The Easter Holidays are well and truly upon us, and if you are parents – and although mine are all grown up, I remember it well – your kitchen table probably looks like an arts and crafts studio already, as your eager children get stuck into cutting egg shapes out of old card, ready to decorate with pipe cleaners, crepe paper and lashings of PVA glue (grandma will love it…).
But, if you’re thinking that however much you’re enjoying your time as a modern Tony Hart or Neil Buchanan (depending on your childhood allegiance to either Hartbeat or Art Attack), you might just fancy a break, then here is my Love Herne Hill guide for things to do in Herne Hill this Easter.
Herne Hill Velodrome Easter Eggs-travaganza
On Good Friday, April 18th, the Herne Hill Velodrome is hosting their third annual ‘Easter Eggs-travaganza’.
Children aged 2–10 can enjoy an Easter-themed scavenger hunt laid out across their off-road bike trails – with chocolatey treats to be had, of course, to make up for all that hard work.
There will also be games, face painting and a chance to get messy with some painting and crafting.
Balance and pedal bikes are available for trying out, with all safety gear provided. Booking information is available via Eventbrite here.
Brixton Village Easter Scavenger Hunt
Through till April 27th, come along and participate in SoLo Craft Fair’s Brixton Village Easter Scavenger Hunt!
Collect a clue sheet from organisers SoLo Craft Fair, with riddles to solve leading you on to various independent shops in the village.
Upon completion, head back to SoLo where children receive an Easter decoration (and don’t worry, adults get a tote bag!).
And best of all, this one is absolutely free – although they would love you to share your experience on social media, tagging @solocraftfair (as well as browsing their gift shop of course, with goodies from over 50 local independent makers).
More details and ticket information from SoLo Craft Fair – click here
Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses Easter Workshops
The Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses are running Easter workshops especially aimed at children aged 4–10, on April 15th and April 16th
Activities include nest building, baking and flower weaving, as well as exploring the magic of spring – it is all about homely pursuits and getting close to nature.
Workshops run until 16th, with different sessions catering for different age groups. Prices are £6-£8 per child – and you can book online here
Easter Egg Hunt at The Crown and Greyhound
Head just down the road to Dulwich Village, where The Crown and Greyhound pub is hosting their second annual Easter Egg Hunt in the large garden they have to the rear.
This event runs on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st.
This family friendly activity is very much aimed at children, with tickets (available here) costing £5.50 per child including a 50p event fee, and proceeds going to The Childhood Trust, London’s child poverty charity.
‘Very much aimed at children’, I say… but whilst you’re there, a little treat for parents or guardians could surely be forgiven… so in fact, why not stop for a spot of lunch or supper? Tables can be booked here.
Lambeth’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Holiday periods are not always easy, and of course many people including parents are struggling.
If anyone has children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, it might be worth knowing that through to Friday 18th, Lambeth Council’s HAF programme is providing free activities and meals for children aged 4–16.
There are sporting activities, arts workshops and nutritional education.
Whether your children are full of energy or you’re simply looking for a break, Herne Hill itself and local neighborhoods like Brixton and Dulwich Village offer a range of activities this Easter.
From bike trails and treasure hunts to arts workshops and community programmes, there’s something for everyone.
Whatever you get up to, I hope you enjoy a balanced mix of excitement and relaxation this holiday season.