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Ten things to do for the Easter holidays

Family day at the Baltic, 2023

Need a cultural fix that's entertaining for kids too? These venues are perfect for a family day out during the school holidays.

Looking for fun for all the family this Easter? Check out our selection of 10 museums that are not only great places to visit as an adult, but also make fun days out for kids where they can let their imagination run wild and learn about history, science and art. Many run extra activities for children over the school holidays so do check their websites before your visit.

And don't forget to pack your National Art Pass for fantastic benefits at every venue. With Plus Kids added to your membership, children in the family can enjoy the same benefits as you.

Discover 10 things to do for the Easter holidays with a National Art Pass

01
Chatsworth Young Ambassadors, a paid opportunity for students supported by Art Fund

Chatsworth

This grand ducal palace set in rolling parkland is home to an impressive art collection shaped by 14 generations of Cavendish family members. As well as the chance to explore the house and works on display, during the Easter holidays there are fun family activities in the farmyard, including tractor rides, Easter egg hunts, animal handling and crafts. Or, children can explore the huge outdoor playground with slides, swings, a trampoline and a zip wire.

Please note, Farmyard access is included in House & Gardens tickets, which are subject to National Art Pass benefit; however, a Farmyard ticket alone is not subject to National Art Pass benefit.

02
Visitor in 'Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery' at the Science Museum

Science Museum

Through its collection of more than 300,000 objects, the Science Museum tells the story of over 300 years of science, technology and medicine. Take advantage of the daily tours, live events, science shows and interactive exhibits the museum has to offer, as well as simulator rides and an IMAX 3D cinema. The Wonderlab caters for children aged 7-14 who have an interest in science and maths, and budding pre-teen and teenage engineers can test their skills in the Engineer Your Future free interactive gallery. And don't miss their fun, interactive exhibition Turn It Up, where all the family can learn about the power of music.

03
Ulster Transport Museum

Ulster Transport Museum

Bikes, buses and everything in between: the Ulster Transport Museum is jam-packed with vehicles in all shapes and sizes. Learn about the local engineers and their transformative inventions in this fun and informative day out for all the family. Don't miss their range of exhibitions, including an an outdoor sculpture trail that allows you to walk through space, and an exploration into the popularity of surfing in Ireland.

04
Family walking along Canal Street at Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge

Blists Hill Victorian Town

Wander around this living museum in the Ironbridge Gorge and experience what it was like to live in a town in East Shropshire in 1900. Interact with costumed actors, visit the shops, buy fish and chips with shillings and see plumbers, tinsmiths and plasterers ply their trades. Over Easter, discover how the residents celebrate the season with an egg dancing competition and Easter egg trails. Children can make souvenirs to take home in special workshops, play old-fashioned games or even try out the rides on a traditional funfair.

05
Boat trip with visitors on the museum's steamboat, Falcon

The Museum of the Broads

Learn about the story of the Broads, including its people, wildlife, landscape and the boats that traverse it. Choose one of the historic boats to take a trip on and spot the local ducks, or take part in the duckling-inspired Family Easter Trail and win Easter-themed prizes. You can pack a picnic to enjoy by the river or grab snacks from the café. Please note, boat trips are an additional cost and the museum is only open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and bank holiday Mondays.

06

Dingles Fairground Museum

Experience the magic of the fairground at Dingles Fairground Museum for a fun family day out with attractions for all ages. Get spooked on the ghost train, ride a horse on the merry-go-round, or bump into each other on the dodgems. Plus, they have a range of vintage arcades, stalls and games if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, including hook-a-duck, a hall of crazy mirrors, a shooting saloon and much more.

07
Earth Day 2023 at the Horniman Museum & Art Gallery as part of The Wild Escape

Horniman Museum and Gardens

The museum's eclectic collection of over 350,000 objects spans anthropology, natural history, musical instruments and an aquarium. Favourites include the famous overstuffed walrus and impressive musical instrument gallery, plus a garden with views across London. Over the Easter holidays, they are hosting a Spring Fair, where families can enjoy fun activities including a disco, an Easter bonnet parade, musical performances, circus skills, traditional fete games, and much more.

08
World Museum, Natural History Centre

World Museum

Explore the whole world in one museum, from Egyptian mummies to casts of dinosaur bones. An underwater adventure awaits in the aquarium with starfish, an octopus and immersive projections, then explore outer space via the full dome planetarium which has extra showings during the school holidays.

09
Sensory Room at the Baltic

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

The Baltic always has something on offer for families, including their popular Sensory Room, a comfy, quiet space where little ones can play with toys, projections and lights. On their second floor, they have a Learning Lounge, an informal space for families to learn about art and the Baltic's projects. They also have a picnic area for packed lunches, where you can grab a free hot drink or squash. And they host a range of creative activities to keep kids occupied during the school holidays.

10
Rufford Old Hall, visitors

Rufford Old Hall

Take the family back in time and explore 500 years of history in this wonderful Tudor building crammed with arms, armour and tapestries. Inside, you can dress up in Tudor costumes and suits of armour and wander through the historic building. Outside, explore the gardens with a range of Easter activities, including an Easter trail and nature-inspired activities. You can bring a picnic or enjoy sweet treats in the Victorian Tea Room.

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

The more you see, the more we do.

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