With spring in the air and Easter fast approaching, you may be considering ways to keep the family entertained without overspending during the two-week school break.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of egg-citing activities and outings in the north-west to suit every budget and weather condition.
Here are five fun events to help your family hatch a plan and enjoy a memorable Easter together.
1. Who Framed the Easter Bunny?
Where: RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ
When: Friday 27 March to Sunday 19 April from 10 am to 6 pm
Cost: £3 for the Easter detective activity pack.
Can you crack the case and discover who took all the Easter eggs?
Equipped with a detective pack, you will have the chance to uncover who committed the crime. Your reward: a chocolate prize at the end of the trail.
As the kids take on the mystery, adults can enjoy a scenic trail through the spring gardens, taking in the seasonal blooms.
2. Miffy welcomes spring in the park
Where: Tatton Park National Trust, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN
When: Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April (see website for opening times)
Cost: The park is National Trust-owned, so entry is free for members, but parking charges apply to all visitors.
Hop, skip, and spring into Easter with Miffy at Tatton Park.
Families can explore the gardens for springtime surprises, play games, and participate in a scavenger hunt, as well as explore the mansion for special Easter treasures.
Celebrate cheeping chicks and leaping lambs as the new arrivals join Miffy and her special farmyard friends.
3. Giant egg trail at Chester Zoo
Where: Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1EU
When: Monday 23 March to Tuesday 14 April, 10 am to 4.30 pm
Cost: Admission to the giant Easter egg hunt is included with the price of standard zoo entry.
Five giant eggs lie waiting to be discovered by intrepid egg-splorers at Chester’s zoological gardens. Each of the eggs has been painted with patterns of African animals, and a sweet treat can be found at the zoo’s gift shop when you complete the challenge.
4. BeWILDerwood Easter Bunny Adventure
Where: Bickley Moss, Whitchurch, Shrewsbury SY14 8ER
When: Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: See website, as annual membership is available.
Cedric the Easter Bunny is hunting for helpers to catch the “Pesky Bunnies” who have been causing trouble in the park. Choose your team, start exploring the trail, and enjoy a day filled with magical outdoor play.
BeWILDerwood will also be hosting an interactive stage show, and if you fancy a boogie, be sure to head to the mini disco.
5. Magical Malpas PYO Farm
Where: Agen, Malpas, Cheshire SY13 4RB
When: Friday 3 April, Sunday 5 April, and Monday 6 April
Cost (for Easter event): Children £10, Adults £5.
If the weather is a little gloomy and you like to have an indoor option up your sleeve, Magical Malpas PYO Farm might be just the place for you.
Inside a large barn, you’ll find an indoor play village with more than 21 play areas, including a hospital, construction site, supermarket, garden centre, post office, campsite, museum, café, beach, stage, and more.
There are two sessions per day at 10 am and 2 pm, but numbers are limited.
When you’ve finished role-playing, try egg hunting and visit the Easter Bunny Grotto.
And if you still have the energy left and favour your furry friends, don’t forget to visit the donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and cats on the farm.
From outdoor adventures and detective trails to giant egg hunts and imaginative indoor play, the north-west has something for every age and budget to help you create some memorable moments this Easter.