Fun outdoor activities for Kids on The Suffolk Coast

Whether you prefer remote beaches with marram grass-covered dunes to explore or blue flag beaches with golden sands, the beaches of The Suffolk Coast are the perfect place for children to let off steam. 

If you're looking for beaches with family facilities such as toilets, cafes and ice cream shops, then visit the wide sandy beach at Lowestoft, the traditional seaside resort of Southwold or the beach hut lined shores at Felixstowe.

The pretty coastal village of Walberswick can be busy in summer, especially where the River Blyth meets the sea as it's a fabulous spot for crabbing! But cross over the dunes and the beach itself is much quieter than neighboring Southwold. 

Take kids on a pirate-inspired adventure at Cove Hithe; the beach is only accessible by foot (access isn't suitable for wheelchairs or buggies), and when you reach the golden sands which are overshadowed by crumbling cliffs, children will think they've been washed up on a desert island!

Discover all of the beach along The Suffolk Coast with our 'Beaches Guide'. 

If you prefer a pool to the sea, then enjoy a day at  Beccles Lido; located next to the river Waveney in Puddingmoor, Beccles, the pool is a traditional outdoor swimming pool heated to 27°C. There's a large 30 x 15 metre pool with a 1 metre springboard and slide at the shallow end plus separate heated toddler and paddling pools. 

There are plenty of paved and grassy areas for sunbathing, as well as picnic tables, chairs, sun loungers and a covered outdoor eating area plus a play area for young children and toddlers. 

Easton Farm Park near Woodbridge is open year-round with a fantastic array of special events and activities to enjoy throughout the summer season including Tractor Day on 14th July, Space Day on 21st July, Circus Weekend on 27th & 28th July, Fairies on the Farm on 6th July, Bring your Dog Day on 17th August and Superhero Day on 27th August. 

Even on non-event days, there's so much to see and do; cuddle baby animals, have a ride around the farm on a tractor, train or in the barrel bugs! There's also an indoor soft play (if the weather takes a turn for the worse), plays a giant inflatable pillow and zip wire!

Spend a day at High Lodge Leisure and families can try their hand at clay pigeon shooting, archery and footgolf or further down the coast, enjoy an early morning horse ride along the beach with Pakefield Riding School. 

There's so much to see and do at Africa Alive! in Kessingland; get up close to the animals of the African Savannah, discover fun facts about the park's inhabitants in the Discovery Zone, let kids burn off some energy on the outdoor play area, take a ride on the safari train and pop inside to the soft play if the weather takes a turn for the worse. There are plenty of add-on experiences to enjoy too including being a keeper for the day, close encounters with rhinos and lions and 'world of darkness' to meet the nocturnal inhabitants.

Make the most of the warm weather and spend a day on the river with Iken Canoe! Hire out Canadian canoes, sit-on-top kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or the new 6-people Katakanus and explore the beautiful River Alde.

There are no limits to where your bikes can take you on The Suffolk Coast, whether it’s a short ride or a full day out – Along coastal paths, countryside or forest expeditions. Check out our dedicated cycling page for downloadable maps and route ideas. Or if you're staying here and haven't brought your bike with you,  Southwold Cycle Hire can help you out!

As an area rich in culture and history, kids will love stepping back in time at one of the many museums on The Suffolk Coast. Landguard Fort, situated on Landguard Peninsula in Felixstowe is the perfect place to explore. As the site of the last seaborne invasion in 1667, spend a morning exploring the impressive military fort, complete with cannons and join one of the guided tours. Throughout the summer holiday, you can join in the trail, looking for clues around the fort - usual entry fees apply plus £1.50 for a trail sheet. 

Slightly further in-land and up the coast you will find National Trust Sutton Hoo - where ancient burial grounds are waiting to be discovered. Follow the new River View Trail, offering stunning views across the River Deben. You can also follow in the footsteps of the Anglo-Saxons, and discover the route King Raedwald’s burial ship was taken on, before arriving at the top of the valley. 

For a fun day out, visit the East Anglia Transport Museum; the only museum where you can ride on working trams, trolleybuses and a narrow gauge railway! The museum is mostly outside, with a huge range of vintage cars, lorries, vans and taxis for little ones to explore.  

On 18th August, there's a special 999 Emergency Services Day where examples from all the local emergency services will be on displays. There will also be demonstrations and vintage emergency vehicles will be running alongside modern equipment. 

During a visit to Southwold, stop by the Southwold Railway Steamworks; here you can enjoy having a ride on a 3-foot gauge railway and discovering the station and engine shed. There's also a cafe and shop and you can enjoy a 7¼ inch miniature steam railway which rides around the landscaped site! Perfect for enthusiasts young and old!

A day out in Framlingham is perfect for the whole family; enjoy a picnic in the meadows surrounding the Castle Meare, followed by a visit to the Castle itself; throughout the summer there are a number of family events including 'Legendary Joust' on 27th & 28th July, 'Siege' on 10th & 11th August, 'Falconry' on 17th & 19th August and 'Bloody Mary's Castle' from 24th - 26th August. 

As a haven for wildlife, The Suffolk Coast is home to the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; encompassing National Trust Dunwich Heath and RSPB Minsmere.

At Dunwich Heath, pack a picnic and explore a number of footpaths which lead you through a myriad of habitats, spotting birds and animals along the way. During the summer months there are a range of free activities for younger people to get involved in; including pond dipping and bug hunting with the visitor experience team.

RSPB Minsmere is a great place to bring the family to enjoy nature on The Suffolk coast. Depending on how far you want to walk, there’s a choice of easy walks through beautiful woodland, wetland and coastal scenery. The wildlife changes throughout the year but includes an amazing variety of birds, insects and flowers and other wildlife, plus Guides are on hand to help you spot bittern, otter, avocet and red deer. Families can hire an Explorer backpack to investigate minibeasts, build a den together, or play in the Wild Zone’s sand martin tunnels and bittern nest. 

From tiny meadows to rolling heaths, Suffolk Wildlife Trust nature reserves extend all the way along the Suffolk Coast from Trimley Marshes at Felixstowe to Lound Lakes north of Lowestoft and are some of Suffolk's most inspiring wild places. Families can enjoy exploring the 1000 acre nature reserve at Carlton Marses; located at the southern gateway to the Broads, or start at Snape Maltings and head out to Snape Marshes with beautiful veteran oaks, dry heathland edge and reed-filled marshes. Here you can find adder, common lizard, grass snake and slow worm plus barn owl, hobby and marsh harrier. 

You are welcome to explore the reserves anytime free of charge or join one of the many year-round events!

For more 'days out' ideas, check out the attractions below and our What's On Guide!