From Easter egg hunts to steam train rides and kite-making workshops, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained over the Easter break.
1. Easter fun at Libraries NI branches
Visitors to Libraries NI branches across County Antrim will be spoilt for choice this Easter with a range of family friendly events, from Easter egg scavenger hunts, art contests, the Brick Builders Lego challenge, story time and crafting sessions, wreath-making for adults, Easter egg painting and rolling, and many more. To check if your local branch is hosting an event, visit https://www.librariesni.org.uk/events/free-easter-fun/?src=hpbnr Photo: Pixabay
2. Steam train rides, Whitehead
Running on Easter Saturday, April 19 and and Easter Monday, April 21, the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland is inviting everyone to experience the magic of steam in Whitehead. Visitors can hop on board a train at the historic 1907 platform at Whitehead Excursion Station for a short trip within the premises. Included in the ticket price is admission to the five-gallery Museum, an Easter Hunt and an Easter egg for children (any dietary requirements are to be advised in advance on the booking notes). Trains will run every 30 minutes from 11am until 3pm; tickets cost £12 per adult and £8 per child and can be booked through the RPSI website at https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/whats-on/89/easter-steam Photo: Joe Cassells
3. Crack the code at HMS Caroline, Belfast
Taking place at HMS Caroline, Alexandra Dock, Belfast on Thursday, April 17, Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25, this event will allow visitors to dive into the evolution of naval communication, from the Morse code and cryptography of teams like those at Bletchley Park, to the information age and coding that has transformed modern communication. Connecting past and present visitors will crack codes, craft Morse code bracelets and create cipher wheels. This drop-in event does not require pre-booking and is suitable for children aged 5 and over. The event also includes coding workshops ran by Sentinus NI, where visitors will be challenged to programme a robot to navigate a series of tasks. These workshops are suitable for children aged 7 and over. While this workshop is free with a valid museum ticket, it must be booked in advance at https://bit.ly/43N1uFr Photo: NMRN
4. Make your own myth, Belfast
Taking place at The MAC Belfast on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19, fun-filled show 'The Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth' will see senior academics of history (and rather silly men) Professor Doctor Lee Hithersay and Doctor Professor Robert Rhys Bond forge three new myths from the unhinged minds of their audience - and a boatload of cardboard props! ! While it's designed with viewers aged 8 and up in mind, families are welcome to bring younger children who they think will enjoy this event. Tickets range from between £11-£16; visit https://themaclive.com/event/the-story-forge-make-your-own-myth for further details. Photo: The MAC Belfast