The Easter bunny's visit is fast approaching.
And sometimes trying to think of how to entertain the kids when they are off can be a struggle.
Alongside our great leisure and activity centres, parks and other resources to avail of across the country year-round, there are several fun Easter events taking place across the country.
Read more: Fun for all the family at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this Easter
Do not worry if you cannot get away this year for Easter break as your family can make wonderful memories here at home.
Here are some Easter 2023 events taking place in Northern Ireland:
Belfast
Easter Egg Hunt
Get ‘eggcited’ as the Belfast Easter Egg Hunt returns to Belfast City Centre and the team at Belfast One are inviting families to take part for free until 16 April.
10 Giant Eggs will be hidden around Belfast City Centre stores. Find them all, get all the right answers and you could be in with the chance of winning a fantastic family day out worth £300.
Simply find the clues, place the right answers and complete the hunt to be entered into a draw to win a Family Day out in Belfast city centre - the hour-long trail will take participants to a range of 10 city centre shops and stores.
Egg Hunt & Farmfest at Let's Go Hydro
With 10,000 Cadbury Easter Eggs, a few golden eggs waiting to be found in eggschange for a special prize, farmyard animals including the resident Pig and loads more activities.
Here are some of the events happening:
- Giant Easter Egg Hunt
- Meet the Easter Bunny
- Farmyard Animals and meet our resident Pig
- Barrel Train
- Tractor rides
- Decorate and roll your egg
- Chocolate Collection area
Easter at Belfast Zoo
Belfast Zoo are getting ready for an egg-stra special Easter at Belfast Zoo on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 April.
Families can follow a fun Easter Trail around the Zoo to find out more about their newest additions, bunnies and which animals lay eggs.
While you and your little monkeys get busy with their Easter trail, walkabout characters will be popping up around the zoo to pose for photos and make little faces smile.
The Who Wants to be a Superhero Show
Calling all superheroes! Don't miss W5's FREE interactive theatre show this Easter.
Do you have what it takes to be a superhero? Join W5 for a brand-new interactive stage show and put your powers to the test.
W5 need your help. Are you willing to be transformed into a superhero for the greater good? Five volunteers from the audience are needed to form a new superhero team.
Using some real science (and a lot of not so real science) become part of W5's 'Stormforce 6,' the first step in the Titan Defence Force's new superhero team initiative.
Easter at HMS Caroline
Celebrate Easter at HMS Caroline with an Easter-themed trail focusing on Blucher the rabbit, who lived on board the famous ship as her mascot during the First World War.
If you visit during the Easter weekend (Friday 7 - Monday 10 April) there will be loads of extra surprises for you and the children to enjoy - bunny-themed arts and crafts with Jim Russell, Captain Puppet performances by Jo Britland, sea shanties with Sailor Dan, storytelling sessions with Squiggles and Giggles and more.
Additional Easter weekend activities are dependent on day and activity.
Derry City and Strabane
LockNLoad Easter Egg Workshop
Hop, Hop, Hop into our eggstra-special Easter Event this April.
Come meet Easter Bunny & Friends as they take you along the hunting trail in the hopes of finding chocolate treats
For a fun-filled Family/friendly Easter treat there will be many activities to do at this event including:
- Games
- Face Painting
- Arts & Crafts
- Egg Hunt
- Minis Dance Party
- Family Meet & Greet with Mr Bunny himself
Easter cinema screening
The lovable rogue is back. Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can't seem to shake his mischievous reputation.
Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.
The Alley Theatre and Conference Centre, Railway St, Strabane - Saturday, April 8 at 1.30pm.
Mid and East Antrim
Easter Steam
Not many people know this but the Easter Bunny’s favourite hobby is working on steam trains. Every Easter he visits Whitehead and helps the wonderful volunteers make sure that the engines and carriages are ready for their exciting trips.
Come down to the museum where you can enjoy a short train ride, hauled by a steam engine. A volunteer will give you a map of site and a treasure hunt to follow.
There will be children’s activities on site throughout the day, as well as train rides, museum entry, and the Easter Bunny Treasure hunt.
Easter fun in Ballymena
The Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) has organised a cracking range of Easter entertainment in the town centre on Friday 7th April to ensure shoppers and visitors enjoy their time in the town.
The entertainment will see several Easter Characters, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Easter Crafts and lots of fun games including Huge Jenga, Connect 4, Basketball, Golf and more.
Explore and more importantly enjoy a lovely Easter with friends and Family in Ballymena Town Centre.
