Discover the best things to do with kids in Suffolk

Suffolk is a popular holiday destination for families looking for outdoor adventure and cultural intrigue in town. You’ll find a fair variety of both options, including convenient ways to enjoy it all on a single trip. To get the most out of your journey, you’ll need to find the proper selection of activities that your family will enjoy. Fortunately, you’ll never have to look very far to find fun for everyone. Take a look at the top things to do with kids in Suffolk and discover the array of activities available in the ceremonial county that can keep the whole family happy and entertained.

Explore indoor activities for family days out in Suffolk

The indoor activities in Suffolk have much to offer whether you’re looking for a reprieve from the rain or something enjoyable in its own right. You’ll even find diversity among the indoor activities alone, including several popular museums in the area that feature engaging educational opportunities. That’s just the beginning: Suffolk also offers establishments designed for kids to have fun. Check out the top indoor things to do with kids in Suffolk.

1. Museum of East Anglian Life

In Stowmarket, your family can visit the Museum of East Anglian Life, which showcases some of the most important artefacts of local history. Nearly 40,000 objects are on display across 17 historical buildings that you can explore. One of the highlights is Abbot’s Hall, a Queen Anne manor house. You can visit the industrial zone with old blacksmith tools on display. While the museum is predominantly an indoor activity, you’ll find an outdoor activity zone with special trails by the river. You’ll enjoy a nice walk if you want to visit all 17 buildings.

2. Felixstowe Leisure Centre

At the Felixstowe Leisure Centre, you’ll find a place for family days out in Suffolk where you and the kids can relax with fun activities protected from the elements. Here, you’ll find a massive pool complete with a thrilling waterslide kids can enjoy. Little tykes can enjoy a designated smaller-scale section. This indoor water adventure course also features inflatable obstacles for your kids’ amusement. Inflatable armbands are available if you’re visiting with toddlers. Be sure to consider when you want to visit. While this leisure centre is open all year long, the actual cost of admission varies based on the season.

3. Adventure Island Playpark

Kids always love Adventure Island Playpark. This attraction offers so many kid-friendly opportunities for fun during family days out in Suffolk that families often travel for this primary attraction. The play park features several themed zones, including a zone for laser tag, one that’s pirate ship-themed and a simulated Palm Islands experience. If your children are particularly young, you may be interested in the designated toddler section. This area is specifically designed for little ones 2 years of age and younger. Visits during the winter are delightful as well. The entire play park is transformed into a Santa-themed wonderland, offering a unique experience.

4. The Cragg Climbing Wall

If your family is interested in a bit of a challenge, the Cragg Climbing Wall is the perfect destination. You’ll find 330 square metres of climbing area here with a wide variety of difficulty levels available. Seasoned climbers can try the more advanced courses, while your little ones can stick to the beginner walls. Climbing lessons are available to teach kids the basics of this thrilling activity. Keep in mind that kids need to be at least 5 years of age before participating in any part of this climbing experience.

5. National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art

The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art is a fascinating museum that’s home to extensive exhibitions showcasing the history of horseracing. You’ll find several galleries of artefacts and memorabilia, but that’s just the beginning. The museum also features a racehorse simulator that your kids can ride on. You and your family can also meet actual racehorses and see demonstrations of their capabilities. There’s also a restaurant on the premises, so you don’t even have to leave to grab a bite to eat.

6. Play2Day

At Play2Day, your kids will find a seemingly endless array of fun. This facility is designed for kids and features a high-end indoor play area that comes complete with a laser tag centre. Inside the park itself, you’ll find several inflatable obstacle courses that kids can try to conquer without having to worry about Plaanyone getting hurt. The inflatables here offer nearly 400 square metres of fun, and a soft play area is available for kids 11 and younger. The price of admission is determined by what activities you choose to participate in.

