Free Easter Events Across the UK for Young Minds
School holidays are a wonderful time to spend quality time with loved ones, but keeping young minds entertained can be costly. From trips and activities to childcare, expenses can quickly add up. This Easter, there are plenty of free events across the UK that offer fun, education, and creativity without the price tag. Whether it’s an egg hunt, arts and crafts, or a storytelling session, these events are perfect for families looking to enjoy the holiday season.
North
Easter Storytelling, Manchester
Z-arts, the UK’s only arts centre dedicated to children and young people, is hosting seasonal storytelling sessions featuring Easter bunnies, eggs, and their mission to find them. These events are sure to inspire and enthrall young minds.
When: 9 and 10 April
Where: Z-arts, Manchester
More info: z-arts.org/events/easter-storytelling
Sharpen Your Sleuthing Skills, Manchester
As part of Imperial War Museum North’s new “Spies, Lies and Deception” exhibition, budding sleuths can try their hand at spy school with fun challenges and games this Easter.
When: 3-19 April
Where: Imperial War Museum North, Stretford
More info: iwm.org.uk/events/family-activities-iwm-north
Explore an Art Gallery Dedicated to Children, Liverpool
Big Art for Little Artists is a dedicated children’s gallery within the Walker Art Gallery designed for children aged 0-5 years. This colorful and interactive space encourages creative play through costumes, toys, books, games, paintings, and sculptures.
When: Every day (see link for exact timings)
Where: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
More info: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatson/walker-art-gallery/exhibition/big-art#section-the-exhibition
Hunt for Dinosaurs, Hull
Challenge little ones to find the baby dinosaurs that have escaped into Hull’s Fruit Market. On 10 April, the Fruit Market will host a special event with fossil digging, baby dinosaur meets, and face painting.
When: Until 12 April
Where: Fruit Market, Hull
More info: hullandeastriding.mumbler.co.uk/event/dino-trail-humber-street-hull/
Meet Peter Rabbit, Leeds
Peter Rabbit has escaped from Mr McGregor’s garden to meet his fans. The adventurous rabbit will make regular appearances for free 30-minute storytime sessions between 11am and 3pm.
When: 15 April
Where: Merrion Centre, Leeds
More info: merrioncentre.co.uk/promotions-events/peter-rabbit
Easter Crafts and Storytelling, Newcastle
Newcastle’s Eldon Square will transform into a vibrant space filled with brilliant books, hands-on Easter crafts, and creative play. On 10 April, 50 children’s books will be given away.
When: 3-17 April
Where: Eldon Square, Newcastle
More info: eldonsquare.co.uk/easter-crafts-and-reading-corner
South
‘Passion Play’, Oxford
Directed by Marion Bloice-Smith, this community play presents a modern retelling of Jesus’s final days. Told from the perspective of Mary, the performance includes a gospel choir and scenes taking place both outdoors and inside New Road Baptist Church.
When: From noon, 4 April
Where: Bonn Square, Oxford
More info: eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-oxford-community-passion-play-2026-tickets-1983725292751
Easter Market and Egg Trail, Southampton
This dog-friendly Easter market in a beautiful country setting hosts local traders, street food, an Easter egg trail, and a visit from the Easter bunny.
When: 10am-4pm, 11 April
Where: Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton
More info: itchenvalley.co.uk/whats-on/easter-market
Find Fossils, Weymouth
Embark on an interactive family-friendly journey highlighting the region’s rich paleontological history. The trail starts in Hope Square and finishes at Lodmoore Country Park, with five new additions for 2026.
When: Ongoing
Where: Weymouth, Dorset
More info: weareweymouth.co.uk/fossil-trail-2025-2026
Find Easter Eggs, Win Prizes, Brighton
Search for Easter eggs hidden on posters in the windows of businesses around the city. Collect a trail form and count the eggs to be in with a chance of winning one of three Brighton Gift Cards.
When: Until 12 April
Where: Brighton, East Sussex
More info: brilliantbrighton.com/easter-egg-trail
Hunt for Easter Eggs, Plymouth
Head to Royal William Yard to track down one of eight colorful Easter eggs. Those who spot all eight can claim a small prize.
When: 12-5pm, 17-19 April
Where: Royal William Yard, Plymouth, Devon
More info: royalwilliamyard.com/whats-on/easter-egg-hunt-2
Make Do and Mend, Bristol
Participate in free sessions on bike, clothing, and jewelry repair, alongside craft sessions and storytelling. This event is great for the environment and your pocket.
When: 8-19 April
Where: Sparks Bristol
More info: sparksbristol.co.uk/events/care-and-repair-festival-2
An Educational Easter Trail, Truro
Navigate exotic trees, shrubs, flowers, and a children’s playpark at Boscawen Park and Victoria Gardens. Search for hidden signs and identify letters to reveal a special Easter phrase and receive a prize.
When: 3-19 April
Where: Truro, Cornwall
More info: visittruro.org.uk/whats-on/boscawen-park-easter-trail-2026
Easter Weekender, London
Camden Market’s Easter Weekender offers circus acrobatics, kids’ rave sessions, a 3D Easter egg trail, bulb-planting, pot decoration, and a design-and-make bunny ears workshop.
When: 4-5 April
Where: Camden Market, London
Colour and Doodle, London
Contribute to a giant collaborative coloring wall at Battersea Power Station. Perfect for all ages, visitors can watch the artwork evolve and take part in this free creative process.
