If the thought of having to pack a whole wintry week with fun things for the kids to do fills you with panic, don’t worry! We have compiled a list of ten activities to keep the whole family happy, active, and entertained.
1. LOVE OUR PLANET
Take a trip to Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, you don’t even have to leave the Country. Here you can walk, talk and squawk with over 80 species of animals. The kids will love seeing animals from around the world including the African lion, black and white lemurs, cheetahs and meekats. There are enough activities to make a whole day of it, so pack plenty of warm clothes and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with their brand-new trail, learning how to how love our planet! Solve puzzles and riddles as you make your way around the zoo. Keep an eye out for the exclusive half-term trail signs to ensure you’re on track.
See the cheeky meerkats at Africa Alive Zoological Reserve
2. BE KING OR QUEEN OF THE CASTLE
The magnificent Framlingham Castle, was once home to some of the most formidable names of Tudor England and it was here that Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England. If you are feeling brave, you can take a walk around the magnificent wall walk to see for miles around the Suffolk countryside.
Explore the magnificent Framlingham Castle
3. BIKING AT BRANDON COUNTRY PARK
Pack a picnic, put the bikes on the rack and head off to Brandon Country Park to get some fresh air and let the kids pedal like crazy! Follow the Poachers Trail, an 8.5 mile all off road waymarked trail which will take you through forest and parkland. There is a short cut if you need it! Alternatively, there are beautiful forest walks to take, with some just a mile long.
Pedal your way through the forest at Brandon
4. STROLL ALONG SOUTHWOLD PIER
A trip to Southwold Pier is a must for anyone visiting this favourite town on the Suffolk Coast. You will find the usual pier amusements alongside some hilariously funny and quirky machines, water clocks and wall of mirrors.
The Pier is great for rainy days too and has a choice of cafes and restaurants where little ones’ batteries can be recharged.
Have some good old-fashioned family fun on the Pier
5. VISIT ABBEYGATE CINEMA
The kids will love a day out in the historic town of Bury St Edmunds and with an added trip to the cinema makes for a big treat.
Abbeygate Cinema is in the centre of the town and is a real gem. The cinema shows the latest mainstream films, along with a range of arthouse and independent productions, ensuring a wide variety to appeal to everyone. Make sure you have time to pop into the restaurant/bar, No.4, where you can choose from a mouth-watering menu from just a slice of cake and coffee to a full meal.
Enjoy a trip to the cinema in Bury St Edmunds
6. HAVE SOME VALENTINE’S FUN AT EASTON FARM PARK
Go on an adventure at Easton Farm Park near Woodbridge. During the half-term holidays, 11th – 19th February 2022, you will be able to see the newborn lambs, go on a stroll through the magical woodland and decorate a Valentine’s cookie along with plenty of other exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Pack your waterproofs just in case it’s wet and don’t worry if it’s cold outside though, inside there’s a cosy cafe to relax in with a cup of something warm.
7. KENTWELL HALL
Kentwell Hall is a timeless Manor House set in over 30 acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the beautiful Suffolk village of Long Melford. This half-term you need to grab your wellies, and head off around the gardens, farm and woodland trails to see the snowdrops and other spring flowers coming into bloom.
See the Snowdrops at Kentwell Hall
8. BE A JOCKEY AT THE NATIONAL HORSE RACING MUSEUM
The National Horse Racing Museum brings to life centuries of history through interactive galleries; a chance to meet celebrated retired racehorses in the Rothschild Yard (who love a pat!); watch daily demonstrations of retired horses in the Peter O’Sullevan Arena and spot some of the finest sporting art in the world (Stubbs and Munnings are just two of the ‘greats’).
Children simply love to ‘have a go’ on the racehorse simulator – and who knows, you may have a jockey in the making! Family trails are available from reception, so you can make the most of your visit.
Be a jockey on the racehorse simulator (c) Mark Atkins
9. DISCOVER AN ANGLO-SAXON’S BURIAL SITE
Discover the awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon burial site from a 17 metre high viewing tower. This is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time and you can even dress up like an Anglo Saxon too.
Have fun dressing up like an Anglo Saxon
10. WATCH A SHOW AT THEATRE ROYAL BURY ST EDMUNDS
Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds has an incredible line-up of shows to keep the whole family entertained. In this regency theatre, this half-term, you can enjoy productions of The King of Nothing, Dinosaur Adventure Live and The Adventures of the Little Red Hen.
There’s a full lineup of productions for the children at this historic Theatre
If you need inspiration for more things to see and do in Suffolk, take a look at our What’s On and Inspire pages.
