From mummifying an orange to learning magic tricks, and from making a moneybox to finding fairies, here's Rebecca Welton's pick of 15 events for younger children in and around Southampton over the Easter holidays...
1. Who’s going down to the Easter Fair?
Southampton Common will once again be hosting the Easter Fair, with rides aplenty, plus the traditional bank holiday market.
2 to 12 April, 12pm – 9.30pm (times may vary)
6 April (Market day), 9am – 9.30pm
2. Hopping good fun at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Explore a trail of clues left by the Easter bunny, and get a chocolate surprise. Suitable for all the family.
3 to 19 April, all day
£1 per child, normal admission applies
Photo of Easter bunny by Somewhere in the world today (CC 2.0 Generic)
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3. Shalom! Learn Hebrew through art-making
At the University of Southampton, your little ones can learn Hebrew through art, creating simple art works based on Hebrew letters and their meanings. Aimed at children aged 2 to 10.
5 and 12 April, 10am – 12pm
£5 per person
See their website for further information
4. Rhymes and Stories for babies and toddlers at Cobbett Road Library
Take your kids down to the library this Easter for songs, nursery rhymes and stories galore.
6 and 13 April, 2pm – 2.30pm
Free
5. Make a dream catcher at Southampton Art Gallery
Louise Bourgeois was passionate about dreams. Explore her exhibition at the Art Gallery, and then make your own dream catcher.
7 April, 10am – 12pm or 1pm - 3pm
£5
Pre-book on 02380 834536
6. Magic Mayhem at Tudor House
Astound your friends, and learn secrets and tricks to impress, from a professional magician. For beginners to intermediate magicians, aged 8 to 13. Please bring a packed lunch.
8 April, 10.30am – 3pm
£18
Pre-book on 023 8083 4536
Photo of Magician by Ian Aberle (CC 2.0 Generic)
7. Walk like an Egyptian at the SeaCity Museum
Learn all about the ancient Egyptians, try the heart weighting scales, and mummify an orange! For 4 to 8 year olds.
9 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 3.30pm
£6
Pre-book on 02380 834536
8. Get poetic at Central Library
Get your rhyming hats on for Rhyme Time for the under 5s.
9 April, 2pm – 2.30pm
Free
9. See ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ at the Nuffield Theatre
An updated version of the classic story, this production promises to amaze with its puppets, music and surprises. For ages 3 and above.
9 April, 2.30pm and 5pm
10 April, 11am and 1.30pm
£12, or £42 for a family of 4
10. Have a budding artist at home? Come along to Mini Monets Club at the Art Galley
Explore your creative side, with different activities and exciting materials. Includes a visit to the gallery and a drink. Age 2 to 6.
11 April
£5.50
Pre-book on 02380 834536
Photo of child painting by Gina Lee Kim (CC 2.0 Generic)
11. Enjoy Stories and Toddler Time at Central Library
Story Time and Toddler Time alternate each week for under 5s.
7 and 14 April, 11am – 11.30am
Free
12. Nowhere to put your change? Make personalised moneyboxes at the SeaCity Museum
Inspired by the War Games exhibition, these GI Joe Money Boxes come with action figures to stand guard! For children aged 4 to 11.
14 April, 10am – 12pm or 1pm – 3pm
£5
Pre-book on 02380 834536
13. Get sparkling with Spring Fairies at Tudor House
Come in fancy dress, find fairies hiding in the garden, make your own to take home, and listen to a fairy story. For children aged 2 and above.
15 April, 10.30 – 12pm or 1pm – 2.30pm
£5
Pre-book on 02380 834536
14. To Play or Not to Play? Come and try ‘Shakespeare: Play in a Day’ at Tudor House
Led by professional actress Joanna Russel, this workshop will inspire all wannabe thespians. Try the costumes, sharpen up your sword-fighting skills, and perform your own version of a Shakespeare play. For 8 to 13 year olds.
16 April, 10.30am – 3pm
£16
Book on 02380 834536
15. Get your snorkels ready for an underwater mission with Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso, at the Mayflower Theatre
Octonauts come to Southampton, for an action-packed adventure in this musical interactive show.
Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure
18 and 19 April, 10.30am and 1.30pm
£17
Compiled by Rebecca Welton