We may still be awaiting some blue skies but there is no denying that there has been a shift in the weather this month and the days are getting longer. This means Spring is upon us and Easter is just around the corner!

As Easter and the half-term break approach, it is time to start thinking about activities to keep younger minds busy and entertained. From traditional egg hunts to at-home crafts to action-packed adventures, there is an abundance of Easter activities right on our doorstep.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Easter activities so, whether you prefer to be in the comfort of your living room or you are up for exploring North West London and the surrounding areas, you can be sure your half-term is fun-filled and unforgettable for the whole family.

Easter Egg Hunts

Easter egg hunts are a timeless tradition that children (and adults) of all ages adore. Many parks and attractions across North West London will be hosting Easter egg hunts during the half term break but these are two of our favourites to look out for:

Easter Adventure Quest at Kenwood House

From 23rd March to 14th April, children can enjoy the Easter Adventure Quest at Kenwood House. Children will hunt for clues in the fantastic Kenwood grounds, track down the Easter eggs and get rewarded with a tasty chocolate treat. Advance bookings aren’t necessary and it’s just £2 to take part.

Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm

From 29th March until 14th April, you can head to the Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm in Barnet to take part in Easter egg hunts. There will be SEN-friendly sessions available as well as sessions for the general public so all children can meet the Easter Bunny, learn about the animals that live on the farm and even cuddle some lambs and chicks!

Entry for children is £7.95 and adults are £4.95.

Spring Nature Walks

We are advocates for getting outside and (weather-permitting) this is the perfect time of year to venture out and embrace the beauty of spring with a nature walk in one of North West London's picturesque parks.

Magnolias have well and truly blossomed and there are plenty of other colourful blooms and budding trees at Regent's Park, Primrose Hill or along Brent Reservoir.

If the weather is kind, half-term is also the perfect time for an Easter-themed picnic at the Hill Garden Pergola, equipped with boiled eggs, the treats from your Easter eggs hunt and a slice of simnel cake.

Or, if the weather is less favourable, then seize the opportunity to don your favourite wellington boots and raincoat and walk through Hampstead Heath to Venchi for an indulgent hot chocolate instead.

Easter Crafts at Home

Get creative at home with Easter-themed crafts that the whole family can enjoy. From blowing and decorating eggs to making Easter bonnets and bunny masks, there are endless possibilities for artistic expression.

All you need is some paints, pinafores and some craft materials to set up a crafting station. Then you can let childrens’ imaginations soar!

If you do decide to blow and paint eggs, here’s the need-to-knows:

Using a sewing needle or a small, pointy tool, gently prick a hole in the top and bottom of an egg and blow the contents of the egg into a dish until it’s hollow.

Children may need adult help to blow the eggs initially as it can be tough getting it going out but after the first few puffs, children can easily take over!

Give the egg a rinse and pat dry.
Once it is dry, you can get painting and create a design of your choice! This could include glitter, pom poms, little ears… the world is your oyster and these can be kept for future as Easter ornaments.
Top Tip: Keep the contents of the egg to use as scrambled eggs, omelette or the base for a tasty baked treat later in the day.

Family Baking Session

Spend a cosy afternoon at home baking Easter treats together. You could whip up a batch of Easter egg brownies, decorate Easter cookies or as a fun alternative, you can repurpose a box of hot cross buns and the leftover eggs you blew to make a scrumptious hot cross bun French toast:

In a bowl, mix 1 egg, a splash of milk, some vanilla extract, a tsp of sugar and a dash of cinnamon.
Unpack your hot cross buns and slice in half, just as you would if you were putting them in the toaster.
Dip the sliced hot cross buns into your egg mixture until fully coated and shake off the excess before putting to one side.
Heat a frying pan on the hob with a knob of butter. Once the butter is melted and the pan is warm, fry your eggy hot cross buns. You’ll know when they’re done as the egg mixture will turn golden and crisp.
Serve your hot cross bun French toast with your topping of choice and enjoy. Our go-to toppings are a dusting of icing sugar, a dollop of greek yoghurt, a drizzle of maple syrup or a handful of fresh fruit.

Easter-themed Theatre Shows & Crafts

Harrow Arts Centre is hosting a number of Spring and Easter-themed events over the half-term period, including The Little Mermaid pantomime and an SEN nature-inspired print-making workshop.

The Arts Depot in Finchley is also bringing some favourite children's tales to life with stage adaptations of The Singing Mermaid, Dogs Don’t Do Ballet and Princess Smartypants this Easter which will please and delight children.

With so many activities and adventures awaiting in North West London and the surrounding areas, this Easter promises to be one to remember for families. Whether you're hunting for Easter eggs in the park, getting crafty at home, or exploring the historic streets of neighbouring towns and suburbs, there's something to get everyone egg-cited this half term!