It’s time to start hatching plans for the Easter holidays! From egg hunts to farmyard fun, we’ve rounded up some of the best easter activities for families to help you get cracking on a fun-packed holiday. Expect a few curveballs thrown in, too, for when egg-hunting fatigue kicks in (think panto and snow days!).
1. Cadbury’s World, Birmingham
Land of Mini Eggs – and all the other sweet favourites – Cadbury’s World is the perfect easter activity for families to celebrate the most chocolatey time of the year. Enjoy the attraction’s brand-new Easter live stage show, starring Mr Cadbury’s Parrot and there’s a special visit from the Easter Bunny who will lay out an Easter trail through the chocolatey zones with a special prize at the end. In need of a sit-down? Treat your little un’s to a Character Afternoon Tea experience (for an additional fee) to meet Mr Cadbury’s Parrot, Freddo, Caramel Bunny and their friends. Easter activities for families run throughout the Easter holidays, from the 1st – 16th of April, plus weekends and bank holidays from the 22nd to the 1st of May.
2. National Trust Egg Hunt, Nationwide
You can always rely on the National Trust to deliver an annual egg hunt for a family easter activity. Join in ith one of their many nature trails for just £3 (entrance fee is for an additional fee if you’re not already a member). Before you set off, you’ll receive a trail sheet to guide you on your adventure and Easter bunny ears to wear along the way. Then choose from either a chocolate egg or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg once the treasure hunt is complete!
Image credit: Betty’s Tea Rooms
3. Betty’s Tea Rooms, York
Around since 1936, Betty’s Teashop has been quite an institution – and Easter time here is no exception. Along with crafting the most beautiful easter eggs we-ever-did-see (the on-site shop to stock up on easter treats is worth a visit alone) – they also pull out all the stops with spring-themed afternoon teas. The beautiful interiors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner are impressive and the ‘Little Rascals’ menu for children under 12 is perfectly tailored to children’s tastes. Don’t forget there’s also a branch in nearby Harrogate, should you struggle to bag a booking in York.
4. The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Hampton Court, London
Join the search for the iconic Lindt Gold Bunny in the majestic grounds of Hampton Court in London. Roam through Henry VIII’s lush gardens, keeping your eyes peeled for elusive Lindt Gold Bunny statues peeking out from colourful daffodils and tulips along the way. It’s all as idyllic as it sounds and bunny hunters will be rewarded with a gold chocolate bunny of their own at the end of the trail.
5. Pantomime At Easter, Nationwide
Pantomime at Easter? Oh yes, there is! Such is the Brit’s love for a good old panto, easter shows have been growing in popularity over the last few years and are a great alternative easter activity for families. With several professional productions touring the UK over the easter holidays, it really is the goose that keeps on laying. Robin Hood and The Little Mermaid get our vote, but there’s plenty more listed in the Big Panto Guide.
6. Springfest at the Eden Project, Cornwall
Eden Project always ramps up their easter activities for families to herald in spring and this year is no exception. Expect games, crafts and activities for all ages including a Milk Bottle Skittle Alley, Buzz-wires and Scavenger Hunt obstacle course – and one epic egg hunt through the Rainforest Biome. Adults meanwhile can gaze at the medley of spring flowers – the tulips, bluebells, primroses, and violets are their most glorious at this time of year. Who knows, you might even manage a whizz around the pop-up indoor market in the Dome tent for some earth-friendly skincare and gourmet retail therapy.
Image credit: Countrytastic
7. Countrytastic, Malvern
This country festival for kids in Malvern is one for all your doctor do-littles in the making. Farmyard fun is the order of the day, with feeding, grooming and petting stations for donkeys, goats, cows, rabbits, sheep, pigs and alpacas. The Shetland pony cart rides and dray rides are always winners. As are the bouncy and pedal-powered tractors. This year’s theme is farming heroes, and all kids (and all you big kids) are encouraged to dress as their favourite superhero. Kids under three go for free which is always a bonus.
Image credit: Chill Factore
8. Chill Factore, Manchester
When easter egg hunt fatigue kicks in, a snow day at Chill Factore in Manchester should shake up the easter holidays. A great easter activity for families with older children, having fun on the slopes is more than just skiing and snowboarding here. Treat kids to a Snow Park pass and they’ll be flying down the slopes on the Downhill Donuts, Sledge-O-Mania and Luge Slip ‘N’ Slide, too. They also run an easter kids snow school for children aged 16 and under. That should keep tweens off their screens and busy!
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