Things to do in the Easter holidays with the kids in the East Midlands 2023

With the Easter holidays getting closer, we’ve put together some of our top ideas for things to do, outdoor activities and days out for the family this Easter.

Swadlincote Snowsports Centre is one of the places able to open in time for Easter holidays!
Swadlincote Snowsports Centre is a great place to head in the Easter holidays!

As soon as we find any more ideas or information, we’ll update this post, or let us know if you find anything you’d like us to share!

West Lodge Farm Park – Easter Eggstravaganza

Head down to West Lodge Farm Park from 1st – 16th April 2023 for their Easter Eggtravaganza!

We’ve always loved all the events on at West Lodge, whatever the season, and Lily has been begging to go here since she saw the poster last month!

You can follow the Easter trail around the farm, meet the Easter Bunny, play Pin the Tail on the bunny, and search for eggs in the Easter Garden… and more!

What’s more you also have all the other incredible activities going on at the farm throughout Easter, including their huge indoor and outdoor play areas too!

Find out more here or check out our review of West Lodge here.

Free barrel rides at West Lodge Farm Park

Warwick Castle – Zog & The Quest for the Golden Star

This spring, Warwick Castle is launching the trebuchet show, the Falconer’s Quest as well as the Zog trail where children can learn all they need to know to become a dragon as well, as its new Zog Playland.

Zog at Warwick Castle

Uniquely designed for Zog super fans; slide into the Zog Playland, fly like a dragon on a winged zip rope and explore the turrets of Princess Pearl’s Tower. Combining both sensory and physical play, and accessible activities, Zog Playland is enjoyable for all to experience on days out with the kids.

The Zog Playland includes:

  • Princess Pearl’s Tower
  • Dragon Wing Zip Wires
  • Adventure Crawl Tunnel
  • Dragon Slides & Swings
  • Interactive Sand Play
  • Themed Role-Play Market Stalls

They can explore the trail around the castle, bringing the Julia Donaldson book to life, meet Sir Gadabout and Zog, and learn to fly, roar and fight with a real life knight within the medieval castle!

Find out more here or check out our review of the Zog trail here!

Become a knight at Warwick Castle!
Become a knight at Warwick Castle!

Twycross Zoo & Gruffalo Discovery Land

Last year, Twycross Zoo opened The Gruffalo Discovery Land, included with your admission at the Midlands’ based zoo.

The new, four-acre land, brings together the much-loved characters, from The Gruffalo, inspired by the bestselling children’s book The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and our conservation organisation that exists to protect wildlife, preserve endangered species and educate the next generation on the importance of protecting our planet.

With real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, visitors to The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo can encounter Fox, Owl, Snake, Mouse and the Gruffalo along their interactive journey through the deep, dark wood.

What’s more, you also have the entire of Twycross Zoo to explore too, which is a fantastic day out in itself.

Find out more here or check out our full review of Twycross Zoo here

Kayak Explorer Day Trips, Let’s Get Lost

We could not be more excited for our kayak adventure this Easter with Let’s Get Lost – last year’s kayaking trip was our first official adventure of the year!

Kayaking with Let’s Get Lost

We booked a two-hour Explorer Day trip, and can’t wait to go back again – and the best thing is that kids go for just £5 over Easter!

What’s more, they’re offering taster sessions this year too.

It is suitable for children age 5 and above, with all equipment included.

Bookings are filling up fast. Find out more here or check out our full review here!

Swadlincote Snowsports Centre

The amazing Swadlincote Snowsports Centre is a great place to take kids of all ages, with activities happening throughout the Easter holidays.

Lily had a great time at Swadlincote Snowsports Centre

We had an incredible time last time we visited and so can’t wait to head back again! With snow tubing, tobogganing, snowsports and more, there really is something fun to do for all ages.

Places must be booked in advance, so check out their website here or our full review of Swadlincote Snowsports Centre here.

Twin Lakes theme park – Eggstreme Easter

Twin Lakes is pretty famous for its Easter fun, so there’s never been a better time to visit this fantastic family theme park.

You can visit the Easter Bunny in his very special grotto, take part in the Easter egg hunt around the park, enjoy the special Easter show and activities throughout the 10 days – all while making the most of their rides, circus and zoo too!

If the Halloween event was anything to go by, we can’t wait to check this out!

What’s more, there’s even an Easter Bunnie boogie disco on 8th April too!

