15 Easter events you don’t want to miss this weekend in Northern Ireland
Avoid those sugar highs with a little help from these guys 🍫 🐰
Last updated 15th Apr 2022
Easter isn't all about chocolate eggs, it's also a great time to get out and enjoy the spring sunshine and there are lots of fun-filled activities taking place across the province.
We've put together this handy guide of fun places to visit and events running across NI this weekend.
Check it out 👇
River Rapid at Colin Glen
Ireland's longest zipline, River Rapid, will open to the public on Friday, 15th April, and is now available to book alongside other popular attractions such as Ireland's first alpine coaster, the Black Bull Run and the 250m Forest Flyover zipline throughout Easter week at Colin Glen's Mountain Entrance.
Trip to the Zoo 🐘
Belfast Zoo is open 10am – 6pm every day over Easter. Special free activities are planned for Monday 19 April (Easter Monday) and Tuesday 19 April from 10am to 4pm including face painting, sensory touch tables, walkabout characters and an Easter trail.
Princess moments at CastleCourt
CastleCourt is providing a host of free activities to keep little bunnies entertained this Easter, from egg decorating to princess performances.
On Friday 15th and Saturday 16th, kids can come along to the free workshops to enjoy Easter Egg Decorating and Slime Making, while on Saturday 23rd April there will be glittering performances from much loved Princesses.
This weekend, on the first floor from 11am – 3pm, children can decorate their very own chocolate egg with an array of edible decorations and sprinkles, all provided by CastleCourt, and there will also be a special sighting of Mickey Mouse and Peter Rabbit throughout the day, too.
Gruffalo inspired Easter egg hunt
Discover the country's only official Gruffalo Trail with a limited edition, guided Gruffalo Walk and Easter Egg Hunt. Bring your little ones along and go right inside the glorious Gruffalo and Stickman stories – search for the famous characters in the woods (and some tasty chocolate treats!), listen wide-eyed and wondered to the classic tales and take home your very own Julia Donaldson and friends book, Easter Egg, sticker and certificate, to keep forever!
Great Rabbit Runaround
Hillsborough Castle's gardens are overrun with rabbits, can you help the team find them? Explore Hillsborough Castle's gardens as you discover some fun facts, complete the challenges, and find out about some Easter and spring traditions along the way. After all that exploring, you'll be rewarded with a chocolate lolly when you finish the trail! Running from Friday 15 April – Monday 18 April, in the gardens, there will be traditional mummers' performances by the enchanting Armagh Rhymers.
Dance the day away at Streamvale Farm
Spring has officially spring at Streamvale Farm, don't miss your chance to meet the newborns on the farm, as well as fun activities and play zones. Get your dancing shows on for their Bunny Hop Disco, enjoy a free tractor/barrel ride and cuddle some adorable puppies, rabbits and chicks!
Woodland Adventures at Antrim Castle Gardens
If you are looking to experience the magic of Antrim Castle Gardens then our Wonderland Wood interactive Fairy Tale Trail is a must do for all the family – 0 to 90 and four legged friends too! This enchanting trail will take you on an adventure around the Gardens to less well known paths and places with the interactive booklet entertaining all of the family as you follow the clues, discover the beautiful features and unlock the magic of Wonderland Wood!
Get your feet wet at Castle Espie
Now this is an Easter hunt with a difference, pick up a card and explore the wetlands, cracking clues as you go. Fun pond dipping sessions are also available throughout the weekend, so you can learn as you roam the park spotting the bright yellow ducks.
Pop-Up fair at Montalto
Montalto Estate are hosting a local handcraft fair on the front lawn on Easter Monday and Tuesday, from 11am-3pm. Artisan exhibitors will have everything from jewellery to homeware to choose from. Plus kids will love the amusement rides, a horse and carriage and face painting on offer too.
Special screening of Hop with the Easter bunny
Enjoy a Easter family treat and spend the afternoon with the Easter Bunny! This family-friendly comedy will take you to Easter Island, the home of the Easter Bunny!!
Ticket price includes popcorn, drink and chocolate treat for everyone with all proceeds going to the Mayor's charities. You can purchase tickets from laganvalleyisland.co.uk
HUGE Easter egg hunt in Belfast's city centre
Join Belfast's biggest Easter egg hunt with Belfast One. FInd 10 eggs using clues on the app, enter your answers to win a family prizes worth £300! There's also the chance to win a £50 gift card up for grabs too!
Family adventures at The Jungle
The Jungle in Moneymore have a diverse range of family events running this bank holiday – from Easter egg hunts to a spring dog show, you don't want to miss out!
Get crafty at the Ulster Folk Museum
There's lots of fun to be had at the Ulster Folk Museum this Easter, egg rolling, traditional games and craft demonstrations as well as having the opportunity to head back to the classroom to hear more about 1900s Easter traditions.
Magic shows and treasure trails at Hill of The O Neill & Ranfurly House
Saturday looks set to be a busy day in Dungannon, with treasure trials, magic shows and crafting sessions. Activities are running from 11am - 3pm and there is an ASD Friendly time from 10am - 11am. Booking is essential to secure a place.
Derry/Londonderry's Walled City Passion
'Walled City Passion' is a live performance festival that reimagines the Easter story for a modern audience. This unique event – on April 14th ,15th and 16th – features promenade performances on the city's historic walls, at 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm each day. It is broadcast on 'big screens' in Guildhall Square, with a host of family- friendly activities available daily from 11.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Walled City Passion will also be live streamed by RTÉ and BBC on Good Friday.
Read more:
Popular Easter traditions and customs in Northern Ireland
Carrick-a-Rede: famous north coast rope bridge NOT open for Easter
Cheers! NI pubs celebrate drinking law change for Easter weekend