Easter holidays activities for kids in London

What is it? Over 100 giant Easter eggs – decorated by everyone from Mr Doodle to Fortnum and Mason – have been scattered throughout the city for The Big Egg Hunt 2025, where they’ll remain March 24 until April 27. 

Where is it? Throughout London.

How much is it? It’s free.

Why go? Because it’s a little more than just a case of idly saying ‘oh, nice egg’. Staged by wildlife charity Elephant Family – which will auction the eggs off at the end – serious egg hunters (or their parents) can download an app from March 24 that will enable them to tick each egg off as they see it, with prizes apparently available to those who rack up large numbers of spottings.

What is it? Easter equals chocolate. So says the Bible. Many London tourist attractions will pep up their offering with an in house Easter egg trail, which generally involves spotting various clues in exchange for an ovular choclatey treat at the end.

Where is it? Do check in advance, but a lot of London tourists attractions offer an egg trail, from London Zoo to Hampton Court Palace, plus every National Trust property.

How much is it? It varies from free with admission to a small fee tyhat basically pays for the egg.

Why go? Why wouldn’t you? Your favouite attractions plus seasonally appropriate chocolate.

What is it? Launching on April 5, the newest film to join the repertoire at the Science Museum IMAX is the pithily entitled T.Rex, which follows the life of one of the deadly dinosaur predators from hatchling to teenager years to dangerous old age.

Where is it? Science Museum.

How much is it? £12.

Why go? In case you hadn’t noticed, kids absolutely love dinosaurs, T-rex in particular, so watching an orginal 45 minute documentary with metciulous research and spectacular visuals is kind of a no brainer. It costs a bit but the Science Museum is free entry.

What is it? The National Maritime Museum is putting on a huge exhibition unearthing the truth behind the infamous swashbuckling sailors. Pirates will trace the changing depictions of pirates through the ages and reveal what the brutal reality of pirate life was like behind the mythologised fictionalised accounts we’ve all grown up with.

Where is it? National Maritime Museum. 

Why go? Who doesn’t love a pirate? Kids of all ages should find something to enjoy in an exhibition that both soberly considers the reality of life on the high seas, and also explore piracy in popular culture – from comical characters like Captain Pugwash and Captain Hook to anti-heroes like Long John Silver and Captain Jack Sparrow. You’re in for a buccaneering time, me’hearties. 

What is it? The beloved London Wetland Centre in Barnes has a pretty tasty Easter holiday theme – it’s teamed up with the legendary Aardman Studios for an augmented reality trail based on its new TV series Lloyd of the Flies.

Where is it? London Wetland Centre.

How much is it? The trail is free with entry, which is around £50 for family ticket.

Why go? The London Wetland Centre is pretty cool already, but if you’d been putting off making that journey to Barnes then now is the perfect time to go: Aardman are awesome and having the excuse to look at a phone (the AR bits are done via an app) generally cheers most kids up if it’s all too much nature for them.

What is it? Kew Gardens has a nice line in using its clout to team up with sundry beloved children’s character. And who could be more appropriate for a Kew colab than vegetable superhero Supertato – enjoy themed activities and dressing up.

Where is it? Kew Gardens.

How much is it? Free with entry – a family ticket is £32-£53.

Why go? Frankly, your child should still want to go to Kew even if the featured book was Das Kapital. But the Supertato business is a nice bit of added fun, and heaven knows children love the books.

What is it? The RSC’s blockbuster Studio Ghibli adaptation has finally transferred to the West End after two limited season at the Barbican.

Where is it? Gillian Lynne Theatre.

How much is it? £29.50-£160.

Why go? The most hyped theatre show of 2022 and 2023, Totoro finally gets that West End transfer it’s been crying out for since it debuted (which means tickets should be a bit easier to get hold of). You should go because it’s a pure delight, with the most sensational puppets in the business.