Things to Do in Nottingham for the Easter Half Term Holidays

The Easter break in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire runs from Saturday 28th March through Sunday 12th April 2026, giving you plenty of time to explore the region’s best family activities. From traditional egg hunts at historic estates to creative workshops, outdoor adventures and sporting events, the area offers dozens of activities for children of all ages during the Easter holidays in Nottinghamshire.

Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or willing to spend on special experiences, you’ll find activities that suit your family’s interests and schedule. The holiday break includes both weekdays and the bank holiday weekend, so you can plan shorter trips or full-day adventures depending on what works best for you.

This guide covers everything from cultural experiences and hands-on craft sessions to active pursuits and animal encounters. You’ll discover both well-known attractions and hidden gems across Nottingham and the surrounding county, helping you make the most of the two-week break without repeating the same activities.

Easter Egg Hunts and Family Trails

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire offer exciting Easter egg hunts across parks, historic venues, and nature reserves from 28th March to 12th April 2026. Many trails include puzzles, badges, and prizes to make your family adventure memorable.

Adventure Hunts at Local Parks

Several local parks host Easter egg hunts and trails with activities for all ages. Thoresby Park presents the Eventing Spring Carnival from 3rd to 5th April 2026, featuring the great Thoresby Easter egg hunt alongside vintage tractor parades and hobby horse adventures. Tickets start from £9.95, or you can purchase a family bundle for £35 that includes Sunday admission for two adults, two Easter egg hunt tickets for children, and car parking.

Rufford Abbey Country Park offers a special Easter event on Sunday 29th March 2026 at 10am and 12:30pm. This experience includes a buffet-style brunch with tea, coffee, and fruit juice, plus a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. Each child receives a trail sheet to complete their Easter Trail and win a prize.

White Post Farm hosts the Mad Hatter’s Spring Party from Saturday 28th March until Sunday 12th April. You can join the White Rabbit’s Teacup Trail to win sweet treats whilst enjoying festival games, marshmallow toasting, face painting, and meeting the lambs.

Castle and Historic Venue Quests

Belvoir Castle Adventure Playground features giant story eggs throughout the play area, each beautifully illustrated with animal friends preparing for Easter. You become an official Eggs-plorer by following rhyming clues around the playground to discover hidden Giant Story Eggs. Answer the questions along the way and solve them all to redeem your prize at the Belvoir Farm Shop.

Southwell Racecourse presents an Easter Family Fun Day on Sunday 5th April 2026. Kids go free to this event that combines thrilling horse racing with Easter entertainment. The day includes a funfair, face painting, meeting the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg giveaway, a treasure hunt, and a petting zoo. You can book tickets in advance with a family bundle for just £25, which covers two adults and up to six children under 18.

Trail Challenges and Badges

The Rebel Ranger trail runs from Friday 13th February until Sunday 19th April 2026 across forests, forts, ruins, and mysterious carvings. You’ll uncover secrets of the past whilst learning about brave rule-breakers and hidden heroes. Pick up your Rebel Rangers passport and follow the trail map to complete challenges throughout Nottinghamshire’s historic sites.

Collect badges as you go, snap photos, and solve riddles along the way. You might win one of the amazing prizes available for completing all the challenges. This trail suits families who enjoy longer outdoor adventures with educational elements mixed in.

Nature-Inspired Easter Hunts

Exciting Easter activities take place at Sherwood Forest and other natural spaces across the county. These nature-focused trails let you search for treasures in beautiful green spaces whilst exploring the outdoors. Clumber Park and other Nottinghamshire nature reserves typically offer seasonal activities during the Easter period.

YMCA’s Great Friday provides a full day of Easter activities that get kids active and creative. The programme includes coached sessions, drop-in activities, and an Easter Trail running all day. Whether your little ones love getting messy or your older kids want to try something new, this event offers varied outdoor experiences for different age groups.

Festive Events and Spring Activities

Nottingham offers a variety of seasonal celebrations and springtime activities during the Easter holidays. From family-friendly events to hands-on craft sessions, there are options for all ages across the city and surrounding areas.

Carnivals and Family Fun Days

Several venues across Nottinghamshire host special family events during the Easter break. You can find Easter activities at local libraries with free craft sessions and entertainment suitable for all ages.

Southwell Racecourse occasionally hosts family fun days during school holidays, offering activities beyond racing. Check their schedule for any Easter events that might include children’s entertainment and seasonal activities.

Wollaton Hall provides a historic backdrop for spring activities. The grounds are perfect for outdoor family fun, with plenty of space for Easter picnics and games. The hall often runs special events during school holidays, so it’s worth checking what’s available during the Easter period.

Themed Skating Sessions

The National Ice Centre runs special skating sessions throughout the school holidays. Parent and toddler skate times are available for younger children who are just learning to balance on the ice.

Public skating sessions run throughout the week, offering a fun indoor activity when the weather turns. The centre provides skate aids for beginners and children who need extra support on the ice.

Craft Fairs and Seasonal Food Markets

Welbeck Farm Shop hosts seasonal events and may feature special Easter offerings. The farm shop is known for quality local produce and often runs craft activities or food tastings during holiday periods.

Local craft fairs pop up across Nottingham during Easter. You’ll find handmade goods, artisan foods, and family-friendly activities. Many community centres and local venues host these smaller events, so checking what’s on in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire helps you find options near you.

Creative Workshops and Arts Experiences

Nottingham offers dedicated arts programmes designed for young creators during the Easter break, with hands-on workshops at cultural venues and specialised craft sessions that teach new skills while celebrating the season.

Arts and Crafts for Children

Lakeside Arts runs a Pop Art Costume Workshop for children aged 8-12, where young artists design wearable art inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic style. The workshop encourages children to explore bold colours and graphic patterns whilst creating their own unique pieces.

For slightly older children aged 8-14, a collage and stencilling workshop at the same venue teaches how colour and shape create striking images. Participants examine the Andy Warhol exhibition before making their own artworks using similar techniques.

Younger children can join Tatenda Chitsamba’s Sonic Explorers workshop, which combines tactile instruments, digital soundscapes, and imaginative play. The session includes parachute games, sponge play, and real-time music creation using microphones, loop stations, and keyboards. Arts and crafts holiday camps operate throughout the Easter holidays in Nottingham, offering painting, drawing, sculpture, and DIY activities.

Easter Baking and Cooking Classes

Bath Bomb Workshop sessions provide hands-on experiences where you create personalised bath products. These workshops teach mixing techniques and scent combinations whilst children craft Easter-themed items.

Local venues offer seasonal baking classes during the holiday period. You’ll find sessions focused on decorating Easter biscuits, creating chocolate treats, and learning basic pastry skills suitable for family participation.

Interactive Museum Exhibitions

Nottingham Contemporary hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the Easter period with family-friendly elements. The gallery provides activity sheets and interactive zones where children engage with contemporary art through touch, sound, and movement.

Mansfield Museum presents hands-on displays during school holidays. Children explore local history through replica artefacts, dressing-up areas, and quiz trails designed for different age groups. The museum combines education with entertainment through tactile learning experiences.

Educational and Adventure Attractions

Nottingham offers remarkable venues where children can learn through hands-on experiences, from exploring medieval history to meeting farm animals and discovering castle legends. These attractions blend education with entertainment during the Easter break.

Interactive History Experiences

The National Justice Museum provides a fascinating journey through Britain’s legal history. Your children can explore authentic Victorian courtrooms and experience what life was like in the cells below.

The museum offers interactive exhibits where young visitors can participate in mock trials and learn about crime and punishment through the ages. Children can dress up in period costumes and step into the roles of judges, lawyers, or prisoners.

You’ll find the museum particularly engaging for children aged 8 and above who enjoy history and storytelling. The exhibits are designed to make learning about the justice system accessible and memorable.

Animal Encounters and Farm Visits

White Post Farm hosts special Easter activities perfect for young animal lovers. Your family can meet newborn lambs and participate in feeding sessions throughout the holiday period.

The farm runs the Mad Hatter’s Spring Party from Saturday 28th March until Sunday 12th April. Activities include the White Rabbit’s Teacup Trail, where children can win sweet treats, festival games, and marshmallow toasting.

You’ll also find face painting, glitter tattoos, and opportunities to meet the Mad Hatter himself. The farm provides both educational animal encounters and themed entertainment that keeps children engaged for hours.

Castle Tours and Storytelling

Nottingham Castle offers guided tours that bring Robin Hood legends to life for young visitors. You can explore the medieval underground passages and learn about the castle’s role in English history.

The castle grounds provide space for children to run and play whilst absorbing stories of outlaws and nobles. Interactive displays help younger visitors understand life in medieval times through touch-and-feel exhibits.

Your family can combine castle exploration with the surrounding grounds, making it an ideal half-day activity. The castle offers both indoor and outdoor experiences, so you’re covered regardless of weather conditions.

