You may have already started to notice the first signs of spring this year. The evenings are slowly drawing out, and the sun is making more frequent appearances.
As such, this might be the perfect time to embrace the new season by planning some memorable family activities.
Easter is fast approaching, too, making this an ideal opportunity to organise fun days out for your family, keeping them entertained while spending more time in the brighter weather.
If you’re based in or around the north-west, then you’re in luck, as there are many family-friendly events within easy reach of Manchester this Easter. So, read on to discover five of these exciting days out.
1. Bunny Hop, Knutsford
“Bunny Hop” in Knutsford is a charming Easter tradition that occurs every year. The trail invites you and your younger loved ones to search for hidden bunnies scattered through the town centre.
Each rabbit has a letter attached to it, and your goal is to collect them all, piece together the secret word, and then post your entry into a dedicated post box for the chance to win an exciting prize.
Running on Easter Saturday, 19 April, from 10 am to 2 pm, the event will also host plenty of other activities at Market Hall on Silk Street.
This will include games and competitions, and if your family enjoys dressing up, this year’s Willy Wonka theme could be the perfect excuse to don your favourite Wonka or Oompa Loompa costumes. You may even be in for the chance to win a prize if your costumes are especially impressive!
2. Garden Adventure, RHS Garden Bridgewater
If you’re searching for a peaceful yet engaging day out, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Bridgewater hosts its “Garden Adventure” between 15 February and the end of 2025.
This year, the RHS has partnered with Walker Books to bring the beloved children’s story, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, to life.
The heartwarming book tells the story of a parent’s love for their child through stunning words and watercolour illustrations of friendly rabbits. During the event at RHS Garden Bridgewater, you can follow a trail through the breathtaking grounds and learn about all things nature.
It could be the perfect place to teach your younger loved ones about the changing seasons, keeping them mentally engaged and entertained all the while.
Aside from the story-themed event, there are plenty of other hands-on activities to keep you and the family occupied, ranging from crafting to planting and even dance sessions.
3. Easter Adventure Quest, Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Yet another Easter-themed day out, but this time with a bit of history mixed in, the Easter Adventure Quest at Beeston Castle and Woodland Park is as exciting as it sounds.
Running from Saturday 5 April to Sunday 27 April 2025, the event transforms the stunning castle grounds into an Easter hunt.
As you explore the ruins of the medieval castle, you and your family will be able to track down hidden clues, take on challenges, and locate eggs. When you’ve finished, your children will be awarded a certificate, which could make for the perfect reminder of the day out. They will, of course, also earn plenty of chocolate!
The castle itself – which is perched above the rolling Cheshire countryside – is also well worth a visit at the best of times, as it offers panoramic views of the area.
This, combined with the egg-rolling contests and egg and spoon races during Easter, could make for the ideal visit.
4. The Really Wild Egg Trail, Chester Zoo
If you and your loved ones are fans of animals, a trip to Chester Zoo during Easter is a must. From Friday 4 April to Sunday 27 April, the zoo will host the exciting Really Wild Egg Trail, which combines wildlife with seasonal fun.
The trail will send your children on an adventure to find giant eggs hidden across the zoo, each beautifully decorated with the patterns of East African animals.
As they spot each egg, they will also learn some fun facts about the animals on display that inspired the designs.
Better yet, the trail is free with admission to the zoo, and those who manage to identify all of the patterns successfully will be rewarded with a sweet treat from the gift shop.
With so many exotic animals to see along the way – including Asian elephants, capybaras, and snow leopards – this could be the ideal day to create lasting memories.
5. Easter Spring Fling, Cockfields Farm
For another chance to see some animals this Easter, but with a slightly more hands-on approach, Cockfields Farm’s Easter Spring Fling – which is running from Saturday 5 April to Monday 21 April 2025 – could be what you’re searching for.
There will be plenty of fun traditional Easter events, including an egg hunt. Though, what makes the event even more special is the more interactive activities on offer.
You have the chance to book a bottle-feeding session with some lambs or even take a walking tour with the farm’s friendly alpacas.
Or, for something a bit more action packed, you could see the farm from a new perspective during a tractor ride around the site or witness the exciting pig race.
Younger children will also have the opportunity to get up close with smaller animals, such as the playful meerkats.