Easter school holidays guide London 2022

Easter school holidays in London are bursting with activities for all the family. In this holiday edition of the Weekend Scoop, you’ll find Easter egg hunts in London, a baby-friendly ballet, a Horrible Histories boat tour, a hip hop family block party, a bring your baby pub quiz, encounters with dinosaurs, family arts and crafts workshops, literary characters popping up everywhere (The Gruffalo, Dear Zoo, The Very Hungry Caterpillar etc), and a celebration of the Easter story in Trafalgar Square. Hop to it.

Easter school holidays Guide London 2022

BABES CHOICE

Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge Quay (in front of the Tower Hotel), E1Q 1LD (Tower Hill tube/rail)
All aboard for a wicked and wild ride across the world’s most notorious river. Do a deep dive into the terrible tales of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd. Sizzle at the Savoy! Give Cleopatra the needle! Be washed away at Westminster! Lose yourself in Lambeth! Get gobsmacked by the Globe! Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock! All ages welcome. 45 minutes tours starting from 9.45am (check times and availability online); adult ages 15+ £25/child 3-15 £15/family £72/under 3s FREE on parent/carer’s lap (from Apr 2)

Science Museum: Power Up (Basement Gallery, Level -1), Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
My kids love this event and will be thrilled to hear it’s back at the Science Museum. Power Up is a festival for gamers, offering 160+ consoles and hundreds of video games across 5 decades. From multiplayer to solo gaming, you can try your hands at everything from Minecraft, Mario Kart, Halo and VR games to old school faves like Pong and Pac Man. Best for ages 5+. 10.45am, 12.30pm, 2.15pm & 4pm; from £8 (Apr 2-19)

FUN DMC Easter Holiday Special at Colours, Hoxton Square, N1 6NU (Old St tube)
Hip hop don’t stop this Easter school holidays as FUN DMC get back in the groove at Colours. The daytime family block party welcomes party-poppers big and small to the dance floor, with DJ Spin Doctor and guests mixing up the hip hop, disco, R&B and party anthems. You can buy food and drinks (there’s a licensed bar) and kids will dig the graffiti train, photo booth, hip hop colouring in, soft play room, dance contests and face painting. 12pm-3pm; adult £8.50/child £6.50/family of 4 £27 (Apr 3)

Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz at People’s Park Tavern, 360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT (Homerton overground)
From the creator of Bring Your Baby Guided London Walks, these lively pub quizzes are a great way to stimulate your ‘mummy brain’ (or daddy brain) in an understanding atmosphere. Socialise with fellow parents and enjoy a pub quiz with a slower pace, two breaks to feed, change and chat, and questions are always repeated. Settle in with the picture round, followed by 5 quiz rounds (including general knowledge, music, connection and themed). Event includes baby change, high chairs, play area with soft flooring and sanitised toys. Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places and complimentary sweet treats for each table. Team sizes max 6 (baby-free friends welcome too). 12pm-2.30pm; £10 (Apr 13)

ISH Dance Collective: Elements of Freestyle at Peacock Theatre (Sadler’s Wells), Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed hit at Peacock Theatre as ISH Dance Collective takes over the stage. Elements of Freestyle is a spectacular fusion of music, theatre and dance with extreme urban sports including breakdance, BMX, free running, freestyle basketball, skateboarding and inline skating. We can’t wait. Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat) & 2pm (Sun); from £18 (Apr 13-23)

Boogie Monsters at Boxpark Croydon, 99 George Street, CR0 1LD (East Croydon rail)
You’ve been baby raving, now get the whole crew out for a baby-friendly gig. Boogie Monsters are an award-winning live rock and pop band for kids. Pro musicians play a mashup of current and classic hits, plus funky rhymes to get you and your mini monsters up and dancing. Unplugged fun for the whole fam with disco lights, bubble blasts, confetti cannons, licensed bar, baby changing and buggy parking. 10.30am-11.45am; adult £9/child £9/family £32/non-walking babies FREE (Apr 14)

Amazing Bubble Man at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
For more than 30 years, Edinburgh Fringe favourite Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences all over the world with his bubble magic. Watch with awe as he conjures square bubbles, rocket bubbles and more, showcasing the science, dynamics and artistry of bubbles to entertain all ages. Some shows will have live music by Jet Black Pearl. 2pm; adult £16/child £13 (Apr 16-18)

