50 Cheap (or Free!) Things to Do with the Kids This Easter Holiday
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Looking for ideas for Easter activities with kids that won’t cost a fortune? You’re in the right place! We’ve rounded up 50 fun, cheap Easter activities with the kids – perfect for keeping them entertained without blowing the budget.
Whether you want to stay home, get out into nature or find a free local event, this list has something for everyone. Even better, lots of these activities are completely FREE! Plus, you can find a list of cheap meals out for kids here!
And if you do fancy a full day out, don’t forget to check our Family Days Out page here where we’ve listed loads of attractions currently offering great discounts.
1. Junior parkrun
Free 2k run for kids every Sunday morning in many parks. Great way to burn off energy and feel like a mini athlete! Find one near you.
2. Camp in the garden
Pitch a tent and have a mini adventure without leaving home. S'mores, stories and sleeping under the stars (or trying to!).
3. Photography challenge
Give the kids your phone or a disposable camera and a list of things to photograph (e.g. something yellow, something round). Great for both sunny & rainy days! This is the camera we use and it’s just £14.99 (Dinosaur version available too!)
4. Build a den/fort
Use blankets, chairs and a bit of imagination. Perfect for cosy reading time or pretend play.
5. Playdates with a twist
Host a themed playdate – think teddy bear picnic, pirate party or a mini Olympics.
6. Printable Easter activities
Grab free colouring sheets, puzzles and more on websites like Twinkl or Orchard Toys. Browse printables here.
7. Raise money for charity
Host a mini fundraiser – a bake sale, sponsored silence or litter pick. A great way to teach kids about giving back.
8. Garden obstacle course
Use whatever you have – cones, balls, ropes, buckets. Time each other and see who’s the fastest.
9. Garden crazy golf
Create your own courses with cups, spoons, cardboard and imagination.
10. Puddle jumping
Don’t fight the rain – embrace it! Pop on wellies and see who can make the biggest splash.
11. Plant and grow vegetables
Even one pot on a windowsill counts. Try fast growers like cress or radishes.
12. Find a local free community event
Check your local council or library website for Easter craft clubs, discos or treasure hunts.
13. Feed the ducks
Take some oats or peas (no bread!) to your local pond and enjoy a bit of calm.
14. Bug hunt
Draw up a list and see how many creepy crawlies you can spot in the garden or park.
15. Beach day with a picnic
A day at the seaside is always a winner! Pack a picnic to keep costs down.
16. Rock painting
Paint and hide rocks around your neighbourhood for others to find. You can easily use stones from your garden and paints from home, or you can get a kit to make things super simple. This one is only £7.99 and its super popular (with over 1,000 people buying this in a month!)
17. Free pet workshops
Places like Pets at Home run free kids workshops. Book one here.
18. Junior bake-off
Set a challenge (e.g. best cupcakes) and judge the results! Even better if a grown-up joins in too.
19. Kids Come Dine With Me
Let the kids plan and prepare a simple meal or snack and score each other for fun.
20. Volunteer as a family
Look for simple ways to help out locally – a community garden, charity shop or litter picking.
21. Bike rides
Pack a picnic and find a safe trail. Sustrans has maps of family-friendly cycle routes.
22. Train or plane spotting
Great for little transport lovers. Find a safe spot near a station or airport and count them as they pass.
23. Visit a National Trust site
Many offer free entry to children or low-cost family tickets. Check out your local sites
24. Visit a waterfall
Search local nature spots on Google or Instagram for hidden gems!
25. Visit a heritage house or castle
Find English Heritage sites near you. Many are free during Easter.
26. Charity fun run or walk
Join a local fundraiser. Many are family-friendly and a great way to get active.
27. Free council swim sessions
Some councils offer free or reduced-price swims during school holidays.
28. Fruit or veg picking
Search for 'pick your own' farms nearby. Strawberries, rhubarb or apples depending on the season.
29. Geocaching
It’s like a treasure hunt using GPS! Just download the Geocaching app - find out what Geochaching is here
30. Scavenger hunt
Make your own list or download a printable online. Great for indoors or outside.
31. Nature walks
Turn a normal walk into an adventure by spotting wildlife, tree bark rubbing or collecting leaves.
32. Gruffalo trails
Forestry England have fun character trails across the UK. Find Gruffalo trails on Forestry England here .
33. Visit a museum
Many local museums have free entry and child-friendly exhibits.
34. Home cinema night
Snacks, blankets and a favourite film!
35. Cheap kids cinema tickets
Look out for weekend morning showings from just a few pounds.
Check out your local deals below
Cineworld Family Ticket Offers Here
Odeon Family Ticket Offers Here
36. Home paper day
Make paper aeroplanes, hats, animals or cards from whatever you’ve got.
37. BBQ in the garden
Get the kids involved with prepping and serving food.
38. Splash pad visit
If the sun shines, head to your local splash pad. Free fun with towels and a picnic!
39. Teddy bear picnic
Get the teddies dressed up and head to the park or garden.
40. Make an Easter bonnet
Use craft bits and let imaginations run wild. Grab craft supplies here for just £6.99
41. Stargazing
Lay a blanket outside after dark and look at the stars. Use an app like SkyView for help.
42. Easter storytime
Check your local library for themed story events.
43. Create an Easter puppet show
Make puppets from socks or paper bags and put on a show.
44. DIY science experiments
Try vinegar and baking soda volcanos or homemade slime.
45. Make your own Easter cards
Send to friends or grandparents. A lovely way to connect.
46. Host a toy swap
Invite friends to swap toys and games. A great way to get something 'new' for free.
47. Decorate Easter eggs
Hard boil some eggs and let the kids go wild with colours.
48. Easter egg and spoon race
Simple fun you can do in the garden or park.
49. Make bird feeders
Use pine cones, peanut butter and bird seed. Hang in the garden and watch who visits.
50. Join MyFamily Rewards for more savings!
We’ve got 100s of offers and exclusive deals to help you save money on family essentials and fun. Sign up for free here.
Loved this list? There’s loads more where that came from! Don’t forget to join MyFamily Rewards to access exclusive discounts and money-saving tips all year round. It only takes 10 seconds to sign up – and your family budget will thank you for it!