9 cheap and free things to do over the Easter holidays

Looking for low-cost ways to keep your family entertained this Easter?

From £1 meals and cinema deals to hands-on workshops and museum exhibitions, we've rounded up 9 ways to fill the school holidays without breaking your budget. 

1. Kids eat free school holiday deals 

Plenty of cafés and supermarkets run kids eat free deals during the holidays. Here are the best offers under £5.

• Asda: kids eat for £1 all day, with no adult spend required. 
• Ikea: kids eat from 95p. Available every day from 11am.
• Morrisons: kids eat free when an adult spends £4.50 or more on a meal.
• Sainsbury’s: kids eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult hot meal from the café, from 11.30am every day.

Pub and restaurant offers April 2025

Lots of restaurants also have kids offers during the holidays if you purchase a main meal:

• Beefeater: two children under 16 can get a free breakfast every day with a paying adult during the school holidays.
• Bella Italia: children eat free with the purchase of an adult main on a Thursday. From Sunday to Wednesday (4pm-6pm), kids can dine for £1 with any adult main. The offer is valid for children aged 2-11 and includes a three-course meal with a drink.
• Bill’s: up to two kids can eat free with one adult main dish. Available from 7 April to 25 April (excluding Saturdays and Sundays).
• Burger King: From 7-20 April, get a free King Jr. meal,  including a hamburger or nuggets, fries and a drink, when you buy an adult meal. Offer available via the Burger King app
• Dobbies Garden Centres: get a free kids' breakfast with any adult traditional or full breakfast, or a free kids' hot meal or pick 'n' mix lunch box with any adult main course.
• Franco Manca: children aged 12 and under can enjoy a free pizza with the purchase of any full-priced adult main meal. Available Monday to Thursday at selected branches.
• Premier Inn: up to two under-16s eat breakfast free with every paying adult.
• Preto: kids up to the age of 10 eat free with a paying adult every weekday after 4pm and all weekend.
• Purezza: children under 10 get a free mini pizza with every adult main purchased.
• The Real Greek: free under-12 child's meal for every £15 spent by adults on Sundays.
• Travelodge: up to two children aged 15 or under eat free for every full-paying adult.
• YO! Sushi: one child can enjoy a free kids' meal deal bento box per £10 spent on food by an accompanying adult. A maximum of three kids per booking can eat for free. Offer available Monday to Friday from 31 March to 25 April.
• Zizzi: one free 'Bambini' meal for children under 12 for every adult's main course every day from 6 April to 27 April.

Expert tip: be sure to check the terms, as some deals are time-restricted or require sign-ups to loyalty schemes.

• Find out more: where does your money go when you tip?

2. Cheap cinema trips

Mirror, mirror on the wall, what’s the cheapest trip of all? A visit to the cinema this Easter could be a smart swap for a pricey day out, with options ranging from a live-action Snow White to pixel-packed action in Minecraft: The Movie.

Most chains are offering family-friendly prices during the holidays:

• Cineworld: 'Movies for Juniors' screenings with children’s tickets for £2.50.
• Odeon: 'Odeon Kids' lets adults pay kids’ prices during school holidays and weekends, with tickets from £2.75.
• Vue: 'Mighty Mornings' run daily from 10am, with seats for £2.49 per person.

Expert tip: most cinemas allow you to bring your own snacks, but not hot food. This could help you save, but it’s worth checking the policy before you go.

• Find out more: best and worst TV streaming services 

3. Easter egg hunts

Why shell out on expensive activities when a DIY egg hunt can be just as cracking? 

Decorating hard-boiled eggs with marker pens and craft supplies you already have is a fun way to keep kids entertained, and you can hide them in the garden or local park. 

If you prefer something sweeter you can buy refillable plastic eggs and add your own chocolates. 

Those visiting London can also take part in The Big Egg Hunt 2025. More than 100 giant eggs, decorated by artists and brands will be hidden around the city from 24 March to 27 April. You can download an app to tick off the ones you find, and there are prizes for those who spot the most.

Expert tip: not all Easter eggs offer egg-cellent value. Some have shrunk in size or soared in price, so check the cost per 100g and compare across supermarkets before you fill your basket.

• Find out more: cheapest supermarket 2025 revealed 

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4. Discounted days out

From beaches to botanical gardens, your train ticket could unlock serious savings this Easter. 

National Rail’s ‘Days Out Guide’ offers two-for-one entry at more than 400 UK attractions, including cracking codebreaking trails at Bletchley Park and family activities inspired by Supertato at Kew Gardens. 

You could also hop aboard vintage buses at the London Transport Museum, or dive into turtle talks and ocean-themed challenges at Sea Life aquariums.

Some rail companies also offer £1 fares for kids travelling with a paying adult – just check the terms before you book.

Expert tip: no train ticket? No problem. If you’re a Tesco Clubcard holder, you can swap points for reward vouchers that give you free or discounted entry to many of the same attractions.

• Find out more: best UK days out for free

5. Free museum entry

Museums and galleries are a great way to sneak in some learning over the holidays and many offer free entry. 

Some host interactive exhibitions for kids, though you may need to book or pay for special displays.

This Easter, The National Archives in Kew is running a free spy exhibition from 5 April, featuring real case files, gadgets and stories from MI5’s 115-year history. 

You could also head to the Museum of London Docklands, where children can take part in free archaeology-themed workshops between 8 and 17 April.

Expert tip: permanent collections are often free, but special exhibitions or workshops may need booking, so check ahead to avoid missing out.

• Find out more: the best museums and galleries in the UK

6. Visit a city farm

City farms can be a great free alternative to zoos or wildlife parks, especially for younger kids. 

You’ll find them across the UK, from Mudchute and Vauxhall in London to Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle and St Werburghs in Bristol. 

Many are open throughout Easter, and some run extra activities like trails or craft sessions.

Expert tip: some farms suggest a small donation or offer the chance to buy animal feed for a few pounds. If it’s in your budget, it can be a fun way to get kids more involved while helping support the farm.

7. Free kids workshops

Retailers are running a mix of free and cheap workshops this Easter to keep children entertained and learn something new:

• Pets at Home: 'My Pet Pals' runs from 5 to 19 April and teaches kids about responsible pet care. Sessions are free, interactive and aimed at children aged 4+.
• Dobbies Garden Centres: free 'Little Seedlings' workshops for 4-10s, focusing on nature and seasonal activities, running across the Easter break.
• Hobbycraft: easter-themed craft workshops, including making clay chicks, available in stores from £6.
• Apple store: free creative sessions at Apple Stores, including learning to code and making music. 

Expert tip: spaces are limited and often book up fast during school holidays, so you will need to reserve a place online in advance.

• Find out more: how to make money from your spring clean

8. Explore the great outdoors

Parkrun is a great way to get moving over Easter, whether you’re jogging the full 5k on Saturday or joining the 2k junior parkrun on Sunday. 

These community events are open to all, with no time limits and no one finishing last.

If you prefer a slower pace, spring is ideal for exploring the countryside on foot. Bluebells are starting to bloom, and the National Trust and Woodland Trust both highlight trails where you can spot them.

Expert tip: looking for inspiration near you? Our expert guide rounds up some of the UK’s best scenic walking routes.

9. Stay entertained at home

A games afternoon with family or friends can be a simple and free way to keep everyone entertained, and you don’t need to buy anything new. 

Swap board games with neighbours or invite others round to bring their favourites.

A book swap is another easy win or check your local library for free access to e-books, audiobooks and magazines to enjoy over the Easter break.

Expert tip: some libraries run free Easter-themed events for children, such as craft sessions or storytelling. Check your local council website for what’s on.