Doctor Who: Time Fracture, UNIT HQ, Davies Mews, W1K 5AB (Bond St tube)
Immersive Everywhere (The Great Gatsby) present an evocative trip through space and time, inviting visitors on a mission to help Doctor Who save reality as we know it. In Time Fracture you’re dropped into a world where actors in full character lead you through tasks to help stop a time bomb from going off and changing human destiny forever. Look out for Daleks and other cameos at this immersive event that’s brilliant for Doctor Who geeks and newbies alike. Recommended for ages 8+ (under 16s must be accompanied by adult). Fancy dress welcome. 12pm, 12.45pm, 1.30pm, 6pm, 6.45pm & 7pm (Tue, Thu & Fri), 6pm, 6.45pm & 7pm (Wed, Sat & Sun); tickets from £29.95 (extended to Sep 2022)

EASTER EGG HUNTS

Easter Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt at Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX (High Street Kensington tube)
Hunt for the Lindt GOLD BUNNY this Easter holidays at Kensington Palace, and along the way you’ll learn about the fascinating characters that have lived and worked on site. Pick up a trail map to explore and look for Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues. When you’ve finished, you’ll receive a Lindt GOLD BUNNY (10g)* reward (non-chocolate alternative available on request). Designed for ages 4-12 and their families. Please allow 1 hour to complete the trail. Included in admission fee. 10am-6pm (Apr 2-3, 6-10 & 13-17); adult £20/child £10/under 5s FREE – pre-booking advised (Apr 2-17)

National Trust Easter Egg Trails, multiple locations
Visit one of the National Trust venues around London to take part in their annual Easter egg hunts. In London, you can pop into Morden Hall Park (Apr 6-18), Ham House and Garden (Apr 2-18), Rainham Hall (Apr 7-9 & 14-18), Runnymede (Apr 15-18) or Osterley Park and House (Apr 14-18). Pick up an activity pack, complete nature-inspired activities and collect your chocolate gift. Booking ahead essential, available while supplies last. Various dates/times and prices – trails £3 plus regular admission fees (Apr 2-18)

English Heritage Easter Adventure Quests, multiple locations
Every year, the English Heritage sites are open for an Easter Adventure quest. Head to one of their 24 venues to explore their outdoor trails, look for hidden dragon eggs and bag a chocolate prize. English Heritage sites in London include Eltham Palace, Kenwood House in Hampstead and Chiswick House & Garden. Various dates/times and prices (Apr 2-24)

The Great Easter Hunt at Hackney Bridge, Hackney Bridge, East Bay Lane, #Units 1-28, E15 2SJ (Hackney Wick overground)
Hey bunnies. Hop down to Hackney Bridge over the Easter school holidays to assist the Easter Bunnies on a special trial. They’ve dropped their egg packages which are now scattered all over and they need your help to find them. Once you’ve collected all the eggs, stick around for a grazing picnic at the Hackney Bridge mezzanine — and there might be a special gift to say thanks for your help. 12pm; FREE (Apr 13)

Easter Bunny on a Steam Train at the Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar station CM5 9AB or North Weald station CM16 6BT (via Epping tube)
All aboard the heritage steam or diesel trains at Epping Ongar Railway over the Easter school holidays. Join Bertie the Easter Bunny for the longest egg hunt in Essex. Pick up a clue sheet and find as many numbered eggs as you can, then receive a treat for your efforts. From around 10am-around 5pm (see timetables online); adult £18/child £10/family of up to 2 adults and 3 kids £47/under 3s FREE (Apr 15-18)

Cartografie Easter Chocolate Treasure Hunt at Oxeye, in Embassy Gardens, 14 New Union Square, Nine Elms, SW11 7AX (Vauxhall rail)
The chocolate shop is hosting another outdoor Easter egg hunt for families. Scour the area around sister restaurant Oxeye and Embassy Gardens to find hidden egg posters which contain secret letters to make up a password. Once you’ve figured out the secret word, whisper it to a member of staff at Oxeye and claim your chocolate reward (all ticket holders who participate get a prize even if you don’t complete the word puzzle). Suitable for ages 3-10 and families. 11am-5pm; £20 (Apr 14-16)

Easter Bunny Basket Challenge at Islington Square, 116 Upper St, N1 1AB (Highbury & Islington tube/rail)
On Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny will make a (not so) rare appearance at Islington Square. Come with a carrot for the Easter Bunny a carrot, solve one of its riddles or take part in another fun challenge to win a prize from their Easter basket. Goodies include hot cross bun bars and life-sized chocolate eggs by Lucoca (while stocks last). 1pm-4pm; FREE (Apr 17)

NATURE AND OUTDOORS

Dear Zoo at London Zoo, London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
See one of the best loved picture books by Rod Campbell come to life at London Zoo this Easter holidays. Dear Zoo at London Zoo offers story time sessions, a Dear Zoo interactive hub, an activity trail, and a chance to immerse yourself in Campbell’s new book Look After Us, about looking after endangered animals. All ages welcome, included in regular zoo admission. 10am-5pm (closes 6pm); adult tickets range from £26.50 (super saver)-£35 (peak)/child £17.25 (super saver)-£23.10 (peak)/under 3s FREE (Apr 2-18)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Go on an activity trail of transformation around Kew Gardens, inspired by the best-selling picture book by Eric Carle. Wriggle your way through sculptures of fruits and a cosy chrysalis; eat up facts about nature, plant and insect life; enjoy the seasonal plants like tulips, magnolias, bluebells and blossom. 10am-5pm (closes 6pm); adult from £15/child 4-15yrs £5/family tickets from £23 (Apr 2-18)

Jurassic Encounter at Cassiobury Park, Park Ave, Watford WD17 3EX (Watford Junction rail)
Calling all dino fans and future palaeontologists. Jurassic Encounter whisks you back in time to an era before mankind, where you can walk with giants. It’s an interactive installation of 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods. Trek through grasslands and woodlands and look out for snaring, hissing and roaring creatures stalking the area. There’s also VR machines, street food and drink stalls, ride-on dinosaurs and a fossil excavation pit. Educational, interactive and fun for the whole fam. 10am-5pm; adult £15.54/child £13.40/family £13.40 each/babies 2 and under FREE (Apr 2-18)

Easter Duck Trail at WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes/Barnes Bridge rail, Hammersmith tube)
Try to ‘quack the case’ at WWT London this Easter holidays by picking up a trail card at admissions and hunting for yellow ducks. Look up and down and, of course, near the water for bright yellow ducks in hiding. Also look out for the many varieties of ducks in the wild, from Mandarin to whistling ducks. Kids and families can take part in pond dipping, catch an otter feed, try out the Wild Walk and have fun in the outdoor play areas. Suitable for 3+ years old, first come first-served for activities (included in admission price). Opening hours 9.30am-4.30pm; adult from £13.40/child from £8.13/family from £36.63/under 4s FREE (Apr 2-24)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Tower Bridge Cat and the Missing Button Book Launch at Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP (Tower Hill/London Bridge tube/rail, Tower Gateway DLR)
Visit the iconic tower on April 2 for the launch of a new family trail and the release of The Tower Bridge Cat and the Missing Button — the third book in the award-winning Tower Bridge Cat series by local author Tee Dobinson and illustrator Steve Cox. Launch day activities include book readings and signings, cat face-painting, meet characters from the books, special edition newspapers, balloons and stickers and special offers in the Tower Bridge shop. 10am-5pm; pre-booking essential – adult £10.60/child 5-15 £5.30/family £18/under 5s FREE (Apr 2)

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Head to Hogwarts over Easter holiday for the debut screening of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. The latest installation of the Fantastic Beasts series is filmed at the renowned home of the Harry Potter movies. See Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) entrust Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) assemble an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker to stop Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen). This special event includes a tour of the studio, complimentary green screen photo, hot meal and drink in Backlot cafe, movie drink and snack, introduction with Q&A by Pierre Bohanna, Head Prop Maker and movie screening. 3pm-11pm; from £149/£120 carer (Apr 8-11)

The Passion of Jesus, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS (Charing Cross tube)
It’s been virtual for the past couple of years but this Easter school holidays, it’s live again in Trafalgar Square. The Passion of Jesus is a reenactment of the Bible story that attracts thousands to central London on Good Friday. Follow Jesus and his disciples, through the crucifixion and resurrection in a memorable piece of street theatre that stars a cast of 100 (and donkey). Also playing at Guildford High St on Easter Saturday (12pm and 2.30pm). The event features huge screens and can be live streamed to your home or church. All ages welcome. 12pm & 3.15pm (90 minute show), FREE (Apr 15)

Le Jeune Kids Easter Egg Making Workshop at Omnom, Islington Square, 116 Upper St, N1 1AB (Highbury & Islington tube/rail)
It’s time to get handy with some Easter eggs over the Easter school holidays. Kids can decorate the cover and also see their delicious chocolate (and vegan) eggs crafted before their very eyes, then pick what treats they’d like to go inside. Hosted at OmNom by Covent Garden chocolatier Le Jeune. Ages 7-14. 10am-12pm; FREE (Apr 16)

Bob Marley One Love Experience, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube) 
This Easter school holidays is your last opportunity to catch the immersive Bob Marley experience at Saatchi Gallery. Trace Bob’s historic life story from Jamaica to becoming a household name across the world. It’s a vibrant mix of memorabilia, audio, photos and live footage. Look out for the One Love forest and the Soul Shakedown silent disco. All ages. 10am-6pm daily; £11-£91/under 9s FREE. (until Apr 18)

FUN AND GAMES

Zippo’s Circus, Blackheath, Shooters Hill Road, Lewisham SE3 0UA (Blackheath rail)
The popular circus is back at Blackheath for the Easter school holidays. Prepare to be dazzled by the motorbike stunts, trapeze artists, silly clowns and other performers. All ages welcome. 5pm & 7.30pm (Fri Apr 1), 12pm, 3pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 12pm & 4pm (Sun), 3pm & 7pm (Tue-Fri); adult from £18.50-£30.50/child age 2-14 from £14.50-£24.50/under 2s FREE on parent/carer’s lap (Mar 31-Apr 18)

Easter at KidZania London, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GQ (Shepherd’s Bush/Wood Lane tube)
Enjoy an egg-cellent time at the indoor city built for kids over Easter school holidays. Kids can role play as weather presenters in the TV studio, or as fashion designers putting together their springtime catalogues. Or what about being a courier trying to deliver Easter treats in time? There’s also an Easter Egg trail and a chance to earn extra kids for finding hidden objects. Ages 4-14. 10am-7pm; child from £27/adult from £16 (Apr 2-18)

Flying Fantastic Easter Aerial Camps at Peckham, Bankside and Wimbledon venues
Let it all hang out at a Flying Fantastic workshop this Easter school holidays. Kids can learn aerial silks, slings, hoop, trapeze, a bit of juggling and hula hooping. Book for a 6 hour workshop in Bankside (Apr 8, 10am-4pm, £90) or Wimbledon (Apr 7 & 8, 9.30am-12.30pm, £90 per day) or a 2 day aerial festival in Peckham (Apr 4-5, 10am-4pm, £180). All abilities and no previous experience necessary. Enquiries to amy@flyingfantastic.co.uk. (Apr 4-9)

Now Play This at Somerset House, The Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail, Covent Garden tube)
London’s leading festival of experimental game design returns to Somerset House. It’s a showcase of interactive and playful work as part of the London Games Festival. This Easter holiday, Now Play This looks at the relationship between game design and democracy. Talks, exhibitions and game play all part of the mix for adults and families. 1pm-8pm; adult £9/child & concs £6.50/family £25 (Apr 8-10)

THEATRE FOR YOUNGER KIDS

Wild at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
HOT TICKET: Enter the forest with Wild, her native home where she learns to eat, speak and play from the bears, birds and foxes. Until one day, some new creatures who look like her arrive and want to take Wild away. But is she ready to leave the wilderness for good? Atmospheric sound, movement and puppetry bring Emily Hughes’ picture book to life. For ages 2-6. Various shows from 10.30am; adult £18/child £12 (until Apr 17)

Oh No, George! at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
In the kitchen, something is calling George’s name. It’s cake! He wants to be good but boy, does he LOVE cake. What will George do? Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, George is a playful tale of a dog trying to resist temptation. The show blends acrobatics, slapstick comedy, live music and Sign Supported English. For ages 3+. 11am & 2pm; £12.95 (Apr 5-7)

