Keeping the children entertained over the October half-term holiday does not have to cost a fortune.
From free riverside festivals and spectacular fireworks displays to pumpkin patches, wildlife walks and hands-on museum events, there are plenty of ways for families to make the most of the break across Norfolk.
Here are some of the best affordable events taking place this half-term.
1. Where The River Meets Us Festival
Where: Various locations across Norwich
When: October 26 to October 31
Price: Free
A new festival is inviting local people to explore Norwich’s rivers through live music, wildlife walks, storytelling, film screenings and other activities.
Events will take place across venues including Wensum Park, Dragon Hall, the Lion’s Den, City Hall, Riverside Walk and Sweet Briar Marshes.
Among the highlights is Folk on the Water, where Norwich folk duo Lassie will perform from a canoe as audiences follow along the riverbank.
There will also be interactive storytelling sessions for children and an archive film trail exploring the city’s relationship with its waterways.
2. Big Wednesday Triple Firework Display
Where: Great Yarmouth Seafront
When: October 28, 6.30pm
Price: Free
The Golden Mile will light up during a spectacular triple fireworks display fired simultaneously from the beach.
Families can watch from anywhere along the seafront while enjoying an autumn evening by the sea, with fireworks beginning at 6.30pm.
Just up the coast, Hemsby will host its first drone light show the following night on Tuesday, October 27, starting at 8pm.
The display will feature 200 drones creating illuminated shapes in the night sky above the beach.
3. Wroxham Barns Pumpkin Patch
Where: Wroxham Barns, Hoveton, NR12 8QU
When: Daily during half-term until October 31, 10am to 4pm
Price: Free entry, pumpkins from £2
Thousands of home-grown pumpkins and gourds can be picked from the patch, making it one of Norfolk’s most affordable autumn attractions.
There are plenty of photo opportunities, marshmallow toasting and an undercover carving area, while optional extras include a spooky maize maze and arts and crafts activities.
Plus, during the half-term holiday, the Get Me Out of Here! experience is back, with families challenged to take on a series of Bushtucker-inspired trials featuring creepy-crawly surprises.
4. Hocus Pocus Outdoor Cinema
Where: Whitlingham Country Park, Trowse, NR14 8TR
When: October 26, 4pm to 6.30pm
Price: £5.84, ticketed event
The Halloween classic Hocus Pocus will be screened outdoors against the backdrop of Whitlingham Country Park.
Families are encouraged to bring blankets and wrap up warm before settling in for an afternoon of spooky fun, with entry starting at 4pm and the film starting at 5pm.
Food and cinema snacks will also be available from the Flint Barn Café.
5. Banham Zoo Halloween Event
Where: Banham Zoo, Kenninghall Road, Banham, NR16 2HE
When: Throughout October half-term
Price: Included with zoo admission
This October half-term, visitors can set off on a Halloween adventure at Banham Zoo, with spooky challenges, wild discoveries and family fun waiting around every corner.
Visit the Bug Lab, become a Bone Detective or create your very own Crazy Creature.
Enjoy live animal encounters, spooky shows and a ride on the Safari Ghost Train.
Visitors can also take part in a trick and treat trail with specific guides, routes and activities along the way.
6. Halloween Nature Walk
Where: Barton Boardwalk, Neatishead, NR12 8XP
When: October 31
Price: £7, booking required
Families can explore one of Norfolk’s most beautiful nature reserves as autumn colours transform the landscape.
Join the rangers for a spooky nature walk to Barton Boardwalk and uncover the sights, sounds, and stories that bring this eerie, atmospheric landscape to life.
From night-time creatures to rustling reeds and shadowy silhouettes, this ranger-led walk offers a fun and family-friendly way to experience the Broads after dark.
The guided walk offers a quieter alternative to some of the county’s busier Halloween attractions.
7. Ancient Egyptians Family Event
Where: Lynn Museum, Market Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1NL
When: October 29
Price: Admission is free, booking required
Young explorers can step back thousands of years and discover life in Ancient Egypt through hands-on activities and crafts.
The event includes opportunities to learn about hieroglyphics, pharaohs and mummies while exploring the fascinating Egyptian artefacts on display.
Family activities run between 10am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm.
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