Get ready for a Summer of STEAM

Get ready for a STEAM-powered summer in Norfolk! From fossil hunts to LEGO festivals, we’ve handpicked some exciting events happening across the county in the coming weeks.  

This handy event guide showcases a selection of fantastic family-friendly experiences that bring Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to life! 

Connect with nature 

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse – Noticing Nature (23 July–2 September) 

Families can enjoy a packed summer programme filled with creative drop-in sessions, early years storytime sessions and tractor trailer rides. Why not start the holidays with Gressenhall’s Super Science Day? Ideal for curious kids, visit the site on Tue 29 July and explore how art meets science in a range of fun, hands-on activities!

Holkham – various dates throughout summer 

The Holkham team are bringing nature to life with a series of immersive events throughout the summer holidays. Join ecologist Phil Parker for a Bat Chat and Trek (19–21 August), where you’ll explore the historic woodland after dark using bat detectors and thermal imaging to spot nocturnal wildlife. Slow down with a calming Forest Bathing session (20 August) or get hands-on with the park’s aquatic ecosystem during Pond Dipping sessions every Monday and Tuesday throughout the summer holidays. Don’t miss the creative Nature Workshops (17 & 27 August), where children can craft their own paper butterflies and moths with the Fairyland Trust.  

GoGoSafari - (23 June–30 August) 

 Step into a wild adventure this summer! Spot gorillas, rhinos, elephants and more as the GoGoSafari art trail stretches across the county. Don’t forget to swing by The Forum, Norwich to pick up a statue trail map from the Safari HQ. 

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Events - various dates throughout summer 

From beach cleans and dyke dipping to rockpool rummages and even shark spotting at Holme Dunes, there’s no shortage of eco-adventures to enjoy this summer! Check out the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s events directory to discover a fantastic range of activities designed to help the whole family reconnect with nature. 

Art, Theatre and Exhibitions 

Space Hamlet – (5–9 August, Norwich Puppet Theatre) 

Shakespeare heads into space in this bold, intergalactic retelling of Hamlet, featuring puppetry, glam rock stars and space-faring Vikings. Suitable for ages 11+. 

Tales from the Lighthouse - (30 August, Norwich Theatre Stage Two) 

For families with younger children, this magical sea voyage beautifully blends storytelling, live music and puppetry. Brought to you by Little Seeds Music, it’s the perfect show for anyone captivated by myths, magic and folklore.  

Sea State – (11 June–7 December, Wolterton Hall Arts & Culture Programme) 

Exploring our emotional and environmental relationship with the sea, this striking exhibition by artists Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson is set across the historic Marble Hall and Portrait Room of Wolterton Hall. Open Thursdays to Sundays, 11am–4pm. 

Hands-on learning and play 

Summer Reading Challenge - (5 July–30 September, Norfolk Libraries) 

Offered across all Norfolk Libraries, this year's summer reading challenge theme is Story Garden: Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors! Little bookworms can collect stickers, discover new worlds, and receive a reading certificate and medal when they reach their challenge goal! 

Norwich Brick Festival - (23 August, UEA SportsPark) 

An unmissable LEGO event dedicated to all things brick! Taking over the SportsPark at University of East Anglia, it's set to be a fun day out for families who love to build and play! Expect large scale displays, speed building competitions, traders, and even a dedicated building area.  

Cromer Museum – Fossil Activities (5 & 26 August) 

Budding palaeontologists won’t want to miss Cromer Museum’s fossil-themed events this August. On a 3D Photography Day (5 August), discover how the team is using cutting-edge technology to digitally capture fossils as part of the NHLF Project: Savin and the Fossil Collectors of Cromer. Then, on Fossil Day (26 August), get hands-on with family-friendly fossil handling sessions and pick up expert tips on how to search for your own along the coast! 

Where heritage meets science 

Norfolk Heritage Open Days – (12–21 September) 

And finally, England’s largest festival of history and culture is back this September! Discover Norfolk’s hidden histories with hundreds of free activities, including drop-in and pre-book events. Our top picks for events with a STEAM-twist include: 

History of Railways Around Wymondham (13 September) 
Head to Wymondham Abbey Station for live locomotives in action, free family-fun, memorabilia, and engaging talks about the history of the railway. 

Bishop Bonner’s Cottage Museum (12, 13, 19, 20 September) 
Take a free tour of this hidden gem of a museum, featuring an exhibit from renowned science fiction author Brian Aldiss. 

Community Nature Recovery (13, 14, 20, 21 September) 
Celebrate nature’s architects, from spider webs and bird nests to towering trees in this fascinating exhibition.  

Mousehold Heath Geology and Landscape Walk (15 September) 
Join geologist Tim Holt-Wilson for a guided walk along the Mousehold Earth Heritage Trail. Explore the site's geodiversity and discover more about how geology has shaped the landscape. 

The full Norfolk Heritage Open Days event directory is now live and booking for pre-book events will open on Wednesday 27 August at 10am! 

With events running throughout July, August, and into September, Norfolk’s summer of STEAM offers something for everyone. 

Be sure to check with each venue/organisation for full event details and booking information!