Open fields, woodlands, rivers and beaches make Suffolk a great place to live, and holiday, with kids. Whatever the age of your children there is no excuse to be bored or have nothing to do.
An Animal Lover’s Playground
For animal lovers, we have attractions galore! Just across the border in Essex is Colchester Zoo which certainly deserves a whole day out. Baylham Rare Breeds, just a 10-minute drive down the road from us, is a livestock farm breeding rare animals. Ideal for families with younger children who will enjoy getting up close to goats, pigs, chickens and sheep. The trail around the farm is easy to do with buggies and the family friendly café is perfect for refuelling after cuddling a goat!
If you fancy a bit of welly-wanging or sitting on a giant’s chair in between feeding goats then Hollow Trees Farm is for you. Located just outside Ipswich, it’s a fantastic place to visit whatever the weather. A farm shop full of local produce is available for you to stock up on for your tea, alongside a café serving homemade cake, and an all-weather sandpit to keep the kids happy if it does happen to rain. For primary aged children, it makes for a brilliant day out.
For more animal-inspired days out, take a look at our Suffolk Zoos & Farm Parks blog!
Time to Get Active!
If you fancy a bit of sport, head to Fynn Valley Golf club just across the fields. Here, you can try foot golf, the latest craze combining football and golf, have a family lesson or visit the golf range.
Supervised children are very welcome to try a spot of fishing from our well-stocked farm pond (bring your own rods) or for a more professional approach, visit the fishing lakes in the neighbouring village of Akenham, (day passes available by arrangement).
Thorpeness is a great place to visit to go rowing on the meare. You can either get a family row boat or send the kids out alone in canoes whilst you sit and enjoy a cream tea amongst the swans. Another popular spot for rowing is Flatford Mill in the heart of Constable Country, where you can enjoy a tranquil paddle up the river Stour.
Horses play a big part in Suffolk life and here on Damerons Farm. Make the most of the many bridleways that criss-cross the local countryside, or sign the kids up for a lesson at one of several stables nearby. The Suffolk Punch Centre will let them get up close to our gentle giants, while Newmarket Race course, only about 40 minutes away by car, offers tours where the kids can see behind the scenes and learn how the horses are trained and looked after. You may be lucky enough to visit during a family-friendly race day, where often kids go free, and National Stud is right next door.
Enjoy a Day Out at the Park
For a simple, low-budget day out try one of our local parks. We really are spoilt for parks in Ipswich with fantastic playgrounds, nature trails and loads of activities for the kids during the school holidays. One such park is Holywells Park which has a water splash play area alongside two play grounds, one for toddlers and one for older children – perfect for a hot day.
Thrill seekers will enjoy a visit to Pleasurewood Hills – an American style theme park near Lowestoft. This has been a family favourite since the early 1980s and kids of all ages will love it. Or if your kids fancy being Tarzan for the day, try Go-Ape in Thetford Forest! Here you can also hire bikes and tire out the entire family by exploring the forest surrounding the high Lodge Visitor Centre.
Lazy Afternoons at the Beach
No visit to Suffolk would be complete without a visit to the beach. Our closest is Felixstowe, and whether you visit the playground at Martello Tower, the amusements at the newly refurbished pier, or prefer the quiet and calm of old Felixstowe, the kids, and you, will have a fantastic time.
Have a look at our pages on walks, attractions and the coast for more ideas on days out with the children.
