There are lots of exciting things across London to keep the kids busy over the Easter holidays. Here are five ideas to start you off…
1. Join an Easter Egg Hunt
Various locations, Easter weekend.
There are hundreds of Easter Egg Hunts across the capital on Easter weekend, including hunts at London Zoo and at the lovely Battersea Children’s Zoo where children can follow the clues to find eggs hiding amongst the animals. At the Imperial War Museum (free) there is a great chocolatey incentive for children to explore the museum, and if the weather is cooperating, Kenwood House makes for a picturesque setting for your Easter Egg Hunt. There is also a lovely Easter Egg Hunt at Kew Gardens on Easter Sunday (9:30 am – 12:30, or til the eggs run out) which promises to be a great day out for the whole family. We are particularly egg-cited (sorry!) by the Cheeky Chick Hunt at the London Eye and the chance to win one of 10 incredible prizes, including a Standard Entertainments Annual Family Pass for four worth £400. To avoid the queues, click here to buy discount tickets for the London Eye from .
2. Forget eggs – hunt for rats instead!
HMS Belfast, 2-18 April 2010. Normal admission fees apply, children under 16 go free.
If you’re looking for an unusual take on an Easter Egg Hunt, climb aboard the HMS Belfast. Rats, disguised as members of the ship’s crew, have snuck on board and hidden themselves around the ship. Can you find them all?
3. Enjoy a day out with the National Trust
Various locations, Easter weekend. Prices vary.
Cadburys is sponsoring Easter Egg Hunts and plenty of exciting family activities to celebrate Easter at some magnificent National Trust Houses across the UK. Participating properties around London include Fenton House (Hampstead) and Osterley Park (Isleworth); the main event near London is at Ham House (Richmond), featuring feature magical storytelling, a play area and fun games like “nest ball”. Visit http://www.eastereggtrail.com/ for more info.
4. Zoiks! Meet Scooby Doo at Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood, Saturday 3 April (12.30pm-4.30pm)
Sometimes you just have to indulge in a little cheesiness to appease your inner child…. and your real children of course. To celebrate the release of “Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra Doo” on DVD, kids eating at Planet Hollywood on London’s Haymarket can treat themselves to some Scooby Snacks and little games and goodies, and even meet Scooby himself in person dog.
5. Enjoy a host of family activities on the South Bank
South Bank, London SE1, throughout April.
The South Bank is one of our absolute favourite spots in London for kids of all ages. Besides just absorbing the vibrant atmosphere and seeing some of London’s most famous landmarks, you can find world class galleries with lovely craft activities for children as young as 3, dozens of family friendly places to eat, parent-and-toddler shows at the BFI, family films at the IMAX, and free performances at the Southbank centre. It’s all incredibly buggy friendly, and a changing table is never far away! For older children, we’d recommend at visit to BFI IMAX to see “How to Train your Dragon”, a fun and wacky 3D adventure from the studio behind Shrek. Our top pick for children of all ages is a chance to explore the Topolski Century exhibition on April 3rd and draw their favourite animal.
Looking for more inspiration?
As always, you can also find plenty of great days out on our website, as well as the perfect child friendly pub or restaurant for a lovely family lunch.
Got some other favourite family spots you want to tell other mums and dads about? Leave a comment below, or write a quick review on our site…
Compiled by Sam Sanchez & Janis Curry