Top Family Days Out this Spring

With their first few lambs already a-leaping, Easton Farm Park is getting ready to host the return of their popular Spring Babies Carnival. 

Running from Monday 30th March to Sunday 12 April, the Carnival gives families a chance to see the farm’s spring babies including adorable newborn lambs, goat kids, piglets, chicks and more! 

Along with interactive animal sessions, there are fun rides, arts & crafts, an indoor soft play and an outdoor adventure area, with a giant bouncy pillow and 30 acres of woodland to explore making Easton Farm Park the perfect place for a family day out this spring.  

To plan your visit and book, visit https://eastonfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/65423?catID=62615& 

Jimmy’s Farm Zoo & Wildlife Park are celebrating the arrival of spring with their Spring Fayre, which will host live music, dancing and over 50 food and drink stallholders from all over East Anglia on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th May. This is a free event, but if you’d like to still see the animals or explore the park then normal admission applies.  

Of course, the farm itself is also on our list of must-do things this spring. A centre of excellence for British rare breeds, Jimmy’s Farm, Zoo & Wildlife Park is home to over 100 different animal species and breeds, from pigs to polar bears, and rabbits to reindeer! This spring the park also welcomes Diego, a European brown bear who has been rescued by Jimmy's Farm from a zoo closing down in Sweden.

It’s a great place for a family day out with a chance for children to learn about conservation efforts and disappearing habitats in The Lost Lands of the Tundra, where they can observe the rescued polar bear, Ewa, in her beautiful habitat, as well as arctic foxes and the UK’s largest pack of arctic wolves. There’s also a magical butterfly enclosure to explore, a reptile house to visit, and a whole host of rare and exotic species to see from armadillo to zebu! 

With an adventure playground, bouncy pillows and the enchanting Wonderwoods, as well as delicious food available in the farm shop and restaurant, Jimmy’s Farm, Zoo & Wildlife Park will keep the whole family entertained.  

For more information and to book visit https://jimmysfarm.com/

Suffolk Wildlife Trust have lots of spring events lined up to help you and your family get outdoors and welcome spring’s wildlife renewal. 

From creative workshops to hands-on outdoor sessions, there are plenty of ways for children to immerse themselves in nature. At Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, young makers can join a Wild Wire Workshop on 3 April (with sessions running 10am–12pm and 1–3pm), where children aged 5+ will learn to craft their own insects and flowers from wire. Led by local artist, Paul Green, the session includes all materials and the chance to head out onto the reserve for inspiration, spotting butterflies and dragonflies, before bringing creations to life.

It’s easy to extend this experience into a full day out by exploring some of the 1000 acres of flower-studded marshland, where you might be treated to a spring display of breeding waders including lapwing and redshank. Children will love playing on the wild adventure playground and adults can enjoy refreshments from the welcoming café. 

Younger children can enjoy a gentler introduction to nature at the Wild Tots Easter specials, taking place on 30 March from 10:30am to 12pm at Holywells Park. These relaxed sessions are designed for little ones to explore the outdoors through play, with activities that encourage curiosity, movement and early connections with wildlife in a safe, supportive setting.

For older children, a Wild Teens bushcraft survival skills afternoon on 1 April offers the chance to build confidence in the great outdoors. Through practical, hands-on learning, teens will be introduced to key bushcraft techniques such as shelter building and fire lighting, while developing teamwork skills and a deeper understanding of how to live and thrive in nature. For more information and to book visit https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events

There’s no better sight in spring than a carpet of bluebells across a woodland floor, and Suffolk is blessed with lots of places to go to enjoy them.   

Head to Captain’s Wood near Woodbridge for one of the most astonishing displays to be found anywhere in the county. Enjoy a spring walk through this precious ancient woodland habitat of ancient trees and spectacular wildflowers. Tread quietly for a chance to spot fallow deer roaming amongst the bluebells!  

