Sometimes trying to think of how to entertain the kids when they are off can be a struggle - and with our unpredictable weather, it can be hard to plan in advance.
Not everyone can get away for Easter break but that does not mean that you and your family can't make wonderful memories here at home.
Alongside our great leisure and activity centres, parks and other great resources to avail of across the country year-round, there are a number of great Easter events to attend.
Read more: Surprise opening announced for former Barry's Amusements complex
Here is a round-up of some Easter-themed events happening across each council area in Northern Ireland:
Belfast
Easter Egg Hunt
Take on Belfast’s biggest Easter Egg Hunt for free from April 7-20. Find them all, get all the right answers and you could be in with the chance of winning a fantastic family day out. To take part in the Belfast Easter Egg Hunt, visit Belfast One for trail and competition entry details.
Eggscellent Easter Eggsperience
Easter Egg Hunt on the Ormeau Road for families on April 15. You will have to work as a team to crack the code by finding all the Easter eggs hidden around the area using riddles as your guide to win a prize.
Easter Chocolate workshop
Arrive at Aunt Sandra's Shop on the Castlereagh Road and be welcomed into the Chocolate Party Room where you will create your very own chocolate bunny with many different sweets to decorate it with. While your chocolate bunny is hardening, meet the Easter Bunny and receive a small gift. Check out their website for full list of dates and how to get tickets.
Gruffalo Walk and Easter Egg Hunt
Explore Ireland's only official Gruffalo Trail this Easter.. Bring your little ones along and go right inside the glorious Gruffalo and Stickman stories – search for the famous characters in the woods (and some tasty chocolate treats), listen wide-eyed and wondered to the classic tales and take home your very own Julia Donaldson and friends book, Easter Egg, sticker and certificate, to keep forever.
Easter Celebrations at CastleCourt Shopping Centre
CastleCourt will keep your little bunnies hopping with excitement as they get the chance to participate in different mall events, whilst you enjoy our array of stores and eateries:
-
Easter Egg Decorating on Friday April 15, 11am to 3pm (first come first served)
-
Slime Making on Saturday April 16, 11am to 3pm (first come first served)
-
The Princess Show on Saturday April 23 - First show at 12pm, second show at 2pm (each show is 50 minutes long, followed by a short meet and greet)
Easter at Belfast Zoo
Your little monkeys can get busy with sensory touch tables and face-painting. Walkabout characters will also be around to pose for photos and make little faces smile. Families can follow a fun Easter Trail around the zoo to find out more about their newest additions, bunnies and which animals lay eggs. These free family-friendly activities will take place on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 April.
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Easter Sports Camps
Kids from six to 12 years old can enjoy a range of activities including dance, athletics, street games and football from Tue 19 - Fri 22 April. Tuesday, Crumlin. Wednesday, Valley. Thursday, Antrim Forum. Friday, Six Mile.
Wonderland Wood at Antrim Castle Gardens
If you are looking for a fun family day out this Easter, why not visit for the special price of £6 for a family of 4" This Enchanting Trail will take you on an adventure around the Gardens to less well-known paths.
Junior Easter Bake Off
Come along and make a selection of Easter Treats with Bronagh from the Bakehouse at Castle Mall in Antrim. Free Easter goodie bag for each child and a prize for the winner. This is a ticketed event taking place on April 20.
Ards and North Down
Easter Pottery Painting Fun
Come and use Eden Pottery's animals, birds, flowers, cars, and rainbows to create your own world on a plate, bowl, mug or other handmade pottery shapes. A demonstration is given to show you the best way to print with the sponges, and you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone! Tuesday 12-Saturday 16th, Tuesday 19th-Saturday 23rd, 10am-5pm each day.
Easter Duck Trail
Come and have a quacking time at Castle Espie Wetlands Centre in Newtownards as you enjoy their Easter Duck Trail - a perfect opportunity to get outdoors with all the family. Pick up a trail card and crack the clues to find the bright yellow, cheeky ducks that are hiding around and win prizes. Running from April 14-24.
Adventures in nature at Mount Stewart
The Easter Adventures in Nature Trail begins on Wednesday April 13- Sunday April 24 from 10am - 4.30pm (last entry at 3.30pm) while stocks last. Follow the trail to find different activities amongst the awakening flowers as the seasons burst into colour.
Easter Bunny Pottery Workshop
Hop on over and design your own pinch pot Rabbit followed by artisan woodfired pizza on Saturday 16th April at Loaf Pottery and Cafe in Crawfordsburn. Price includes the pinch pot workshop and one pizza per person available for ages 7+. Parents can also take part in the event for some Easter family fun.
Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum
Join the Ulster Folk Museum for their Easter celebrations this April. Enjoy craft stations, music, traditional games and egg rolling! Find out how the traditions of a 1900’s Easter celebration are still alive today. April 17-19.
Mid and East Antrim
Easter Eggspress
Easter Saturday (April 16) and Easter Sunday (April 17). Put on your Easter bonnet and come along to a family-friendly ‘party on the platform’ on Easter weekend. Easter Eggspress Steam Train will carry you from Belfast Lanyon Place to Whitehead Excursion platform, where an exciting party awaits. On the journey down you will get a visit from the Easter bunny, who has a special treat for all children onboard.
Easter at Carnfunnock Country Park
April 17 - Party animal time from 2pm to 5pm. Come and say hello to the wonderful Party Animals N.I. and their Mobile Micro Zoo while they visit Carnfunnock. April 18-19 - 10.15am to 1.15pm & 2.00pm to 5.00pm. After a turbulent storm Dot has been whisked away from her hometown with her pet dog Terry and has landed here in Carnfunnock. She needs your help to get back home to her family through the magical portal before Easter is over. Dot needs your help to find all of the clues which have been blown all around the lower sections of the park by the storm.
Causeway Coast and Glens
Hatching Easter Chick Workshop
Saturday, April 16 from 11:30am - 1pm. Have some Cracking fun with Banyan Theatre and get creative this Easter. Children will have the opportunity to make a colourful hatching egg and a little fluffy chick puppet for Easter with puppeteer Karen Torley. Ages 8 - 12 years old.
Weekend Wonders at Flowerfield Arts Centre
Saturday 9 & 16 April, 10:30 - 12:00 (5-7yrs) & 13:00 - 14:30 (8-12yrs). Over two sessions, children will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of different artistic materials, learn new creative techniques, have fun and develop their skills, before making their finished ‘product’. This Easter-themed workshop will guide kids to create beautiful bunny arts and crafts.
Sand Sculpting at Portstewart Strand
Join resident sculptor Tony as he creates some fabulous sand sculptures and have a go at creating some of your own this Easter. Try your hand at sand sculpting under Tony's expert eye and show off your amazing creations - bring your own buckets and spades. Sunday 17 and Monday 18 April, 11am - 1pm.
Easter Clay Creations at Flowerfield Arts Centre
Saturday 9 April, 10:30 - 12:30 (7-12yrs). Make an Easter-themed bunny or chick ceramic bowl, to collect all your Easter treats in. Designed for beginners this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. We will be using air dry clay so you can take your bowl home to dry and then paint.
Roe Valley Film Club at Easter
Screening Peter Rabbit on Wednesday 13th April, 2pm - 3:30pm. An Easter-themed film with Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero! Peter Rabbit has captivated generations of readers, and he now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude.
Easter Egg Glassmaking at Flowerfield Arts Centre
Wednesday 13 April, 10:00 - 12:00 (8-11yrs) & 14:00 - 16:00 (12-16yrs). Design your own creative fused glass Easter Eggs, that will last for years to come. Under the guidance of experienced local tutor Natasha Duddy, the children will be given the opportunity to plan, design and colour their creation on paper first. Glass cutting skills will then be demonstrated individually, so each child can create their masterpieces.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
Multi-sports Easter Camps
Suitable for 5 to 11-year olds, come along and join the fun this Easter with a wide variety of sports and games to try whilst making new friends in a fun and safe environment. Each two hour session costs £4 and the camps are delivered by our team of highly qualified & experienced sports coaches.
- April 20 - Banbridge Leisure Centre: 10am – 12pm, Gilford Community Centre: 2pm – 4pm, Rathfriland Community Centre: 2pm – 4pm
- April 21 - Banbridge Leisure Centre: 10am – 11pm, Dromore Community Centre: 10am – 12pm, Richhill Recreation Centre: 2pm – 4pm
- April 22 - Dromore Community Centre: 10am – 12pm, Tandragee Recreation Centre: 2pm – 4pm, Richhill Recreation Centre: 2pm – 4pm
Easter Break LEGO Exhibition
Come along to see over 100 different models on display from the past 30 years featuring many different LEGO ranges - giving them 1.5 hours of creative exploration and play. Held at the Building Bridges Community Arts Theatre in Lurgan, funds raised will be split to benefit the group and maintain the LEGO models on display (recommended for children aged 7+). April 10-13.
Easter Fishing & Gymnastics Coaching
The Dromore Easter Fishing Coaching Camp aims to start the younger generation on their journey towards a love of one of the UK’s most popular pastimes- suitable for 8-15yrs, April 20-23 from 10am – 3pm. Anyone can join for Easter gymnastic sessions in Dromore Community Centre on April 20 - no previous experience needed. There will be lots of fun and games included in the sessions and opportunities to make friends.
Easter Bunny Visit and Egg Hunt
Come along to Rathfriland Community Centre or Dromore Community Centre this Easter and make unforgettable memories with the kids as they enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny. Let your own little rabbits spring and hop on the bouncy inflatables, take part in an Easter egg hunt and cherish a moment with a photo opportunity alongside Mr Bunny.