Sports, Outdoor Fun and Holiday Clubs

Easter half term offers plenty of chances to get active outdoors or join structured programmes that keep children moving. Nottingham has multi-sports camps, adventure trails through parks, and seasonal activities designed specifically for the spring break.

Multi-Sports Holiday Camps

Holiday camps run throughout Easter half term at various locations across Nottingham. These programmes typically include football, cricket, tennis, basketball and other team sports suitable for different age groups.

Nottingham Forest Community Trust operates sports and activities programmes at multiple venues. Their camps usually run from morning through afternoon with qualified coaches leading sessions. Children aged 5 to 12 can participate in skills development and games.

Kids clubs and activities across Nottingham include options for sports, dance and outdoor adventures. Many clubs offer drop-in sessions or week-long programmes during school breaks. You can book individual days or full weeks depending on your schedule.

Red Kangaroo Trampoline Park provides indoor jumping sessions when weather turns poor. The facility includes dodgeball courts, foam pits and fitness classes suitable for children and teenagers.

Adventure Playgrounds and Trails

Colwick Country Park features walking trails, play areas and open spaces for family activities. The park sits alongside the river with paths suitable for cycling, scootering and walking. You can bring picnics and spend several hours exploring the grounds.

Sherwood Pines hosts the Stick Man Trail through the forest with interactive activities along the route. Children follow the story whilst completing challenges and creating their own stick figures. The trail runs from early February and parking fees apply.

Many country parks throughout Nottinghamshire have marked nature trails and outdoor play equipment. These free spaces give children room to run, climb and explore natural surroundings.

Seasonal Outdoor Games

Spring weather makes outdoor activities more enjoyable during Easter half term. Traditional games like egg and spoon races appear at various venues including Hardwick Hall and other National Trust properties.

Some parks and community centres organise Easter-themed sports days with sack races, obstacle courses and team challenges. Libraries across Nottinghamshire host free activities during holidays, including outdoor games when weather permits.

Football clubs and sports grounds open their facilities for casual play sessions. You can check local community centres for organised games or simply head to public parks with balls and outdoor equipment for informal family matches.

Budget-Friendly and Inclusive Activities

Easter half term doesn’t need to drain your wallet, with numerous free events across Nottingham and affordable meal options at major retailers. Many shops and cultural venues offer complimentary activities that keep children entertained without any cost.

Free and Low-Cost Family Venues

Nottingham Contemporary offers free Easter family activities from 8th-17th April, running 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. Their Play & Learn Facilitators guide you through making and play sessions inspired by current exhibitions, with sensory toys and books in relaxed areas.

The National Justice Museum runs free workshops throughout the holidays. You can design your own prison with a 10-point upgrade system from 8th-10th April, then practice fingerprinting techniques using aluminium powder, magnetic powder, and household objects from 15th-17th April. All sessions run 10:30am-3:30pm with no booking required.

Lakeside Arts displays the Cosmic Titans Exhibition until 27th April, exploring the quantum universe through art and science. Entry is free and the venue is closed Mondays.

Library Programmes and Book Hunts

Waterstones Nottingham hosts Paddington’s Easter Egg Hunt on 16th April at 11am, where booksellers read the story whilst children search for hidden chocolate eggs around the children’s floor. No booking is needed for this free event.

Multiple libraries across Nottinghamshire run complimentary craft sessions. Sutton-in-Ashfield Library offers Easter crafts and hunts on 8th April from 11am-12pm. Carlton Library provides chick puppet workshops on 14th April at 11am. Eastwood Library has creative sessions, box modelling, Big Bricks, and children’s knitting workshops running throughout the holidays during normal opening hours.

Mansfield Woodhouse Library runs Easter bunny mask making on 10th April and badge creation on 17th April, both 10am-2pm. All library activities are drop-in with no advance booking necessary.

Supermarket and Café Meal Deals

John Lewis Nottingham runs a free Sylvanian Families treasure hunt from 7th-21st April during opening hours. Complete the in-store trail and receive a Baking Baby Party Series blind bag whilst stocks last.

Smyths Toys hosts a Rainbocorns giveaway on 12th April from 9am at Nottingham and Derby locations. Find hidden letters in-store to claim your free Mini Rainbocorn toy and enter to win a 10ft Thorpe trampoline. IKEA Nottingham offers an Eggstravaganza Trail from 5th-21st April where you find eight colourful eggs to crack a secret code for prizes.