Plan your visit at https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/captainswood

Reydon Woods, situated less than 3 miles from the charming coastal town of Southwold, is also famed for its spectacular bluebells in the spring. You’ll enter this ancient woodland through a tunnel of trees, where you’ll find a winding footpath through the dappled light of the woods. Be sure to listen out for the charming songs of the blackcap and nightingale. 

A great spot for families, the woods have numerous dens, fashioned from cut wood and fallen branches, giving your children a place to play amongst the butterflies in a natural playground with more than just a hint of fairy tale magic! 

Plan your visit at https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reydonwood

Savour the spectacle of spring at RSPB Minsmere - a great place to enjoy breeding and migrant birds, spring flowers and early insects. 

There’s always a range of family-friendly activities to take part in. RSPB Minsmere’s Explorer’s programme helps children to learn about birds, wildlife, the countryside, and issues affecting wildlife habitats.

Families are also invited to bring children along to Minsmere’s Pond Dipping events to find out which fantastic and ferocious beasts live beneath the water’s surface. From mighty dragonfly nymphs, to water scorpions and magnificent great silver diving beetles, children will be guided by expert volunteers to help identify all that they find. There’s even the chance of spotting the family of water voles who live in the pond!

Running on selected dates, from 30 March to 8 April, there’s plenty of options to book your spot. For more details about events at RSPB Minsmere, visit https://events.rspb.org.uk/minsmere

Christchurch Mansion, one of Suffolk’s most treasured buildings with over 500 years of history, is hosting Woolly the Mammoth’s Spring Trail - an interactive exploration that brings the freshness of spring to life, right in the heart of Ipswich.

From the vibrant blossoms in the park to the cheerful chorus of birdsong, there’s a whole world of wonder awaiting families at the Mansion this spring. Keep an eye out the bustling wildlife, from the industrious bees to the dainty ladybirds amongst the flowers. 

An accessible Duck trail around the Mansions’ ground floor is also available. Trails cost £5 each, and include a gift suitable for children aged 3+. There’s no need to book, you can collect a copy of the trail from the gift shop on arrival. 

A series of delightful, spring-themed craft sessions are also being held at Christchurch Mansion on selected dates this April. Perfect for children aged five and above, these interactive workshops offer a chance to create clay flower pots, fuzzy face portraits, or even Easter automata. These sessions will take place in the grand surroundings of the Great Hall, giving children a truly memorable crafting experience. 

Sessions last 45 minutes and run between 10.30am and 3.45pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets cost £5 per child, and booking is recommended as spaces will be limited. To book visit https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/

To enjoy a day out with a difference, head to the East Anglia Transport Museum, as it reopens for the 2026 season. The Easter weekend brings with it a much loved highlight - the return of its Easter Treasure Hunt!

Running from 3 to 5 April, this Easter Treasure Hunt invites children and adults alike to explore the museum in a whole new way; following clues hidden across the site to search for Easter-themed surprises. Wander amongst the vintage trams, buses and railway exhibits, you can explore every corner while taking in the sights and sounds of working heritage vehicles.

To plan your visit go to https://www.eatransportmuseum.co.uk/  

With longer and warmer days on the horizon again, there are plenty of opportunities this spring to dust off the bikes, hop on the saddle and get out for a family bike ride.   

Southwold provides an ideal starting point for a gentle cycling adventure. Located within the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape, it only takes a few minutes of pedalling along the safe and quiet roads in any direction to enjoy scenic views of the coast or countryside. Artistic Walberswick, historic Dunwich and cultural Halesworth are all within an easy ten-mile radius, making it the perfect base for a family day out. 

There’s no shortage of places to explore on two wheels around the Suffolk Coast. We’ve got a full list of cycle routes and maps available for download in our comprehensive Cycling Guide: Cycling on The Suffolk Coast  

There’s not much longer to wait until Fun Swim Sessions return to the Beccles Lido, a traditional outdoor swimming pool scenically situated next to the River Waveney. 

From 3 April the pool will be open daily and heated again to 28 degrees, allowing children to swim and play on the slide and springboard, or on the giant inflatable Aqua-runs. Younger children and babies will love the toddler pool and splash pools – entry to which is included with Fun Swim admission. 

