With the long Easter weekend of 2026 fast approaching, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to manage the Easter egg-infused kids you’ll have from Good Friday till Easter Monday. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the perfect place to learn how to expend your kids’ abundant sugar-high energy with these fun family activities and things to do across the North this Easter break.
Easter weekend is a great time to plan some entertaining activities that will help your kids further indulge in the creative and adventurous spirit within them, with egg rolling, decorating, and egg hunts.
Easter egg rolling at Avenham Park
Nearest station: Preston
Get back to basics in Avenham Park where the first British egg roll took place in 1867. Set in a beautiful park, there’s nowhere better to teach and have fun with your kids over the Easter break. You have the choice between the official egg rolls, where you can join in with the other families there, or you can find a more private spot and enjoy some time with just you and the family.
However, egg rolling isn’t the only thing available at the park; being one of the last examples of Victorian park design. With the River Ribble backing the park, the area is filled with natural beauty including a natural amphitheatre and a sublime Japanese rock garden. You can make a day out of your trip by bringing a picnic blanket for the expansive grass, or stopping by the Pavilion Cafe for a pitstop between activities.
With no bookings for the park, you can also leave travel to the last minute with save-on-the-day tickets from Northern.
Easter egg hunting at Muncaster Castle
Nearest station: Ravenglass for Eskdale
Hop over to Muncaster Castle this Easter for four fun-filled days of family activities in a truly magical setting. Set within the historic grounds of Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass, Cumbria, the festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Little ones can take part in the daily Easter egg hunts, get creative with crafts, and the Hawk & Owl Centre will also be open, featuring engaging bird of prey flying displays. With castle grounds to explore, storytelling sessions, and live shows throughout the day, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Book an anytime ticket with Northern so that train times don't constrain your good times.
Dinosaur discovery at Life Science Centre
Nearest station: Newcastle
Looking for something slightly different? Trade bunnies for dinosaurs this Easter! The Life Science Centre in Newcastle is only a 3-minute walk from the station and has plenty to entertain kids of all ages.
With a total of 20 moving prehistoric creatures taking over the centre from March 28th, it's officially home to the North's biggest collection of animatronic dinosaurs this spring. Plus, there's an engaging trail where kids can play the role of Dino Ranger, a multitude of live shows, exhibits and hands-on experiments for a fun and science-packed day out.
Book in advance with Northern when planning your visit and save up to 60% off.
Easter trail at Quarry Bank (National Trust)
Nearest station: Styal
The National Trust is offering a whole lot of fun and interesting Easter activities for you and your young ones; of the hundred options, our pick is Quarry Bank in Cheshire.
Quarry Bank was a mill in bygone days but has swapped its industrial roots for natural ones. Surrounded by luscious countryside and gardens, the area is perfect for an Easter trail. The trail includes a set of bunny ears with a trail sheet and the chance for a chocolate egg at the end.
The Mill Shop will also be offering more Easter fun along with the restaurant and cafe providing some Easter treats. Take it easy with a Northern off-peak ticket to avoid the rush!
Have an eventful Easter Break in the North
Get your Easter plans moving with these top things to do over Easter Break in the North. Go with Northern and book travel for you and the whole family easily with Northern's family ticket. Don't forget that children aged 5-15 travel for half-price on the majority of fares across the UK rail network, and under 5s travel for free alongside fare-paying passengers. We've made travelling easier across the Easter period so you can spend more time celebrating and less time planning.
Save with our family ticket
Our Northern family ticket gives you the chance to travel with your whole family, up to six people, for one great value price. Making the train a great option when travelling with the family.
Buy a family train ticketNorthern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.