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10 screen-free activities for families in London this Easter

Ditch the devices and try these family-friendly Easter days out in London for 2026.

Published: March 27, 2026 at 12:57 PM

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Spring has officially sprung, and with the Easter school holidays running from 30 March to 10 April 2026, many of us are staring down two whole weeks of “what shall we do today?” energy.

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If you are keen to prise the tablet out of little hands and plan some proper, memory-making days out, London is packed with screen-free adventures this Easter. From immersive history to puppet theatre and circus thrills, here are 10 ideas to bookmark now.

1. Follow the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace

The Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt

Photograph: © Historic Royal Palaces

If you love the idea of an Easter trail but want something a little grander than your local park, Hampton Court Palace delivers. The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt takes families around the historic grounds in search of hidden bunny statues.

The self-led trail lasts around 90 minutes and is suitable for children aged three to 12. Once you have found all the Lindt Gold Bunny statues, you will be rewarded with your very own edible gold bunny or a non-chocolate treat.

A Tudor backdrop, sprawling gardens and a chocolate prize at the end, it is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

2. Watch “I Want My Hat Back Trilogy” at Little Angel Theatre

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Photo by Suzi Corker

For a calm, creative morning, head to Little Angel Studios for the return of Sam Wilde and Ian Nicholson’s cardboard puppet adaptation of Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back Trilogy.

This witty production brings three beloved picture books to life and works on different levels for little ones and grown-ups alike. Clever, slightly quirky and refreshingly free of flashing screens, it is ideal for children who love stories.

3. Introduce them to Shakespeare at the Unicorn Theatre

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Unicorn Theatre

The Unicorn Theatre joins forces with the RSC for a 90-minute version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream aimed at children aged seven plus.

With fairies, magic and plenty of mischief, it is a gentle gateway into Shakespeare without feeling like a school lesson. Live performance has a special kind of magic, and this is a lovely way to share it.

4. Be wowed by circus skills at Revel Puck

Revel Puck Circus

Revel Puck Circus

If your kids have energy to burn, Revel Puck’s latest show at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park promises 100 minutes of acrobatic thrills.

A Glimmer Daze Gambit follows a naive duo desperate to join the circus, but the real stars are the jaw-dropping acrobats. Expect big tricks, big laughs and that wonderful “did you see that?” feeling as you leave the tent.

5. Try My First Ballet: Cinderella

My First Ballet: Cinderella

English National Ballet

Curious about ballet but unsure whether your child will sit through a full-length production? My First Ballet: Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells East is designed especially for young audiences aged three plus.

Performed by students of English National Ballet School, this version includes a narrator to help children follow the story, all set to Prokofiev’s music. It is a gentle, accessible introduction to dance in a relaxed setting.

6. Step into stories at the British Library’s Fairy Tales exhibition

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© Chris Riddell

For a slower-paced afternoon, the British Library’s Fairy Tales exhibition invites families to explore enchanted lands, magical creatures and classic childhood stories.

Through books, artwork and interactive displays, children can rediscover favourites like Goldilocks and Aladdin. It is imaginative and hands-on, without relying on screens to hold their attention.

7. Explore the Samurai exhibition at the British Museum

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British Museum

If you have history lovers at home, the British Museum’s Samurai exhibition is in its final weeks over Easter.

Packed with ornamental armour and historic artefacts, it offers a fascinating look at these iconic Japanese warriors. It is the kind of outing that sparks brilliant dinner-table conversations later.

8. Let them create at REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

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Southbank Centre

At the Southbank Centre, Herd Theatre’s REPLAY transforms recycled materials into a colourful playground for imaginative play.

Children are encouraged to build, invent and explore, with prompts designed to get adults involved too. It is messy, creative fun that proves you do not need a charging cable to keep children entertained.

9. Bring a toy to life at “Your Toys”

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Unicorn Theatre

Also at the Unicorn Theatre, Your Toys invites children aged five to nine to bring along a toy and watch it become part of the story on stage.

Created in collaboration with children, every “puppet” in this tale of unlikely friendship is a toy. It is a simple but joyful concept that makes theatre feel personal and exciting.

10. Discover ancient treasures at Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold

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Ramses The Exhibition

For older children especially, Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold at Battersea Power Station showcases 180 ancient Egyptian artefacts, including the coffin of Ramses II.

It is less about flashy effects and more about standing face-to-face with real pieces of history. For curious kids who are learning about Ancient Egypt at school, this could be the highlight of their holidays.

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Whether you plan one big day out or a handful of smaller adventures, Easter in London does not have to revolve around screens. With a little planning, you can fill the holidays with stories, creativity and plenty of fresh air, and maybe even enjoy a hot coffee while you are at it.

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