Fermanagh and Omagh
Easter at Ulster American Folk Park
There'll be horse and wagon rides for you to enjoy, tasty traditional food to try and willow weaving demonstrations.
Listen to traditional music, watch their magic show on the ship and stop at their Photo selfie station.
Try your hand at their craft demonstrations, meet their street characters and swing by their storytelling sessions. There will also be a special Easter trail for the kids to follow.
Visiting on the 10th April - there'll be Irish dancers performing in the Park on Easter Monday.
Easter Egg Hunts at Castle Coole
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family.
The trail takes place between 7 - 14 April 2023, from 11am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm, so come along and explore the beautiful grounds of Castle Coole.
The price of the trail is £3 per child and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end.
Devenish Island Easter Tours
Relax and enjoy the panoramic view as your Boat Master delivers a live and entertaining commentary on a public tour to Devenish Island.
Your cruise will take you along beautiful unspoilt waterways passing alongside historic landmarks such as
- Enniskillen Castle
- Portora Royal School and Boat Club
- Old Portora Castle
- Waterways Ireland Headquarters
- Cole’s Monument
Check out the abundance of waterside wildlife and see if you can spot the fast and colourful Kingfisher as it flies low to the water near the nesting site.
Mid Ulster
Easter Adventure Trail at The Argory
This Easter, treat your little ones to a world of adventures at The Argory.
The Argory was built in the 1820s and its hillside location enjoys peaceful views of the River Blackwater, running wild through its woods deep in the green County Armagh countryside.
Even toddlers can get on board in the play area with its huge jungle climbing frame, low ropes challenge, balancing logs, rope swings and a cool zip wire leading from the play area all the way out into the woodland.
On the Easter trail, take in the colourful spring blooms, from blue trailing wisteria to speckled foxgloves and listen out for the low hum of buzzing pollinators.
Easter Egg Trail at Springhill
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 3 - 16 April 2023, so come along and explore the beautiful gardens of Springhill.
The price of the trail is £3 per child and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end, with either a dairy or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg - both are made from Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa.
There will also be BBQ catering and the bookshop, house, and tea room will be open.
Easter Trail at The Jungle
Immerse yourself in the magical world of The Jungle’s Easter Trail, where forest fairies and elves bring magic to life.
Find your way by following the clues and solving the puzzles along the enchanted forest trail.
You will be greeted and entertained along the way with a selection of brand new characters who will interact with you to make this a much more immersive and magical trail than ever before!
At the end of the trail, you will also meet the Easter Bunny, who will hand out Easter Eggs to everyone.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
Easter Bunny visit and Egg hunt
Come along to Rathfriland Community Centre this Easter and make unforgettable memories with the kids as they enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Let your own little rabbits spring and hop on the bouncy inflatables, take part in an Easter egg hunt and cherish a moment with a photo opportunity alongside Mr Bunny.
Easter Roller Skating Disco
Let the good times roll at Banbridge Leisure Centre this Easter, you’re sure to have a cracking time with all the family.
The one hour sessions includes music, disco lights and lots of fun!
FRIDAY 7 APRIL & TUESDAY 11 APRIL
Session times:
- 10.00am – 11.00am
- 11.15am – 12.15pm
- 12.30pm – 1.30pm
- 1.45pm – 2.45pm
- 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Multi-sports Easter camps
The camps help develop children’s skills in a variety of sports, promote teamwork and most importantly involve lots of fun in a supervised safe environment.
Perfect for keeping the boredom at bay and the kids active:
- BANBRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE - 13 APRIL - 10.00am – 12noon
- DROMORE COMMUNITY CENTRE - 12 APRIL | 13 APRIL | 14 APRIL - 10.00am – 12noon
- GILFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE - 13 APRIL - 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- ORCHARD LEISURE CENTRE - 14 APRIL - 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- RATHFRILAND COMMUNITY CENTRE - 12 APRIL | 13 APRIL - 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- RICHHILL RECREATION CENTRE - 12 APRIL - 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- SOUTH LAKE LEISURE CENTRE - 12 APRIL | 13 APRIL | 14 APRIL - 10.00am – 12noon & 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- TANDRAGEE RECREATION CENTRE - 12 APRIL - 10.00am – 12noon
Lisburn and Castlereagh
The Great Rabbit Runaround
Fun-seeking families are being invited to hop along to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this Easter (April 1-11) to take in the royal residence's Great Rabbit Runaround.
