Welcome to springtime… or not? The weather’s a bit choppy but Easter holidays are here anyway and you’ll find a bunch of London Easter family fun activities for all ages in my school holiday guide. Easter egg hunts, kid-friendly exhibitions, family friendly theatre, outdoor experiences, and baby-friendly daytime parties. Enjoy!
London Easter Family Fun: Egg Hunts, Shows, Raves and More!
BABES CHOICE
Star Trek at 60 at Science Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Science Museum celebrates 60 years of Star Trek with film screenings and events, a trail of treasured objects from the TV series and movies, and a pop-up shop. Boldly go. All ages. Various times, film screenings priced separately, events and activities are FREE (Mar 26-Sep 8)
Alice in Wonderland at Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9BN (Hammersmith tube/rail/overground)
As she shrinks and grows in a topsy turvy world, will Alice find help from a grinning cat, a cheeky pair of twins, or the Queen herself… or will she lose her head? Extraordinary puppets and dazzling stagecraft help bring Lewis Carroll’s classic to life. Ages 5+. 12pm & 3pm (Thu-Sun & Easter Mon); from £27/£20 discount for 4 family tickets (Mar 27-Apr 12)
Fairy Tales at The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail, King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Immerse yourself in the imaginary worlds of fairy tale characters through literature, costumes, art, puppetry and illustrations. Find out how these enchanting stories have changed across cultures and generations. And please don’t wake the troll! From 9.30am daily; tickets tba (Mar 27-Aug 23)
The Boy at the Back of the Class at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
New student Ahmet arrives from a war-torn country. After learning his story, his classmates decide to help him reunite with his family. The Olivier Award nominated show (based on the best-selling book by Onjali Rauf) highlights friendship, courage, and what we call home. Ages 7+. 12pm & 5pm (Tue-Wed), 1pm & 6pm (Thu-Fri), 11.30am & 4pm (Sat-Sun) ; £16 + £3.50 fee/limited concs 25% off (Apr 7-12)
More Spring Family Fun picks at Southbank Centre: The Koala Who Could on stage for ages 3+ (Apr 1-5) and Simmer Down: Good Friday Special family dance party for all ages (Apr 3)
Diversity: Soul at London Palladium, Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF (Oxford Circus tube)
The Britain’s Got Talent famed dance crew is known for powerful routines with a strong message. Soul takes on artificial intelligence, exploring the boundaries between humanity and machine technology. Ages 4+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.45pm (Thu-Sat) & 2.30pm (Sat); from £36 (Apr 9-11)
SPECIAL EVENTS
How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Hit the dance floor for an uplifting afternoon with sounds from The Supremes, The Kinks, Pixies and other classic rock, soul, indie and pop. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm; adult £6 (15 plus), child £2 (14 and under) (Mar 29)
Fly-Kid Family Raves at SetList, Somerset House (Charing Cross tube/rail) and Pop Brixton (Brixton tube)
Party with your kids and the Supa Dupa Fly crew spinning ‘80s pop classics for Pop-Kid at SetList in Somerset House (Mar 29). Then get your hip hop, R&B and pop fix at the Fly-Kid rave at Pop Brixton (Apr 12). Enjoy fancy dress, DJs, free face painting, glow sticks, props, dance prizes and a pop-in from Peter Rabbit (or another furry friend) with treats! Open to families with kids and babies of all ages. 12pm-3pm (Mar 29 at Setlist) and 11am-3pm (Nov 2); adult from £12/child from £7/family from £29.90/babies under 1 FREE (Mar 29 & Apr 12)
The Passion of Jesus, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS (Charing Cross tube)
Good Friday brings the masses to watch the Easter story following Jesus through crucifixion and resurrection. It will be packed but you can watch on big screens or live streamed on Facebook. All ages welcome. 12pm & 3.15pm (90 minute show), FREE (Apr 3)
Easter Family Disco at Big Penny Social, Priestley Way, E17 6AL (Blackhorse Rd overground)
Boogie down with your babes and resident party starters Ray & CiCi. Kids (and grownups) can dress up and dance to a popular playlist while having fun with bubbles, interactive games, prizes and singalongs. If you fancy lunch, you’d better book ahead. All ages. 2.30pm-4pm; £7/under 3s FREE (Apr 5)
The Jolly Djembe Club at Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9BN (Hammersmith tube/rail/overground)
Discover African rhythms with Mangotree Kids in a Jolly Djembe drumming session. Kids can learn new songs, beats and techniques, and an interactive story about saving endangered mangoes before rainy season. 10.30am; adult £15/child £12 (Apr 11)
Ideal Home Show at Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia tube)
What makes a house a home? Get insider tips at this annual event with expert talks and celebrity guests, workshops, book signings, kitchen and interiors, food and drink, and gardening insights. 10am-5pm daily; weekday adult from £14 adv (£20 door)/weekend adult from £16 adv (£22 door)/child 15 and under FREE but requires ticket/VIP and concs tickets on offer too (Apr 10-19)
EASTER EGGS, BIRDS AND BONNETS
Spitalfields Bonnet Parade at Old Spitalfields Market (entrance between 61 & 65 Brushfield St), E1 6AA (Liverpool St tube/rail)
Make an Easter bonnet at a free craft table, or support market muse Mei Hui who will have her own hats and accessories for you to parade. Prizes for Best Bonnet, Most Imaginative, Best Walk, Best Kids Bonnet and Best Dressed Pet! Also Kids Eat Free at Spitalfields Market throughout Easter. All ages. 11am-2pm; FREE entry (Mar 28)
Easter Fun at Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS (Vauxhall rail/tube)
Trawl through the garden to find hidden eggs and clues to swap for a chocolate egg in the cafe. Other activities (separate fees) include bonnet making, cuddle corner, seed sowing, kids film club and a science session. 10:30am–4pm (Tue-Sun); from £9 (Mar 28-Apr 12)
London Zoo Egg Hunt, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Hunt for 6 giant eggs hidden around the zoo and find a Golden egg at the end of the trail. There’s more zoo-normous fun with crafting, prizes, and of course animals to see. Best for ages 3+. 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm until Sep 1); adult entry tickets from £27.70 (online/off peak)-£40 (at gate/weekend/peak)/child £24.10 (online/off peak)-£8(at gate/weekend/peak)/under 3s FREE (Mar 28-Apr 12)
Free Easter Egg Hunt at Merchant Square (start at gazebo by Fountain Maze, between No. 5 Merchant Sq & Lockhouse), W2 1AJ (Paddington tube/rail, Edgware Rd tube)
The annual egg hunt sees the bunnies at Burrow HQ needing urgent assistance. Help them find missing eggs, crack codes, and earn a well-deserved chocolate treat. Best for ages 4-12, all ages welcome. 11am-3.30pm; FREE (Apr 2)
Easter Eggstravaganza on the Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar station CM5 9AB or North Weald station CM16 6BT (via Epping tube)
The Hogwarts Express steam locomotive 6989 Wightwick Hall will be operating all trains this Easter! Hop on and off the steam and diesel trains to track hidden eggs and say hi to the Easter Bunny along the way. From around 10am-around 5pm (see daily timetables online); adult £17.50/child £12/family of up to 2 adults and 3 kids £57/under 3s FREE (Apr 3-6)
FAMILY THEATRE
Your Toys at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Barbie, Buzz Lightyear, or that stray Lego piece are all invited in a show where every character is one of your own toys! Kids (and grownups) can bring along a toy to loan for the show – don’t worry, you’ll get it back! Ages 5-9. 10.30am & 1.30pm; from £15.50 (Mar 22-Apr 12)
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Michael Rosen’s best-selling picture book is adapted by Little Angel Theatre’s puppeteers. Follow the family as they run, wade, squelch and stumble through the forest… but what will they find? Directed by Peter Glanville with music and lyrics by Barb Jungr. Ages 3-7. 10.30am; from £10 + £2.50 booking fee (Mar 25-Apr 12)
