If you’re looking to keep the kids entertained this Easter holiday, we’ve pulled together our top 30 activities to keep them occupied, whatever the weather.

You’ll see that the Easter Bunny has been busy hiding eggs, but there’s much more going on including 10p swimming sessions, craft workshops, woodland walks and much more.

Parking can be a headache – especially in the Lake District – so all these venues have a bus stop nearby, meaning you don’t have to battle the holiday traffic, which is one less thing to stress over. And with fares restricted to £3 per journey, it won’t break the bank either.

North Cumbria

Miffy at Tullie, Carlisle

Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
One of the world's best loved children’s characters, Miffy, is headed to Tullie for the Easter school holidays. From 28 March to 12 April, families can enjoy loads of spring-themed activities, all in the company of the famous bunny who turned 70 last year. More info here

Carlisle Cathedral Photo: Jack Alcock

Carlisle Cathedral

Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle / Market Hall
Plenty to do for kids at the Cathedral over Easter. On Saturday 28 March create a fresh flower greeting card for a loved one. On Friday 10 April, from 10am there’s a Little Stars session for toddlers and younger children, then from 2pm older children can paint their own mini vase. More info here

Sands Centre

The Sands Centre, Carlisle

Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle / Market Hall
Children can once again swim for just 10p at The Sands Centre over the Easter break. Kids aged up to 16 can take advantage of the offer from 10am to 10.50am on weekdays during the holidays. More info here

Acorn Bank Photo: Stewart Smith

Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith

Bus route: 563
Take the family on an Easter trail with fun activities along the way and earn a chocolate egg at the end. It takes place between Saturday 28 March and Sunday 12 April (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), from 10.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. There are even alternative eggs available for vegans and allergy sufferers. More info here

Dobbies Garden Centre Carlisle

Dobbies Garden Centre, Orton Grange, Carlisle

Bus route: 300, 400, 554 & 600
There’s a roar-some time to be had at Dobbies with the Dino-mite Easter Event where, from 9 to 12 April, little palaeontologists can stomp, race, and create their way through prehistoric events. Before that, on Saturday 4 April, at the Little Seedlings Club April Workshop, children can hope into spring with Gabby and Eggy the Easter Kitty Bunny. More info here

Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Bus route: 77, 77A, 78, 509, 553, 554, 555, X4 & X5
So Unfair is a new interactive science show for children aged seven to 10 on 30 March - help Daniel Bye change the world, in an unexpectedly ridiculous adventure involving engineering challenges, bad dad jokes and a lot of chocolate. The following day younger kids can meet Hay in a show about growing up in the countryside and discovering that you don’t have to stay stuck in the mud. See here https://www.theatrebythelake.com/whats-on/

Kingmoor Sidings Nature Reserve

Bus route: 62 & 79
A woodland walk is the perfect way to get the family outside over Easter. Once a busy train depot, nature has reclaimed Kingmoor Sidings on the edge of the city. The council-owned 22-acre space features easy walking trails through trees and beside ponds. Kingmoor is perfect for a relaxing couple of hours’ exploring and a picnic. More info here

Lowther Castle Photo: visitthelakedistrict.com

Lowther Castle

Bus route: 106 & UB2
The Lowther Chicken Rap is an Easter trail with a difference. From March 27 to April 20, join Lizzee Rascal, the free-range, rap-rhyming hen who has taken up residence in the gardens. The trail is free with admission to the castle and gardens, and there is an Easter prize for everyone who cracks the code. More info here

Carlisle Racecourse

Carlisle Racecourse

Bus route: 64
Saturday 4 April is Family Day at the racecourse with loads of free entertainment for all ages, including bubble artists and inflatables; magicians and stilt walkers; unicyclists and surprises. Family tickets from £19.80 - and under-18s go free. After the racing has finished, The Jockey Club puts on a complimentary shuttle bus that runs 20 minutes after the final race and then 30 minutes after that. The bus will drop you off on English Street in Carlisle. More info here

Greystoke Castle Photo:Visit cumbria

Greystoke Castle, Penrith

Bus route: 105
Head to Greystoke from Good Friday to Easter Sunday for an Easter egg hunt in the castle gardens which the whole family can enjoy. Children will follow the Easter clues around the grounds before receiving a special Easter prize at the end. SMore info here