A host of cute little bunny statues will be dotted along a trail that will lead through the beautiful, blooming 100-acre estate in Hillsborough.
While parents and grandparents take in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings, the little ones will take the lead along the trail, discovering fun facts, taking on some tricky challenges and learning about Easter and spring traditions with the help of the resident bunnies.
Peter Rabbit 2 screening
Join the Mayor for some Easter family fun watching Peter Rabbit 2 on the big screen in the Island Hall.
Bored of life in the garden, Peter goes to the big city, where he meets shady characters and ends up creating chaos for the whole family.
Tickets cost £5 per person which will include popcorn, a drink and visit from the Easter Bunny!
All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s charities, Atlas Centre & Helping Hand Charity RBHSC. Doors open at 3.30pm for a 4.00pm start
Ards and North Down
Easter Adventure Trail at Mount Stewart
A place of the imagination, the Formal Garden around the house is themed using plants from all round the world.
While the Pleasure Ground surrounding the Lake is a semi-natural woodland garden containing many rare plants which thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula.
The Easter trail will celebrate the arrival of spring, with opportunities to sniff out Wild Garlic, and the chance to spot a variety of southern migratory birds, including swallows, singing blackcap and chiffchaff.
Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum
Learn about the origins of the Easter Egg, take part in traditional games and have a go at their themed craft demonstrations.
There'll be Easter cards being made in their Print Shop, and their talented makers will also be demonstrating their skills throughout the museum over the week, keeping heritage skills alive.
On the 9th, 10th and 11th they'll have traditional Easter foods for you to try, and music around the site.
On Easter Monday, they'll have Anann’s Arch join for a workshop making Spring faeries from natural materials.
Wetland Detectives
Join for a family day out of exploration and discovery that will put all of your senses to the test. To succeed as a Wetland Detective and complete our Easter trail, you’ll need to get closer than ever to nature.
It’s time to investigate underwater mysteries. Follow tracks to work out who’s been creeping around at night.
Once you’ve revealed nature’s hidden secrets on their trail, put your new found detective skills to the test and discover more about their wonderful wetlands with activities such as pond dipping and mini-beast hunting.
If you think you’re ready for the challenge, you know where to find them.
Newry, Mourne and Down
Easter Adventure Trail at Castle Ward
Strolling through this 820-acre walled demesne takes you along trails that wind their way through atmospheric woodland parkland and gardens, offering impressive views over Strangford Lough.
The 18th century house, designed as a combination of two completely different styles: gothic on one facade and Palladian on the other and farmyard that doubled up as Game of Thrones’ Winterfell add to the charm of the grounds.
The Easter trail celebrates the arrival of spring with nods to the new birds visiting the shore and the arrival of cheery spring blooms.
Easter at Montalto Estate
On the front lawn, view beautiful, handcrafted items from local exhibitors including artisan and gift products – everything from handmade jewellery and soaps to homeware and unique gifts.
During the day, there will be children’s activities, including Easter Bunny Train ride, Fun Fair rides and Face Painting and make sure to keep an eye out for the misbehaving puppet.
With so much to see and do it will be easy to work up an appetite – so make sure to enjoy delicious food options, both their BBQ on the lawn and Café.
The Easter Eggspress
The Easter Bunny and the Mad Hatter are visiting the Downpatrick railway this Easter, and their goal is simple: make sure all children have a great day with their steam trains and come away with a chocolate Easter Egg.
There's also a fun word hunt, and face painting in the station included in your ticket price.
Causeway Coast and Glens
Easter at Broughgammon Farm
Come and celebrate with a fun family day out here at the award-winning sustainable farm as seen on BBC's Countryfile and BBC's BnB by the Sea.
Charming Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt around the farm-go find all the Easter items and on the way visit the orchard, polytunnels and beehives! And you may just spot the Easter Bunny himself on your way.
There will be a trio of eco-friendly, seasonal crafts in our converted barn suitable for all ages then head down to our farm barn to say hello to our baby chicks, baby goats and calves!
Easter Trail
Come along and take part in an Easter Trail at Dunluce Castle.
The full day event will take place every day from 6th - 14th April 2023.
Join in on the fun at a picturesque setting.
Easter Beach Ride
2.5hr experience with Crindle Stables Limavady.
Enjoy a leisurely ride or exhilarating canter along the wonderful Down Hill Beach home to the Game of Thrones Filming, also home to the iconic Mussenden Temple.
A unique horse riding experience overlooking the stunning Donegal – available for all levels.
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