Best outdoor activities for kids in the Easter holidays

Another school holiday? Already?!

It may feel like no time at all since the last one, but the Easter holiday is nearly here, and we’re sure copious amounts of chocolate eggs will feature heavily in this particular school break.

If you can persuade the kids to put the chocolate down and step outside the house, we have some great suggestions for the best outdoor activities for kids to do in the Easter holidays 2024, as recommended by real parents.

1. Go on an Easter egg hunt

“We usually go on an Easter egg hunt/trail somewhere like a country park/NT property” Activity recommended by Mumsnetter SockQueen

Well, we couldn’t do a round up of outdoor Easter activities without mentioning egg hunts, could we?

Whether you live in a city, countryside or coast, the chances are there will be an Easter egg hunt going on somewhere near your neighbourhood. Check out local organisations, businesses or councils for details of events happening in your area.

Alternatively, the National Trust is once again laying on egg hunts at its properties across England and Wales. Find out more via the National Trust website.

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2. Experience lambing

“There's a few places where I am that let you feed lambs. Its aimed at kids, but when we went there were plenty of adults doing it too. I ended up doing it as my son was too nervous!” Activity recommended by Mumsnetter TheLovleyChebbyMcGee

Who doesn’t love the sight of adorable lambs frolicking in the fields in the springtime? Some farms allow you to get up close with these little woolly wonders at lambing events. Kids will love to see lambs being born while some places even offer the opportunity to bottle feed the new arrivals. All together now - ahhh!

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3. Take a bluebell walk

Late March usually signals the start of bluebell season. Your family can enjoy this magical transformation of woodland floors right up until early May. 

To help you find the perfect spot for your bluebell walk, the Woodland Trust has compiled a list of its top bluebell woods to visit in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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4. Try rockpooling

“My DC are obsessed with rock pooling and it was the highlight of their holiday in Lanzarote this year.” Activity recommended by Mumsnet user Surelyitscoffeetime

If you are lucky enough to live by the sea, or if you are holidaying on the coast this Easter, then why not give rockpooling a go? Little ones will be fascinated by a glimpse into this underwater world, which may include anemones, crabs, starfish and limpets.

This is the perfect time of year to go rockpooling as spring tides, around the time of a full and new moon, are the strongest and will go out the furthest. Just watch out for the tide turning and coming back in again.

For advice on how to rockpool safely and tips on what you need to take with you, check out this handy guide from the Natural History Museum.

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5. Burn off some energy at junior parkrun

“My 6 year old has been going for about a year and there are younger ones. Such a great atmosphere.” Activity recommended by Mumsnet user Notdoingthis

On your marks, get set, go….to junior parkrun! In case you don’t already know, parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog or run - or just watch if the whole running thing isn’t your bag. The 2k junior parkrun is open to kids aged from 4-14 and their families, every Sunday morning. 

It’s a fab inclusive event, there is no time limit and nobody comes last. And did we mention it’s free? Find your nearest event at the parkrun UK website.

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About the author

Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on toddler play, child play and outdoor play. She is a mum of two and lives in Sussex.

Laura is a freelance journalist and has written for a range of publications including The Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful.