From a vibrant play about an owl afraid of the dark to the wonders of the Science Museum Live there's plenty for all ages happening in and around Norwich. SIMON PARKIN picks some things to keep families happy in the coming seven days.

THE OWL WHO WAS AFRAID OF THE DARK

Norwich Playhouse, February 9-11, Thurs/Fri 10.45am/1pm, 11am/1.30pm Sat, �8 (�6 cons), 01603 598598, www.norwichplayhouse

Plop was a baby Barn Owl. He lived at the top of a tall tree, in a field. He was fat and fluffy. He had big round eyes. He had very knackety knees. Plop was exactly the same as every barn owl that has ever been – except for one thing. He was afraid of the dark.

Based on the classic children's book by Jill Tomlinson, this funny, gentle and reassuring tale, adapted by the acclaimed Blunderbuss Theatre Company, is written especially for children aged three-seven.

The show joins the baby barn owl as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, starry nights and moonlit adventures. With an irresistible blend of live music, puppetry and storytelling, the show introduces an old friend to a new generation of theatre-goers.

It'll, no doubt, be a hoot!

www.blunderbus.co.uk

THE SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE

Norwich Theatre Royal, February 9, 1.30pm/7pm, �14-�5.50, 01603 630000, www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Be propelled into an exploratory adventure into the wonderful world of science as the Science Museum ventures from its London base with this live show designed to blow young minds and challenge the brain (of adults as well as children probably).

The production comes to Norwich for the first time following its hugely successful debut theatre tour last year. Inspired by the Science Museum's hugely popular interactive galleries, this inventive family theatre show leads children and adults on a frenetically fun scientific journey.

It features interactive sets, pyrotechnics and digital projections, the action is interspersed with web cam footage from inside the Science Museum as well as exclusive footage of some of the nation's scientific treasures. There is a free activity pack to download at the website too.

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/liveontour

SNOWDROP WALKS

Walsingham Abbey, daily February 4, 10.30am-4pm, �4 (�2.50 cons), children under-6 free, 01328 820259

The grounds of Walsingham Abbey are famous for the ruins of the medieval priory and a place of pilgrimage, together with an unrivalled display of massed snowdrops in February.

Those lovely harbingers of spring can be seen during the annual Walsingham Abbey Snowdrop Walks start daily from tomorrow, running from 10.30am-4pm.

Woodland walks and paths can be muddy at this time of year, so the right footwear is a must. Dogs on leads are welcome. Wheelchair users can reach some, if not all, of the woodland. On February 18 there will be a Charity Day in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, with stalls and refreshments in Parish Hall

www.walsinghamabbey.com

DON'T MISS

NATIONAL LIBRARY DAY

Millennium Library, Norwich, February 4, free admission, www.norfolk.gov.uk/branchlibraries

There will be lots happening throughout the day to celebrate National Library Day. At 11am there will be a story time session for children with local author Caroline Gilfillan, then from 12pm Poetry for Twitter, create a poem of 140 characters or less.

CHINESE STATE CIRCUS

Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth, February 10, 7.30pm, �24-�14, children �18-�12, family �60-�38, 01493 844172, www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

The world-famous Chinese State Circus arrives with their new show, Ying Yang, a celebration of the 2,000 year Chinese tradition of the total mastery of the circus arts and includes the 'Bicycle Act', foot juggling with drums, the swinging poles, and the Shaolin Warriors.