Things to do in Norfolk: Dinosaur Adventure.

 

While it’s clear Freya is growing up, our second trip to Dinosaur Adventure, at Weston Longville, really gave us chance to pause and reflect on how far she’s come – not least because she can now say tyrannosaurus.

She was just over a year the first time we went and managed to toddle about a fair bit but this time, at 2 1/2, she raced about for miles (oh, to have so much energy).

Last time I had to hold her as she went down the baby slide in the indoor soft play area (called Dinomite), this time she had already gone up and down twice before I managed to clamber inside.

Last time she was too small for the big slide, this time we were all able to go down (er, yay!).

I’m thankful this photo is blurry so you can’t see the look of terror on my face – both from the fact my baby is on a BIG slide and it was REALLY fast (Mark tells me it really wasn’t).

Naturally Freya loved it and I caught a glimpse of my future; eyes-closed and screaming in fear on all sorts of different rides.

We decided to make the return trip on Saturday with Mark’s parents, who were visiting for the weekend.

Despite it being quite cold and a bit rainy, they seemed to really enjoy it and I know we did.

While it was still reasonably busy, it’s set in 85-acres of parkland so, outside at least, it never seemed like we were on top of each other – although it is February.

It also seems to have something for all ages. As well as Dinomite there is:

A dinosaur trail – Life-size dinosaurs (and information posts about them ) are dotted along this well-kept woodland trail, which was also home to squirrels, a pair of robins and carpets of beautiful snowdrops.

Sound effects are played throughout, which adds to the atmosphere, as well as stamps to collect (for a medal) and various view points and camps. I loved this bit best.

Secret animal garden – Within the walls of the Victorian garden there are a variety of animals including wallabies, pigs, sheep, goats and ducks plus an inside area with snakes, guinea pigs and various other smaller creatures.

Throughout the day there are animal encounters. We enjoyed watching the kune kune pigs being fed.

There is also a maze, crazy golf, an outdoor adventure play area (including a special under 7s section) and many other bits and pieces, including a sky-wire and seasonal deer safari (I think these cost extra) we’ve yet to even try.

We ate lunch in Dinomite and although the menu was fairly standard attraction food (we tried burger and chips, pasty and chips and a cheese jacket potato) everyone agreed it was really tasty and good value for money (as we got a drink included). There are plenty of picnic areas outside should you wish to bring your own, which is what we did the first time.

It was a great day out (both times) with plenty of different activities to do and I have no doubt we will be back again – especially when we want another walk down memory lane to a time when Freya wasn’t running rings around us.

Ticket cost (Feb 2016):

Adults: £10.95.

Children (3-15): £13.95

Children under 3: Free.

Top tip: The first time we went our Sat Nav took us along all the backroads from Norwich. If you Google map it there is a much more direct route (also sign posted).