Ready, set, play! Half term fun - sorted.

Whatever you or your kids are into right now, whatever the budget is, we've planned a day (or several) for you at this year's Norwich Games Festival, which conveniently falls across May half term (23-30 May 2026), that will suit everyone.

Here's a step-by-step guide of what a day of NGF could look like, highlighting the events and offerings that are great for kids (of all ages) and families!

1. Head to Norwich city centre

However you choose to travel, walk or hop on a bus, train, bike or in the car to head to Norwich, where all the fun of NGF takes place. (The best place to live in the UK, according to The Times, didn't you know?)

2. Collect clues at the Royal Arcade

We're hosting a trail with Work in Norwich in the iconic Royal Arcade (16-31 May), which is a perfect way to start your NGF experience, and a great opportunity to work together as a team. Find the clues hidden in selected shop windows to be in with a chance of winning an amazing luxury hamper made up of goodies from the Royal Arcade. You will find the final 2 clues at The Forum building...

3. Next stop - The Forum!

The Forum will once again host The Arena, a lively hub packed with free interactive games for all ages, no matter your age, level or experience, there will be something for you all to get stuck into!

Check out our daily Arena listings to see what's on, and who's exhibiting on the day you choose to visit.

Don't miss festival favourite, the Actual Reality Arcade, outside The Forum Wed 27-Sat 30 May where you can enjoy fun physical activities and challenges based on retro video games. But, be prepared to be the mole in "Whack-a-mole"!

4. Bonus levels

We have a whole host of ticketed events too, from game design masterclasses to screen-free coding and STEAM activities for little ones, they make an ideal treat for half term, and a great opportunity to make memories together.

One event at NGF that's suitable for families with kids aged 12+ is an amazing session with producer, game-maker and artist Nick Murray. In the 'It All Flows Somewhere' workshop, you can communally devise a new neighbourhood through a series of creative games. After the session, the physical maps will be scanned and translated into a digital world that you can visit at home! Fri 29 May, at 2pm.

Why not go and see our friends at Norwich Theatre Playhouse on the Thursday (28 May) afternoon for an interactive comedy game show? The entire audience competes, both as teams and as individuals, on games, quizzes and more that are magically beamed into their smart device (phone or tablet). The 3pm show of WiFi Wars is suitable for ages 6+.

Perfect for young creators, families and anyone curious about how games are made, sign up for the Plan and Make a Game workshop with games developer and educator Duncan McHardy – no screens, no coding, just imagination and paper! You'll create, play and take home your own paper-based game in just one hour. Fri 29 May at either 10am or 12pm.