Free family activities across the south this Easter

Families looking for free things to do over the Easter holidays have plenty of activities to choose from across the south.

Libraries and museums are leading the way, with drop-in sessions, story times and Easter hunts running throughout the break.

Free trails and festivals are also being held in a number of towns, offering easy days out that don't break the bank.

Here's our pick of free things to do across the region this Easter in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Free family workshops - Ashmolean Museum

A free drop-in workshop running on Sunday 29 March (11:00-15:00), where families can create their own colourful book inspired by the museum's collections. Suitable for all ages, with staff on hand to guide activities.

Easter Bunny craft - Wallingford Library

A simple, hands-on session to kick off the holidays on Monday 30 March (10:30-11:30), where children can make paper bunny lanterns or decorate rabbit-ear headbands.

Easter eggs treasure hunt - Grove Library

A classic school-holiday staple, with children hunting for hidden eggs around the library and completing a sheet for a small reward. Runs from 30 March to 11 April.

Easter storytime and crafts - Abingdon Library

A mix of storytelling and sustainable craft activities in a one-hour session on Wednesday 1 April (13:00-14:00). Booking is required.

Reading Easter Trail

Families can follow a free trail around Reading town centre, spotting hidden bunnies in shop windows and collecting clues along the way. Runs from 28 March to 12 April.

The Village Easter Festival - Reading

A mix of performances, activities and community events taking place from 2 - 6 April, with free entry across a number of events.

Easter Bunny card craft - Windsor Library

A free drop-in session for children aged four and up on Monday 30 March (10:30), making Easter-themed cards while materials last.

Easter hunt - Cox Green Library

A simple activity for younger children, with an Easter-themed hunt taking place around the library from 31 March to 11 April.

Southampton Old Town Easter Trail

A new family-friendly trail running from 28 March to 12 April, with colourful posters dotted around the Old Town for children to spot as they follow the route. Complete it and you can claim a free prize at the end, with an optional prize draw for adults.

Golden Eagle egg hunt - Hawk Conservancy Trust

A themed trail running from 28 March to 12 April, where visitors are challenged to track down a giant golden eagle's missing eggs. The trail itself is included free with admission, so normal entry charges to the site still apply.

Easter trail and activities - Andover Museum

A mix of colouring, crafts and a simple Easter trail around the museum during the first week of the holidays. Free entry, with donations optional.

Free Easter headdress drop-in - Quay Arts

A creative session on Saturday 4 April (10:00-13:00) where families can make Easter-themed headpieces as part of a wider exhibition, which is also free to enter.

Easter activities - Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

A popular family option, with a free Easter trail, activities like colouring and the chance to meet more than 100 donkeys, running from 28 March to 12 April.

Council holiday activity programme (HAF)

The Isle of Wight Council is running a wide range of activities from 30 March to 10 April, including sports and creative sessions, aimed at eligible children and families.

Easter crafts - Cowes Library

A drop-in craft session for children on Saturday 4 April (14:00-16:00), offering a simple, free activity for families locally.

Easter creation station - Wyke Regis Library

A free, ongoing craft activity running from 30 March to 11 April, with materials provided for children to create Easter-themed art.

Creation station - Wareham Library

A one-off session on Monday 30 March (10:15-12:00), with materials supplied for children to make their own Easter crafts.

Easter bunny craft - Shaftesbury Library

A guided craft session on Thursday 2 April (14:00-15:00) where children can make Easter-themed decorations to take home.

Easter bunny and chicks crafts - Lytchett Matravers Library

A longer drop-in session on Saturday 4 April (10:00-13:00), giving families flexibility to take part in Easter-themed crafts.

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