Less traffic on my commute to work, excessive consumption of hot cross buns and bank holidays can only mean one thing – It’s Easter!

It’s that lovely time of year where evenings are brighter, flowers are starting to bloom and you can walk out the house without 10 layers of clothes.  But with the kids off school and bank holidays around the corner, many of us may be thinking about what we can do to make the most of the well-deserved break. Sometimes it’s tricky filling the time, especially without it costing the earth.

So after keeping my eyes peeled and speaking to some local businesses in the area, I thought I’d share some ideas of things to do during the Easter holidays and some special offers to help those pennies go further – Check them out below.

P.S. Heard of a special offers I haven’t listed? Just let me know and I will happily share them  🙂

---

Easter Egg Hunt in Rayleigh

FREE

Get the kids to take part in Rayleigh’s Easter egg hunt – not only will it keep the kids entertained whilst you pop to the shops, they can also be in a chance to WIN a prize!

More information: www.rochford.gov.uk/great-easter-egg-hunt-rayleigh

---

The Wind in the Willows Sculpture & Brass Rubbing Walking Trail

FREE (or 50p if you want a map/‘brass rubbing’ activity sheet)

This trail features large-scale wooden sculptures of characters from The Wind in the Willows. All the favourite characters are there: Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger – as well as two dastardly Weasels. Beside each sculpture is a brass rubbing, where you can fill in images of the characters on spaces in the activity sheet, by using the crayons provided.

More information: www.essexwt.org.uk/news/2015/04/01/wind-willows-sculpture-trail

---

Green Fingered Fun

SPECIAL OFFERS

Whether it’s time for some well-deserved ‘me time’ or to keep the kids busy, why not spend some time in the garden and get it ready for the summer BBQ’s!

Wheatley Farm garden centre has some great special offers for you to stock up on some gardening supplies this Easter…

---

Get Creative…

Need some inspiration for things to do at home?
I came across this ’40 Easter Activities & Crafts for Toddlers’ post by ‘Rainy Day Mum’ that has some great DIY ideas to keep your children (and you!) busy.  Plus, most of the materials can be found around the house.
Tip: Start saving those toilet roll tubes and cardboard boxes…!

rainydaymum.co.uk/easter-activities-for-toddlers

---

Be a Star Baker…

Fancy a go at making your own Easter egg? Or happy to let the kids take control of the kitchen for a few hours? There are plenty of ideas on the BBC good food website: www.bbcgoodfood.com/feature/easter

---

National Rail – Group Savings

Groups of three to nine adults can get 1/3 off Off-Peak tickets

Details:
The group must travel together at all times. No further discounts (using Railcards, for example) are available for any of the passengers.

There are certain days when GroupSave cannot be used on some services. Have a look at the GroupSave Calendar for more information.

More info: www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares

---

Food and Drink Deals:

Lower Barn Farm – Kids eat for £2 
For more information call 01268 780991

Marco’s Bar – Kids eat FREE
More Information

Bight – Easter Special
Chocolate Nutella spread topped with a chocolate cornflake crumble and mini eggs!
More Information

---

Terms and Conditions…
Some offers may have terms and conditions – I would recommend checking the terms and conditions beforehand. This information is based on my own research, I am not affiliated with these businesses and I cannot be responsible for any changes of offers or errors in the information supplied.