Finding affordable days out near me that are cheap (or even free) and enjoyable can be a challenge. Yet, it isn’t impossible! Norwich and the surrounding areas are packed with several exciting and cheap family activities that won’t break the bank but also keep the kids entertained.
To help you find these hidden gems we’re talking about, we decided to put together a list highlighting 8 fantastic options for cheap days out in Norfolk for families with young children.
1. High Altitude Trampoline Park: The Best Value for Money Trampoline Experience
Local families know High Altitude as the go-to place for an exhilarating, healthy family activity. Our park isn’t just beloved by so many because of the high levels of fun going around but also because it’s a cost-effective option for family days out near me. With a wide range of regular trampoline sessions, each priced at an affordable rate, parents get more bang for their buck on every visit.
Because of our commitment to being an affordable trampoline park for all, we treat our customers with frequent family deals and discounts for an even more affordable experience. What’s great about High Altitude is how much you get out of just one ticket – with your ticket, you gain access to our huge trampoline court, inflatables area, the airbag jump, and more!
Families can also eat at our park in our on-site café where we serve up hot and cold food and drink options at a reasonable price. This is also an ideal spot for parents to relax while the kids are let loose on the trampolines and other indoor attractions. For a cheap day out in Norwich that’s filled to the rim with excitement and active fun, High Altitude is a top pick.
2. Joyland in Great Yarmouth: Affordable Day Out Near Me for Little Ones
Joyland is a beloved amusement park in Norfolk that has been entertaining families for generations. What makes Joyland so appealing is its affordability. Operating under a free entry policy, families can enter and explore the park without any upfront ticket costs. Instead of paying at the front door, families can choose which rides to pay for by purchasing tokens for the rides. This pay-as-you-go system makes it easier to control your spending for the day while also enjoying a great day out.
This park is home to classic amusement rides – like their famous Super Snails ride – that are perfect for younger children. The nostalgic charm of Joyland, combined with its seaside location makes for a thrilling and affordable day out near me. Plus, when you’re done at the amusement park, take a short stroll over to Great Yarmouth’s arcades.
3. Eaton Park in Norwich
As one of Norfolk’s most famous parks, Eaton Park is a vast open space that offers a wide range of affordable or free family activities. The park itself is free to enter, making it one of the most popular cheap days out in Norfolk. Families can spend some quality family time here, enjoying a leisurely walk, tucking into a picnic on the field, or letting the kids burn off some energy on the awesome playground.
Eaton Park also features a boating pond for model boats, tennis courts, and a skatepark all at little to no cost. For families seeking to squeeze in as much fun as possible, there is also a mini golf course that costs only a small fee to play on. The park also hosts various free events throughout the year, so keep an eye on their calendar. For an affordable day out near me that combines nature, play and relaxation, visit Eaton Park.
4. Hillside Animal Sanctuary: Free Animal Experience
Animal lovers looking for affordable days out near me will find Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk to be a perfect choice. The sanctuary is a charity that is dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals, and they open their doors to visitors who want to meet the animals and learn more about the important work being done by Hillside Animal Sanctuary. Entry to the sanctuary is free, however, donations are more than welcome.
Visitors are free to explore this large sanctuary and meet the rescued animals up close. Such animals include horses, donkeys, pigs and goats. This is a great location to spend a few hours of the day – from meeting the animals to sitting in the café and browsing the gift shop.
5. High Lodge in Thetford Forest: Affordable Day Out Near Me for Nature Buffs
For families that love being outdoors and surrounded by nature, High Lodge offers a cheap day out in Norfolk that is filled with adventure and active fun in the fresh air, away from screens! Visiting here, families can expect a small fee upon arrival for the car park, but once you’re in, you’re free to explore and play without spending much more.
High Lodge has various playgrounds plotted all over the site with features such as slides, climbing structures, and a sandpit. A visit to High Lodge means the whole woodland becomes your play area where you can climb trees and spot wildlife. If you’re hoping to get involved in some extra adventurous fun, Go Ape is located within the forest and is perfect for kids and parents. However, this is an extra expense.
6. Rock Pooling at a Norfolk Beach
One of the simplest most affordable family days out near me is a trip to one of the many stunning Norfolk beaches for a spot of rock pooling. Some of the best local beaches for rock pooling include Cromer, West Runton, Sheringham, and Hunstanton. As a completely free activity, you and the kids can have endless amounts of fun discovering awesome marine life while not spending a penny.
Not only do little ones enjoy searching for crabs and starfish but you’ll all benefit from spending time outside in the fresh sea air, and perhaps springing for some seaside fish and chips or ice cream afterwards. While rock pooling may only keep the kids entertained for an hour or two, you then have the rest of the beach to explore.
7. Challenge Woods at The Nest, Norwich
Challenge Woods is a large outdoor play area that is located at The Nest in Norwich. Affordable days out near me don’t get much better than these prices – with the play area suitable for kids of all ages, it only costs £3 for 4-17-year-olds and entry is free for those 3 years old and under. This is a truly awesome play area with slides, a sandpit, a climbing wall, ladders, zip lines, a treehouse, and cargo nets!
For a complete day out, journey over to the on-site café for some yummy treats and refreshing drinks. You can easily book a 2-hour slot for Challenge Woods on The Nest Website. This is one of those hidden gem family locations that make for a great cheap activity in Norfolk.
8. Cromer Pier: So Much to Do and See
This classic Norfolk landmark is a great option for affordable days out near me. We mentioned Cromer beach in our previous suggestion for a cheap day out for families, which was rock pooling. While Cromer is great for rock pooling, there’s also much to enjoy on the famous Cromer Pier. A stroll along the pier itself is free of charge and what a wonderful way to take in some breathtaking seaside views as a family.
If you are to visit the pier, then you must also see the RNLI lifeboat station. Located at the end of the pier to guarantee quick access to the water in case of emergency, visitors can see the RNLI lifeboat up-close, learn all about the great work the Cromer team do and how many lives they have saved, and also pop to the gift shop. Plus, it’s free to enter the station but a donation is always appreciated. The RNLI Henry Blogg Museum is also a short walk from the Pier and free as well!
Final Thoughts on Affordable Days Out Near Me
As you can see, many affordable family activities in and around Norwich are waiting to be discovered. Who said that you had to spend bucketloads of cash for an exciting day out? Just take these 8 ideas as proof that that’s far from the truth.
As the best value-for-money trampoline park in Norwich, affordability is something very important to us at High Altitude – knowing that we can provide a fun family activity to our local community means the world to us. If you’re a regular visitor to our park, be sure to check out our membership for even more savings with every visit.