Easter Family Fun

Unfortunately, for most of us, Easter isn't just about over-indulging in chocolate eggs. While you might want to spend those precious few days off work exploring all those wonders that the easter bunny has to offer, you'll probably have to actually go outside and entertain your family.
Thankfully, Northern Ireland has many and varied events on offer across the holiday weekend. Below, we recommend just a small number of those on offer.

Dusty's GIANT Easter Duck Hunt

8 Apr 2017 - 26 Apr 2017
"Help Dusty find our missing ducks this Easter..."
What better excuse could there be to explore the beautiful nature reserve of Castle Espie Wetland with a giant duck hunt.
With each hidden duck having their very own character, the hunters will need to learn as much as possible about each duck to assist them in their search.
Successful hunters will of course be rewarded for their detective skills, with special treats and prizes available at the end of the hunt. Alongside the duck hunt, there will also be Easter-themed crafts and free face-painting.
If you need any further convincing, WWT claims that "wetlands are good for you": "Studies have shown that being near water helps ill people to recuperate faster, and being around nature reduces stress levels. Put water and nature together and you get a wetland!"
The price of the duck hunt is included in the admission to Castle Espie, which is of course free for Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) members and under 4's. There is a 10% reduction in general admission when you book online.
Castle Espie website.

Easter Egg Hunt On Rathlin Island

14 – 18 April, 2017
If Castle Espie isn't quite exciting enough for you, how about Rathlin Island?
Just six miles long and one mile wide, Rathlin Island will be overrun with hidden easter bunnies and eggs from 14 to 18 April. All participants need to do is grab an egg hunt sheet from the ferry terminal, before taking the boat six miles from Ballycastle shore.
Once on the island, follow the clues and see how many hidden treats you can find, before your boat gets back to shore.
Ferry times can be found on the online. The last ferry for day trips departs Ballycastle at 13.00.

Easter at Titanic Belfast

16 Apr 2017 - 18 Apr 2017
We're not sure what the connection is between Easter and hunting, but that seems to be the general theme, and Belfast's premier tourist attraction is not being left out.
From 16 to 18 April, families are invited to try their luck against their special Easter Explorer Trail, spread throughout the Titanic Experience.
You will also be able to meet the Titanic Mascots and try out the family interactive guide, before stopping off for a bite to eat at Bistro 401. Titanic Belfast will be open from 9am to 6pm each day.
titanicbelfast.com

The Great MAC Easter Egg Hunt

15 – 16 April
For an Eggstra-ordinary day out, you're invited to "pop by" the MAC in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter for the Great MAC Easter Egg Hunt.
You can begin your journey in the Family Room and hop around the beautiful building of the MAC hunting for clues, and searching for chocolate surprises along the way.
Be sure to pick up an activity sheet from the box office at the start of your hunt, to catalogue your success.
themaclive.com

Easter Street Theatre on the North Coast

15 Apr 2017 - 17 Apr 2017
Babcock and Bobbins have performed all over Ireland with their traditional circus show, incorporating a mix of slapstick, comedy, Fire Juggling, Giraffe Unicycle, Stilt Walking, Rola Bola and Fire Breathing.
Babcock and Bobbins will perform two shows on Saturday 15 April - one at the Amphitheatre in Portrush at 1.30pm and another at the Crescent, Portstewart at 4.00pm. A further two will take place on Ballycastle Seafront on Sunday 16 April, at 2pm and 4pm.
On Monday 17 April Grant Goldie will also perform in Portrush and Portstewart.
These are thrilling circus shows which incorporate a good mix of slapstick comedy and circus skills such as diablo and ball & club juggling, all of which creates plenty of opportunity for audience participation. All of the shows are free events.
visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

Easter Bouncemania at Cromore Castles

8 Apr 2017 - 9 Apr 2017
For just two days in April Cromore Castles will host an indoor inflatable and soft play "mega event".
With countless inflatables across three halls, children will be allowed to "Bounce, Slide and Climb on to their hearts content", creating a wonderland of fun for them to enjoy.
Everything from their Toddler Play Zone to their huge 80ft Assault Course will be on offer. Other inflatables will include a large selection of Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Mega Slides, Demolition Zone, Rock N Roll Joist, Sumo Wrestling, Disco Dome, Soft Play Set, Wipeout Balls and Zorbing Balls.
Included in the Easter Bouncemania there will be a visit from The Easter Bunny at every session, who will arrive to meet & greet the kids and deliver some Easter treats.
The event will run in sessions of two hours 15 minutes & within this time kids will have unlimited play on all activities for one set fee. Pre-booking is advised. All children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
cromorecastles.co.uk