The Easter school holidays are almost here, but for many families this means two weeks of the children at home and increased costs of keeping them entertained.
This year in particular most of us are feeling the crunch thanks to a huge rise in the cost of living and soaring energy bills.
We have teamed up with parenting website Harrogate Mumbler and put together six free or low-cost ideas for the Easter holidays across the district.
Kayti Mewis, content creator for Harrogate Mumbler, said:
“You don’t always have to spend a fortune to have a fun day out with the kids. For example, we always enjoy a day at Valley Gardens with a picnic over the holidays.”
Free street entertainment in Harrogate town centre – from April 9
Following the success of Harrogate Business Improvement District’s (BID) street entertainers during the October half-term last year, they will be back in the town centre over the Easter holidays.
On Saturday, April 9, Pete and Ged Moss the gardeners will be in town with their ‘Easter Egg Stravaganza walkabout special’.
They will entertain crowds with their musical wheelbarrow, brimming over with colourful Easter eggs of all shapes and sizes – expect lots of audience participation.
On Good Friday, April 15, the Easter Bunny will be taking some time out from his Easter duties to share some early treats with the children of Harrogate. He will be at the Victoria Shopping Centre at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm.
On Saturday April 16, ‘Val N Halla’ will be travelling in their musical longboat through the town centre. The two Abba-obsessed Scandinavians will bring “entertainment, mayhem and mirth wherever they go”.
Peter Rabbit and Friends Easter Trail at Swinton Estate, near Ripon – April 9 to 24
Head to Swinton Bivouac for an Easter adventure with Peter Rabbit and Friends.
Help Peter and Benjamin to save Easter by rescuing all of the Easter eggs from the clutches of the pesky Samuel Whiskers.
Solve the clues to crack the code that will open the chest to rescue the egg – and earn an Easter treat for yourself as well.
There will also be an opportunity to explore the ruins and follies of Druid’s Temple, built in 1820, reconnect with nature in the woodland of Swinton Estate and take in the views over the Leighton reservoir.
Trail maps are £5, with each completed answer sheet earning a prize. All money from the trail goes directly to the Friends of Grewelthorpe School (FROGS) charity.
The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt – April 9 to 24
Organised and presented by Painting Pots Knaresborough, this quirky event is now in its fifth year.
There will once again be 17 ceramic bunnies hopping into local businesses.
The bunnies are hand-painted in vivid patterns, some inspired by characters or recognisable personalities and products. Painted mostly in house by Laura of Painting Pots, and more recently Natasha Gilyard.
A map with the locations of the bunnies is hand-drawn and painted by local artist Helen Salmons, who is known as The Relentless Crafter, while the bunnies themselves are the handiwork of Natasha Gilyard and Painting Pots’ Laura.
The maps can be purchased for £3 from Painting Pots, Castlegate, and the Oldest Chemist Shoppe, Market Square.
Bunny hunters use the map to find the bunnies, fill in their form and hand them back in to receive a sweet treat, a wristband, sticker and entry to win prizes donated by local businesses.
Over the last four years, The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt has raised more than £6,000 for local charities. All profits this year will go to Lucie’s Animal Rescue and Inspire Youth.
The event will be officially launched at the Knaresborough Spring Fayre on April 9, where there will also be the first ever Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt Parade.
Activities at Knaresborough Library – April 16 and April 21
Hoglets Theatre will be performing their play The Sleep Pirates on Saturday, April 16 at 2pm, featuring swashbuckling pirates, flying ships and shooting stars.
The event is aimed at families with children aged four to eight. Places are limited so booking is essential and children need to be library members. Pop in to the library or call 01609 533610 to book your place.
Alternatively, enjoy some arty fun with a print workshop with artist Lana Grindley on April 21 at 2pm.
Children aged 7 to 11 are invited to design and print their own book cover artwork, inspired by their favourite book illustrations. The designs will be displayed at a special exhibition in the library following the workshop.
Book your free ticket here.
There are also some great events at places that offer membership. If you are already a member, these events are usually included, or have a small additional price:
The Giant Easter Egg Hunt at RHS Harlow Carr – April 9 to 24
Enjoy a supersized family adventure this Easter holiday at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
Go hunting for the larger-than-life hand-painted eggs hidden around the garden on ‘The giant Easter egg hunt’, and from Good Friday to Easter Monday meet the Garden Detectives for more family fun.
The Easter egg hunt sees children equipped with an explorer pack. Follow the trail around the garden to find the giant painted eggs. There are fun puzzles to solve and plants and wildlife to spot along the way.
Children will be rewarded with a free chocolate treat after completing the trail.
The event is free to RHS members and children under 5.
Easter egg hunt at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – until April 17
Pick up an adventure trail for £3 and follow the map to complete 10 fun activities during your visit.
See if you can shake like a squirrel, rise like the sun and listen to nature’s orchestra. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg reward at the end.
