Easter holidays on a budget: brilliant free and cheap days out for you and the kids

The Easter holidays are almost here… and so is that familiar challenge, two weeks of keeping the kids fed, happy and entertained, without emptying your wallet.

Sounds familiar?

The good news is, you don’t need a lot of money to make magical memories. With a little creativity and know-how, you can fill your days with fun and adventure, all while sticking to a budget.

Here are some great free and cheap things to do this Easter

Get hunting: Easter egg trails and adventures

You can’t beat a good egg hunt at Easter.

Across the UK, parks, gardens, and attractions put on Easter trails that are either free or low-cost. You’ll usually find them at:

• National Trust properties
• English Heritage sites
• local farms and community gardens

National Trust Easter trails

Nearly 100 sites host Easter-themed trails. Most cost around £3.50 per child and some are completely free. You can expect crafts, clues, and, of course, chocolate at the finish line.

Check the full list of Easter events on the National Trust website to find a trail or egg hunt near you.

RHS Easter detective trail

At RHS Garden Harlow Carr, kids can solve ‘Who framed the Easter bunny?’
They’ll follow clues around the gardens with a detective pack, perfect for curious minds.

• under-fives are free
• ages 5 – 16 cost £5  

• £3 charge per child for a detective pack and a chocolate Easter bunny

Rescue a rainy day with a trip to a museum

Let’s be honest, British weather doesn’t always cooperate. That’s where free museums come to the rescue.

You’ll find world-class options across the UK, many with interactive exhibits kids actually love. Some of the best include:

• Bolton Museum in Greater Manchester is currently ranked as the best free museum in the UK, with an extensive range of Egyptian artifacts and a public aquarium. 
• The British Museum in London is home to more than 50 galleries full of global treasures.
• London’s Natural History Museum is brimming with family favourite tours, dinosaurs, whales and volcanoes.
• The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is home to thousands of fascinating objects under one roof.
• Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum makes science interactive and fun, perfect for inquisitive young minds.
• Liverpool’s World Museum is a vast maze of space, nature, and ancient worlds, showcasing millions of years of the Earth's history through thousands of exhibits and hands-on activities.

Remember, while many museums are free, you may need to book a time slot online.

Try something different

Aircraft top trumps trail

At the Imperial War Museum in London, kids can hunt for aircraft and build their own Top Trumps-style collection. Perfect for budding pilots and history fans alike.

Spring family fun festival

Head to the Southbank Centre for free workshops, music, dance, and creative sessions. Think messy crafts, energetic dancing, and lots of noise, the good kind that is.

Foodie fun that won’t break the bank

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy food festivals, as many are free to enter and just charge for extras.

York Chocolate Festival

In York, the city turns into a chocolate lover’s dream, with markets, tastings and themed activities, with free entry.

Cheshire and North Wales Food and Drink Festival is at Chester Racecourse over the Easter weekend.  Day tickets are available from £10 for adults, £5 for 5-15 year olds, and under-fives go free.

Slow it down with Easter services

If you’re looking for something more meaningful, Easter services can be a lovely way to pause and reflect.

Beautiful settings include:

• Westminster Abbey
• St Paul’s Cathedral

You’ll find everything from Palm Sunday processions to Easter Sunday celebrations, and they’re usually free to attend.

Discover local gems at libraries and community events

Don’t overlook your local library, as they can be absolute lifesavers during school holidays.

You’ll often find:

• storytelling sessions
• craft workshops
• Lego clubs
• reading challenges

And the best part, they’re usually completely free.

Simple pleasures with family picnics and outdoor adventures

If the sun makes an appearance, grab some snacks and head outside.

You don’t need anything fancy, other than:

• a local park
• a woodland walk
• a beach trip
• even your back garden

Add a ball, a blanket, and maybe an Easter treat, and you’ve got a perfect day.

Even more free and cheap ideas

Two weeks is a long time, so if you’ve exhausted the above, you could try these:

• movie afternoon at home, just pick a theme and make the popcorn
• DIY Easter egg hunt in your house or garden
• nature scavenger hunt, looking for flowers, bugs and birds
• craft day with things you already have
• a family bike ride somewhere new
• bake together, making simple cupcakes  
• park hop challenge, visit a different playground each day
• photo challenge, let kids document their holiday

Keeping the kids entertained over Easter doesn’t have to cost a fortune, it just takes a bit of planning and a splash of creativity.