When: 7-12 April
Where: Battersea Power Station, London
More info: batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/colouring-mural
East
Search for Dragon Eggs, Norwich
Head to the National Centre for Writing to search for dragon’s eggs. Expect storytelling, crafts, and games for all ages. Families are welcome to bring a picnic.
When: 5-7 April
Where: Dragon Hall, Norwich
More info: nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/events/dragon-egg-trail-at-dragon-hall
Make a Zine, Write a Song, Suffolk
Libraries across Suffolk are running the Blank Page Project for 10- to 16-year-olds. Professional artists lead sessions on song writing, zine-making, character design, screen printing, and animation.
When: Throughout the school holidays
Where: Suffolk libraries
More info: suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/children-and-teens/the-blank-page-project/
Search for Easter Eggs, Benfleet
Explore Hadleigh Country Park in Essex and search for Easter eggs. Pick up or download a map and enjoy the park’s play area, walking trails, and views.
When: Until 12 April
Where: Hadleigh Country Park, Benfleet, Essex
More info: explore-essex.com/whats-on/easter-trail-hadleigh
Midlands
Get Crafty, Peterborough
Take part in Easter-themed craft activities using recycled, natural, and eco-friendly materials to create colorful masterpieces.
When: 11am-2pm, 8 April
Where: Nene Park, Peterborough
More info: nenepark.org.uk/Event/easter-crafts-drop-in-session
Bunny Hop, Birmingham
Join the annual Bunny Hop, which encourages adults and children to clock up as many bunny hops as possible while raising funds for Birmingham Hospice.
When: Until 6 April
Where: Anywhere
More info: birminghamhospice.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/events/bunny-hop
Easter Fun Day, Nottingham
Enjoy face-painting, puppet and magic shows, science, DJ and arts and crafts workshops, plus snacks and drinks.
When: 10-4pm, 10 April
Where: Nuthall Temple Centre and Nuthall Methodist Church
More info: broxtowe.gov.uk/news-events/whats-on-where/2026/easter-fun-day-at-nuthall-2026
Hunt for Eggs, Make Easter Baskets, Leicester
Head to Highcross Shopping Centre for an Easter egg hunt and basket-making activities. Find eggs and take them to the Customer Services Desk for treats.
When: Baskets 2-4 April, egg hunt until 10 April
Where: Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester
More info: highcrossleicester.com/events/easter-egg-hunt
More info: highcrossleicester.com/events/easter-basket-making-family-fun
Scotland
Hunt for Easter Eggs, Cairngorms
The Rothiemurchus Estate is the idyllic site of this Easter egg hunt. There are two sessions – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – and both are free to join.
When: 5 April, 10.30am and 2pm
Where: Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus Estate, Scotland
More info: instagram.com/p/DWOS3mQDBXd
Discover Science, Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Science Festival hosts free exhibitions, events, workshops, screenings, and performances aimed at bringing the magic of science to life.
When: 4-19 April
Where: The Edinburgh Science Festival takes place at several different venues across the city
More info: edinburghscience.co.uk/festival/whats-on
Hunt for – and Create – Easter Chicks, Glasgow
Hunt for escaped Easter chicks on Saturday and Sunday or make your own Easter chick to take home. All materials are provided and beginners are welcome.
When: Easter crafting, 10-4pm, 4 April; Easter chick hunt, 10-4pm, 4 April, and 2-4pm, 5 April
Where: Glasgow Cathedral
More info: whatsonglasgow.co.uk/event/154048-easter-hunt-at-glasgow-cathedral
More info: whatsonglasgow.co.uk/event/172295-easter-crafting-at-the-cathedral
Wales
Seek Out Easter Eggs, Cardiff
Eight brightly colored eggs have been hidden around the grounds of St Fagans National Museum of History. Pick up your free trail map from the reception desk and start searching.
When: Until 19 April
Where: St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
More info: museum.wales/stfagans/whatson/12891/Easter-Egg-Trail-at-St-Fagans
Craft and Storytelling Time, Newport
Participating libraries across Newport are hosting arts, crafts, and storytelling sessions over Easter for youngsters wanting to flex their creativity and imagination.
When: Until 12 April
Where: Various libraries (check the website), Newport
More info: newport.gov.uk/our-city/see-and-do/libraries/events-and-activities
Hunt for Eggs, Milford Haven
Collect your trail map from the Haven Museum before exploring the waterfront shops and venues to solve clues and receive an Easter treat.
When: 10-3pm, 7 April
Where: Milford Waterfront, Pembrokeshire
More info: milfordwaterfront.co.uk/whats-on/easter-trail
Northern Ireland
Easter Fun Day, Dungannon
Enjoy an Easter fun day with face-painting, arts and crafts, a gaming zone, interactive dance sessions, an Easter egg trail, and even a dedicated quiet hour.
When: 4 April
Where: Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House, Dungannon, Co Tyrone
More info: dungannon.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873684961
Arts and Crafts, Belfast
The MAC, Belfast’s home of international art, is hosting a day of interactive storytelling, music, hands-on crafts, and face-painting for curious hands and minds.
When: 11-1pm, 6 April
Where: The MAC, Belfast
More info: themaclive.com/event/easter-eggstravaganza
