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Enjoy some family fun in Suffolk | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Family-friendly places in Suffolk

If you're looking for something fun to do with the family this summer, why not enjoy a day out with the kids at one of these places in Suffolk?

Family days out in Suffolk

Keep your little explorers busy on a family day out at one of these places in Suffolk

a young girl with blonde hair is running through long grass waving a stick with ribbons attached to it
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Family activities at Ickworth 

There are loads of different family activities designed to help you explore and discover the Ickworth estate this Summer. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here.

A young boy dresses up as an Anglo-Saxon warrior in the exhibition space at Sutton Hoo
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Family activities at Sutton Hoo 

There are lots of different family activities available to help you explore and discover Sutton Hoo. However you choose to spend you day with us, your adventure starts here.

Den building at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk
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Family activities at Dunwich Heath 

Head outdoors for some family fun at Dunwich Heath and Beach, with tracker packs, geo-caching, trails, den building, Heath Barn crafts and miles of walks.

Children in the garden and bags containing picnic blankets available for visitors to borrow at Melford Hall, Suffolk
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Family-friendly things to do at Melford Hall 

Walks, picnics and discovering Beatrix Potter stories in the house are just some of the things you can do on a family day out at Melford Hall.

Family boating at Flatford, Suffolk
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Family-friendly things to do at Flatford 

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Flatford in Suffolk, from walking by the River Stour, nature trails and geocaching.

Visitors looking at a replica model of a medieval thumbscrew at Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk
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Family-friendly things to do at Lavenham Guildhall 

Educational and fun, there's lots for every member of the family to enjoy on a day out at Lavenham Guildhall.

A family walking the red route at Orford Ness Nature Reserve, wearing summery clothing with brilliant sunshine
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Family activities at Orford Ness 

Here's all you need to know about planning a family visit to Orford Ness, part of Suffolk's secret coast.

Things to do when it rains

When it’s raining you have two options: find somewhere indoors to explore or pull on your waterproofs and don't let the rain hold you back. Luckily we have plenty of suggestions for both…

A young toddler-aged boy is walking around in the High Hall exhibition space wearing the soft, child-friendly version of the Sutton Hoo helmet
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Indoors and out at Sutton Hoo 

Rain doesn't stop the fun at Sutton Hoo. Outdoors all you need is your waterproofs and a sense of adventure. Head inside to the exhibition hall and try on a sword and shield for size and explore life as an Anglo-Saxon. Over at Tranmer House discover what it's like to be an archaeologist on the eve of a great discovery. Build your own models using LEGO® bricks in the discovery room or see pictures of the famous dig in the cinema room. Don't forget to pop into the second-hand bookshop with a large selection of children's books and puzzles.

Child holding an umbrella
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Take cover at Ickworth 

Pull on your waterproofs and head into the shelter of the woods at Ickworth. The multi-use all weather trail means weather will not get the in way of adventures across the estate. Why not visit the basement and discover life below stairs for the staff that lived at Ickworth? Pick up lunch in the cafe or pop in for a hot chocolate or sweet treat before heading home.

Woman and child studying an exhibition at Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk
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Cosy up at Lavenham Guildhall 

Discover memories of Lavenham's medieval history and how the wealthy merchant made their fortune. Or learn about life as a prisoner from a time when the Guildhall was a jail. Cosy up in the tea room and pick up a bargain from the second-hand bookshop.

Two children sit on a red sofa in a wood-panelled room, filling out an activity trail
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Inside Melford Hall 

Beatrix Potter was a regular visit to Melford Hall and you can discover the inspiration behind some of her most-loved tales. Visit the West bedroom where she stayed with her menagerie of small animals. Look out for the original Jemima Puddle Duck and many of her sketches throughout the house.

Play areas in Suffolk

There’s nothing quite like playing outdoors. Swooshing down slides, clambering over logs and letting your imagination run wild. It’s no wonder that play areas are an essential part of many family days out. Here are some top places to play in Suffolk

Girl on zip wire at Ickworth play area
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Visit the adventure playground at Ickworth Estate 

Fly down the zip wire, swing as high as the trees or take on the obstacle course. Kids of all ages will enjoy letting off steam in the adventure playground while the grown ups relax on a nearby picnic bench.

Boy smiling as he is pushed in swing at Sutton Hoo
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Let off steam in the adventure playground at Sutton Hoo 

After exploring the Royal Burial Ground and wider estate simply hop, skip and jump your way to the adventure playground at Sutton Hoo, just a stone's throw from the cafe. Be the captain of your own Anglo-Saxon ship, balance on the tight-rope or zoom down the zip wire

Family having fun in the play area at Dunwich Heath
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Go wild in the natural play area at Dunwich Heath 

Outside the tea room at Dunwich you'll find a play area with a view. Let the kids burn off some more energy on the wooden play area while the grown up relax with a coffee and admire the beautiful view out to sea.

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Family cycling at Ickworth
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Cycling at Ickworth Estate 

Find out more about cycling at Ickworth, including the cycle hire hub available in the car park. Pack a picnic and start your adventure.

A girl in a pink jacket standing under blossoming tree in an orchard looking up through the branches
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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do in spring 

Spring is the perfect time to get started on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. Here are some of the best activities to try, from stargazing to snail racing.

View across the canal towards the Summer House, church, walled garden and Rotunda at Ickworth, Suffolk.

Discover more in Suffolk

A county filled with natural beauty, from its picturesque coastline and Constable Country in the east, to wool towns in the west.