Pack your diaries with fun with our guide to activities in the country & in town...
If you’re on the look out for child-friendly activities to keep the kids happy during the Easter holidays, you’ve come to the right place. Despite the current restrictions, there are still plenty of things happening for the kids to enjoy this spring. We’ve rounded up the best special events and nationwide diary dates to keep the little ones in good spirits for the break. With Easter egg hunts, virtual workshops and dance classes on the cards, there’s something for everyone…
Easter Holiday Events in London & the Country 2021
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![Cartografie x London City Island]()
London City Island x Cartografie Treasure Hunt
London City Island has partnered with its on-site chocolate shop Cartografie – an eco-friendly, top-quality chocolate shop created during lockdown– to create a treasure hunt, available for household bubbles. The aim of the game is to find eggs around the island, with each one containing a letter to complete a secret word. Mention the full secret word to a member of staff post-hunt to claim your edible prize.
HOW? 2, 3 and 4 April, cartografie.com
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![Beano at Kew Gardens]()
Dennis & Gnasher’s Big Bonanza at Kew Gardens
Join Dennis, Gnasher and the rest of the Beano characters at Kew Gardens this Easter with a brand-new comic strip and interactive story trail around the magnificent gardens. Perfect for both parents and kids, there will be plenty of plants and pranks along the way – in true Dennis the Menace style. Will the ‘banana bunch’ succeed in protecting the bananas from Evil Doctor Gloom this Easter? Join Kew Gardens to find out.
HOW? 31 March – 18 April, book online at kew.org
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![Crêpeaffaire Easter Egg Hunt Kit]()
Throw your own Easter egg hunt
While big Easter gatherings are clearly out of the question this year, you can still set up an egg hunt in your own home and garden. To make things easier, order this kit from Talking Tables, which contains eight treat bags, six egg hunt clues, six signs and four sets of bunny footprints – perfect for little ones. Top tip: the hunt doesn’t end until the last egg is found, so count the eggs before you hide them and keep track as each one is found. Alternatively, try Crêpeaffaire’s Easter Egg Hunt Pancake Kit, which contains all the clues for the hunt plus a cracking prize of chocolate filled crêpes.
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![Easter baking]()
Easter Fundraising Workshop with Jane Beedle
Great British Bake Off Finalist Jane Beedle is leading a virtual baking class, in which you’ll learn how to make your own pinata cake. You’ll be sent ingredients and resources in advance, and the workshop will last around an hour and a half, with funds going towards children’s charity Tree of Hope.
HOW? £10 per household, eventbrite.co.uk
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Easter Egg Hunt at Stonor Park
Embark on an Easter egg hunt this April at Tumblestone Hollow and Stonor Gardens, while the children can explore the new magical Tumblestone Hollow playground as they go. With fun for all the family this Easter, solve the Easter egg trail puzzle to win a special treat, explore the wonderful 12th century house and stunning grounds or indulge in Shepherd’s Hut delicious woodfired pizzas and venison burgers.
HOW? 2 – 18 April, book online at stonor.com
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![Arts and crafts]()
Easter Holiday Art Club for Kids
Artist and educator Cassandra Harrison is running an art club for kids, offering the chance to make a spring wreath, pop-up bunnies and 3D paper birds.
HOW? 7 – 9 April, eventbrite.co.uk
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![Kinder Play Festival]()
The Kinder Masters of Play Festival
From a dance class with Jordan Banjo to a drawing workshop with Rob Biddulph, there’s plenty for kids to do at The Kinder Masters Play of Festival, taking place over the long weekend. Designed with the support of Play & Development Child Psychologist Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, the festival celebrates the launch of a new app by Kinder.
HOW? kinder.com
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Live Children’s Author Event with Petr Horacek
Petr Horacek, author and illustrator of picture books like The Mouse who ate the Moon and The Greedy Goat, will be reading his stories via Zoom on 9 April. He’ll also be discussing creating his books, as well as demonstrating some live drawing. The event is ideal for children aged 5-10, but all ages are welcome. Free, 9 April at 10.30am, eventbrite.co.uk
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![Tiger Lodge at Port Lymphe]()
Check out Port Lympne, Kent
A must-visit for animal-lovers; this Kent-based conservation charity is not your average UK wildlife experience. Whether you opt for a day visit or a short stay, you’ll come face to face with big cats, gorillas, giraffes and many more. If you really want to push the boat out, (and blow their minds in the process) book in for a stay at Tiger Lodge, where tigers play right outside your (very sturdy) windows.
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![Forest Nets at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport]()
Forest Nets at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
*Please check local guidelines to see if activities are still running*
If you want to drag the kids away from their screens and get them playing outside this half term, take a day trip to the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales and check out the Forest Nets, where kids can clamber through the trees bouncing on suspended nets. It is absolutely as fun as it sounds, for the young and young-at-heart alike.
HOW? celtic-manor.com
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![Baby Animals At Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Norfolk]()
Baby Animals At Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth’s Thrigby Hall Wildlife Centre is the place to be if you want to enjoy some cuteness this October half term. Go along and meet the new snow leopard and red panda cubs, which are just starting to get out and about and explore their surroundings.
HOW? Prices from £15.50 adults; £11.50 children and under fours are free. For more information visit: thrigbyhall.com
Image: Tom Jones Photography
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![Roseland Peninsula Walks, Cornwall]()
Go for a Family-Friendly Walk in Cornwall
Exploring the rugged Cornish coastline is best done away from the crowds, so autumn is the perfect time to travel south west. Make St Mawes your base and try a family-friendly walk on the Roseland Peninsula, suitable for all abilities. See our guide here.
Main image: Getty
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