From sporting activities to meeting the animals to finding out about farming, youngsters have been enjoying a whole host of fun at the Royal Norfolk Show.

The first day saw thousands of youngsters giving a big thumbs up to everything the show has to offer – and many more are set to visit the Norfolk Showground today.

The chance to meet the rare Poitou Donkeys proved to be a big hit yesterday. There are only about 1,000 of these friendly, shaggy-coated animals left in the world, and the four that are visiting the show from Colchester's Kyloe Farm – Bailey, Sylvie, Amalie and Saffron – were certainly among the stars of the show.

Among the youngsters to say hello to them was two-and-a-half-year-old Luke Dean from Wymondham.

His mum Zoe, 37, said: 'Luke loves animals and these donkeys are just gorgeous.'

Youngsters also enjoyed getting their faces painted at the Archant stand and meeting an array of creatures visiting the stand from Africa Alive including Willy Wonka the Ghanian snail, leopard tortoises Patti and Santa's Little Helper, and Lucifer the python.

Meanwhile in the show's interactive area for young people that is new for this year, youngsters enjoyed everything from listening to bands, to designing T-shirts to jamming, to listening to stories.

Among the many sporty activities was the free inflatable rugby area run by the England Rugby stand where families could do everything from tackling inflatable England rugby players to taking part in fitness challenges, while the Community Sports Foundation and Active Norfolk also offered an array of activities.

The Norfolk County Council stand also gave youngsters the chance to do everything from making recycled paper pots to creating their own Olympic torch while the RNAA educational stand Over the Farmers' Hedge, taught children how food is produced.

Sharon Rushton, 45, from Martham, near Great Yarmouth, was at the show with her husband Paul, 45, children Shannah, 10, and Mitchell, eight, and Barney the family dog.

Mrs Rushton said: 'I have been to the show every year of my life. I have never missed a year. I absolutely love it – there is something for everyone, and I am carrying on the family tradition. I think there is even more this year for children than in previous years.'

Shannah said she especially enjoyed taking part in some hockey activities, shopping and collecting stickers.

She said: 'The show is really, really good because there is so much to do and it is just fun.'

When asked what she would recommend for other children visiting the show today she said: 'Look around and do everything!' Mitchell said he would recommend having a go on the football penalty simulator on the Norwich City Football Club stand.

Among schools visiting yesterday was Greenacre Primary and Nursery School, in Great Yarmouth, which brought 426 children to the show.

Year three teacher Aziza Cranmer said: 'We enjoyed lunch by the dog show. The pupils were very interested seeing the RAF stand, and seeing the animals too. They have really enjoyed seeing the sheeps, goats and horses. They have had a lovely time.

'They were so excited to be at the show and it was nice for them to have the opportunity to take part in such a big event as the Norfolk Show.'