With the days getting longer, the amount of rain seeming to finally reduce and the spring flowers out in bloom, the Easter school holidays must be coming soon. It is time to start thinking about some days out with the kids. Where will you take your bunny this Easter? We have some ideas for you.
Days out with kids can be expensive so it's definitely worth planning ahead. Can you get a discount if you book online? Some of the big attractions give larger discounts if you book several weeks in advance. Do you have any supermarket vouchers that you could use to buy entry tickets? Are there any vouchers available online for discounted tickets? Have a look for local attractions as they can be less expensive. Does your local farm shop offer any Easter events? Can you take a packed lunch and save on costs when you arrive? Make sure you take some bottles of water as if you are buying drinks all day for a thirsty family, it's surprising how the costs add up. (and remember to take your re-usuable water bottles, not single use plastic ones). If you are planning to take your own food & drink, do check before as there can be restrictions on what you can take in.
At Best Years, we have some suggestions for some kids days out for the family to enjoy around the country. We have tried to find a variety of locations and some events are free, whilst others have an admission charge. Let us know if you have spotted something near to you that you think we should add to our list.
Dippy's Egg-cellent Easter, Roarr!! Dinosaur Adventure, Norfolk
If you are in the East of England over the Easter weekend you are in for a treat! A sensory maze based on Dippy and the chocolate factory, golden tickets hidden around the park which can be exchanged for an Easter surprise if found and the Swing-o-Saurus and Raptor Contraptor rides will be open. The 85 acre park offers plenty of space for families to explore including the Valley of the Dinosaurs, Dippy's Raceway and Jurassic Putt Crazy and there are plenty of indoor options if the weather is not kind. There is a Roarr Top Trump dinosaur trail planned for the school holidays following the Easter weekend. This is an ideal day out for the dinosaur mad family but be sure to book ahead for the Easter weekend.
The Moon Walkers, A Journey with Tom Hanks, Lightroom, London
If you are looking for something a bit special this Easter and have the funds available, why not take a look at The Moon Walkers at Lightroom in London. This tells the story of the Apollo missions, Moon landings and goes behind the scenes of the Artemis programme using a large format, multi-media approach. This digitally enhanced, immersive experience is a huge space spectacle and is sure to inspire your children's curiosity and may inspire the next generation of astronauts.
The Deep only opened in 2002 but has become an international player in marine conservation and is home to 5000 animals including some magnificent sharks and rays. Over the Easter holidays the theme is Nature in Action - celebrating the incredible wildlife and native species in the local area. There are daily workshops, a craft corner and a Biodiversity Bingo wildlife spotter trail. A great day out when the weather is a little changeable - as it can be in the UK in March/April!
And for a very special experience, why not enquire about the Sleepover opportunities - a once in a lifetime chance to bed down next to incredible marine life.
Boat trips on Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness and The Caledonian Canal, Scotland
If you are in Scotland and the weather is good, we can thoroughly recommend a cruise on Loch Ness to try and spot the Loch Ness monster. Whether you believe that the monster exists or not, the scenery is breathtaking. You can choose between an adrenaline packed RIB speedboat that seats 12 or take your place on a sedate pleasure cruiser and see the Loch at a more relaxed pace. On the Caledonian Canal, you can visit Neptune's Staircase, an amazing piece of engineering which raises the canal 19m over a quarter of a mile. Overlooked by Ben Nevis, this is a stunning area to visit.
Portsmouth Museums, Portsmouth
If you are in the south, why not take a visit to Portsmouth Museums. With a range of Easter activities for children, from Easter crafts to a Knot Tying workshop and a Meccano day, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The collections are wide ranging from natural history to local history, working life and the sea, there is bound to be something that takes your fancy. Ideal for days when the weather is not kind. Check the website to see the full range of museums and locations on offer.
If you are in the north, we thoroughly recommend Liverpool Museums which cover a wide range of interests and there is something for the whole family. Our favourite is of course the Dinosaur collection at the World Museum with full size dinosaur skeletons and a dino diner display that explores their teeth, what they ate and even what they left behind as droppings! An ideal wet weather day for the dinosaur mad child.
Waddesdon Manor, Nr. Aylesbury
Waddesdon Manor makes for a lovey day out with the kids and is part of the National Trust, so if you have membership there is no entry charge. The gardens are extensive and fantastic for kids to explore, build dens, bug hunt and there is a wonderful woodland playground and an aviary (which is a registered zoo) full of rare and exotic birds. There is an Easter trail to follow with lots of fun and games with creative activities and you can collect a chocolate egg at the end. If you go into the house, make sure you spot the hidden bunnies.
Dippy the Dinosaur, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry
The nation's favourite dinosaur, Dippy the Dinosaur, is in Coventry on a three year loan from the Natural History Museum. This follows a successful tour of the UK when 8 venues hosted Dippy and over 2 million visitors had the chance to see Dippy. If you are in the Midlands, why not plan a day out to Coventry and visit Dippy over the holidays. You can book a free slot to see the Dippy, discover fun facts and can even get to touch and feel some fossils from the collection. If you have children over 5 years old, you can even book a Dippy VR experience.
If you are looking for a really special experience, you can book to sleep under Dippy the Dinosaur on selected dates in 2024 and 2025. This would certainly be a memorable experience and could be ideal to celebrate a birthday. And if you are quick, you can catch the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition which runs until April 1st 2024.
Edinburgh Science Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland
If you are in Scotland why not take a trip to Edinburgh for Edinburgh Science, 30 March - 14 April? This year's theme is Shaping the Future, showcasing cutting-edge science that can help us create a future that is sustainable, accessible and equal for all. With events planned for all ages there is sure to be something for everybody - some events are paid for and need to be booked in advance (family tickets are available) but there are also free exhibitions and free drop-in play sessions. The programme is 48 pages long so there are far too many events to list here but things that caught our eye were: dig up a dinosaur (of course!), ER surgery, The Rocket Show, Jurassic Juniors at Dynamic Earth and Seaside Science Skills. Let us know if you book anything - we would love to hear from you.
If you have any favourite days out with the kids that you would like to tell us about, please join the conversation on our Facebook page.