The Big Dog Ferry will returns, launching from the jetty at the Lido from 3 April. Enjoy a trip down the River Waveney to The Locks pub or get out on the water with canoe, kayak and paddleboard hires with The Canoe Man. These will both run through to September and can be booked online at https://www.beccleslido.com/

It might not quite be ice cream weather yet, but the beaches of The Suffolk Coast are stunning all year round, and of course spring is no exception! In fact, spring might be the best season – the sea is beginning to warm up, the golden sands are already sparkling, but you’re more likely to find yourself there without the summer crowds. 

With two award-winning stretches of golden sand, and easy access to toilets, shops, cafés and restaurants Lowestoft beach is a firm family favourite. After a day building sandcastles and paddling, head to East Point Pavilion for coffee and cake, it's also the perfect place to duck into if you get caught in a sudden spring shower!

The popular beach at Southwold is popular with visitors, offering a traditional seaside experience with beach kiosks serving ice creams, a beach hut lined promenade (some of which are available to hire) and the famous Edwardian pier. 

Or head to Felixstowe to enjoy the sand and shingle beach, which is backed by a promenade complete with traditional beach huts and a new Beach Village, with outdoor gym, ping pong tables and climbing wall. 

Or why not hire your very own beach hut? Huts are available to hire at both Lowestoft, Southwold and Felixstowe offering you the perfect base for a family day of building sandcastles, playing beach games, and having a paddle, with the option of warming up with a hot drink in the hut when needed! Our Beach Hut Hire Guide has all the information you need! https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/articles/beach-hut-hire-on-the-suffolk-coast

For more beach information, take a look at our comprehensive beach guide to all of the best family-friendly beaches along The Suffolk Coast, and plan where else you will visit this spring.

Whizz out to sea and discover The Suffolk Coast by boat with Jet Adventures in Lowestoft. Setting off from Lowestoft Harbour, you can enjoy historic harbour tours, coastal sightseeing, seal watching at Scroby sands, as well as special and custom trips.

Nature lovers will enjoy a trip on board Tilly, Kitty or Tilly Too with Suffolk River Trips, setting off from three locations; Snape Maltings Quay, Orford Town Quay and Woodbridge Town Steps. From here you can enjoy a relaxing boat trip with commentary, looking out for the rich flora and fauna and some of the UKs rare wildlife and birdlife. Trips run from April - October from Snape and May - September from Woodbridge and Orford.

Explore the breathtaking River Orwell with a trip on the Orwell Lady; With 3 cruise routes to Pin Mill, Harwich Harbour and Orwell Bridge (1 hour duration so popular with families with young children) leaving from Orwell Quay on Ipswich Marina. Or step on board Sailing Barge Victor; a traditionally rigged 19th century sailing vessel, you can join skipper Wes and his crew on a cruise along the River Orwell from Ipswich. 

Fun for all ages! Join Harbour Ferry Boat Rides for a scenic ride on the Harwich Harbour Ferry. Make the journey crossing between Suffolk and Essex, or enjoy a 1-hour seal-watching trip from Harwich to Felixstowe!

Robertsons River Cruises offer a unique way to explore the River Deben from Woodbridge aboard the beautifully restored Sarah Ann Austin—a historic 1937 ex-RNLI lifeboat now converted to run on clean electric power. These private, crewed cruises provide eco-friendly journey through one of Suffolk’s most scenic waterways, with tailored experiences for small groups of up to 12 people. Whether it’s a relaxed outing with friends, a special celebration or simply a chance to take in the river’s wildlife and heritage, the cruises combine comfort, history and sustainability for a memorable experience on the water.

Or if you prefer to be the captain of your own ship (or boat) then boat hire is available on the Suffolk Broads through Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles or Oulton Broad Day Boat Hire. From Beccles, you can explore the southernmost stretches of the Broads National Park, or from Oulton Broad, head inland to Somerleyton or into Norfolk.