Easter activities are being staged across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for families this spring.

Across the area, the programme includes egg hunts, craft sessions, museum activities, theatre, swimming, play sessions and seafront attractions, with events running in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole during the school holiday period and across the Easter weekend.

In Bournemouth, families can take part in activities at Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Pier Amusements and Queen’s Park, while Christchurch offers trails, Highcliffe Castle events, Mudeford Quay outings and Aladdin at the Regent Theatre.

Poole’s line-up includes Easter activities at Upton Country Park and Poole Museum, alongside leisure sessions, family swims and entertainment at venues including the Bournemouth Pavilion and Bournemouth International Centre, with more options also listed through Explore BCP and the Family Information Directory.

Councillor Richard Herrett said Easter is a “fantastic time to get out and about”, adding that there are “plenty of fun indoor and outdoor activities” and urging people to “see what we have on offer” across the three towns.

Bournemouth

From 28 March-12 April, Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf invites families to join its eggstraordinary Easter Egg Hunt, where colourful eggs will be tucked away across the adventure-themed course with hidden letters which must be unscrambled to reveal a secret phrase. Three winners will receive seasonal goody bags, and glitter tattoos add extra sparkle to a day of adventure.

Step into the magical world of Flower Fairies: Enchantment by the Sea exhibition at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum from 28 March-12 April with trails, dressing up, drop-in crafts and fairy-themed workshops. Children can design wings, create puppets and explore enchanting house and garden trails throughout the holidays.

Families can follow social-media clues to uncover hidden letters around the Pier Amusements arcade, unlocking a free Easter goodie bag once the mystery word is solved.

The Prom Diner by Boscombe Pier offers a cosy stop along the seafront, ideal for families enjoying Easter activities and coastal walks. Recharge with a nice treat or drink at one of our seafront kiosks and look out for the full reopening of our rebranded Pier Kitchen.

On 8 April, families can enjoy free Easter Playday at the Woodpecker Café at Queen’s Park full of crafts, games and colouring, alongside a special Easter kids’ menu. A puzzle trail priced at £2 provides added fun with a prize at the end.

Christchurch

Discover Christchurch’s heritage through family-friendly trails weaving around the town’s historic landmarks, followed by seasonal treats at the Priory Tea Rooms.

Highcliffe Castle hosts a charming Outdoor Easter Trail from 3-6 April, with children taking part for £3.50 and adults entering free. Across the Easter weekend, standard admission applies for adults while children go free. Woodland animal-themed crafts run 10am-3pm on 31 March, 2 April, 7 April and 9 April.

Families can enjoy the simple seaside pleasure of crab grabbing on Mudeford Quay, a classic Easter tradition with unbeatable harbour views.

The magic of pantomime returns to Christchurch for Easter as the Highcliffe Charity Players present  Aladdin at the Regent Theatre. With matinee and evening performances available there are plenty of chances to join in the magic of this family favourite.  

Poole

Upton Country Park is going Jurassic over the Easter holidays with its Dino Eggsplorer Trail running from 27 March-12 April, where families help dinosaurs find their missing eggs in exchange for a cuddly prize (£4.50 per trail sheet). Throughout the Easter break there will be pop-up inflatables and face painting sessions (weather dependent) as well as magical workshops at Rock & Rose Rituals and crafty activities at Create. With 160 acres to roam, tea rooms and play area where the kids can run off steam, there’s something for everyone.

Poole Museum is hopping into the Easter holidays with a full programme of creative and exploratory activities for families. Families can enjoy clay modelling, pirate workshops and shipwreck explorer sessions, plus peaceful moments in the museum’s Creative Space and Terrace, and the historic walled herb garden at Scaplen’s Court. Entry is free, with advance booking recommended for workshops, and optional donations supporting the museum’s work, and helping to keep admissions free for future generations to enjoy.

Explore Poole’s cobbled streets, local shops and independent food spots, including sweet treats from Truly Scrumptious – perfect for supporting local businesses.

And more

Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre celebrates its first birthday on 4 April with a family fun day featuring balloons, treats and a huge inflatable park in the sports hall. Guests can prebook a two-hour session via the BCP Leisure website or app including soft play, the inflatable park, an Easter egg hunt and entry into a prize draw.

Poole Dolphin Leisure Centre brings back its popular Ship Wreck pool inflatable sessions alongside extended public swim hours. Rossmore and 2 Riversmeet Leisure Centres are also offering family fun swims and public sessions, plus NPLQ lifeguard training for those seeking new qualifications. All BCP Leisure Centre bookings can be made on our website and BCP Leisure app.

BH Live Active is running a wide range of public sessions across its centres, including the newly launched Rumble Run at Stokewood Leisure Centre (LC), Crusher Run at Littledown LC, Raptor Run at Pelhams LC, and AirJumpX at Sir David English Sports Centre. Wet and Wacky sessions return for the holidays, and all under5s can swim for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult or BH Live Active member. Families can also enjoy soft play at Littledown LC, Pelhams LC and Corfe Mullen LC, as well as swimming crash courses, multisport holiday camps, and a choice of Family and Junior group exercise classes – bookable via the BH Live Active app or online.

Bournemouth Pavilion and  Bournemouth International Centre are offering a packed programme of Easter entertainment for visitors of all ages. Highlights include high-energy experiences like KPOP Fantasy, family favourites such as the Bournemouth Brick Festival, and an exciting mix of live shows, comedy, music, exhibitions and interactive events.

Outdoor lovers can uncover scenic trails via Explore BCP, while the BCP Family Information Directory highlights a huge range of Easter fun designed for families of all ages, many of which are free.