1. Create an Easter egg hunt
If you don't have any chocolate eggs, you could use individually wrapped chocolates/biscuits/chocolate coins or anything similar you have lying around in the cupboard. This Easter adventure is a great way to keep children busy, although I’d suggest keeping the hiding places relatively easy, or your house may be tipped upside down!
2. Play some retro games
The Science Museum in London is having a retro gaming event perfect for kids and adults alike. Power Up is a celebration of the last 5 decades of gaming; it’s an open space filled with some of the best games and consoles out there. Expect to play retro classics like Pacman, Streetfighter and Zelda along with more modern staples like Guitar Hero and Mario Kart.
This would be a great activity any day of the week, but especially during the school holidays or on Good Friday/Easter Monday.
3. Do some baking
What better time to become an expert baker than the Easter bank holiday weekend? If you have children, baking is a great way to keep them occupied. A chocolate cornflake cake is a two-ingredient wonder loved by everyone.
You could go classic and make some hot crossed buns or create your own cream tea with some fruit scones, which are surprisingly easy to make with minimal ingredients. Why stick to the traditional Easter cakes? Start training for The Great British Bake Off now by creating a show-stopping Victoria sponge, a chocolate banana bread or a carrot cake. If baking isn’t really your thing you can make it even easier on yourself and buy a ready-made packet mix.
4. Have a traditional roast dinner
Everybody loves roast dinner, and this British classic is especially loved around the Easter holidays. There are a lot of excellent pubs and restaurants that make delicious roast dinners, no matter where you are in London. If you’re watching the pennies, you could always just make your own roast dinner at home (or hope that you get invited to someone’s house for dinner, so you don’t have to do all the cooking!).
5. Visit a theme park
Theme parks are another family-friendly activity that’s great for Easter. Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and Drayton Manor are some of the big ones, and they usually have ticket offers around this time, so look out for newspapers and branded products as this is usually where the offers are featured.
6. Do some arts and crafts
You don’t have to be the world’s greatest artist to enjoy art. Most of us have some crayons, felt tips or pencils around the house. If you can’t get hold of some eggs to paint, grab one of your many unused notebooks and draw something instead.
Art therapy books are another brilliant way to explore your creative side with less of the intimidation that can come with starting from scratch. All you have to do is colour within the lines and watch as your masterpiece comes to life. There’s something very therapeutic about drawing and painting; it takes a little concentration and a load of creativity, a great combination.
7. Go for afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is one of life’s great treats. With so many cafes and restaurants doing their own version at varying price points, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Patisserie Valerie does a brilliant and affordable afternoon tea. If you’re after a more lavish setting, The Langham is rated highly for its attention to detail and delicious food offerings.
8. Go to the zoo
The zoo is always a good idea; what better way to spend time with your loved ones than looking at cute animals? London Zoo is enormous, and there’s lots to see. If you’re just going with friends, there’s also an adults-only ticket called ‘Twilight at London Zoo’ where you can enjoy animal spotting with a smaller crowd and enjoy an alcoholic beverage as you wander around.
