Egg Hunts

The hunt is on for some delectable chocolate treats. This is the one time of year you'll see kiddies, parents and grandparents running around trying to find those elusive Easter eggs. London has some wonderful outdoor locations and stately homes that have laid down some specially-designed hunts and trails. It's all about becoming a chocolate detective and picking up the sweet scent, so take up the challenge and enjoy a delightful family day out.

Easter Egg Hunt at Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London, TW9 3AB
12th April 2009

If the explosion of spring flowers isn't enough to tempt you to Kew Gardens, then free chocolate should do the trick. And not just your average chocolate either, you get Green & Blacks at Kew's free Easter Egg Hunt. Kids can meet the Easter bunny who's helped by characters from Kew's Climbers and Creepers for what promises to be a wonderful family day out. Mr Bunny is also the one who has a stash of choccy so children following the Easter egg hunt around the gardens will have an extra incentive for tracking him down. While you're in hot pursuit of those Easter eggs, keep an eye out for three costumed characters at different points around the garden. All you have to do to get a free chocolate treat is collect a token from each character then collect your prize from the Easter Bunny outside Museum No. 1. There's no limit on places but it's best to arrive fairly early as it's first come, first served - and once the chocolate runs out (usually about 12.30pm or 1pm) that's it!

More info: Easter Egg Hunt at Kew Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easter Trail at Fulham Palace

Fulham Palace, London, SW6 6EA
12th & 13th April 2009

Kids can scamper around the historic grounds of Fulham Palace this Easter in search of clues that will lead them to a special chocolate reward. The site of the palace, home of the Bishops of London until 1973, has been occupied since around 700AD and is an elegant combination of architectural styles with the oldest hall dating as far back as 1495. As well as the Easter Day Trail there's a series of Easter Workshops aimed at 5-12 year olds and running from Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th April - a great way to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays.

More info: Easter Trail at Fulham Palace Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easter Trail at Kenwood House

Kenwood House, London, NW3 7JR
10th - 13th April 2009

The sprawling lawns and dappled woods of Kenwood House's magnificent grounds are like a secret garden just waiting to be discovered this Easter, and what better way for children to explore this idyllic landscape that on a hunt for chocolate? There's a labyrinth of tiny footpaths to scamper around winding across the estate through blossoming rhododendron bushes and small forests of flowering trees. The eggs, which are scattered all around this vast parkland on the edge of Hampstead Heath, are well-hidden, meaning your intrepid little chocoholics will need to follow the clues down the hill, round the lake and beyond to hunt down their Easter treats. Once all the eggs have been guzzled, the whole family can enjoy wandering through this quintessential English garden. Start off in the shadow of Kenwood House's striking white facade and take in the panoramic views over London before delving into the meandering woodland paths - this is a lovely rural outing over the long weekend.

More info: Easter Trail at Kenwood House Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easter Trails at the Household Cavalry Museum

Household Cavalry Museum, SW1A 2AX
5th - 18th April 2009

See if you can find the hidden bunnies among the military uniforms and treasures of the Household Cavalry Museum. As part of their Easter activities the museum is hosting trails where children have to uncover the hidden rabbits to win chocolate treats. With the kids on holidays it's good to know there are also craft activities where young ones, aged 3 to 11, can create a model horse, a clock or a crown. These sessions take place between 6th-9th and 13th-17th April at 11.30am and last an hour. In addition, you can settle in for storytelling sessions which bring the history of the museum's inhabitants to life - hear about Cicero, the Household Cavalry drum horse who was pulling a milk float on the streets of Edinburgh when he was spotted by Queen Elizabeth II. All these fun activities are free with entry to the museum, but you do need to book in advance.

More info: Easter Trails at the Household Cavalry Museum Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easter Egg Hunt at Sutton House

Sutton House, London, E9 6JQ
4th - 19th April 2009

Explore East London's oldest private house as you seek out the Easter Egg Hunt clues scattered around Sutton House. Not only do the kids get to run around the 16th century building and grounds but, best of all, at the end of the "C is for Chocolate" Easter egg trail they get a delicious Cadbury's chocolate Easter egg. Built in 1535 for Sir Rafe Sadleir, Principal Secretary of State for Henry VII, the historic house has been the subject of many alterations. Inside the original oak panelling, painted staircase, carved fireplaces and Jacobean paintings are a feast for the eyes, not to mention the mural left by squatters during the 1980s. On Easter Sunday and Monday there are professional face painters on hand so your kids can have a choice - pretty face paints or chocolate around their mouths.

More info: Easter Egg Hunt at Sutton House Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easter Egg Hunt at The Foundling Museum

The Foundling Museum, WC1N 1AZ
11th April 2009

The Foundling Museum and nearby posh chocolate shop Chocolat Chocolat have joined forces to help us celebrate the Easter weekend. There are activities at the museum for visitors young and old - from the Easter Bunny to the excellent Handel the Philanthropist exhibition, described by Richard Morrison in The Times as "inspiring". The famous composer who died 250 years ago, was one of the founders of the Foundling Hospital which he helped to set up to take care of abandoned children. The exhibition is just one of a number of events and concerts across the city to mark the anniversary of Handel's death. Both children and their accompanying adult gain free entry to the museum on Easter Saturday and youngsters who complete the trail get given a special token to exchange for their free egg at Chocolat Chocolat.

More info: Easter Egg Hunt at The Foundling Museum Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easter Weekend at Arts Depot

Arts Depot, London, N12 0GA
10th & 11th April 2009

For Easter Weekend the Arts Depot is hosting a teddy bears' picnic and annual treasure hunt with the entire theatre taken over by the event. The fun starts with art challenges, moves on to drama games and puts in some dance routines as you follow the clues around the building. As with all good treasure trails, there's a reward at the end: a picnic for you and your favourite bear. It's a fun way for little ones to earn their eggs, just let the theatre know about any dietary requirements when booking.

Ages 4-7

More info: Easter Weekend at Arts Depot Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easy Peasy Skate Easter Egg Hunt

Battersea Park, London, SW8 4ND
11th April 2009 (Easter Saturday)

This sweet-themed skating event for young families takes place on Easter Saturday in Battersea Park. The format is as you'd expect - treasures are hidden around the park, ready to be picked up by eager, Easter egg-hungry children - the difference is it's all done on wheels. The course, which runs around the edge of the park, is designed to be simple and safe, with "no roads, no cars and no hills" so this is the perfect skating activity for young children.

*NB Children must be accompanied by an adult (and adults by children).

More info: Easy Peasy Skate Easter Egg Hunt Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube