An Article for Meridian Magazine.

Great Days Out with the Kids Over the Easter Break

With Easter fast approaching, many parents will be beginning to rack their brains for activities that can keep their children amused throughout the holidays. Here we have compiled a list of the best days out in London and Kent that are bound to keep the kids entertained until school starts again.
The much loved Christmas Tree Farm in Downe is a brilliant day out for people of all ages. The farm offers one on one interaction with animals that vary from pigs to ponies to pygmy goats, as well as face painting for the kids and cream teas for you. At only £1.50 entrance for children and £3.00 for parents, this is a cheap as well as fun day out.

Running throughout the school holidays is Hopper’s Easter Extravaganza at the Hop Farm Family Park in Kent. There is a daily Easter egg hunt and spring bonnet making, as well as their usual attractions, the Pirate Cove being especially suitable for children under 11. With spring animals to pet and a carousel to ride the Hop Farm is the place to visit if you want to be a popular parent. Book online at www.hopfarm.co.uk for discounted prices.

For a day the kids will really love, visit The Dinosaurs Unleashed exhibition at The O2. It features large animatronic Dinosaurs, a prehistoric aquarium and real fossils. Go to www.dinosaursunleashed.co.uk for more information and to book.
On Saturday 9th April, Greenwich Park is holding a Wildlife Open Day. With a puppet show, wildlife themed crafts, guided tree walks and a chance to get up close and personal with some creepy crawlies, this is again a great day for everyone. It is situated in the Secret Garden Wild Life Centre, is completely free and runs from 11am to 4pm.

Finally, a trip to the Science Museum is a must for any family. The museum offers an educational, hands-on experience for children of all ages and shows science films in IMAX 3D cinemas. Entry is free, though you will have to pay for IMAX, simulators and special exhibitions. For more information and prices visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.