Pettitts Animal Adventure Park

Pettitts Animal Adventure Park

Pettitts Animal Adventure Park is a classic family destination located in Reedham, Norfolk. It’s a hybrid attraction that blends a traditional petting farm with a theme park and live entertainment, making it a staple for locals and tourists exploring the Norfolk Broads area.

What to See and Do

The park is designed around three main pillars:

• Animals: You can meet a wide variety of creatures ranging from domestic farm animals like goats and chickens to more exotic residents like meerkats, lemurs, and marmosets. There are often opportunities to feed the goats, which is always a highlight for children.
• Rides: The attractions are tailored for younger thrill-seekers. You’ll find a miniature train that tours the park, a classic carousel, a roller coaster designed for kids, and various “gentle” rides like the flying elephants or tea cups.
• Entertainment: The park features live theatre shows, often starring popular children’s characters or magicians, providing a great spot to sit down and take a break from walking.

Average Visit Duration

Most families spend between 4 to 6 hours here. It is comfortably a “full-day” out if you pace yourself between the play areas, the animal talks, and the scheduled shows.

Who It’s Best For

This park is specifically geared toward families with toddlers and primary-school-aged children.

• Why: The scale of the rides and the interactive nature of the animal enclosures are perfectly sized for smaller children who might find larger theme parks overwhelming.
• Who might be bored: Teenagers and adults without children will likely find the rides too tame and the atmosphere too focused on early childhood development.

Best Time to Visit

If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for term-time weekdays or arrive right at opening. For the most fun and atmosphere, sunny weekends or school holiday periods are best, as all shows and kiosks are fully operational. To stay dry, check the forecast; while there are indoor play areas and show marquees, much of the park is open-air.

Unique Features

What sets Pettitts apart is its “all-in” feel for young kids. It doesn’t try to be a massive high-tech park; it retains a nostalgic, friendly charm where the staff are known for being particularly engaging with children. The proximity of the train ride to the animal paddocks offers a unique view of the park that kids usually want to experience multiple times.

Budget and Value

• Memberships: For locals or frequent visitors, an Annual Pass is highly cost-effective, often paying for itself in just a few visits.
• Discounts: Look out for “Early Bird” booking options on their official platform. While they do not always participate in national voucher schemes like Clubcard, they often provide discounted rates for Senior Citizens and Carers. It is always worth checking for Blue Light Card recognition at the gate or during online checkout, as many UK regional parks offer a small percentage off for emergency service workers.
• Group Rates: If visiting as a large party (birthday parties or school trips), substantial discounts are usually available.

Visitor Advice & Tips

• Clothing: Wear sturdy shoes. While the paths are well-maintained, you’ll be walking on a mix of grass and gravel. Bring waterproofs even if it looks sunny—Norfolk weather can shift quickly!
• Food: There are on-site cafes serving standard fare (burgers, nuggets, sandwiches), but the park is very picnic-friendly. Bringing your own food is the best way to keep costs down.
• Parking: There is ample free on-site parking.
• Restrictions: Most rides have height requirements; usually, children under a certain height must be accompanied by an adult, while some very small children may be restricted from the faster “kiddie” coasters.

Nearby Enhancements

If you want to extend your day:

• Reedham Ferry: A very short drive away, you can see the unique chain ferry crossing the River Yare.
• Local Pubs: The village of Reedham has lovely riverside pubs like The Ship or The Lord Nelson, perfect for a relaxing meal by the water after the park closes.
• Humpty Dumpty Brewery: Located nearby for adults who might want to pick up some local Norfolk ales on the way home.