Meeting animals is one of the most reliable family days out, and Norfolk has a good mix: a large zoo, a specialist South American zoo, rare-breed farm parks and a much-loved horse sanctuary. This guide covers the animal attractions in our directory, with notes on facilities and indoor options for wet days. Many attractions change their hours or close on some weekdays outside the summer holidays, so check before you travel.
Zoos
Banham Zoo, near Diss
Banham Zoo on Kenninghall Road is the largest zoo in the county, with more than 500 animals in over 100 habitats, outdoor play areas, live shows and seasonal events. It has free parking, an accessible toilet, baby changing and wheelchair access. Allow a full day.
Amazona Zoo, Cromer
Amazona Zoo on Hall Road, Cromer, specialises in South American wildlife, with more than 200 animals including jaguars, monkeys and snakes. It has an indoor soft play area, which helps on a wet day, and parking on site.
Farm parks and adventure parks
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Reedham
On Church Road in Reedham, on the southern Broads, Pettitts has more than 50 species of animal. At weekends and in school holidays there are live shows with Ranger Jake and Maxi Mouse at 2pm.
Melsop Farm Park, Scoulton
Melsop Farm Park on Ellingham Road, near Watton, keeps rare and traditional breeds, including Albion cattle, Bagot and Golden Guernsey goats, Tamworth and Middle White pigs and rare sheep. It is accredited by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and has a café, indoor and outdoor play areas and a gift shop.
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade
Not animals exactly, but a firm favourite with children: Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure near Lenwade has more than 25 indoor and outdoor attractions themed around dinosaurs. It is wheelchair accessible, with blue badge parking, baby changing and a hearing loop, and tickets can be booked online.
BeWILDerwood, Hoveton
BeWILDerwood on Horning Road is a woodland adventure park based on the BeWILDerwood children's books, with treehouses, the Sky Maze and slides. It has free parking.
Animal sanctuaries
Hillside Animal and Shire Horse Sanctuary, West Runton
Hillside on Sandy Lane, West Runton, near Cromer, cares for rescued horses, farm animals and other animals. Visitors can meet the residents, and the site has animal-friendly refreshments, a gift shop and bric-a-brac. Dogs are welcome. Our listing notes that it is closed on Saturdays, and opening is seasonal, so check dates before a winter visit.
For a rainy day
If the weather turns, Farmer Fred Adventure Playbarn at Caley Mill, Heacham, is an indoor play centre open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Socks are required for everyone on the play equipment. Amazona Zoo's soft play and Melsop's indoor play area are also useful fallbacks.
Tips for an animal day out
- Arrive early. Animals are often most active in the morning, and car parks fill on school holidays.
- Check the show times. Talks, feeds and shows are often the highlight for children; plan your route round them.
- Look for winter offers. Several attractions offer annual passes or reduced off-season prices.
Find more ideas in our family days out and attractions sections.