West Cumbria

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Bus route: X7
Hop aboard this historic steam railway for lots of family fun this Easter. Families can enjoy a special trail as they travel through the Lakeland landscapes while little ones will be entertained with a themed challenge. There’s an Easter line quiz and on 8 and 9 April, budding engineers can join Chris Vine, author of the Peter’s Railway books, for the Easter Little Engineers’ Days. More info here

Wordsworth House and Gardens

Wordsworth House and Garden, Cockermouth

Bus route: X4, X5 or 600
William Wordsworth’s childhood home reopens on 30 March, just in time for Easter. And there’s loads to do - explore the house with a guided tour, pop into the bookshop, discover the garden where the poet learned his love of nature, or see it for yourself on one of the walks starting at the house. More info here

The Beacon, Whitehaven

Bus route: 1, 1A, 2, 3, 3A, 29, 29A & 30, 32, X7, 600
The Beacon has a bumper Easter in store for kids - Beakid, the museum’s monthly activity programme, has loads of craft sessions; on 31 March they can try their hand at glass fusing with Roxanne Denny of RD Glass; and 2 and 9 April, meet some amazing animals at the Pet Encounter Experience. More info here

Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport

Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport

Bus route: 30, 60 & 300
At Lake District Coast Aquarium, families can enjoy a full Easter day out exploring fascinating marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Kids will love daily feeding talks, the pirate adventure playground, free mini golf, and hands-on learning experiences, plus a café and scenic harbour walks nearby. More info here

Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale Photo: visitlakedistrict

Honister Slate Mine

Bus route: 77 & 77A
Visit Honister Slate Mine this Easter to enjoy an unforgettable underground mine tour, exploring the tunnels and learning how slate is mined. Guided by expert miners, it’s fun, educational, and weatherproof, with hands-on demonstrations, stunning mountain views, and extra adventures for older children seeking excitement. Best of all - kids go free! More info here

Lake District Wildlife Park Photo: image visitlakedistrict com

Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite

Bus route: X4
Over the holidays the park will have Easter crafts and educational games in the Yurt. And on April 4 there’s an Easter egg hunt for the golden egg. Find it and you could win a chocolatey treat!

Workington Leisure Centre

Workington Leisure Centre

Bus route: 29, 29A, 30, 50, 51, 52, 60, 300 & X4/X5
Children can once again swim for just 10p at the leisure centre over the Easter break. Kids aged up to 16 can take advantage of the offer which is also available at Cockermouth Leisure Centre and Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre in Whitehaven. More info here

Threlkeld to Keswick railway path Photo: Lakedistrict.gov

Keswick to Threlkeld railway path

Bus route: X4, X5 & 509
When the Easter holidays bring sunshine (we hope!), there’s no better place for a family walk than the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path. This easy, traffic-free trail is perfect for all ages, with gentle gradients and plenty to spot along the way. Follow the old railway line, cross historic bridges, and look out for wildlife like herons and dippers. More info here

Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Bus route: X4, X5, 77, 77A, 77C, 78, 509, 554 & 555
So Unfair is a new interactive science show for children aged seven to 10 on 30 March - help Daniel Bye change the world, in an unexpectedly ridiculous adventure involving engineering challenges, bad dad jokes and a lot of chocolate. The following day younger kids can meet Hay in a show about growing up in the countryside and discovering that you don’t have to stay stuck in the mud. More info here

Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project

Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, Swingpump Lane, Whitehaven

Bus route: 1, 1A, 2, 3, 3A, 29, 29A, 30, 32, X7 & 600
Archery, climbing, environmental art, table tennis - just some of the fun activities offered by the youth project this Easter. Suitable for children aged eight and upwards. More info here

South Cumbria

Cumbria Easter Rally Kirkby Stephen

Cumbria Easter Rally, Kirkby Stephen

Bus route: 563
The Cumbria Easter Rally returns this Easter on 4 and 5 April with a free, family-friendly weekend of vintage vehicles, classic bus rides and lively entertainment. Exhibit your vintage vehicle or simply enjoy other people’s, and ride on classic public service vehicles running from Kirkby Stephen to Brough and other villages. Explore displays across multiple sites, enjoy food stalls and fairground fun. More info here

