10 things to do during the Easter holidays in Northern Ireland
The Easter holidays are fast approaching for schools across Northern Ireland and many parents will be wondering just what they're going to do to.
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 courtesy of Discover NI.
10. Easter Eggstravaganza! Portaferry, 21 Apr 2019 - 23 Apr 2019
Put your detective skill to the test by joining in on the Great Exploris Aquarium Easter egg hunt! Pick up your activity sheet at the reception and begin your journey in the Viking room. Continue to hop around the aquarium searching for eggs and surprises along the way! Cracking good fun for all the family! Book your tickets online.
9. Easter in Bangor, 20 Apr 2019 - 22 Apr 2019
Bangor's big Easter will feature some of your favourite storybook characters, Mr McGregor's Garden, children's workshops, boat tours, Hotch Potch Tiny Tours, the Easter Bunny, storytelling, Puppet Shows and so much more!
The highlight of the weekend is Milkshake Live! Monkey's Milkshake Musical on Saturday 20 April at the McKee Clock Arena. Tickets now on sale - just £5pp.
Boat Tours - Saturday, Sunday and Monday:
Pirate Boat Trips – 3pm - £6 per ticket.
Meeting point at the Jetty beside Pickie Funpark. Duration 45min. Every passenger will receive a free pirate mask and Treasure Island book to take home. Hear the story of children’s favourite fairy tale ‘Treasure Island’ as you sail the waters.
Jenny Watts Tour – 4.30pm - £12
Meeting point at the Jetty beside Pickie Funpark. Duration 1 hour. Hear the legend story of Jenny Watt, visit the cave where she hid. Finish off the tour by visiting the oldest pub Jenny Watt and receive a complimentary dram of whiskey or rum which Jenny herself smuggled. Strictly for ages 18yrs+.
The fun goes on and on, from music at the Bandstand in Ward Park, to Easter trails, to a children's land train and the much-loved Peter Rabbit™ who will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day; And not forgetting the pop up disco roller rink at Project 24 plus Pickie Funpark will be open too!
All tickets must be purchased in advance.
For more information and for tickets see visitardsandnorthdown.com/easter or call 028 9127 0069.
Tickets are subject to availability.
8. Easter In Enniskillen, 20 April 2019
A Free Easter Egg Hunt with Street Entertainment will take place in Enniskillen town centre on Easter Saturday from 12:00 – 16:00.
There will be 12 Easter Eggs in shop windows throughout the town and families can enjoy a treasure hunt style activity. Music, face painters, crafts and Easter themed characters will entertain shoppers and encourage visitors and tourists into Enniskillen town centre. The Easter Egg Hunt activity sheets will be distributed throughout schools and public places in the lead up to the event.
7. Easter Surf Camp, Portrush, 15 Apr 2019 - 25 Apr 2019
Our kids camp is all about kids having as much fun as possible and is suitable for ages from five years old to 16 years old.
As well as learning how to surf, the kids will learn about water safety and see a real improvement in their surfing. Your kids will love this surf camp. Full of fun and plenty of action.
Two Camps: 15th - 18th April and 22nd - 25th April. Monday - Thursday from 10:00 - 12:00
Everything is included - Wetsuits, Boards, Changing Rooms, Warm Showers, Boots, Gloves, Hoods and a hot chocolate afterwards.
Kids can come for individual days or more commonly for all four days.
Parents are encouraged to join in and go surfing each day with their kids too or if you prefer you can leave them and have a relaxing coffee in Portrush.
6. Easter Eggspress Steam Train, Belfast, 20 Apr 2019 - 22 Apr 2019
Hop on board the Easter Eggspress train from Lanyon Place to Whitehead.
Easter Bunny will be on board and all ticket holding children will receive an Easter egg.
All tickets cost £15. Children under 3 years of age not occupying a seat do not need a ticket. However, children of any age travelling on the Easter trains must have a valid ticket - if they wish to receive an Easter egg.
Light refreshments and bar service available on board the train and the station cafe will also be open.
No buggies can be carried on these trains. No dogs allowed except guide dogs.
Once tickets are purchased, they may not be exchanged/cancelled or money refunded.
5. Easter Petting Zoo, Belfast, 22 Apr 2019 - 23 Apr 2019
You'll find the MAC's Easter Petting Zoo in the Crush on the first floor. The fluffy friends are back for some more fun and they can't wait to meet you!
With lambs, chicks, bunnies and lots more - cuddle, feed and stroke your farmyard favourites till your heart's content.
Tickets are £2 per person, and each petting zoo session lasts 15 minutes.
The 10am timeslots on both days are relaxed.
4. Easter Celebrations at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, 21 Apr 2019 - 23 Apr 2019
Stallholders, shopkeepers, travelling journeymen and a host of characters will keep you amused for hours on end this Easter as you stroll down Ulster Street witnessing the sights, smells and sounds of a busy market day in late 19th century Ulster.
Try your hand at traditional crafts, enjoy storytelling sessions, taste seasonal treats, giggle at Punch & Judy, have a go at egg & spoon races and horse and cart rides.
Major event day pricing applies.
3. Easter Egg Hunt at Florence Court, Enniskillen, 19 Apr 2019 - 23 Apr 2019
Florence Court will be buzzing with Easter fun as kids take to the grounds and follow the clues to hunt for the Cadbury Easter Eggs.
Normal Admission.
Members Free.
Egg Hunt £1.50 per child.
2. Belfast’s Biggest Indoor Easter Egg Hunt, 23 Apr 2019
Everyone is invited to call in to Belfast Cathedral on Easter Tuesday between 11am - 3pm so children (and grown-ups!) can explore all the Cathedral’s nooks and crannies in the search for those hidden eggs.
In addition, there will be an Easter trail which you can follow through the Cathedral to discover more about the beautiful building as you find the eggs along the way, and they will also have a variety of arts and crafts to take part in when you're finished the trail.
Entry is just £2 per child with a prize for all successful egg hunters. Adults will be free to look around this beautiful building or relax with a cuppa while the young ones get stuck in to the serious task of egg hunting.
1. Easter Celebrations at Cultra, 21 Apr 2019 - 23 Apr 2019
Visitors can enjoy a range of traditional Easter activities, sample seasonal foods and see traditional crafts such as basket making, forge work, weaving and even take part in traditional street games. As you wander through Discovery Farm you will be able to see our friendly pigs, chickens, goats, horses and donkeys.
We look forward to Easter every year and our visitors always enjoy celebrating Easter with a lovely range of traditional activities. You’re never too old to enjoy egg rolling on Bleach Green Hill and it is wonderful to watch the baby lambs frolicking in the fields at Discovery Farm.
Among the hands-on activities are a range of crafts suitable for young children, a Great Egg Trail and magic shows. Visitors can also enjoy the sounds of traditional music.
Special event day pricing applies.