Family Fun

Keeping the kids entertained over the Easter holidays is easy with the huge choice of things to do in London. Most of the museums and art galleries put on special Easter themed activities, London's city farms are a great option if the sun shines, and there are some special events including an Easter egg decorating competition at Shakespeare's Globe.

The Big Egg Hunt

Various locations across London
Until 8th April 2012

Londoners can embark on one of the biggest ever egg hunts this spring as the capital is hosting the aptly named - Big Egg Hunt. With over 200 hundred eggs hidden throughout the city this isn't just any old egg hunt, chocolate lovers may be disappointed as the eggs are in fact specially crafted by a number of leading artists, designers, architects and jewellers. The ultimate goal of the hunt is to win the grand prize, the Diamond Jubilee Egg - a unique work of art designed by Faberge. The 18 carat gold egg is encrusted with 60 fine gems and is worth 100,000 pounds! Each egg contains a unique word, and once discovered the hunter can text the word in order to be automatically entered into a draw to win the golden egg - the more eggs you find, the more chances you have to win. Follow on Twitter for clues to help find the wondering Where's Wally Egg and visit the official website to discover the 12 different zones. Children will love the treasure map aspect to this and it's a great way of wearing them out, 'exercising' them around the different zones - the Southbank, St Christopher's Place, St James's Park are all great places to take the family.

More info: The Big Egg Hunt Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Zippos Circus

Blackheath Common, SE3 | Brockwell Park, SE24
29th March - 10th April | 12th-17th April 2012

Zippos Circus comes to town this spring performing their unique circus show. Setting up their big top tent at several venues in and around town this spring, London locations include Blackheath Common and Brockwell Park with a further appearance in Sidcup, Kent. This well-loved travelling company specialises in old fashioned entertainment that harks back to the golden era of the traditional horse-drawn travelling circus. Veteran ringmaster Norman Barrett - recently awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to entertainment during his 60-plus years in the industry - performs his hilarious budgies then guides you through the cast of performing horses, high-wire acts, aerial artists and clowns. Zippos isn't just for the kids, it's a genuine family show that people of all ages will enjoy.
VENUES & DATES:
Blackheath Common - 29 Mar-10 April
Brockwell Park - 12-17 April
Sidcup Place Park - 19-24 April

More info: Zippos Circus Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Eggciting Easter at Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, London, SE1 9DT
9th March - 15th April 2012

The pun-tastic people at Shakespeare's Globe are looking forward to an Eggciting Easter and are encouraging budding Bard fans to decorate an egg as a Shakespearean character. Shall I compare thee to... erm, a shiny, hard shell? There's an incentive for getting artistic with your egg - email a photo of your egg and your contact details to digital [at] shakespearesglobe.com and you could be in with a chance of winning family tickets to a production in the Globe to Globe Festival. And, if you personally deliver your decorated egg to the Exhibition and Tour Department at Shakespeare's Globe you can exchange it for a chocolate egg.

More info: Eggciting Easter at Shakespeare's Globe Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Animal Inside Out

Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD
6th April - 16th September 2012
Age: 8+

Opened just in time for the Easter holidays, Animal Inside Out presents nearly 100 plastinated animals, adapted from Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds to budding biologists. All manner of creature is here, from the impressively large - the 4-tonne elephant is the heaviest specimen they have ever had in the Natural History Museum - to the amazingly small. This factual and informative exhibition gives inquisitive minds a unique insight into the biological make-up of the animals, revealing what goes on beneath the skin. Children will discover the inner workings of some of the world's most spectacular creatures, from goats and giraffes to octopuses and ostriches. Though aimed at children over 8 years old the exhibition can be enjoyed by children of all ages and there's an exhibition trail for children available at the exhibition ticket desk or to download.

More info: Animal Inside Out Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easter Egg-Laying Animals

Grant Museum of Zoology, WC1E 6BT
2nd-4th, 12th & 13th April 2012

During the Easter holidays the Grant Museum is exploring the wonderful world of Egg-Laying Animals. With around 62,000 specimens in the museum there are plenty of animals to investigate. Using their rich library of animal artefacts, the museum is putting on an afternoon of specimen-based activities to help visitors find out how eggs come about, whether they're shells or spawn. From penguins to platypuses, sharks to snails and bullfrogs to butterflies, there's a surprising amount of egg laying animals to find out about - it's not just down to ducks. Part of the Humanimals Season at the Grant Museum which includes the fascinating Art by Animals exhibition (extended to 13 April), the event runs for four days (2-4 & 12 & 13 April 2012), admission is free and there is no need to book. NOTE: The Museum is closed for some of the Easter break from 5-11 April 2012.

Easter Egg-Laying Animals - Information

When Spring Comes

Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1 8XX
20th - 22nd April 2012
Age: 2-5

The highly regarded Half Moon Young People's Theatre's new show for kids, When Spring Comes, is a play for two- to five-year-olds about loss and rebirth told through Kathak dance and live jazz against a backdrop created by illustrator Amberin Huq. Part of The Southbank Centre's Alchemy festival (which offers a whole programme of events during the Easter holidays, from 12-22 April), the 35-minute show follows Adeel on his journey of discovery from summer into winter as he anticipates the coming of spring. Following the performance in the Blue Room on the Spirit Level at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, young members of the audience can join Adeel and dance to the jazz music of the play. If you want a sneak peak, Half Moon will be in residence at the Southbank Centre from 16-19 April developing the show. Drop-in at 11.30am or 3.30pm on those days to see the work in progress.

More info: When Spring Comes Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Passion in the Square

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS
Good Friday, 6th April 2012

Passion in the Square is a recreation of the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, put on for free for the public in Trafalgar Square. Not to be outdone by the scores of Easter egg hunts and other events across the city, Trafalgar Square hosts this special adaptation giving viewers the chance to get to grips with the story at the heart of Easter. Featuring over 70 actors, all donning period costumes, the 90-minute show is sure to have a big impact on the watching crowds as they witness the tale of Christ's betrayal by Judas and his trial before Pontius Pilate.

More info: Passion in the Square Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube