Easter holidays: what to do with kids in London this April 2023

Jump inside some art and get creative

London's new digital immersive art experience Frameless has proved a hit with adults of all ages since it opened last year, attracting art enthusiasts wishing to immerse themselves in the works of Cézanne, Dalí and Klimt, as well as yogis looking to practise their downward dog against a backdrop of Canaletto's Venice. Now, the experience is inviting in kids aged four to 11 for a series of Easter art workshops. Run in partnership with arts and crafts company The Creation Station, the workshops are a chance for children of all abilities to draw, colour and be inspired by giant, digital versions of art masterpieces.

Get stuck in at the Old Royal Naval College

There’s a host of family activities taking place at the Old Royal Naval College this Easter. On The Great Easter Trail, families will track down clues and gather information to reveal the secret location of some chocolate. Over in the Skittle Alley, little ones are invited to knock down bunny skittles, again, for a chocolatey prize. There’s also a chance to listen to Easter-related stories from around the world (Sunday 2 April), attend an Easter Basket Weaving workshop (Sunday 9 April) or tuck into an Easter-themed afternoon tea (Sunday 9 April) with splendid, regal views.

Flex your detective skills at London Zoo

London Zoo is hosting a Zoonormous Egg Hunt this April, inviting families to solve riddles, collect clues and recognise which eggs belong to the many birds, fish, reptiles and and butterflies that call the zoo home. The trail leads to a secret golden egg… can you find it? Hurry, places on the trail are likely to be booked up fast!

Play games of the future at Somerset House

One for tech-savvy teens (and grown-ups): Now Play This returns to Somerset House in a blaze of gaming glory. Catch a tantalising glimpse of the potential future of everything playful through a fusion of cutting-edge technology and more traditional forms of entertainment. The exhibition allows adults and kids alike to get involved in a whole range of innovative and engaging games, created by designers from all over the world.

Head to Greenwich Theatre for a kids' theatre spectacular

It's all systems go at Greenwich Theatre this April. Its Kids’ Fest programme offers something for all little ones, from fairy-tale enthusiasts to budding scientists. With gripping stories, enchanting characters and puppets galore, these shows will seep into their imaginations and keep them talking about what they've seen for days. Highlights include returning favourite Ministry of Science: Live! and a one-off appearance from The Nosy Little Troll (Wednesday 5 April), which is also playing at the Little Angel Theatre (Friday 21 – Sunday 23 April).

Hunt for eggs at Eltham Palace

Time to put all your eggs in one basket, because Eltham Palace and Gardens is hosting an Easter Adventure Quest, inviting families to stride around its grounds in search of hidden eggs. Those who find them will be rewarded with a tasty chocolate egg for their efforts. The palace is also heading back in time, inviting visitors to play traditional Easter games like egg rolling and test their balancing skills in an egg and spoon race. Get cracking!

Power your own disco

One for kids, parents and some grandparents too, the Southbank Centre has a disco in its wings, only it needs you to power it. Hop on a bike and get pedalling. When the cycling stops, so does the music. A fun way to learn about alternative energy sources.

Be inspired by the future of building

Hard hats ready! Kids' favourite the Polka Theatre is inviting audiences to take part in an interactive exploration of how we learn to live among buildings, noises and people. Whether their creations rise or topple to the ground, your little ones will sharpen their skills and maybe even make some friends along the way.

Rewild them at the Horniman Museum

Looking after some kids this weekend? Take them to the Horniman Museum in East Dulwich, where an Easter programme of outdoor fun including the chance to get up close to creepy crawlies and furry animals in its popular returning 'Wild Fangs' experience. There's also UrbanCrazy Golf, with nine holes designed around the museum's chief attractions (yes of course one's a walrus) and a spring Fair (Saturday 8) featuring traditional Easter games.

Inspire them with a children's ballet

Following the tremendous success of last year's Anne of Green Gables, London Children's Ballet now returns to the Peacock Theatre with a brand-new production of its ballet Snow White, which had its first outing in 2009.

And if you get peckish while you're out exploring...

Tuck into London's best Easter treats

Passing through Covent Garden? Instagram favourite Donutelier (where you can watch doughnuts being baked and filled in the window) has launched a limited edition range of Easter-themed treats – and they're completely gorgeous. Try the gianduja chocolate eggs doughnut, or the springtime pistachio.

Soho gelateria Gelupo, meanwhile, has joined forced with über-cool Newington Green bakery Jolene to turn the latter's hot cross buns into ice cream sandwiches. A nod to Sicily, the buns can be filled with 20 seasonal flavours, including blood orange sorbet and stem ginger gelato. (Available from Monday 27 March – Monday 10 April).

Last but not least, those who call in for an extravagant Italian supper at Big Mamma pleasure palaces Gloria, Circolo Popolare and Ave Mario should be sure to save room for dessert. On the menu is an Easter chocolate mousse created in partnership with ethical chocolate company Tony's Chocolonely. £1 of every dessert sold goes to charity. (Available Wednesday 5 – Wednesday 12 April).