Our city guide to Norwich’s most-loved local classes, activities, businesses and services for babies, toddlers and parents
Voted one of 2022’s best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, Norwich has always been a great place to put down roots and find things to do. In recent years, the city has seen an even bigger influx of young families, lured in by the enticing combo of urban amenities, great shopping, breathtaking architecture and proximity to plenty of gorgeous countryside. It’s fair to say that the East Anglian city has become way cooler than one of its most famous fictional residents, Alan Partridge.
When it comes to having fun in the city, the very youngest members of Norwich’s population (and their carers) have their pick of activities. So, for one of our first ever Happity local guides, we thought we’d hone in on some of the most-loved activities, destinations and services for little ones.
We firmly believe that nobody knows their community better than the parents and carers pounding the pavements every day, so if there’s anywhere on here we’ve missed, let us know – we’re always keen to hear about great classes, activities and businesses for babies and toddlers. Better still, if you’re a class provider, we would love to feature you in our listings – you can sign up below.
Norwich’s best… family-friendly venues
This play cafe has it all: a menu of pizzas and paninis, cakes and treats (including plenty of vegan options), good coffee and great activities for kids, big and small – from Make A Bear sessions to laser tag (which grownups can get in on too, if you get a night off!). One thing’s for sure, you won’t get bored here.
Labyrinth, 1st Flr. Rose Lane Car Park, NR1 1PY.
Delicious menu: check. Good value soft play: check (just £2.50 for under-1s). Free parking: check. This popular cafe is based at the new YMCA centre on Aylsham Road, meaning you’ll be helping vulnerable young people if you pop by too.
61a Aylsham Road, NR3 2HF
This super-cool venue is great for a family treat. Bowling, karaoke and a great kids menu (as well as delicious food and cocktails for the grownups!) makes for a fun day out.
7 Dereham Rd, Norwich NR2 4HX
Norwich’s best… baby and toddler classes
The beauty of Gymboree is that you don’t need to worry about fitting classes in around feeds and naps – there are multiple classes every day for little ones of all ages and stages.
Notcutts Garden Centre,, Daniels Road, NR4 6QP
At these arts and crafts sessions you can be sure of a friendly welcome and lots of stimulation for your little one – whether they’re a newborn, bigger baby, toddler, pre-schooler or big kid, there are classes throughout the week.
Horsford Village Hall, Holt Road, NR10 3DN
With a packed schedule of classes around Norwich and the wider Norfolk area, Beebops ticks all those sensory boxes – and you can hire their wonderful teachers for private parties too.
Venues vary – see link above.
Happity is the UK’s biggest platform dedicated exclusively to baby & toddler classes. We’re expanding in Norwich and are keen to hear about more classes and activities for little ones – get in touch if you can help!
Norwich’s best… services for families
No Milk Like Mama’s: Breastfeeding and gentle sleep support
This network of lactation and sleep consultants offer 1:1 services, group workshops and drop-in baby cafes in and around Norwich for when you need that bit of extra support (and a biscuit).
Get Me Out The Four Walls Norfolk
When you’re feeling trapped and need a friendly face and a chat, this charity and thriving Facebook community can help, with meet-ups and support to ease the strain.
Because sometimes you just need to belt it out, right? Singing Mamas are here for you.
The Quaker Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, NR2 1EW
Norwich’s best… kids shops
With gorgeous, quality children’s clothes from around the world (and a few great toys too), Coccolino is a great place for presents for little ones. We especially love their cute, snuggly hats.
25 Timber Hill, NR1 3JZ
Uber-trendy and with lots of eco-friendly baby swag – from clothes to toys and the practical stuff – you’ll be one step closer to the Scandi cool Pinterest dream.
4 Dover Street, NR2 1DE
Warning, you’ll want to sneak into this independent city centre toy shop when your little one is napping in their buggy, as they will almost certainly refuse to let you leave empty-handed.
55 London St, NR2 1HL
Norwich’s best… Parks and Playgrounds
Eaton Park
To the west of the city, Eaton Park has a large playground, cafe, skate park, lake and plenty more. If you’ve got a little train lover in the house, you’ll want to check out the miniature railway (Sundays only).
South Park Avenue, NR4 7AU
Waterloo Park
A great spot for a sunny day, since it has a splash pad – plus a playground, sand pits and a cafe all year round. The ideal destination for a parent meet-up.
Angel Road, NR3 3HX
Mousehold Heath
One for the real nature lovers, this huge (184 acres) country park boasts a huge array of wildlife, so is perfect for little ones who love spotting birds, frogs and all sorts of other bugs and beasts!
Heartsease Ln, Norwich NR7 9NT
Would you consider yourself a local expert?
Happity is the UK’s biggest platform dedicated exclusively to baby & toddler classes.
We’re expanding in Norwich and are keen to hear about more classes and activities for little ones – get in touch if you can help!
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