The Gruffalo at Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney overground)
The hugely popular show based on the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler comes to Hackney Empire this Easter holidays. Follow Mouse into the deep dark woods and find out if it’s true what they say about the creature called the Gruffalo. Songs, storytelling and laughs for ages 3+ (babes in arms welcome). 4.30pm (Wed), 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm (Thu), 10.30am & 1.30pm (Fri); £12-£16/babes under 12 months FREE (Apr 6-8)

Jeddy Bear and Gary’s Picnic at Museum of Comedy, The Undercroft, St Georges Church, Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2SR (Tottenham Court Rd/Holborn tube)
If you go down to the Museum Of Comedy today, you’re in for a big surprise! Fresh from Hull, award-nominated comedy duo Jed and Gary are in London to tell you a story, when a naughty bear storms the stage! Expect music, dancing, mayhem and pie facing madness… with plenty of audience participation. Don’t forget your dancing shoes and teddy bear! All ages welcome. 12.30pm; £8.50 (Apr 10)

Family Weekend: Underwater & The Lost Happy Endings at Sadler’s Wells (& Lilian Baylis Studio), Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Go under the sea in a multi-sensory dance show for babies ages 0-24 months and their grown ups. A ballerina wakes up in the ocean and encounters a new friend in a world of blue lights and bubbles in Underwater (various shows at 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm; from £2). Also showing is balletLORENT’s The Lost Happy Endings, a fairytale adventure in which Happy Endings are stolen by a witch and it’s up to one magical girl to save our bedtime stories. Best for ages 3+ (11am & 3pm, from £16). Family Weekend also includes a dance workshop for kids, separate booking required. (Apr 15-16)

Handa’s Surprise at Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington/Angel tube)
Follow Handa on her visit to neighbouring village to meet her buddy Akeyo. Along the way, 7 naughty animals keep dipping their hands in the gift she’s packed as a surprise. Based on the picture book, this show features live music and puppetry for ages 2-5 and families. Various times (check availability); adult £13.50/child £11.50/under 1s FREE on carers’ lap (until Apr 16)

How to Hide A Lion at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Based on the picture book by Helen Stephens, this delightful production features music by singer-songwriter Barb Jungr. Join Iris on a quest to help her lion buddy find places to hide after he’s chased out of town. Songs, humour and puppetry for ages 3 to 6 and families. Various show times: this weekend at 10.30am (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); from £10/babe in arms £1 (until Apr 24)

THEATRE FOR BIG KIDS AND FAMILIES

Dear Evan Hansen at Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AU (Leicester Square tube/Charing Cross tube/rail). 
When a letter gets in the wrong hands, a socially awkward high schooler finds himself in a web of secrets and lies. Will he come clean and risk losing everything he’s ever wanted? Dear Evan Hansen is a powerful study of boyhood, grief and the pressures of fitting in, told through rousing music from the team behind La La Land.Suitable for ages 12+. Shows at 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £52.50-£152.50 (eve) or £35-£127.50 (matinees) (ongoing)

Sea Girl by Carbon Theatre (online)
Join in this online choose-your-own-adventure story following a sailing trip around the world. Help Ellen, Naomi and their feline friend Tarzoon choose whether to meet turtles, tail some dolphins or discover the Caribbean. The interactive, multi-sensory show is inspired by Laura Dekker, the youngest person to solo travel the world in a sailing boat at just 14 years old. Ages 5-8. Performance is accessible to those with disabilities and special educational needs. 9am-10.30pm; FREE (Mar 31-Apr 30)

Plastic Drastic Fantastic at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Is plastic friend or foe? Useful or rubbish? Akademi dance explores our complex relationship with all things plastic – from the molecular to the planetary. Drasing on stories and ideas for kids and young people, Akademi uses the medium of South Asian dance, play and interaction to create a thought-provoking show for our time. Adapted cushions, which pulsate the beat of the music, will be available for customers who have a hearing impairment. (15 available per performance).Ages 7+. Various showings at 11.30am & 2.30pm; from £9 (Apr 6-May 8)

The Circus Sonas Family Show, Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
All the way from Northern Ireland, Martin and Logy are a papa and son double act with a difference.  Catch circus stunts to make you wow and gasp, with juggling, cheering, shouting and lots of laughing led by two of the best beards in the biz. For ages 5+. 12pm & 3pm; from £10.95 (Apr 10)

