Things to do with kids over the Easter Holidays - 2025
- Rachel Ree
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Okay parents…we’ve got 2 weeks to fill with fun and although I’m a huge believer in kids don’t need to be doing something mega exciting every single day, I do love a good day out, especially in this beautiful weather we’ve had so I’ve put together a list of things that are happening in and around the area. Some are a little bit further out but worth it in my opinion.
Free Activities
Bolton Museum, Library & Aquarium
A fantastic museum, a newly refurbished state of the art library and an aquarium in the basement, plus its FREE…what’s not to love?!?! This is somewhere you could visit on the regular and still something new and interesting each time you go. But they also run lots of free workshops and activities seasonally and in the school holidays. Usually no need to book and you can just rock up. I’ve attached a photo below of what’s on this Easter half term.
Museum of Science & Industry
Another museum, very different from the last but just as much worth a visit. This museum is just as interesting for kids as it is the adults and one of the things I love about this place is all the hands on interactive stuff they have there, even for the littlest people. Did you know they have a section on the upper floor for under 5’s or children with sensory needs? It’s a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the museum and perfect if you have a little one who wants to build a tower, play with some sensory toys etc.
They usually have lots of free activities on over the holidays, with special talks and workshops happening regularly throughout the day. As well as the free activities, they also have some paid exhibitions such as the Operation Ouch! series, which focuses on different elements of the human body and the Power Up exhibition, for the gamers in the family. We have done both of these in the past and thought they were well worth the money.
For any families with SEN children, we booked an Operation Ouch exhibition last year on their SEN session and they provided sensory packs and it was a much more relaxed mood throughout the exhibition with no rush to get through everything and less bright lights and loud sounds.
Fletcher Moss Park
This stunning botanical gardens in the heart of Didsbury will not disappoint, especially in this weather. There are lots of lovely walks around the park and gardens which are oral friendly and plenty of places to stop a take a picnic. In my humble opinion this is one of the, if not thee most beautiful park in Manchester, with so many beautiful flowers and blossom trees, it’s so picturesque.
During the half term, they have little trails that are usually designed by a local school where you have to find each little themed image on a heart hanging in the park. Trail sheets are available at the onsite cafe, with a suggested donation of £1 so it’s such a lovely, cheap way of keeping the little ones entertained. Plus if a picnic ain’t your thing, the cafe onsite does gorgeous food and drink that you can takeaway or sit and eat in the shaded outdoor seating area. One tip…get there early to find a parking spot because there’s not many and it gets full very quickly.
The Rock, Bury
If you fancy a spot of shopping, a bite to eat or even a trip to the cinema this Easter then The Rock is the place to be. However, head down on Wednesday 9th, 16th or Saturday 19th and the kids will have a chance to try out their circus skills with these free workshops. Running every half an hour from 11am-3pm on each of these days (2:30pm last workshop), children will have the chance to learn plate spinning, diabolo and stilt walking. No need book, just turn up and places will go on a first come first served basis.
Flight of Fancy Parade, Rochdale Town Hall
Now this one I’m very excited about!!! I recently came across Rochdale Town Hall when I took part in a Breastfeeding Event there in February and it is the most stunning building with lots of interesting things to do inside. And not only can you visit here for free any day of the week. There is a FREE lantern parade on Thursday 10th April, inspired by nature. This runs for 2 hours from 7-9pm and all you need to do is turn up. As well as the stunning parade there will also be street performances too. Well worth a look if you ask me.
Queens Park Bolton, Easter Egg Hunt
Now I’m ashamed to say, that despite living in Bolton, I’ve never been to Queens Park!!! In my defence we’ve only lived here 3 years and I’ve been a Bury girl all my life. Anyway…they’ve got a FREE Easter egg hunt happening on the 18th April @ 1pm. It’s one of the only free ones I’ve come across and the more eggs you guys find, the better chances of winning a prize so you’ve got to be in it to win it.
Free tickets are available on Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/easter-egg-hunt-2025-tickets-1259309912849?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
So, there’s my round up of some free activities that are happening in the local area, I’m sure I’ve missed loads out but those are what I could fit into the allotted time slot I had for writing this!!! I’m going to write up a separate blog for some paid activities as Nova is complaining that hat I’m taking too long to finish my work so keep your eyes peeled for the next few pages. The next will be all about some cheap paid activities!!! Hope this helps.
Rachel x
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