From Halloween trails to a puppet show, having fun does not have to cost a fortune with plenty of free events running in Norfolk over the October half-term. 

Eastern Daily Press: Free panto-themed drop-in activities are running at Norwich Theatre Royal, pictured is the 2023 cast Free panto-themed drop-in activities are running at Norwich Theatre Royal, pictured is the 2023 cast (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre)

1. Drop-in Activities, Norwich

Where: Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL

When: October 23-27 

There will be free drop-in activities throughout half-term at Norwich Theatre Royal, ranging from dressing up boxes to pantomime colouring sheets.

Alongside this, there are a range of bookable sessions, with prices from £5, and family shows, including The Amazing Bubble Man on October 23 at The Playhouse. 

READ MORE: 'Something for everyone' - Huge new pumpkin patch opens in Norfolk

Eastern Daily Press: Watch a free puppet show over the October half-term Watch a free puppet show over the October half-term (Image: Strange Fascination Theatre)

2. Hansel and Gretel, Hunstanton

Where: Town Hall, Hunstanton, PE36 6BQ

When: October 26, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm (25-minute show)

Strange Fascination Theatre is treating families to a free puppet show over the holidays, which is suitable for ages 5+. 

It is a version of the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel told in comic verse, featuring handmade puppets by Daisy Plackett and written by Simon Michael-Morgan.

Eastern Daily Press: A free family trail is running at Chantry Place over the October half-term A free family trail is running at Chantry Place over the October half-term (Image: Supplied)

3. Black Cats and Witches Halloween Trail, Norwich

Where: Chantry Place, St Stephens Street, Norwich, NR1 3SH

When: October 21-31

Families can pick up a free trail map from HMV or The Works and then they need to find the letters to spell a magical word.

Post your entry for a chance to win a prize worth more than £150 and the first 1,000 families get a free trail badge.

There is also a Halloween photo opportunity opposite Oliver Bonas and the RSPB will be at Chantry Place on October 24, 25 and 28 with an autumn-themed display.

READ MORE: 7 of the best Norfolk pick-your-own pumpkin patches in 2023

Eastern Daily Press: The free Halloween trail at Holt Garden Centre The free Halloween trail at Holt Garden Centre (Image: Holt Garden Centre)

4. Halloween Trail, Holt

Where: Holt Garden Centre, Holgate Hill, Kelling, Holt, NR25 7ER

When: October 21-31

Join Count Dracula and his friends and take part in a spooky trail this Halloween.

It is free to take part, with no booking required, and all participants will receive a goodie bag.

Eastern Daily Press: A Trolls-themed event is coming to the Castle Quarter A Trolls-themed event is coming to the Castle Quarter (Image: Castle Quarter)

5. Trolls and Stranger Things Events, Norwich

Where: Castle Quarter, Castle Meadow, Norwich, NR1 3DD

When: October 21 (Trolls): 12noon-4pm, October 28 (Stranger Things): 11am-4pm 

On Saturday, October 21, meet fluffy-haired duo Poppy and Branch and celebrate the release of the latest Trolls film with various photo opportunities. 

Then on Saturday, October 28, Stranger Things is casting an eerie presence over the Castle Quarter.

Be prepared to stumble across a demigod, Vecna’s grandfather clock, Hopper’s American cop car and lots more nods to the Netflix phenomenon.

READ MORE: 'Europe's biggest Christmas show' returning to Norfolk with new additions

Eastern Daily Press: Old Buckenham Country Park is hosting a free trailOld Buckenham Country Park is hosting a free trail (Image: Brittany Woodman/Archant)

6. Skull and Bones Trail, Old Buckenham

Where: Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane, Old Buckenham, NR17 1PP

When: October 21-29

It is Halloween so dig up some bones and skulls - can you work out what animals they belonged to?

All activities are free and the coffee shop will be open to buy light snacks and refreshments from. 

Eastern Daily Press: A free Roman Day is running at Lynn Museum Picture: Norfolk Museums ServiceA free Roman Day is running at Lynn Museum Picture: Norfolk Museums Service (Image: Norfolk Museums Service)

7. Ancient Romans Family Event, King's Lynn

Where: Lynn Museum, Market Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1NL

When: October 26, 10am-4pm 

Explore the world of Roman Britannia, meet a legionary soldier and handle real historic artefacts.

Family activities run between 10am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 4pm and admission is free, with pre-booking recommended at norfolk-museums.arttickets.org.uk