Wray Castle Photo: by Visit Lake District (1)

Wray Castle, Ambleside

Bus route: 505
Set on the shores of Windermere, Wray Castle is currently closed for refurbishment, but there’s still plenty for families to enjoy. The grounds, café and lakeshore remain open, with scenic walks taking in the gatehouse, jetty and boathouses. From 28 March to 12 April, take the Easter trail, complete the 10 activities along the way and earn your chocolate egg at the end. More info here. It’s also a great base for exploring, with easy lakeside routes towards Claife Viewing Station, family-friendly cycling paths, and the option of a circular walk around Blelham Tarn.

Allan Bank

Allan Bank, Grasmere

Bus route: 555 & 599
There’s another Easter trial at fellow National Trust property Allan Bank, from 28 March to 12 April. Follow in the footsteps of William Wordsworth’s children, John, Dora, Thomas, Catherine and William, on the trail around the garden where the family once lived. Starting with decorating your non-edible egg, you'll then be ready for Georgian inspired fun and games challenging your egg handling skills. And become a hero or a villain, by putting on a cape and picking up a play sword to re-enact your own traditional Easter ‘Pace’ play. More info here

Windermere Lake Cruises

Lake Windermere

Bus route: 6, 505, 516, 555, 599 & 755
Enjoy a relaxed family adventure on Lake Windermere and explore at your own pace. A combined bus and boat ticket from Stagecoach Group makes it easy to plan a full day out. Cruise across the lake, hop on and off at different piers, and discover places like Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. It’s a flexible way to enjoy the scenery, find a picnic spot or stop off at family-friendly attractions along the shoreline.
More info here

Lakeland Motor Museum Photo: Jon Lowe

Lakeland Motor Museum, Backbarrow, Ulverston

Bus route: 6 & X6
The museum’s monthly meeting for April handily falls on Easter Saturday. Whether you're a classic car owner, motoring enthusiast, or simply love seeing beautiful vintage vehicles, everyone is welcome. The meet begins around 10am, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching up, sharing stories and admiring a fantastic selection of classic cars. No need to book, just turn up. More info here

The world of Beatrix Potter Photo: visitlakedistrict

The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere

Bus route: 6, 555, 599 & 755
You’re spoilt for choice for things to do at the home of the world’s most famous rabbit over the holidays. There’s the Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-duck’s Egg Trail, Peter Rabbit’s Kindness Tree, biscuit decorating and bonnet making, and the chance to meet Peter Rabbit and even have breakfast with him. All details here

Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle

Bus route: X7
Families can enjoy a packed Easter programme at Muncaster Castle, with creative challenges and outdoor adventures. Take part in the Big Egg Drop, where you design a shield to protect your egg, or join the lively egg hunt led by the Easter Bunny. Explore the spring garden trail, solve clues and win prizes, with all activities included in children’s tickets for a fun-filled family day out. More info here

Lightburn Park

Lightburn Park, Ulverston

Bus route: 6, 6A & X6
A day out at Lightburn Park offers plenty for families, with a skate ramp, sensory garden and children’s play area to enjoy. Take the 6 or X6 bus from Barrow-in-Furness to Ulverston library, then it’s just a short walk to the park. On a sunny day, extend your visit with a gentle stroll to Dragley Beck. More info here

The Dock Museum

Dock Museum, Barrow

Bus route: 2 & 5
Bring your toddlers and tiny tots along on 2 April for Tiddlers, a fun, hands-on family group. Activities are designed for children 18 months and up, but tiny tots are very welcome too. It’s free so just drop in. And there’s lots more for the whole family to enjoy including the café, adventure playground and picnic tables. More info here

Sizergh Castle Photo: National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Sizergh House, near Kendal

Bus route: X6, 555 or 755
Follow the Easter trail through the beautiful parkland at Sizergh, with nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Running from 3-6 April, 10am-4pm, each £3.50 trail includes a sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg, with dairy-free and vegan options available. More info here