Looking for things to do and family-friendly events in London during the school Easter holidays? Take a look at this selection of events.
This year's Things To Do In The Easter Holidays is sponsored by the Unicorn Theatre — scroll down to see the range of shows and activities they have in store.
Throughout the holidays
FAMILY DAYS OUT: Bored of trudging round the same old museums and parks? Try one of these seven alternative family days out in London, featuring caves, windmills and more. Or visit a budget-friendly alternative to the big attractions. Take a look at our map of where you can see animals in London — whatever the weather.
WHERE TO EAT: Finding somewhere to eat out with kids can be tricky, but these child-friendly restaurants in London offer more options that just pizza and chips. The pub may seem an inappropriate suggestion, but bear with us — we've rounded up the best family-friendly pubs in London. See if your local made the list.
CULTURE VULTURES: You may think art galleries and theatres are a no-go when you’ve got little ones in tow, but these London theatres are great for kids’ shows, and these family-friendly art galleries will keep children happy, and have plenty for mum and dad too.
CYCLE REVOLUTION: The Design Museum near Tower Bridge has a number of events going on to tie in with the current Cycle Revolution exhibition. Choose from pedal-powered cinema, cycle training sessions, an Easter egg hunt and more. 19 March-10 April
ROALD DAHL: The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl at Southbank Centre is an interactive experience giving an insight into the little-known caveats of Dahl’s life, where much of his literary inspiration came from. It’s aimed at ages 7-12, but we reckon parents who were raised on an intellectual diet of Dahl will enjoy it just as much. £10/£8, prebook, until 3 July
CLANGERS: Museum of Childhood's exhibition, The Clangers, Bagpuss & Co. is a great chance for parents to introduce their children to the TV characters of their own childhoods. Best of all, it's free. 19 March-9 October
DINOSAURS: Dino fans of all ages will enjoy Dinosaurs: Monster Families, a family-friendly exhibition at the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. There are plenty of opportunities for kids to get hands on with the exhibits, including the sand excavation pit. £7/£4, prebooking recommended in school holidays, until 30 October
LAND OF THE LIONS: ZSL London Zoo's uber feline exhibit, Land of the Lions, opens on 25 March. Get up close to the endangered big cats and learn more about their natural habitat and the threats they face, as well as conservation projects that are happening to save them. Included in admission price, prebooking recommended, from 25 March
BETTER GYMS: Swimming, football, gymnastics, athletics, basketball and much more await under 16s at Better Gyms across London. Sign up for a Better Activities For Kids Card to take part. See website for details.
Good Friday 25 March
EASTER EGG TRAIL: Some of the animals at Battersea Park Zoo have brightly coloured eggs in their enclosures for this weekend only. Fill in the quiz sheet as you go round the zoo, identifying these animals, and hand it in to collect your prize. Normal entrance fee + £1.50. 25-28 March
MUSEUM OF BRANDS: The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising recently moved to a new home in Notting Hill, and the official launch is this weekend. Activities include an Easter egg hunt, object handling, advert screenings, vintage games, retro sweets and more. See website for full schedule and prices. 25-28 March
Saturday 26 March
EASTER TRAIL: Visitors to Forty Hall in Enfield can follow a trail around the grounds to find the spots where baby animals might be living. When you've finished the trail, make and decorate your own marzipan lamb. Age 4-11, £3.50, prebook, 26-28 March
EASTER EXPRESS: A road train chugs into Granary Square in King's Cross today for a day of Easter activities. Tour the Skip Garden and meet the chickens, take part in an Easter egg hunt, or try your hand at the craft competition. Free, just turn up, 10am-4pm
THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN: Head to artsdepot in North Finchley for a performance of The Amazing Bubble Man, a show which has sold out at Edinburgh Fringe for the past eight years. A bubbleologist (really) brings the art, magic and science of bubbles to the stage. £9-£13, prebook, 11.30am-2pm
INDEPENDENCE DAY OF BANGLADESH: Music, dance, poetry, photos and short talks are taking place at Rich Mix in Shoreditch to celebrate Independence Day of Bangladesh. It's a family-friendly event and it's free. 12pm-4pm
Easter Sunday 27 March
KENWOOD STORIES: Kenwood House in Hampstead hosts a family storytelling session, bringing objects at Kenwood House — and the building's history — to life. Free, just turn up, 12.30pm/2pm/3pm
Easter Monday 28 March
Not much on today. If the weather's looking decent, why not follow the route of one of our weekend walks? See some new parts of London and wear the littl'uns out without spending any money.
Magical myths and creative crafts at the Unicorn Theatre
Get your Greek on this Easter at the Unicorn Theatre, with two clever retellings of magical myths and a host of craft sessions and theatre workshops for creative kids.
Step into the labyrinth with Adam Peck's playful and action-packed adaptation, Minotaur. Kids aged 8+ will love this take on the tale of a terrifying beast and his daring sister. Catch it until 2 April.
