Easter may have arrived, but it’s not too late to plan a few last minute spring adventures; these fun Easter days out in London and beyond will please all ages.
Egg hunts (big and small), creative classes, outdoor camps, bonnet making and more – children of all ages will enjoy these Easter activities.
For ages 0 to 5
The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, Hampton Court
One of the best Easter Egg Hunts in London, The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt is back at Hampton Court Palace. Explore the stunning gardens in bloom while keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive Lindt Bunny statues peeking out from colourful daffodils or hidden in the early Tulip Festival buds. The trail is easy to follow and kids will enjoy matching characters names from the era of Henry the VIII to the red ribbons adorning every adorable statue. Once you think you’ve uncovered them all, head back to the entrance of the Palace to claim your prize – a delicious chocolate Lindt Bunny of course. But don’t worry if your little ones don’t like chocolate, other sweet alternatives are available on request. There’s also the fantastic Magic Garden adventure playground to explore, complete with castles and turrets, and a great cafe with a kids’ menu.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Paddington Bear Experience
Since opening last summer, The Paddington Bear Experience has become one of the most-loved days out in London. This Easter the team are adding to the fun by creating a special Easter Egg Hunt for little explorers within the experience’s charming Windsor Gardens. Stepping into the world of everyone’s favourite bear, children will be given their very own treasure map so they can set off on a mission to track down hidden toy Easter Eggs. As a reward for their detective skills, they’ll receive an exclusive Paddington sticker and can enjoy some sweet treats, such as limited-edition Easter cake pops and carrot cake cupcakes. Charming and nostalgic, this treasure hunt is the perfect way to combine an Easter outing with a memorable opportunity to meet Paddington.
For ages 5 to 10
Spring Family Fun at Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is such a wonderful family-friendly resource. Regularly running festivals, events and activities for children of all ages, this Easter they are putting on a terrific family-focused programme including fun-filled music and dance workshops and intriguing installations. Highlights include The Lion Inside, a joyous new stage adaptation of the best-selling story about a little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar, featuring puppetry, music and song. Or check out the super-cool Moomin 80: The Door Is Always Open, an exhibit built to celebrate 80 years of the iconic Moomins, and The Vanishing Elephant which explores themes of home, migration, family and the ties that hold us together. For a run around pop to REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground. Part installation, part adventure playground this is a space built entirely out of waste materials that have been repurposed for fun by The Herd Theatre.
Easter at Windsor Castle
Just a stone’s throw from London, Windsor Castle is a great place for a family day out. The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has since been the home of 40 monarchs. Delve into the royal family’s past with tours of the grounds, and check out Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House which George V had built for his wife – it gives a fascinating glimpse into royal life with rooms, a garden and even electricity and running water. During the school holidays there will be a number of dolls’ house-themed activities on offer, including the opportunity for children to design rooms or build their own tiny dolls’ house. Make sure to check out the miniature books created by top authors including The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and – even better – there’s a little book written by Her Majesty The Queen. For more Easter fun become an ‘eggsplorer’ by following the family trail to find special objects hidden around the castle, or visit the arts and crafts stations in the Learning Centre where little ones can make Easter pop-up cards and decorate eggs.
Daylesford Easter Festival
If you are in the Cotswolds this Easter then make sure to take the kids to Daylesford, where you’ll find a ton of family-friendly activities. Join in with the festivities on Easter Saturday at the Daylesford Market Garden. Celebrate all things spring with traditional egg-and-spoon races, an Easter Bonnet parade, music and a variety of arts and crafts. Little ones can also have their face painted and try on flower crowns. A children’s ticket includes a picnic box plus Easter trail activities, with a gift for those that complete the trail. An adult’s ticket includes a choice of delicious breakfast and brunch from Daylesford’s Airstream.
For ages 10 and Upwards
Easter Little School of Icing Classes at Biscuiteers
For a break from all the classic Easter chocolate, pop into Biscuiteers. Throughout the Easter holidays they are running classes and workshops where children can try their hand at decorating a selection of beautiful biscuits. Little bakers can ice their own tin of creations to take home (along with a whole new set of skills including piping and colouring), and there will be a variety of shapes to choose from – including bunnies, flowers, eggs, and more. Available at the Belgravia and Notting Hill stores, the Little School of Icing classes are great for older kids and teens who will love creating edible masterpieces.
The Big Egg Hunt, London
The Big Egg Hunt returns to London this Easter when more than 100 giant Easter eggs will be dotted all over the city. The trail will include iconic destinations such as Battersea Power Station, Covent Garden and Marble Arch, as well as some famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and The Barbican. Each egg will be six foot tall and is beautifully decorated with designs by the likes of Anya Hindmarch, Fortnum & Mason and Jimmy Choo. Taking in London’s famous landmarks as you hunt, this is an unmissable city-wide exhibition for older kids, who tick off each find on a free app once they’ve tracked it down. It’s free, open to all and, once the trail comes to a close on 27 April, the Easter egg designs from the hunt will be auctioned to raise money for the charity, in aid of Asia’s Wildlife Charity Elephant Family. Founded by HRH The Queen’s late brother, the visionary Mark Shand, Elephant Family stands as a beacon of hope for Asian wildlife conservation.
Lead image credit: Richard Lea-Hair © Historic Royal Palaces
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?