- Rathfriland Community Centre: Tuesday 12th April 10:00 -10:45am OR 11:00 – 11:45am
- Dromore Community Centre: Wednesday 13th April & Thursday 14th April 10:00 -10:45am OR 11:00 – 11:45am
Derry City and Strabane
Cullen's Fun Fair
Cullens Funfair is one of Ireland’s leading companies in the fairground industry. According to the Derry Journal, it will return to Ebrington from Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 24. There are new rides and attractions, a kiddies corner, food delights and a new cafe.
Friends of Rescue Easter Funday
Friday 15th April from 2-5pm at Gransha Woods. A fun day the whole family can enjoy, with or without doggies. There will be a walking trail, treats for dogs and kids, refreshments and fun. With Easter egg hunts and face painting confirmed, fancy dress for the little ones (or your pups) is encouraged.
Fermanagh and Omagh
Florence Court Easter Egg Hunt
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between April 15 to April 22, from 11am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Come along and explore the beautiful parklands and gardens of Florence Court.
Easter at the Ulster American Folk Park
Visit the Old World and listen to the stories about Easter traditions of the Forge and Smith before experiencing spinning first hand at the Weavers Cottage. Enjoy the scents and flavours of Easter at the Mellon Homestead where a warm Easter welcome awaits you. Don't forget to take a selfie in the Photographic Emporium with the Easter Theme Posing Board. Enjoy live music on Easter Sunday and Willow Weaving demonstrations in the barn on Easter Monday.
Easter Egg Hunt at Castle Coole
This spring, treat your little ones to a world of adventures at Castle Coole on the Easter adventures in nature trails. The trail takes place between April 15 to 19 from 11 am to 4 pm so come along and explore the beautiful parklands of Castle Coole. The price of the trail is £3 per child and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end.
Easter at Crom
April 15 to 19 from 11 am to 4 pm. The Easter egg trail is suitable for ages 3 -11 years, and for those who are young at heart. The trail pack will include everything that you need. As you follow the markers around the grounds, use the activity sheet to record your adventure with the included pencil. Enjoy the chocolate egg or allergen free reward when you finish.
Lisburn and Castlereagh
Hop Film Screening
Enjoy a Easter family treat and spend the afternoon with the Easter Bunny. This family-friendly comedy will take you to Easter Island - the ticket price includes popcorn, drink and chocolate treat for everyone with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s charities. April 14 at 4pm with all under 2’s go free.
Great Rabbit Runaround
Spring is in the air, so why not hop along to the Great Rabbit Runaround trail this Easter at Hillsborough Castle. Explore the gardens as you discover some fun facts, complete the challenges, and find out about some Easter and spring traditions along the way. Friday 15 April – Monday 18 April, in the gardens, there will be traditional mummers’ performances by the enchanting Armagh Rhymers.
Newry, Mourne and Down
Easter egg hunts at Rowallane Garden
Embark on the Easter adventures in nature trail at Rowallane Garden. Join in the fun as you take part in the nature-inspired activities you find along the way. The trail takes place between April 15-24 from 11 am to 4 pm, with the last entry at 5:30 pm, so come along and explore the beautiful gardens and woodlands of Rowallane Garden.
Easter Adventures in nature at Castle Ward
Easter trail runs from April 8-19 between 11am - 4pm and explore the trail to discover some bugs and beasties along the way at Castle Ward. At the start of your Easter adventures in nature trail, pick up your activity pack from the Stableyard to find the bespoke trail you’re going to follow. Finish the trail and collect your Rainforest Alliance chocolate egg.
Mid Ulster
Easter Treats at Hill of The O Neill & Ranfurly House
A wonderful Easter Family Fun Day - on Saturday 16th April. Activities are running from 11am - 3pm and there is an ASD Friendly time from 10am - 11am. See the flyer above for all the details of events taking place such as magic shows, crafts and treasure trails.
Easter egg hunts at The Argory
This spring, treat your little ones to a world of adventures at The Argory on the Easter adventures in nature trails. Join in the fun as you take part in the nature-inspired activities you find along the way. April 11-24 from 11 am to 4 pm, with the last entry at 4:30 pm. Come along and explore the beautiful gardens and woodlands of The Argory.
Easter activities at Seamus Heaney HomePlace
Craft & Play sessions are back for Easter. Visit the Seamus Heaney HomePlace on April 18 and 19 for a range of arts and crafts activities suitable for children up to 10. Stick, stamp, weave, colour, paint, play and read in their dedicated Creative Learning Zone.
The Jungle NI at Easter
A daring quest against time - you will be given a number of clues and puzzles and must make haste through the enchanted forest to answer the riddles in the hope that you might find the missing eggs at the end of the trail. The friendly creatures in the Woodland Petting Farm can’t wait to bleat hello so be sure to pop in and cuddle the chicks, leap with the lambs or squeal in delight with the piglets. (April 16 to 19.)
Read more: Line of Duty star has his say on the return of hit BBC series
Read more: Doctor representing Northern Ireland on 'Bridgerton style' American dating show
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