Then there's the powerful tale of a son searching for his long-lost dad in My Father, Odysseus — a sensitive exploration of war, masculinity and maturity for older children aged 11+, until 10 April.
Take your little ones aged 4+ to free sessions where they can get hands-on making Easter egg cards, crafting spring birds and blowing bubbles! (19 March, 2 April, 9 April). For just £4, kids can explore the Minotaur story with a mythically themed workshop for ages 8+ (26 and 29 March).
And budding thesps will love the week-long theatre masterclass, working with Unicorn professionals to create a show to perform on their real stage for family and friends (29 March to 2 April, limited availability, advanced booking required).
Book your tickets now — that's the Easter holidays sorted.
This year's Things To Do In The Easter Holidays is sponsored by the Unicorn Theatre.
Tuesday 29 March
NEW BEGINNINGS: Head to Bushy Park for a series of activities and events celebrating spring, and the new animal and plant life it brings. £15 per family, prebook, 10.30am-12.30pm
MOOMINS: BFI Southbank screens Moomins on the Riviera, an animated film in which the Moomins leave Moominvalley for a European hol. Not everyone's impressed by their destination — no prizes for guessing who. Tickets on sale 15 March. Screenings at 2.30pm, today and tomorrow.
Wednesday 30 March
EASTER PETTING ZOO: Lambs, owls, parrots, South African hedgehogs, meerkats, rabbits and star of the show Tony the Pony all make an appearance in Paddington Central today. Families can chat to the keepers to learn more about the animals. Free, just turn up, all day
Thursday 31 March
GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE: Little book lovers can find out what went into George's potion in Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Medicine at Forty Hall, as well as creating their own potion in the historic kitchen. Age 4-11. £4/£5, prebook, various time slots. Repeated on 7 April
THE SECRET GARDEN: Agnieszka Holland's film adaptation of The Secret Garden, starring Maggie Smith, is screened at BFI Southbank. Tickets go on sale 15 March. Screenings today at 2.30pm and 16 April at 1.30pm
Friday 1 April
Nothing specific seems to be happening today. Why not get out into the fresh air and play some dinosaur crazy golf?
Saturday 2 April
FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: Musical statues is the theme of the Cutty Sark's family fun weekend. Have a go at making a headdress, then wear it as you take part in a game of musical statues on the ship. Included in admission price, booking recommended, 2-3 April
BRICKS IN THE SKY: From today, visitors to the ArcelorMittal Orbit in the Olympic Park can see landmarks from around the world recreated in Lego, including the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and the BT Tower. Included in ticket price, until 10 April
THE BOY WHO NEVER GREW UP: Canada Water Culture Space hosts a production of The Boy Who Never Grew Up. Based on Peter Pan, it's suitable for ages 4+, with music and puppetry to keep it lively. £7, prebook, 1pm/3pm
Sunday 3 April
PARKOUR WORKSHOPS: Parkour Generations is at Southbank Centre to hold parkour workshops for all ages. Surprise yourself with your own dexterity. Free, just turn up, 10am-1pm
MORGAN & WEST: Time-travelling Victorian magic duo Morgan & West bring their Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show to artsdepot in North Finchley. Brace yourself for magic, tricks, illusion and tomfoolery. £10/£7, prebook, 11am/2.30pm
THE LION KING: What better way to introduce your little ones to Shakespeare than through the medium of Disney? BFI Southbank screens The Lion King, loosely based on Hamlet. There's also a fun workshop, where little ones can take part in animation and more. Tickets on sale 15 March. Screening takes place at 1.30pm.
Monday 4 April
Nothing specific seems to be happening today. Why not dust off the family's bikes and try this west London cycle ride?
Tuesday 5 April
MAPS AND COMPASSES: Head to Bushy Park to learn how to use maps and compasses, and test your navigation skills. £15 per family, prebook, 12.30pm
DIGITOPIA: Contemporary dance, electronic music and digital art combine for Digitopia, a show aimed at ages 5+ at artsdepot. £10, prebook, 2.30pm
Wednesday 6 April
THE BEAR: Raymond Briggs' book The Bear is brought to the stage at artsdepot. It's about a non-scary white bear who climbs into Tilly's bedroom while she's sleeping. Age 2-7. £9, prebook, 6-8 April
Thursday 7 April
GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE: Little book lovers can find out what went into George's potion in Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Medicine at Forty Hall, as well as creating their own potion in the historic kitchen. Age 4-11. £4/£5, prebook, various time slots
Friday 8 April
Struggling to come up with different things to do in the last couple of days of the holidays? Try these alternative family days out in London.
Saturday 9 April
Nothing specific seems to be happening today. Why not get cultural at one of London's family-friendly art galleries?
Sunday 10 April
MISTER MAKER: Head to the Churchill Theatre in Bromley for Mister Maker the stage show. Arts and crafts expert Mister Maker leads songs, dances and giant craft activities. £14.50/£11, prebook, 12pm/3pm