Family Theatre at Arts Depot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
The North London venue hosts 4 cracking shows over Easter holidays: Sisters 360, a brilliant story based on real life hijabi skateboarding sisters (Mar 31, ages 8-12, from £13.75); mystery and magic in Holmes and Watson and the Curious Case of the Masked Magician (Apr 1, ages 5+, from £13.75); Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live, a roar-some adventure for ages 3+ (Apr 2, from £15); and the ever popular The Gruffalo’s Child (Apr 3-9, ages 3+, from £15). Various times and prices. (Mar 31-Apr 9)
Boy Blue: Cycles at Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH (Chalk Farm tube)
A Barbican Centre hit, the Olivier award-winning hip hop dance theatre company presents 9 incredible dancers in fluid, non-stop motion set to a live band. Boy Blue has thrilled audiences from New York to Taiwan. Part of Roundhouse Three Sixty festival. Ages 12+. 3pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 6pm (Sun); £5-£40.03 (Apr 11-12)
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/overground)
In a Harlem hair salon, West African braiders trade stories and secrets. London welcomes another Tony Award winning show from writer-director duo Jocelyn Bioh and Monique Touko (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play). Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & select matinees 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £10 (until Apr 25)
MUSEUMS AND WORKSHOPS
Astronomers Take Over at National Maritime Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
Space explorers, prepare for lift-off! This multi-zone, interactive experience offers a chance to meet real life astronomers, try landing a Mars rover, and learn about the wonders of the universe. 10am-5pm; £8 (experience only) or £16 (experience + planetarium entry)/members 25% off (opens Mar 27)
UNIQLO Tate Play Linda Bell: Loop. Swing. Shake. Remake at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Have a go at looping, swinging, shaking and remaking everyday objects and materials, inspired by Linda Bell’s large colourful sculptures. Watch how Linda creates and animates her work and do your best to transform them with your body too. All ages. 10.30am-6pm daily (last entry 5.15pm), Relaxed Sessions on Mar 31 & Apr 7 at 10.30am-11.30am: FREE (Mar 28-Apr 12)
Holiday Fun at V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
Holiday activities at this wonderful museum include drop-in workshops on Mar 30 (Design Baby, Wiggly Weaving, Toy Lab), a Meet the Artist session (Apr 1), and pop-up performances of Anansi and the Lost Sun (Mar 30-31) and Build a Story (Apr 1-2). Various timings and ages; all FREE (Mar 30-Apr 2)
Easter with The Jolly Postman at Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Celebrate 40 years of The Jolly Postman picture book in an interactive exhibition (running until Jan 2027). Make your own mini story envelope, follow a family trail, and become a jolly postie in the Sorted! play space (ages 8 and under, separate fee). You can even ride the underground Mail Rail (all ages). Opening hours: 10am-5pm; adult from £18.50/child ages 2-15 from £11/under 2s FREE (Mar 30-Apr 10)
Hetty Feather Day at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
Meet author Dame Jacqueline Wilson for a talk and book signing. Hurry as tickets for this annual event sell out fast, but even if you miss out, you can still take part in a creative workshop. 11am-4pm (talk at 11am, signing at 12pm, drop-in art workshop at 12.30pm-3.30pm); from adult £11.38/child £13.51/workshop only FREE (Apr 11)
NATURE AND OUTDOORS
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail at Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, London N17 9NH (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
