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We can hear the chirping of chicks, smell the chocolate in the air and taste the hot cross buns. It must be Easter, and in Leicester and Leicestershire there are tons of family activities to get involved with, some paid, some free, all amazing!
Easter in the city
Newarke Houses Museum
A new toy-based exhibition at Newarke Houses Museum tells the history of play and includes loads of things to see, including the original sign for the iconic Dominoes toy shop which generations of Leicester children remember fondly. On Saturday 6 April, get your kids along for a traditional Punch and Judy show plus lots of craft activities at Puppet’s Playtime.
Bunny Fun Day Guildhall
The Guildhall has a special Easter Bunny Fun Day on Sunday 2 April, where kids can make a bunny hat and game and decorate a cotton bag for Easter treats. They can also follow the trail around the museum to find the Easter Bunny's lost eggs. Entry is just £3 per child.
Easter at Belgrave Hall
On Wednesday 5 April, bounce around the gardens at Belgrave Hall and follow the trail of the Easter Bunny along with crafts, games and face painting too. Bring your own bonnet (or create your own card version) to decorate and join the Easter parade. Belgrave Hall are also opening their doors for free guided tours on 1 & 2 April and 19 April. More dates throughout the spring. Check their website for all the details.
Billy Bates Funfair in Abbey Park
The much-loved Billy Bates funfair returns to the city, well, Abbey Park specifically, for the Easter Holidays. With all the rides you’d expect, it’s the perfect way to while away a few hours and tire the kids out while you enjoy a relaxing walk round the beautiful spring-bloom festooned gardens.
Braunstone Festival
On April 1 & 2 Braunstone Park comes alive with activity. There’s loads going on from tours of the stables museum, guided historical walks, dressing up, Fantastic Foil and Clay Forest workshops, a chance to get moving with Leicester Dance Academy and Leicester Diamonds’ baseball try outs and workshops for kids. Check out the website to find out more.
Easter trails in the county
Everards Meadows
From 6-11 April at Everards Meadows you can follow their easter trail. Just pick up a map from Jenno’s Coffee House, Rutland Cycling or the Everards shop and start exploring. You could also then grab yourself a great meal from the Everards Meadows restaurant.
Windmill Farm Park
It’s the perfect time to take a trip to the farm, what with all the baby animals, and Windmill Farm Park have some great Easter activities to go alongside them from 1-10 April! Help find the Easter bunny’s eggs all around the farm, you’ll also be able to bottle feed goats, meet the animals, spend time in cuddle corner, on the bouncing pillows plus their award-winning indoor adventure play. 1-10 April.
Conkers
Conkers is a fun packed day out at the heart of the National Forest, and throughout Easter they have a whole heap of exciting activities both inside and outdoors. They are offering falconry displays, scientific fun and activities, pedal go karts, swan pedalos and of course all their usual woodland activities. Check out their website to find out more.
Easter at Belvoir Castle
Hop along to Belvoir Castle this Easter with their Grand Tour event running from 1 until the 10 April. Billy the Bunny is off on his Grand Tour, following in the footsteps of his ancestors who travelled to the cities of Europe more than 200 years ago. Little explorers can follow his family's travels across the globe before claiming a chocolate Easter Egg as reward for finding all the landmarks to complete the trail. You can also meet baby lambs and calves on the Cannonade lawn in front of the Castle and wander the gardens as they burst into life. The historic woodland gardens are at their best in spring as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, primrose and camellias come into bloom.
Once you're done, refuel at the Engine Yard’s Fuel Tank or Castle Tearoom with a special Easter themed afternoon tea. Book in advance to avoid disappointment! At the Engine Yard throughout the Easter period, Crafts4Kids are putting on free activities every single day! Origami, sensory play, paint by numbers and block building to name but a few.
Events and attractions
Twinlakes
They always put on a great event and Twinlakes Theme Park has a great Easter Week for the whole family. In addition to their regular entry they have an Easter Bunny Grotto where kids can travel through a land of chocolate heaven, see the magical world of Easter, then meet the Easter Bunny himself for a special gift and photo opportunity.
Easter Holiday trains
During the Easter holidays it’s the perfect time to ride the rails and discover the history behind our region on the Great Central Railway. They are holding their Vintage Festival from the 7-10 April. This includes old school fairground rides like the Gallopers, Big Wheel and Howards Train Rides not to mention traction engines, craft stalls and vintage cars. There’s a real ale car and live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Then from the 12-14 April there’s something much more for the kids, as they turn the Great Central into an animal haven with their Easter Animal Fun event. Whether it’s furred, feather or hairy, it’ll be there, and there’s also the chance to meet some minibeasts if you’re brave enough. There’s also a funfair and face painting.
Space Centre Mission Moon
This Easter The Space Centre are taking you on a mission to the Moon and giving you the chance to learn more about the NASA Artemis mission which plans to land the first woman and first person of colour on the lunar surface. They also have the LEGO Moon buggy challenge and the chance to make your own lunar base! Book now!
Moira Furnace
Right in the heart of the National Forest, Moira Furnace explores the region’s industrial history and they’ve also got an easter trail where your little ones can hunt down the missing easter eggs. Then on the 9 April they are holding their first ever Furnace Food Fair hot and cold snacks and meals, sweet treats, cakes and food-related crafts.
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As you plan your Easter outings, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend more than anticipated, especially with so many events and attractions on offer. If you're considering using credit cards or taking out a small loan like https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/try-top-5-50-loan-apps-instant-relief-financial-boost-denys-volhin-udskf to cover the costs, it's important to do so responsibly. Easter is about making memories with loved ones, but it shouldn't lead to financial stress down the road.
Creating a budget for your Easter activities can help ensure that you enjoy all the festivities without worrying about debt later. Whether it's planning for the kids' entry fees, indulging in special treats, or booking that Easter-themed afternoon tea at Belvoir Castle, keeping track of your spending will make the holiday more enjoyable and financially secure.