After activities, Asda cafés provide budget-friendly children’s meals. Many locations offer hot food deals and kids’ meal combos that won’t stretch your holiday budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Easter half term in Nottingham offers everything from exciting egg hunts at historic venues to creative workshops and outdoor adventures across the county. Many attractions provide special programmes designed specifically for families during the school break.

What are the top family-friendly activities in Nottingham during the Easter break?

White Post Farm’s Mad Hatter’s Spring Party runs from 28th March until 12th April 2026, featuring the White Rabbit’s Teacup Trail, festival games, marshmallow toasting, and opportunities to meet lambs. You can enjoy face painting, glitter tattoos, and encounters with the Mad Hatter himself.

Southwell Racecourse hosts an Easter Family Fun Day on Sunday 5th April 2026 with kids going free. The event combines thrilling horse racing with Easter-themed entertainment including a funfair, face painting, meeting the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg giveaway, a treasure hunt, and a petting zoo.

A family bundle costs just £25 and includes two adults plus up to six under-18s. You should book your tickets in advance as availability is limited.

Can you recommend some outdoor adventures in Nottingham suitable for the half term?

The Rebel Ranger trail challenges you to explore forests, forts, ruins, and mysterious carvings from 13th February until 19th April 2026. You’ll pick up a Rebel Rangers passport, follow the trail map, and complete challenges whilst collecting badges, taking photos, and solving riddles for a chance to win amazing prizes.

Thoresby Park’s Eventing Spring Carnival takes place from Friday 3rd until Sunday 5th April 2026. The weekend features the Lycetts Grantham Cup with top horse and rider combinations competing for a prestigious title.

Your family can enjoy a vintage tractor parade, the Great Thoresby Easter egg hunt, and hobby horse adventures. Tickets start from £9.95, whilst a family bundle costs £35 and includes Sunday admission for two adults, two Easter egg hunt tickets for children, and a Sunday car parking ticket.

Where are the best places to enjoy Easter-themed events in Nottingham?

Belvoir Castle’s Adventure Playground features giant story eggs created with help from Belvoir Animal Park. Each beautifully illustrated egg shows animal friends painting, planting, stacking eggs, and getting into mischief as they prepare for Easter.

You’ll follow rhyming clues around the playground, discover the hidden Giant Story Eggs, and answer questions along the way. Solve them all and redeem your prize at the Belvoir Farm Shop.

Rufford Abbey Country Park hosts an Easter event at Rufford Mill on Sunday 29th March 2026 at 10am and 12.30pm. The special experience includes a freshly prepared buffet-style brunch with tea, coffee, and fruit juice, plus a chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself. Each child receives a trail sheet to embark on an Easter Trail and wins a prize.

What are some educational yet fun experiences for children in Nottingham over the Easter holidays?

The National Justice Museum offers interactive experiences that bring history to life through courtroom trials and prison tours. Your children can participate in hands-on activities whilst learning about law and justice throughout the ages.

Lakeside Arts runs a Pop Art Costume Workshop for little ones aged 8-12 years. Your children will explore the world of Pop Art and create their own wearable art piece inspired by the iconic style of Andy Warhol.

They can also join a workshop suitable for kids aged 8-14 that examines how colour and shape create striking images. You’ll explore the Andy Warhol exhibition and create collaged and stencilled artworks inspired by bold colours and graphic style.

Which cultural attractions in Nottingham offer special programmes for the Easter half term?

Lakeside Arts presents Sonic Explorers with Tatenda Chitsamba, a joyful sensory music-making experience for the littlest visitors. The workshop blends tactile instruments, digital soundscapes, and imaginative play to spark curiosity and creativity.

Children explore sound freely through parachute games and sponge play whilst creating their own music in real time using microphones, loop stations, and keyboards. This interactive experience helps unleash creativity and makes lasting memories.

St Mary Magdalene in Newark hosts The Passion on Tuesday 31st March 2026. This retelling of the Easter story takes you through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, told from the perspectives of Peter, Mary Magdalene, and a Roman centurion named Marcus.

Are there any unique Easter crafts or cooking workshops for families in Nottingham?

YMCA’s Great Friday offers a full day of Easter fun where you can get active, get creative, and explore the Village together. The day includes coached sessions, drop-in activities, and an Easter Trail running all day.

Whether you’ve got little ones who love getting messy or big kids who want to try something new, the activities cater to different interests. Visit Nottinghamshire’s What’s on Page provides more ideas for craft sessions and workshops throughout the Easter break.

Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates offers some of the finest chocolate delights in the city for anyone wanting to create Easter treats. The shop provides a wide range of Easter goodies perfect for the season.

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