs, pasties, Mexican and Italian foods and more. Vegans and vegetarian options are available at certain outlets. When you’ve polished all that off, you can head over to Parrot Ices for dessert!

Pleasurewood Hills is just a short walk from Azure Seas Holiday Village, our luxury holiday home ownership location nestled beside the sands of Corton, Suffolk.

Easton Farm Park — a range of activities, ideal for toddlers and younger children

Easton Farm Park is an exciting, hands-on farm park experience with a 32-acre green trail to enjoy.

There’s lots to see and do, from bunny handling and feeding to egg collection, trailer rides and much more. The estate itself was built in the 1800s and has been operating as a farm since the seventies — becoming quite the popular hit with visitors.

As well as its farm activities and fun, the estate has a number of historic buildings, so mum and dad can enjoy the surroundings while the young ones get mucky and meet new farmyard friends.

The green trail offers acres and acres of farmland to explore, but remember your wellies if you’re coming on a less than sunny day!

High Lodge Thetford Forest Centre — outdoor fun, exploration and exercise for adventurers and nature lovers of all ages

It’s hard to fit into a short description just how much fun you can have at High Lodge Thetford Forest Centre. It’s an idyllic day out for adventurers and those that love to be in nature — an attraction that should fit the bill for those seeking a slightly higher-tempo family day out.

There is something for everyone. Little ones can enjoy the outdoor areas, specifically designed for them to climb, play and enjoy safely. Even the tiniest members of the family can make the most of the toddler tower!

School-age children familiar with Superworm can enjoy the special trail, discovering amazing facts about a variety of creatures along the way.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, and are taking some older kids out for the day, you can enjoy Go Ape, segway woodland tours and even try your hand at archery. People of all ages will have a great day out exploring trails, walks, cycle routes and more.

You’re welcome to bring picnics, but there are food and toilet facilities on site.

Framlingham Castle — historic fun for all the family

Transport the whole family back in time with a day trip to discover this historic gem. Located in the traditional market town of Framlingham, this beautiful fortification is nestled plumb overlooking Suffolk’s rolling countryside.

Sitting behind Framlingham Castle’s huge walls is the location where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. The curtain wall stands at an impressive 10.5 metres, from which you can see breathtaking views of idyllic Suffolk; take the wall walk and see for yourself. There’s a special kids’ version of the audio tour that can be downloaded.

Framlingham was originally built as a classic motte and bailey in 1148, but was destroyed by Henry II in the revolt of 1173–1174. Did you know that Ed Sheeran grew up in Framlingham? The singer-songwriter’s 2017 hit, Castle on the Hill, refers to this stunning fortification.

Boasting decorative chimney pots, traditional cottages, beautiful panoramic views and close to walking trails and a nature reserve, it makes for a wonderful day out. There are often additional activities, themed events and more taking place in the grounds. During school holidays, experience kid-friendly shows, Tudor reenactments and performances by ‘The History Tellers’. There’s even been known to be beginner sword fighting!

There’s a range of interesting historic interactive exhibits to give the whole family a fascinating glimpse back in time, with a workhouse also on site. Afterwards, enjoy a slice of cake at the castle café or pick up a cuddly souvenir or two at the shop. Booking is not necessary, but it is advised.

If you’ve time afterwards, the little ones could get their skates on at Framlington Skatepark or the whole family could head into town for independent shops, restaurants and taverns — for the grown ups, there’s no better place for a glass of Suffolk cyder!

The Food Museum — learn, play, explore: fun for all the family

The Food Museum (formerly The Museum of East Anglian Life) offers activities and fun spread over 75 acres and 17 buildings. There is so much to see and do, with over 40,000 objects in its collection, giving insights into various periods in history.

With a jam-packed programme of events, there’s always something extra happening too. We recommend taking a whole day out to visit. There are many tours and demonstrations to take in, as well as hands-on farming, foraging and the chance to watch animals being fed.

Elsewhere there’s the Boby building, showcasing crafts and tools used in the production of food, a forge and the farm barn, which helps show who grows our food.

Beyond this there are rare breeds in the farm area, crops and an orchard. It’s a fun-filled day out that's sure to enthral everyone — and there’s also a cafe and shop to enjoy.

Day trip it to the seaside

In any list of things to do in Suffolk, there’s no way we couldn’t mention its stunning selection of seaside and shores in a list. A day beside the sea is always a relaxing, fun-filled and family friendly one — fortunately, there’s no shortage of beautiful coastline.

Be sure to check out our list of our favourite seaside towns and coastal hotspots in Suffolk — whether you’re getting rural Suffolk coastal vibes at Aldeburgh or having a traditional beach day at Lowestoft, you’re spoiled for choice.

Stay a while… there’s always more to see and do in Suffolk

This isn’t an exhaustive list, of course, but just a few of our favourites! There’s so much to get up. Honourable mention should go to Stonham Barns Crazy Golf, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Mid-Suffolk Light Railway for the young locomotive enthusiasts!

As it’s just a short trip up the road in the car, don’t forget that you also have all of Norfolk’s fun family days out at your fingertips, too — go seal spotting at Horsey Gap or spend the day at BeWILDerwood Norfolk. There’s also Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure — the self-styled premier dinosaur-themed adventure park in the UK!

If you’re in love with Suffolk, you might want to explore holiday home or lodge ownership, something we’re proud to offer at Azure Seas, our luxury location nestled beside Corton’s quaint sands in Suffolk. It’s only a short drive to any of these fun family days out and, in the case of Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, a short walk!

Looking for the perfect place to stay for a short break whilst you’re adventuring in Suffolk? We offer luxury camping and touring holidays at Waxham Sands, our holiday park nestled on the coast near Sea Palling, just in Norfolk. Golden Beach is another of our luxury holiday parks in the area where you can buy a home from home, just up the coast in Norfolk.