Girl inspecting net while pond dipping — 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?

Summer holidays are here! We've got lots going on across all our places to keep the whole family entertained all summer long. From Summer of Play activities, nature adventures and lazy days to enjoy, find a family day out at 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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Summer of Play at Ickworth

Head to the walled garden at Ickworth Estate for endless possibilities of play. Weave through wild mazes, play in mud kitchens, immerse yourself in the sensory garden or perform on the Summerhouse stage. Bring your bike or hire one from the cycle hub and explore on two wheels. Settle down with a picnic next to the adventure playground or pick up an explorer bag and discover the wildlife that calls Ickworth home.

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

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Summer days out at Sutton Hoo

There’s something to keep the whole family entertained at Sutton Hoo. Climb to the top of the viewing tower, try out a sword and shield for size and explore what life was like for the Anglo-Saxons. Find out what it’s like to be an archaeologist in Tranmer house and build your own models using LEGO bricks then hop, skip, run and swing to the adventure play area. Come nose to nose with Anglo-Saxon beasts on the sculpture trail and have a go at building your own den.

Den building at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk

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Summer 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.

Children in the garden and bags containing picnic blankets available for visitors to borrow at Melford Hall, Suffolk

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Summer days 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.

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Summer at Flatford

Escape into nature at Flatford this summer. Hire a rowing boat and take summer at gentler pace as you float along the river. 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.

Visitors looking at a replica model of a medieval thumbscrew at Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk

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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.

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

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Family adventures at Orford Ness

For a family day out with a bit of a different, 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.

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.

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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.

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

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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