Find out more here or check out our Twin Lakes review here

Rollercoaster fun at Twin Lakes Theme Park
Rollercoaster fun at Twin Lakes Theme Park

Bluebell Dairy – Easter Eggventure

The Easter Eggventure event is coming to Bluebell Dairy, from 1st – 10th April.

What sounds like one of their most popular events of the year, this themed Easter event sounds fantastic fun!

With an Easter Egg hunt, a fun, family show, egg & spoon race and spring bunny trail, while meeting their cute animals and feeding the lambs, this definitely sounds like one not to be missed!

Goat grooming at Bluebell Dairy
Goat grooming at Bluebell Dairy

Find out more here or check out our review here!

Manor Farm Park and Woodlands

Manor Farm Park and Woodlands is hosting an Easter event this year from 3rd-14th April with plenty of Easter activities for families to enjoy.

  • Farm park open from 10am to 5pm.
  • Meet our smaller animals in the Animal Chat Room. 
  • Say hello to our bigger animals out in the paddocks. 
  • Follow The World of Dinosaur Roar! Discovery Trail in our woodlands. 
  • Enjoy owl holding from 11am to midday and from 1.15pm to 3pm (not available Mon 3, Thu 6 & Thu 13 April). 
  • Explore our Indoor Playbarn with new adventure play.
  • Have fun in our two outdoor playgrounds – The Burrows Play Area and The Fort Adventure Playground.
  • Enjoy wide open spaces, safe for little ones to run around and explore. 
  • Bring a picnic or enjoy lunch in either Antlers Bistro or the Laughing Donkey Cafe.

We have always had great fun at Manor Farm Park, and with so much to explore both indoors and out, there is something to do even on a rainy day!

What’s more, don’t miss out

Find out more here or check out our review here.

Manor Farm Park is surrounded by beautiful countryside
Manor Farm Park is surrounded by beautiful countryside

SnowDome Tamworth

There is so much fun to be had at Tamworth SnowDome, whatever the weather. From their amazing snow fun park to their climbing walls and tobogganing too, we’ve always loved our visits to SnowDome.

Lily loves her snowboard lessons, but we always have an amazing time, whatever activities we do there!

We recommend signing up to their newsletter for huge discounts on all their activities, but we can’t recommend it enough for an adventure with the family!

Find out more here or check out our review here.

Snow much fun! Enjoying the snow fun park at SnowDome Tamworth

Mini Meadows Farm – Easter Egg-stravaganza!

All across the Easter bank holiday weekend from 7th-10th April, you can find all kinds of fun at Mini Meadows Farm.

  • Follow the bunny trail in our eggs-tra special Easter Egg hunt
  • Get an Easter cuddle with our cute chick and ducklings
  • Snuggle and play with our baby goats
  • Enjoy some Easter crafting
  • Let our face painter transform you into your favourite animal
  • Enjoy some hopping fun on our bouncy castle
  • Win a jar of chocolates and guess how many are in our jar
  • You can even book to bottle-feed some of our very cute spring lambs!

And of course, it wouldn’t be Easter without our very own Easter Bunny Mascot, who you might find meeting and feeding the animals, on our outdoor fort, in our giant undercover sandpit, or in our indoor Treetops Adventure Barn … Ears to a great Easter!

Book your standard farm entry ticket online and then purchase tokens on the day for your chosen activities. This excludes lamb bottle feeding, which is £2 per person and is on a first-come, first-served basis. This can only be booked on the day of your visit, either at our welcome desk when you arrive or over the phone before arriving.

Mini Meadows Farm is always a great day out!
Mini Meadows Farm is always a great day out!

What’s more, you also have all their usual farm activities, animals, fields to discover, play areas, indoor sand pit and more!

Find out more here or check out our review here.

National Forest Adventure Farm – Easter Eggstravaganza!

We’ve always been huge fans of the events at the National Forest Adventure Farm, and this Easter looks set to be one to remember, with a whole host of events across the holidays from 1st-14th April.

You can take a ride on the Easter Eggpress tractor, meet the Easter bunny, enjoy the woodland trail, meet the animal entertainers, a new live Easter magic show, circus workshop, bunny building masterclass, Easter crafts and more!

There’s also the fun of feeding the lambs on the farm, as well as all the usual indoor and outdoor activities that they do so well all year round!

Find out more here or check out our review of the National Forest Adventure Farm here.

The jumping pillows are great fun at NFAF!
The jumping pillows are great fun at NFAF!

Wicksteed Park – Easter Eggstravaganza

Get your bonnets ready for Wicksteed Park’s Easter Eggstravaganza!

Why not give yourself a treat this Easter that’s even sweeter than chocolate? This year we have some eggciting fun hatching at Wicksteed.

