The Broads National Park is a playground for all – and there’s plenty of things to do with older kids in the Broads National Park!
Things to do with Older Kids in the Broads National Park
Richardson’s Family Entertainment Centre, Lowestoft
Moor at: Oulton Broad, short taxi ride to Lowestoft.
Richardson’s Family Entertainment Centre in Lowestoft has a fantastic Glow Bowling Alley as well as a family amusement arcade to keep the older children entertained. With bowling starting from just £6.00 per Junior (under 16) and £7.00 per adult, and a fantastic on-site Galley Diner & Restaurant, why not make the afternoon of it? Located just off the Lowestoft High Street, you can also explore the town with the kids.
How Hill
Moor at: How Hill Staithe (24 hour mooring)
Run by the How Hill Trust, How Hill House stands atop beautiful gardens, wetlands, windmills, and woodlands. Accessible from the Broads National Park by the River Ant, the house has 2 beautiful public gardens, the House Gardens and the Secret Gardens, for you to explore with the kids. There’s also a tearoom for you to enjoy if you feel a bit peckish on your exploration of the area!
Carlton & Oulton Marshes
Moor at: Waveny River Centre (moorings start from £5) with foot ferry to Carlton Marshes (fee applies)
If nature is something your older children are interested in, then the Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve is a great place to catch glimpses of some of the Broads’ elusive wildlife. With birds of prey like barn owls and marsh harrier known to fly over the marshes, as well as the fen raft spider, Britain’s biggest spider, living near the water. Just a short walk away is the Oulton Marshes, which in the past 15 years, through fragments of fen and grazing marsh, has been expanded, helping enrich the wildlife living there. The lesser-explored Suffolk broads are definitely worth seeing whilst you’re here!
Gravity, Norwich
Moor at: Norwich Yacht Station (£5 per day, £12 overnight)
Fun for all ages, Gravity is especially great for older children. With wall-to-wall trampolines, they can free-jump, take part in fitness classes, or play dodgeball. The site also has specialised disability sessions. With prices starting from £8.95, the kids can keep fit and have fun all at the same time. Located a short walk from Norwich Yacht Station, this is a great place to visit with the older ones if stopping in Norwich for a day or two!
Pleasure Beach
Moor at: Great Yarmouth Yacht Station (£5 per day, £12 overnight)
For those with older children who love thrills, Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth is an obvious choice. With a log fume, wooden rollercoaster, and a sky-drop, it’s sure to please those who seek adrenaline-filled activities. There’s also a variety of retro rides, including a fun house, gallopers, and pirate ship, so it’s fun for both you and the kids!