7. Bentwaters Cold War Museum

Fans of history will enjoy themselves at the Bentwaters Cold War Museum, which showcases a history stretching from the end of World War II to 1993. This museum underwent a massive restoration project, including the Cold War operations rooms. You’ll be able to experience valuable insight due to the museum restoring these rooms to their original condition. That includes coming complete with airlocks and decontamination showers. Kids and adults alike can peruse memorabilia as well as exhibits showcasing artefacts from the Royal Air Force and the Cold War in general. Don’t forget to check out the aircraft hangers and the jets.

Explore outdoor activities during days out with the kids in Suffolk

In general, Suffolk and East Anglia are known for the pristine countryside that offers something for the whole family. You will be able to enjoy dazzling flora and impressive landscapes during your outdoor activities. Of course, some of the available activities take that to the next level when explicitly focused on the breathtaking environments. Check out the best things to do outside during days out with the kids in Suffolk.

8. Africa Alive!

At Africa Alive!, you can explore over 40 hectares of countryside that’s home to some of the most fascinating animals on the planet. You and your kids will be on the lookout for animals like lemurs, vultures, giraffes and zebras. You’ll even find ferocious creatures such as lions and rhinos among the more than 80 species of animals that reside here. Besides the safari drive, your kids can also feed giraffes and experience meerkats up close. Creepy-crawly animals are on display here as well, like spiders and snakes, if that’s more to your family’s liking.

9. Easton Farm Park

Sometimes, the traditional farm experience is what you and your kids need, and that’s what you’ll find at Easton Farm Park. Here, you can meet adorable animals like goats, lambs and little piglets. It’s truly impossible not to smile while visiting. The farm has designed several features for children to enjoy, like the miniature tractor trains and the ponies. You and your little ones can even hold a baby chick, one of the cutest animals you can meet here. The bunnies are also quite popular, and your kids are free to pet and hold them as well.

10. Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park

At Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park, you’ll find a variety of rides and attractions suitable for days out with the kids in Suffolk. You can enjoy flying elephants and rollercoasters alongside pirate ships, bumper cars and water rides to cool you down when visiting in the summer. The park features 3 different ride levels: kiddie rides, thrill rides and family rides. When visiting, you’ll find that some rides have height requirements, as the park determines who is eligible to ride based on height, not age. The ticket pricing works the same way, offering discounts for riders who aren’t eligible for as many rides as their taller companions are.

11. Go Ape

If your family is feeling particularly adventurous, there’s nothing quite like a visit to Go Ape. Here, you and your little ones can embrace your inner ape as you climb and leap through the treetops. You’ll find zip-line rides, high ropes courses and some wobbly bridges. Park staff safely secure visitors at every step, so losing your balance is nothing more than a minor inconvenience at worst. You can opt for different difficulty levels and allow yourself a challenge. At the same time, your kids have fun with steady support that emphasises adventure rather than a challenge.

12. Wild Tracks

Wild Tracks is the place to be if your family is looking for thrilling and adrenaline-pumping fun. You’ll find a wide variety of activities here in this Newmarket attraction, including go-kart racing and off-roading. The latter even offers the option to participate on a quad bike or motocross bike. If the racing isn’t enough for you, you’ll also find shooting courses covering archery with standard bows and crossbows. Additionally, clay shooting is available here if you’re looking to put your aim to the test on a moving target rather than a simple bullseye in the distance.

13. Clare Castle Country Park

When you visit Clare Castle Country Park, you can immerse yourself in nature and history simultaneously. The park itself is immaculately well maintained with beautiful foliage and easily walkable paths. Additionally, you can explore the ruins of Clare Castle, a 13th-century stone castle that’s the namesake of the park. Several outdoor play areas have been established specifically for children. However, older children may be more interested in looking for the local wildlife among the river and shrubbery. Access to the park is completely free, so it’s an ideal destination for family days out in Suffolk on a budget.

14. Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

Owls are fascinating birds of prey. You and your family can see all sorts of these majestic creatures at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary. Your visit will be particularly educational to your little ones, but that’s just the beginning. They can also see flying demonstrations and interact with the owls directly with the guidance of a trained expert. Owls are certainly the stars here, but this sanctuary is also home to meerkats and red squirrels. There’s even a miniature maze and sensory garden for children to enjoy.

15. Beccles Lido

At Beccles Lido, you’ll find a stunning outdoor pool that offers warmth and comfort even on cooler days. Beccles Lido heats the pool to a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius, suitable for the entire family during the summer. You’ll find the main pool that features a 3.5-metre deep end, and you can also check out the toddler pool and adjoining splash pool that are each less than a metre deep. Whether you have small kids or older children, you’ll find the right kind of pool for them. Additionally, the pool also frequently hosts inflatable aqua-run sessions.

16. Hilly Ridge Alpacas

In Ipswich, you’ll find Hilly Ridge Alpacas, home to several fluffy alpacas. These adorable animals delight every child they come across, and you’re sure to get a kick out of their loveable and goofy appearance too. You can interact with them directly and pet their fluffy coats and even take them for a walk. You’ll find several pathways through the sprawling countryside that you can venture through in between your visits to the local alpacas. Be sure to check out the baby alpacas as well.

17. Oasis Camel Park

Camels may not be the first animals that come to mind when you think of Suffolk, but this region is full of surprises. At Oasis Camel Park, you’ll not only be able to see camels, but you can touch and even ride them as well. These surprisingly massive and friendly animals are good with people, including kids, so your little ones can enjoy everything they have to offer. Smaller animals like donkeys, meerkats, alpacas and goats are available for petting sessions. Make sure you plan ahead and book your petting session in advance.

18. Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park

At Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park, you and your family will be able to meet a wide range of different animals, including mammals, fish, reptiles and birds. Some of the most popular animals include pigs, raccoons, wallabies, peacocks and reindeer. Jimmy’s Farm allows kids to get up close and personal with the animals during feeding sessions. Additionally, you’ll find several outdoor playgrounds and sandpits that your kids can enjoy for some fun experiential play. Don’t forget to check out the giant jumping pillow as well.

19. Hollow Trees Farm

When you visit Hollow Trees Farm, you’ll find a variety of farm animals and things to do with kids in Suffolk. You’ll be able to get close to these adorable animals while also learning farming techniques and how the husbandry process works. Several kids’ games are available as well, including Mini Tractors, the Roly Poly Pole and Goat Mountain. Plus, your kids can enjoy an outdoor playground area with climbing poles, sandpits and rope swings. Kids under the age of 2 get in for free.

20. Southwold Mystery Treasure Trail

At Southwold Mystery Treasure Trail, you’ll find an incredible experience that puts your wits to the test in an adventure the whole family can enjoy. Not only will you find yourself having to track down and decipher clues, but it all takes place in an area of Southwold in Suffolk that you may not have paid much attention to before. The route itself is roughly 2 miles long, and children as young as 6 years of age can participate. The mystery itself isn’t overly challenging. You aren’t likely to get seriously stumped, but you’re free to take as long as you like on the adventure.

21. Suffolk Ski Centre

When you visit the Suffolk Ski Centre, you can enjoy downhill skiing on the impressive snowy slopes. Several difficulty levels are available, so the whole family can find fun whether they’re experts or young beginners. Although not as big as most global ski destinations, this is the perfect stop to practice your skills or learn the basics. In addition to skiing, you’ll also find other activities like golf, a climbing wall and even high ropes courses.

22. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm

When you visit the Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm in Ipswich, you can enjoy a variety of animals, including pigs, cows, alpacas and bunnies. All the animals are notably friendly, so your little ones can safely approach and interact with them. Additionally, you’ll find a trail that offers a convenient journey. On this trail, your family will be delighted by the most fascinating and adorable animals. Treat yourself to a bite to eat with cream teas and other hot and cold drinks at the cafe.