Half-Term Highlights: What's on in Norfolk this October

As the half-term approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning some fun activities to keep the kids entertained!

Whether you’re fully in the Halloween spirit or looking for something a little different, there are plenty of exciting family-friendly events to enjoy across Norwich and Norfolk this October.

Spooky adventures, fireworks and family fun 

Pensthorpe will be transforming into a land of magic and mystery this October half term as they host their very first Pumpkin Festival. Mini witches and wizards can enjoy a whole week of woodland trails, arts and crafts and pumpkin carving across the 700-acre nature reserve.  

For a unique twist on Trick or Treating, pay a visit to BeWILDerwood for The Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade. Taking place on selected evenings throughout October and November, dress up in your best Halloween costumes and head down to the woods to enjoy a special ‘Twig or Treat’ event, featuring a brand-new children’s show and light trail.  

The Museum of the Broads are also adding to the spooky atmosphere this half-term with their Halloween pumpkin trail. From Sunday 27 October to Sunday 3 November, take a visit to the museum and see if you can spot the peculiar pumpkins hidden throughout. Keep a look out for the Marshman’s cat, a wherry rat and other curious creatures… 

And from Halloween to Bonfire Night - why not end your half-term with a spectacular firework display? Wroxham Barns are once again holding their child friendly fireworks, with low bang displays, live music, the Fun Park and food trucks across two nights (Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November).  

Not-so-creepy crawlies

Get hands on with creepy crawlies at The Bug Parc! Explore the tropical houses, complete the trails and book a handling experience for an up-close look at how these fascinating creatures interact with the world.  

The Insect Circus is coming to Norwich Puppet Theatre on 28 October. Performed by String Theatre, this enchanting show uses traditional Victorian wood-carved marionettes to bring the strange and beautiful world of insects to life.  

Super science events

Hop aboard the North Norfolk Railway between 30 October and 2 November for four days of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) based fun with interactive shows and science experiments hosted by Mad Science! Catch a historic steam train at either Holt or Sheringham stations and head to Weybourne for their HallowSteam event, where you can launch rockets, shoot lightening between your fingertips and even be made into a human lightbulb.  

Why not join the National Trust team at Felbrigg Hall for a Family Fungi Foray and become a fungi detective! Taking place on 29 October, you can explore the funky world of fungi with a guided 2 mile walk around the woodland of the estate. Aimed at families with children, the event also includes a fungus craft activity for little ones.

And children’s author, James Campbell, will be at Norwich Arts Centre on 30 October with a family eco comedy show. Based on his hit book, Don’t Panic! We CAN Save The Planet, this brilliant show is perfect for anyone who wants to swap being an Eco Worrier for being an Eco Warrior!  

Celebrate stories at The Forum

Get ready for the brand-new Norwich Book Festival! Presented by The Forum, this new festival will be taking over the City of Stories from 24 –27 October, offering bookish fun for everyone. 

They’ve got plenty to keep the kids busy, with a full family programme designed to bring books to life, encourage creativity and spark imaginations! Expect four days of fantastic events, author readings, hands-on workshops and free activities.  

Over the weekend (October 26 – 27), The Forum’s Atrium will be transformed into The Imaginarium - an exciting celebration of creativity and imagination, free for all to enjoy! With over 25 stalls and events, everyone is invited to try something new, explore behind the book, and discover new stories. 

Go behind the scenes at a bookshop, draw a gigantic comic and have a go at zine-making. Plus, on Sunday 26 from 10am–4pm, you can jump aboard the First Story Bus, presented by First Bus, and discover stories galore, with live storytelling, interactive activities, puppet-making, and all your favourite nursery rhymes. 

With plenty of exciting events for grown-ups and kids alike, Norwich Book Festival offers something for every reader! Visit www.norwichbookfestival.co.uk to explore the full programme and book your tickets.