by Michelle Norris
THE Easter holidays are just around the corner, but instead of piling up chocolate eggs for your little chicks, why not plan something fun, interesting and a little bit different to do with your family?
From 2 April, Marsh Farm in South Woodham Ferrers will be showcasing their newborn chicks, bunnies and lambs born on the farm over the last few weeks. What’s more, children can get hands-on experience by bottle-feeding the newborn lambs, with help from the farm’s Shepherd – what a great treat for little animal lovers!
Then, from Good Friday to Easter Monday, you and your family can take part in Marsh Farm’s popular Easter Egg hunt, with the help of some rhyming clues. Plus, don’t forget to look out for the Easter Bunny!
Marsh Farm’s Beaks, Bunnies and Baa Lambs days take place from 2 to 5 April then 10 to 13 April. The Easter Egg Hunt runs from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Both events run from 10am to 5pm. Admission for adults is £9, children £7 and under 2s are free! Call: 01245 321552 or visit: marshfarmcountrypark.co.uk.
Fans of Peppa Pig should head down to the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford this Easter for a squealing Easter surprise! From Monday 2 to Friday 13 April little piglets can enjoy terrific treasure hunts, arts and craft workshops, Peppa Pig colouring activities and a giant bungee trampoline! Plus, if you enter the barnyard, don’t forget to have your photograph taken with the giant egg! Then on Friday, 13 April the children’s television character herself will be popping up around the shopping centre, giving fans the chance to meet and have their photographs taken. For details, visit theliberty.co.uk.
Alternatively, to give your children an educational taste of transport history, the Canvey Island Transport Museum will be holding a Model Railway Exhibition on 15 April. Complete with trade stands, model rail layouts, refreshments, free bus rides and free parking, this is a great day out for a family looking to try something a little different.
Entry for adults costs £3.50, concessions are £2.50 and under 14s are free. For more details, call 01268 684272.
Or, if the sun isn’t on your side, then head down to Festival Leisure Park in Basildon. With fantastic blockbuster movies, bowling, amusements and great restaurants, this is the perfect destination to keep the kids entertained.
Step into action at Hollywood Bowl, pre-book your game of bowling and kids can enjoy a game of bowling, food and a drink for just £5.95.
Meanwhile, on Easter Friday and Saturday, 7 April the Mercury Shopping Centre in Romford are inviting shoppers to leave no flowerpot unturned as they hunt the Mercury Easter garden for golden tokens, to be exchanged for an Easter Egg.
You can also have your photo taken with the Easter bunny; which can be turned into a card so you can share it with family and friends. Along with facepainting and even more Easter fun, head to The Mercury Mall from 10am to 4pm. Events cost £2 each or two activities for £3 with all proceeds donated to First Step children’s charity.
So, wherever you are in Essex this Easter, don’t just sit at home eating chocolate eggs: come out with the family and have a cracking time!