Gulliver’s Travels, Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Encounter a race of minuscule men, a country of giants, and other marvels with Gulliver and his other-worldly adventures. A quirky take on Jonathan Swift’s satire with table-top sets, projection and other devices used to explore themes of escape, belonging and home. Ages 7+. Various shows between 1pm-7pm; adult £12 (previews) & 14/child £10 and £8 (until Apr 17)

MUSEUMS AND WORKSHOPS

Francis Bacon: Man and Beast at Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Easter school holidays is your last chance to catch this groundbreaking exhibition, honing in on the blurred lines between man and beast. Get up close with the dramatic and often monstrous paintings of one Britain’s most renowned artists. Best for older kids and adults (PG for some intense content). 10am-6pm (Sat-Thu), 10am-10pm (Fri); £22-£24.50, advance booking recommended (until Apr 17)

Lost and Found at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza (south east corner), WC2E 7BB (Covent Garden tube)
Enter the weird and wonderful world of London Transport’s Lost Property Office, first opened in 1933. Since then, it’s become home to more than 15 million objects, from everyday items to random belongings including a skeleton, prosthetic limbs and a grandfather clock! Visitors can follow the trail around the museum’s galleries to learn fun facts about these objects. On select dates, children’s authors Emily Rand (Apr 4-6, 11am-3.30pm, ages 4-7) and Kate Wilkinson (Apr 9-12, 11am-3.30pm, ages 7-12) will read from books inspired by these lost mementos. There’s also a SEND Early Explorer morning with quieter access and a chance to hear Kate Wilkinson (Apr 9, 8.30am-10am, advanced booking for limited places). Open 10am-6pm; included in museum admission – adult annual pass £18.50/child 17 and under FREE (Apr 2-18)

Postal Museum: Easter 2022, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Ride on the Mail Rail this Easter school holidays. As part of the Postal Museum’s Easter activities, families can journey along the unique underground route, as well as explore a range of interactive exhibits. amongst other activities. These include Poco the Post Code Elephant trail and the Marvellous Maps arts and crafts workshop. Keep little hands busy in the Sorted! play space (for ages 8 and under). Some activities best for ages 5-8 but welcome to all. Varying times between 10am-5pm; adult from £16/child ages 3-15 from £9/child museum entry with Sorted! from £11/Sorted! entry £4/under 3s FREE (Apr 2-18)

UNIQLO Tate Play: Make Studio Celebrate at Tate Modern (Clore Hub), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Tate Modern’s Surrealism Without Borders exhibition forms the inspiration for this family day of crafting. Make a montage based on someone or something special in your everyday life and you can take it home, or put it on show at the museum. Make Studios are drop-in workshops for families can enjoy fun, hands-on experiences to spark their creativity. On Wednesdays, there’s a sensory play area for under 5s with projection, sound and shadows. Select dates for families with kids under 5 (Weds, 10am-3pm) and open to all ages (Sats-Suns, 10am-6pm); FREE with booked ticket (until May 15)

Cats and Dogs at Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Get a glimpse into the hidden lives of your favourite furry friend at this landmark show. Cats and Dogs paws away at the habits and quirks of Britain’s 10.5 million cats and 12.5 million dogs. Learn more about their scientific and cultural roles on an immersive trip through a day in the life of a kitty or a pup. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £8.50/child from £4.50/family from £15/under 3s FREE (until Oct 30)

We also like
Visit the V&A to see their family friendly exhibition Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature (ongoing); over at Shakespeare’s Glob, their Telling Tales festival shares performances and workshops on some of Shakespeare’s biggest plays for ages 0-12+ (until Apr 16); enjoy a holiday forest school and a spring egg hunt at Walthamstow Wetlands over the Easter school holidays (Apr 2-18); kids ages 8+ can shoot down the world’s longest tunnel slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (daily); or if the weather’s awkward, pack the babes off to Clip ’n’ Climb in Chelsea; Oxygen Freejumping in Acton; Flip Out Trampoline Park in Brent Cross, Barking or Wandsworth; or the Sobell Centre Trampoline Park (advanced booking essential).

**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**