Fun things to do for all the family over Easter

From arts projects and boat races to a big (kids-appropriate) daytime rave, it’s time to get egg-cited, says Martha Alexander

WITH a blossom-filled backdrop for outdoor adventures and the constant promise of chocolate eggs and bunnies, London has a wealth of activities for families to enjoy over Easter: some are free, most have a flexible age range and all are potent antidotes to sitting at home watching television. From canal cruising to experiencing Shakespeare for the very first time, or being part of a wild goose chase, the capital has youngsters covered this April.

Sail on London’s waterways

GoBoat offers self-drive vessels for up to eight people with trips from jetties at Paddington, Canary Wharf and Kingston. Available seven days a week from tomorrow, each boat costs from £80 an hour. Depending on the route, boaters can discover Little Venice, wave at the monkeys in London Zoo, marvel at City skyscrapers or be wowed by Hampton Court Palace. Bring a picnic — the table in the middle of every boat is there for good reason.

• Paddington, Canary Wharf, Kingston; www.goboat.co.uk

Superworm at Kew

Who knew Superworm lived at Kew? The much-loved hero and his friends, from the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, are part of a new trail. Little ones will join a mission to save Superworm from Wizard Lizard and also learn about things that live and grow in British gardens. Price is included with entry to Kew (from £5 for children aged four to 15 and £17 for adults).

• Until April 16; Kew, Richmond,

TW9 3AE; www.kew.org

The Tempest at Shakespeare’s Globe

Created especially for young audiences thanks to its technicolour design, vivid costumes and focus on key scenes, this version of The Tempest is touted as the ideal introduction to the Bard. While the direction and design of this Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank production has been geared towards young people, it is 90 minutes long with no interval, so perhaps more suited to teens. Alongside the performance — where standing tickets are a steal a just £5 — are a range of drama workshops centred on The Tempest’s themes.

• Until April 15; 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT, www.shakespearesglobe.com

The Great Leadenhall Market Wild Goose Chase

For an Easter hunt with a twist, sign up to compete for Old Tom’s Golden Egg at Leadenhall Market.

Teams of all ages are encouraged to take part — free of charge — in some 100 challenges including dressing up, clue hunting, model making and puzzle solving. As well as the prized egg, the first-prize winners will receive £500 to spend at Leadenhall Market. Entrants must register their teams online, where they will then be given more details on the tasks. Also take a peep at the beautiful stained-glass window displays that tell of Old Tom — a goose which escaped slaughter at the market in the 1800s and became something of a local legend, even lying in state after his death.

• From tomorrow to April 30; Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LT; leadenhallmarket.co.uk/easter-at-leadenhall-market

Biscuit icing

Eggs are not the only way to indulge at Easter — at both the Belgravia and Notting Hill branches of Biscuiteers children can learn to ice biscuits like a pro in hour-long classes (£45 per person). Under the tuition of experts, little ones will try techniques including line and flood icing, piping and feathering on a selection of Easter-themed biscuits. Once complete — and the complimentary hot chocolate polished off — all creations will be put in a beautiful tin, ready to be taken home. There is no age limit but this is probably most suitable for children aged six and older.

• Various dates throughout April

BBC Earth Experience

Explore the extraordinary diversity of our seven unique continents on an immersive journey with bespoke narration from David Attenborough. Visitors examine the natural world with the help of interactive rooms and hundreds of multi-angle screens. The Mirco Life room, where some of Mother Nature’s bounty can be seen close up, is set to be a huge hit while elsewhere visitors should beware of creepy-crawlies. Make

sure you book tickets (from £22) in advance.

• The Daikin Centre, Earl’s Court, SW6 1TT; bbcearthexperience.com

Bunny Hop Eggstravaganza

For a hearty helping of community spirit and a day-long dose of merry making, this gathering in Elephant and Castle is the answer — and it’s free. There’s egg decorating, face painting and food stalls as well as performances from local choirs and groups including the Up Side Down Dance Academy and selfies with the Easter Bunny.

• April 8 from 11am-5pm; Castle Square, 40 Elephant Road, SE17 1EU; castlesquarelondon.com

Workshops and performances at Museum of London Docklands

The schedule at this award-winning museum is packed with art projects, swashbuckling stories and even the chance to befriend a little rat and help to complete her family tree. One of the highlights has got to be the sessions which introduce youngsters to Thieves’ Cant — a secret language used by scoundrels. London’s past is brought to life through objects, language and exploration and best of all, it’s free.

• April 1 to 16, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, E14 4AL; museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands

Pedal Power Disco

For four glorious and probably extremely sweaty hours, families can enjoy a free daytime rave — but you’ll have to fight for your right to do so. The Pedal Power Disco is exactly what it sounds like — dance music dependent on bicycles ridden by party-goers of all ages. If the pedalling stops, the tunes stop which is nothing short of a genius way to tire out youngsters high on chocolate. Everyone works together to keep

Challenge London with Go Ape

Ideal for older children (10+), the new Challenge London package from Go Ape offers three different sessions of high rope swing time at any of five London locations, which include Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace. Much of the action takes place in line with the trees’ canopy, some 25 metres high — where bridges between platforms feel extra wobbly. While only a couple of London locations offer free fall Tarzan swings, all boast speedy zip lines to ensure adrenaline is pumping. Children will need an adult to accompany them (so much for best laid plans to sip coffee and observe from terra firma).

• £95; Battersea Park, Alexandra Palace, Cockfosters, Black Park and Chessington; goape.co.uk

The Escape Room at The London Dungeon

A new experience at the iconic attraction in which “guests” are locked into a cell and have 60 minutes to escape using clues left by Guy Fawkes. With logic puzzles and physical challenges, this is a great addition to the craze of escape rooms among older children.

• £120 per game, for two to six people. London Dungeon,

Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB, thedungeons.com/london/escape