This sprawling nature reserve offers everything from angling to birdwatching to a viewing platform at the Grade II-listed Coppermill Tower. Over the Easter break, little ones will love the Very Hungry Caterpillar trail with illustrated animals and a colouring booklet to fill in. All ages. 9.30am-4pm (Oct-Mar) & 9.30am-5pm (Apr-Sep) – last entry 15 minutes before closing (weekdays) or 30 minutes before closing (weekends and Bank Holidays); FREE entry (Mar 21-Jun 30/ongoing)
Easter at WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube and overground)
Holiday fun at the centre starts with Gozzle the gosling, freshly hatched from Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s new picture book. Follow the Gozzle trail, then take part in a Gozzle vet check (10.30am & 1.30pm) and Gozzle storytelling (1pm). There’s also pond dipping, mini beast hunt, daily otter talks, and a free Quiet and Calm pond dipping for families with different sensory needs. Daily from 10.30am; included in admission: adult from £17.95/child 3-15 from £11.65/family from £50.40/under 3s FREE (Mar 28-Apr 12)
Octonauts Above and Beyond at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Join the Octonauts and help find honeybees, build them a new hive, and direct them home. Educational family trail for ages 3-6. 10am-4pm daily (11am on Mar 29); included in regular admission: adult tickets from £16-£27 (£10-£11 after 4pm)/child 4-15yrs from £5-£9/family tickets from £23-£63/under 4s FREE (Apr 5-21)
Horniman Museum Spring Fair, Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Bring the whole brood along for a traditional fete with garden games, street food and circus skills, bouncy castle and face painting, family craft corner, Smallympics, and music on the bandstand. All ages. 11am-4pm; £6/under 2s FREE (Apr 11)
MORE LONDON EASTER FAMILY FUN LISTINGS
- Hop into Easter Fun at The Paddington Bear Experience at Riverside Building, SE1 (Mar 26-Apr 12)
- The Elephant Trail at Battersea Power Station (Mar 26-Apr 26)
- The Coming of Age exhibition at Wellcome Collection, NW1 (Mar 26-Nov 29)
- Choir Boy at Stratford East age 14+ (Mar 26-Apr 25)
- Family Fun Day: Spectacular Space! at Royal Institution, W1 (Mar 28)
- The Cat in the Hat at Greenwich Theatre, SE10 (Mar 28-29)
- Buckingham Palace Easter Egg Expedition, SW1 (Mar 28-Apr 19)
- James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks at Museum of Comedy (Mar 28-29)
- Black History Bus Tour, from Brixton across London (Mar 29)
- Family Wildlife Drawing Easter Special at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (Mar 29)
- The Magic Faraway Tree screening + Q&A (U) at BFI Southbank, SE1 (Apr 1)
- Easter Family Fun: Boat Race, Roller Disco, Films & More at Fulham Pier (Apr 1-12)
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest for ages 14+ at the Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 (Apr 1-May 23)
- Easter Trashformers Workshops at Museum of Brands, W11 (Apr 2 & 7)
- Unboxing the Universe at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (from Apr 3)
- Sharky & George Easter Mini Disco at Sea Containers London, SE1 (Apr 4)
- Easter Family Trail (treats for the first 100 kids) at Waterlow Park, N6 (Apr 5)
- Ice Age Adventure Live at Watford Palace Theatre, WD17 (Apr 9)
- London Soundtrack Festival (Apr 9-12)
- Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace (Apr 10-Oct 18)
- Ideal Home Show at Olympia London (Apr 10-19)
- Deep Azure at The Globe (until Apr 11)
- Funday: Zootropolis 2 (PG) at BFI Southbank, SE1 (Apr 12)
- Family Workshop for Children with SEND at Royal Academy, W1 (Apr 12)
- Easter Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt at Hampton Court Palace (until Apr 12)
- Easter Egg Hunts at National Trust properties around London and UK (until Apr 12)
- Easter Adventure Quests at English Heritage sites around London and UK (until Apr 19)
- World’s Greatest Lover: The Musical at The Other Palace (Apr 12-Jun 7)
- Summit: Ally Pally’s Rooftop Adventure at Alexandra Palace (ongoing)
**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!**
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