The clocks have changed, the weather warnings for snow have disappeared and the Easter holidays are already upon us.
But as the stash of Easter eggs disappear and the Easter hunt fun is over, you might be looking for activities to do with the family throughout the half-term.
If you are wanting to make the most of the brighter and longer days we have recently adapted to, we have put together a selection of things to do this Easter across the North East.
Things to do with the kids in the Easter holidays across the North East
Easter egg hunt at Ormesby Hall
Location: Church Lane, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 0SR
Date and time: between Saturday, April 1 - Sunday April, 16, from 10.30am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Price: £2 per child but normal admission charges also apply
The National Trust website says: “Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. There are 10 trail points to find along the way, from wheelbarrow racing to egg and spoon racing, rubbings and the artist space.”
You will also be able to explore the beautiful garden at Ormesby Hall. No booking is needed.
The price of the trail is £2 per child and includes a trail map and pencil. You can choose from either a chocolate egg or a vegan and free from chocolate egg.
March Hare at Kirkleatham Museum & Grounds
Location: Kirkleatham Museum & Grounds, Redcar, TS10 5NW
Date and time: Wednesday, April 5 at 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Price: £2 per child
Hop on down to Kirkleatham Museum this Easter to visit the March Hare.
He will be reading poetry, teaching you about the ‘unbirthday song’, you'll meet the Dormouse, play games, sing and dance.
Tickets are only required for children and the event will take place in the pavilion.
Duck Detectives at Washington Wetland Centre
Location: Barmston Lane, Pattinson, Washington, NE38 8LE
Date and time: running daily from Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 16
Price: cost of the event is included in admission – see various ticket prices here
On the wetland’s website, it says: “Join us for a family day out of exploration and discovery that will put all of your senses to the test. To succeed as a Duck Detective and complete our Easter trail, you’ll need to get closer than ever to nature.
“It’s time to use your super sleuthing skills to investigate the mystery of the missing duck. Follow the clues and use everything from feathers to bird calls to footprints to complete our trail, quack the case and become a fully-fledged Duck Detective.
“Once you’ve revealed nature’s hidden secrets on our trail, put your new found detective skills to the test and discover more about our wonderful wetlands with activities such as pond dipping and mini-beast hunting."
Ugly Duckling at Northern Stage
Location: Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH
Date and time: Friday, April 14 – Saturday, April 15, various times
Price: various
Northern Ballet’s popular Ugly Duckling returns to the stage this spring.
The Northern Stage website says: “Ugly Duckling is lonely and fed-up, ignored by those around her who think she is too ugly to fit in. She tries to make friends with fellow ducklings as well as with frogs, cats and even a fox, but realising she is not like any of these animals, she is left sad and alone.
“Follow the duckling on her journey as she overcomes her troubles and learns to love herself and those around her."
The Ugly Duckling performance has been described as the ideal opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time.
Find out more information about tickets and performance times here.
Plastic Band at Gala Theatre
Location: 1 Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA
Date and time: from Tuesday, April 4 – Saturday, April 8
Price: £8 each or £30 for a family ticket
The Gala Theatre website says: “The year is 2142. Single use plastic has taken over Durham and the surrounding areas. So much so, we have lost everything.
“The River Wear has been taken over by bottles, the Cathedral is covered in straws and trapped underneath all of our plastic rubbish is every guitar, drum kit and piano on Earth. How will we ever hear proper music again?
“Join Tate and Madonna, as they explore making music out of the plastic we as a nation have built up around us.”
Easter egg-stravaganza at Adventure Valley
Location: Adventure Valley, Brasside, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SG
Date and time: between Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 16, various times
Price: £14.75 per adult and £14.75 per child aged 6-12 years (other various tickets are available)
Online, Adventure Valley says: “Visit the spectacular undercover Easter Garden, follow the ‘Egg-cellent’ Bunny Adventure to earn a chocolate treat and meet the Easter Bunny. Plus, meet our Adorable Baby Animals and enjoy Daily Shows in our Showtime Theatre. Brand new play frames opening too!”
Find out more information about tickets and times here.
Forest School at Lanchester Garden Centre
Location: Bargate Bank, Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0SS
Date and time: Wednesday, April 12 at 10.30am – 12pm
Price: £13.95 per child, free for adults - see more information here
The event says: “This Easter we will be joined by Noo Noo's to bring you some hands on practical outdoor education delivered by a qualified Forest School practitioner. We will deliver experiences and activities that transport you back to 'the childhood we remember' and introduce children of all ages to the wonder of nature with an educational twist.
“Come and hope around outside in our gardens and enjoy a themed story, create a variety of themed crafts, go on a themed trail and finish off with marshmallows round the fire.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here