Easter holidays activities for kids in London

Be among the first to check out ZSL’s Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians, its brand-new exhibit which opens this Easter holidays. 

If you haven't taken the kids to Wimbledon's Polka Theatre yet, this Easter is a golden-yolked opportunity. As well as two kids shows (‘Three Billy Goats Gruff’ for little ones, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for 9-12 year olds) there are tons of special events over the holidays. These include ‘Hop Lola Hop Storytime’, an interactive sesh for under-fours, as well as full-day workshops where older kids can learn mask-making, rapping, or how to make their own mini-musical. 

Nurture your kids' green fingers (or at least discourage them from trampling your precious blooms) by taking them to this botanical-themed Easter trail (Mar 29-Apr 1). For £5 per head (on top of normal garden admission), you'll get a map that leads you round Chelsea Physic Garden, learning plant-themed facts and earning a choccy treat at the end. 

Take your cheeky monkeys on a wild adventure this Easter, courtesy of London Zoo's Zoonormous trail (free with zoo admission). Solve riddles, collect clues, and hunt down the coveted golden egg as you encounter some real-life egg-laying critters, including reptiles and butterflies.

You can rarely go too long at the Horniman without encountering some form of prehistoric life. ‘Dinosaur rEvolution’ is based around five showstopping animatronic models – including a seven-metre-long T-Rex – the general idea is that it’s compliant with current scientific thinking on what these creatures looked like: so lots of feathers, basically, alongside quills, spikes and all sorts of vibrant colours. 

Hyde Park's popular drop-in discovery days are a chance to get to know this manicured green space's wilder side. This Easter hols edition (April 2-4) is an opportunity to find minibeasts on a pond-dipping session, do a spring nature trail round the wildlife garden, or join in an outdoor storytelling sesh. There's no need to book in advance: just turn up at the Hyde Park Learning Centre and join the fun. 

Captain your own vessel and cruise through the heart of London in the city’s first self-driving boat experience – GoBoat. Pick your crew – up to eight people can fit into the eco-friendly boats and chart your way across London’s canals traveling past London Zoo, through Regents Park, see Camden Lock or you can even experience the 250m long Maida Hill Tunnel. The boats are available for anyone to hire and run on Regents Canal. Prices: £89 for 1 hour, £129 for two and £169 for three hours.