From trying your hand at science experiments to creating your own pumpkins, here are some of the best things to do in and around Norwich during October half term.
1. Halloween treats at Castle Quarter
Where: Castle Quarter shopping centre, Level 1 (near the TK Maxx lift), NR1 3DD
When: 11am - 3pm Saturday October 30
Price: Free
Don't expect any tricks this year at Castle Quarter as its promising only treats for its visitors in 2021.
The We Love Norwich team will be on hand to give away lots of goodies to the public and you can spot them wearing Halloween fancy dress outfits.
A little treat may be just what the children need to keep their spirits up while out shopping.
2. Norwich Science Festival
Where: The Forum, Bethel Street, Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1BH and venues across Norfolk
When: October 23 to 30
Price: Various prices for different events with many free activities, norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Each year the Norwich Science Festival inspires budding scientists through its range of activities on offer at the Forum.
The festival runs from 10am to 4pm and themes this year include zoology and engineering.
Not just for children, there will also be events for adults too.
3. The Monster Club, Taverham
Where: Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Beech Avenue, Taverham, NR8 6HP
When: October 23-31, 2.30pm and 6.30pm shows
Price: Adults (16+): £11, concessions: £10, children (2-16): £9 (all plus booking fee), monsterclubshow.com
The Monster Club will be returning to Taverham this year bringing live music, circus, dance, and comedy to visitors inside its big-top tent.
Grab your little monsters for 75 minutes of spooky fun.
Fancy dress is encouraged and children can join in the fun with the talented cast of singers, dancers, acrobats, musicians and comedians.
4. Family Open Days, Norwich
Where: Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL
When: October 26 and 29, 10am-2pm
Price: Free but booking required for some sessions, see the full programme at norwichtheatre.org/take-part/children-families/family-days-2
From a science trail to a puppet workshop, there is so much for your children involved with at the Theatre Royal next week.
At 1pm on both days in the Circle Lounge, younger children aged two to four can take a Trip to the Moon with Little People’s Drama, discovering what the moon is made of and rescuing a baby alien. Booking is essential.
5. Pumpkin Creation Station, Rackheath
Where: The Watering Can, Unit 8 White House Farm, Salhouse Road, Rackheath, NR13 6LB
When: Until October 31, Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-3.30pm
Price: £7.50 per pumpkin payable in the shop, no booking required
A pumpkin creation station will be running at the recently relocated Watering Can plant and gift shop at White House Farm.
The event will run to the end of the month children and adults can make their own mini succulent pumpkin planter to take home.
6. See a show at Norwich Puppet Theatre
Where: Norwich Puppet Theatre, Whitefriars, Norwich NR3 1TN
When: October 23 - October 31. Performance times can be found on its website here.
Price: From £4.50 to £9. Booking required.
Norwich Puppet Theatre is to reopen its doors for the first time since the pandemic this Friday and its has plenty of shows planned for half term.
Norwich Puppet Theatre and La Compagnie Akselere will be presenting its brand new show 100 Years in the Forest, which explores what happens in the forest of fairy tales whilst Sleeping Beauty sleeps.
Later in the half term, the story of Halloween will be brought to life through a puppetry and storytelling show for children aged four and over exploring the Celtic origins of our autumn festival.
7. Dippy the Dinosaur at Night
Where: Norwich Cathedral, Norwich NR1 4DH
When: October 25 to October 30 from 7pm to 9.30pm
Price: Entry is free
Visitors to Norwich Cathedral will be able to see Dippy the Dinosaur lit up at night next month as part of the final farewell.
This is your last chance to see the diplodocus cast before it returns to the Natural History Museum.
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