Hop around the park and for your favourite rides!

Want to do some extra fun? Why not join our Easter Egg hunt where you can win a delicious treat – not only that, but you could also be in the chance for an amazing prize to feed the Meerkats!

£2.50 per person!

Available to purchase online or in the Giftshop!

Collect your Trivia Trail Worksheet at the Giftshop before you start your hunt!

April 1st – 17th

With additional dates: 22nd – 23rd  & 29th – 30th.

Book online at wicksteedpark.org

Conkers – Easter adventures

Easter is looking pretty amazing at Conkers, with a whole lineup to discover of activities indoors and out.

With 4D Cinema film, craft activities with the rangers, amphitheatre shows, paint-a-pot, high ropes and more, there’s always something to discover at Conkers!

Each day they also have brand new shows on, as well as all the normal fun and activities to explore the forest for all ages at Conkers – we love it there and have always had a fun adventure, from their barefoot walk and the Conkerchoo train, so we know Easter will be fantastic!

What’s more there’s also a splash park and a daily egg hunt for prizes!

Find out more here or check out our review of Conkers here!

The Conkers barefoot walk
The Conkers barefoot walk

Hatton Adventure World – Spring Spectacular

Hatton Adventure World is definitely an exciting place to explore, indoors and out and the Spring Spectacular is on from 1st – 16th April 2023!

Their Spring Spectacular involves plenty of Easter activities, spring animals, an Easter egg hunt, children’s shows, tractor rides and all the indoor and outdoor play areas.

Lily was a huge fan of the reptiles areas, crafts and the lineup of activities on every day, so this will be a fantastic day out for all ages in Easter.

Find out more here or check out our review here.

Meeting the reptiles at Hatton Adventure World
Meeting the reptiles at Hatton Adventure World

Gulliver’s Theme Parks – Spring Spectacular

Gullivers Theme Parks promise a whole basket of fun across their resorts at Milton Keynes, Matlock Bath and Warrington at Easter from the 1st April.

Join the Easter Bunny and Candy Crew for mad-cap antics and candy activities this April at Gulliver’s. Discover Lollipop Trees, Colossal Candy Canes and take some Sweet Selfies along the way.

The Easter Bunny will be making special appearances plus you’ll be able to take part in brand-new family games and attractions, all with a candy-themed twist.

Their theme parks are designed for families with kids aged 2-13, and you can even turn your stay into a break or holiday at their affordable themed accommodation, such as Adventurer’s Village at Milton Keynes or Explorer’s Retreat at Matlock Bath.

Find out more here or check out our review of Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes here or Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock Bath here.

All kinds of Gulliver's Fun this Easter
All kinds of Gulliver’s Fun this Easter

Go Ape adventures

GoApe have adventures all year round, whatever the weather!

Kids and adults from the age of 4 (minimum height restrictions in place) are able to enjoy the Treetop Adventures, with even more adventures to step up to as children get older as well as nets and segways too!

GoApe adventures

We had so much fun at Go Ape Chessington for Lily’s 6th birthday. The GoApe obstacle courses are high in the trees, and are complete with zip wires, wobbly bridges, ropes and more.

You can check out the locations across the UK here and check out our full review here.

Sundown Adventureland

Head to Sundown Adventureland for theme park fun for the under 10s in the holidays!

There are over 30 rides and attractions throughout the 50 acres of Sundown’s HUGE Adventureland and there is a new adventure around every corner.

Sundown Adventureland
Sundown Adventureland

Find out more here or check out our review of Sundown Adventureland here.

Boost Trampoline Park

Ballpit fun
Ballpit fun

Book your session here

Blaby Golf Centre Crazy Golf

Blaby Golf Centre has is a great place to enjoy their Congo River Crazy Golf course.

We visited around 9.30am and it was getting busy with queues when we left at around 11am, so we would advise going early or late, however we had a fantastic time and would definitely be back.

Toilet facilities are available at the start and end so we would advise going before you start the course and you can also get coffee and cake too.

Visit their website to find out more.

National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham

We’ve lost count how many times we’ve visited the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, and so we’re really excited to head back to their Mini Golf and Sky Trails!

We love our visits to the Nottingham Water Sports Centre
We love our visits to the Nottingham Water Sports Centre

Not only do you have the beautiful Holme Pierrepont Country Park to enjoy, but the activities at the Nottingham Water Sports Centre are fantastic for all the family.

