Two girls play Jenga together in the Walled Garden at Ickworth — Enjoy some family fun in Suffolk | © Tom Soper

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?

Summer of Play in Suffolk

Get ready for a Summer Play in Suffolk. Discover endless possibilities of play, from the Play Garden and craft workshops at Ickworth Estate to the Anglo-Saxon Play Arena Sutton Hoo; or beach games and den building at Dunwich Heath to garden games and a sensory trail at Melford Hall. There's something to keep the whole family entertained this summer.

Summer of Play at Ickworth Estate

Once again Ickworth's walled garden will be transformed into a Play Garden, overflowing with opportunities to play and fill the long summer days. Weave through wild mazes, play in mud kitchen, immerse yourself in the sensory garden, or storytelling and performing on the Summer House stage. There's also a host of bookable children's craft workshops to let creativity fly and, for the first time ever, the circus is coming to Ickworth - a spectacular treat for all ages.

A father and son smile at each other while trying out the beanbag toss at Summer of Play

Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo

There's something for everyone this summer at Sutton Hoo. Train like a warrior in the play arena, try out archery, axe-throwing, hobby horse racing, sand tray archaeology, wargaming, art and crafts or put your skills to the test in our penalty shoot-out. Burn off extra energy in the adventure playground of cool off in shady woodland.

A young boy and girl playing with large dice in the sunshine

Summer of Play at Melford Hall

Enjoy playful family time this summer at Melford Hall. What will you do first? Maybe you'll discover the Sack Race and Hopscotch in the paddock or perhaps you'll head to the garden for a game of Bingo before exploring the Sensory Trail. With so much to do, the world is your oyster at Melford Hall.

A parent photographs two children as they pose for a photograph while filling an empty picture frame

Summer of Play at Dunwich Heath

A jam-packed Summer of Play awaits at Dunwich Heath and Beach with lots of fun and games to keep the whole family busy, from activities on the beach to fun-filled games that get you out and about and into nature.

Pond dipping at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk

Places to visit with family in Suffolk

Enjoy fun-filled family days out and exciting adventures this spring at these National Trust places in Suffolk.

Family days out at Ickworth

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

Children run through the Walled Garden at Ickworth Estate

Family days out at Sutton Hoo

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

Family looking out over the Royal Burial Ground in summer from the top of the viewing tower at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk.

Family adventures at Dunwich

Head to the coast for a nature expedition at Dunwich Heath and Beach. Pick up a tracker pack with everything you need to help you study nature of all shaped and sizes. Go on a hunt for geo-caches – can you find all 13? Follow a trail and discover more about the history of this special place, visit Heath Barn for nature inspired crafts or let loose in the adventure playground.

A mother, father and their daughter pond dipping at one of the ponds in the woodland at Dunwich Heath

Family days out at Melford

At Melford Hall, discover the inspiration behind some of the much-loved stories by Beatrix Potter, who was a regular visitor along with her menagerie of small animals. Play games on the lawn or roll out a rug and relax with a picnic, topped off with treat from the tea-room.

A family of four hold hands and walk through grassland towards Melford Hall while smiling.

Family adventures at Flatford

Escape into nature at Flatford this spring. Go on a hunt for Geocaches or follow a walking route through the beautiful countryside then pop into the tea-room for a treat before heading home.

Family activities at Lavenham Guildhall

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

Woman and child studying an exhibition at Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk

Family adventures at Orford Ness

For a family day out with a bit of a difference, journey across the river to the mysterious Orford Ness where older child will be captivated by the lunar like landscape and its fascinating military past.

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

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…

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.

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

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.

Two boys playing chess in the basement at Ickworth

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Boy smiling as he is pushed in swing at Sutton Hoo

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.

Family having fun in the play area at Dunwich Heath

Summer of Play at Melford Hall

Enjoy playful family time together this Summer at Melford Hall. What will you do first? Discover the Sack Race and Hopscotch in the paddock or head to the garden for a game of Bingo before exploring the Sensory Trail. With so much to do, the world is your oyster at Melford Hall this summer.

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Getting Active at Ickworth Estate

Hire a bike from the hub or bring your own and set out on the multi-use trail for a two-wheeled adventure across the estate.

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’

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