The Sky Trail is suitable for children over 1m and adults too, with ropes, walkways and more 12ft and 24ft off the ground – a great day out with the family this Easter.

You also have a lovely 9-hole mini golf course that all ages can enjoy as well as a whole host of watersports at the lagoon.

Mini golf at Nottingham Water Sports Centre
Mini golf at Nottingham Water Sports Centre

We’ve always loved our adventures there and there’s even a campsite too!

Tickets can be booked in advance – find out more about age/height restrictions and Covid measures, as well as book your tickets here. You can also read our full review here.

National Trust Calke Abbey

The Easter egg trail at Calke Abbey will be running from 1st-16th April.

Embark on a self-led adventure in the great outdoors, searching for nature-themed activities in the meadow, stableyards and garden.

There’s a choice of two trails to pick from:

– If you’re feeling adventurous, head out on the trail around the parkland and Calke Explore.

– For those with little legs, take the shorter route around the Pleasure Grounds and Stableyards.

Calke Abbey: Many National Trust properties are open but tickets must be prebooked
Calke Abbey: Many National Trust properties are open but tickets must be prebooked

Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes, a trail map, pencil, bunny ears, and a chocolate or vegan and free form chocolate egg – made here in the UK from cocoa that’s responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

Find out more here

Beacon Hill Country Park

We are huge fans of Beacon Hill in Leicestershire, but what sets it aside as a great day out is the lovely variety of things to do there.

You have the beautiful and accessible Labyrinth rhododendron trail, the accessible woodland trail as well as walking trails, sculptures, natural play area, wooden play area and a lovely café for take away too.

The accessible rhododendron Labyrinth at Beacon Hill
The accessible rhododendron Labyrinth at Beacon Hill

It can get busy at peak times but I really do recommend a visit if you’re nearby and looking for something to do for all ages.

Check out our full review of Beacon Park here

Belvoir Castle, Grantham

Head to Belvoir Castle for a magical Easter trail from 1st – 10th April.

Our eggciting annual Easter Trail will be back from the 1st April! Meet Belvoir’s famous Easter Bunny Billy, and be thrilled by his family’s recent visit across the globe! Billy has embarked on a The Grand Tour, in which his ancestors first did over 200 years ago. Explore famous artefacts, pilgrim notorious landmarks and seize the chocolate!

There will be six lightboxes dotted around our beautiful Rose Garden, find two or three clues at each stop and guess just how far from home Billy the Bunny and his family are! Each child will receive a chocolate egg once the trail is completed.

Easter at Belvoir Castle

Bring the whole family along for an adventure through our beautiful formal gardens, on a quest to find the Easter bunny. Set your little one’s imagination soaring as you solve puzzles and work your way through the stunning Castle landscape. What’s more, they also have the new outdoor adventure playground too!

Dogs are welcome within the grounds, however must be kept on leads at all times. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Whatton House – Easter in Wonderland

After checking out A Yuletide Tale at Whatton House in Loughborough, we know Easter in Wonderland will be incredible!

Join Alice on her exciting journey through Easter In Wonderland with new reimagined content for 2023!

It’s a magical adventure with activities for all the family – including our specially produced Mad Hatter’s NEW Circus Show – all set in the enchanting grounds and gardens of wonderful Whatton House.

Everything will get curiouser and curiouser as you meet the real-life characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic. Disappear through a tree-trunk tunnel into a dreamland that’s as mad as it’s merry. Wander free where your curiosity takes you. Join in or just watch as Whatton’s woodland becomes a wonderland alive with exciting encounters.

Find out more here or check out our review of their Christmas event A Yuletide Tale here.

Treasure Trails

You can take part in your own pirate adventure (or just a very special walk with the family!) with the fantastic Treasure Trails, available across the East Midlands, including Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.

Treasure Trails are available across the UK and allow you to get outdoors and explore your local area.

Follow a self-guided Treasure Trail through the winding backstreets and hidden corners of villages, towns and cities around the UK. Crack the clues along the route to unlock incredible stories from the past and solve the mystery at the end.

Simply visit their website and select ‘Buy a Treasure Trail’ to find maps around your local area.

Looking for more inspiration?

If the weather’s not great, why not check out our ideas for indoor days out here

Check out our blog on things to do at home in the Easter holidays, including virtual events and more.

Looking for spring and Easter crafts, gifts and resources? Here are some of our favourite small businesses and more for nature-filled fun activities

Looking to make your walks more interesting with the family? Check out our ideas here!

Learning Resources UK Digital Easter Egg Hunt
Learning Resources UK Digital Easter Egg Hunt

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