At a Glance
- 12 Easter holiday activity ideas for families in Southend
- Covers the period from Friday 27 March to Monday 13 April
- Includes outdoor fun, theatre, markets, art, cinema, space events and more
- Features both free activities and bookable family events
- Ideal for keeping children entertained over the school break
If you’re on the hunt for fun-tastic activities to keep your little (and big) bunnies busy over the Easter holiday, Southend has plenty to offer from Friday 27 March to Monday 13 April.
Cllr Matt Dent, cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said:
“Southend comes alive every school holiday, and Easter is no exception. There is so much for families to explore, enjoy, and experience together over the two-week break across our fantastic city.”
Here are 12 brilliant ways to make this Easter holiday one to remember.
Roll the dice! MONOPOLY Southend Edition
Head into Waterstones, Toys N Tuck and The Board Game Hut, grab a copy of the brand-new MONOPOLY: Southend-on-Sea Edition, and spend an afternoon buying up the Pier, taking over the Palace Theatre, and battling it out for bragging rights… using only Monopoly money, of course.
Hop into the great outdoors
Nothing beats fresh air with the family. Southend’s many parks, woodlands, beaches and green spaces offer the perfect escape from screens and schedules, where you can stretch legs and reset busy minds.
If in doubt, go searching for fairies and elves in the Belfairs woodland or let your little tots go wild in the woods at the Belfairs Nature Tots Easter Special.
Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF)
Pupils (aged 5 to 16) in receipt of benefits related free school meals can once again enjoy a packed programme of activities thanks to Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme. Families can book up to four activities, from tennis to karaoke to crafts to camping. Book your free sessions early on the eequ website.
Have breakfast with cartoon legends
Grumpy’s Diner is serving up character-packed breakfasts the kids will love. Will your little ones be tucking into pancakes with the K-Pop Demon Hunters crew, or sharing hash browns with Spiderman himself? The choice is yours.
Unleash your inner artist
Get lost in art at the Focal Point Gallery with Lucía Pizzani: Faunal Succession. This free exhibition transforms the Essex coast into a world of deep-time geology, climate stories and bold, imaginative installations.
If you fancy creating something yourself, check out the Easter Sip and Paint session.
Step into films, space adventures & cosmic chats
Kids Flicks film screening
Join the Beecroft Cinema Club for a family screening of the much-loved classic Night at the Museum. Doors open and refreshments will be available from 10:30am and the film will start promptly at 11am. Book your tickets on the Eventbrite website.
Spring Space Day
Blast off into a world of meteorites, planetarium shows and hands-on discovery at the Central Museum & Planetarium. Sessions are suitable for SEND, early years, and older children. Book your session on the Eventbrite website.
Spacetime Sunday
Browse cosmic questions, get help with physics homework, or simply explore the universe at this relaxed, free drop-in session at the Beecroft Gallery, led by astrophysicist Robert Clemenson. Reserve your free spot for ages 11+ on the Eventbrite website.
Rev your engines! Ace Café: Southend Shakedown returns
Hundreds of motorbikes are expected to line the seafront as part of this free, family-friendly event, which includes trade stands, live music and more. A fantastic day out, especially for families who love engines, energy and atmosphere. Learn more on the Visit Southend website.
It’s showtime, folks!
From Bluey’s Big Play to the Street Dance Workshop, the Cliffs Pavillion and Palace Theatre offer unparalleled entertainment. Browse all the listings and book your ticket on the Trafalgar Tickets website.
Family fun at The Royal Hotel
Fancy a giggle? Bring the family along to Peckham’s Finest for a comedy session the whole family can enjoy. Or test who’s the reigning champion at The Royal Quiz! A brilliant family night out, guaranteed!
Southend Mega Fun Day
Get ready for a giant indoor inflatable adventure at the Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre. It will be a day packed with games, rides, music, food and family entertainment, specially designed for children aged 2 to 11. Book your tickets on the Mega Fun website.
Shop till you drop
Southend’s Easter markets are packed with character, colour and one-of-a-kind finds. Explore the Big Southend Vintage & Retro Fair, champion homegrown talent at Big Up Southend, or wander through the Spring Handmade Market for beautifully crafted pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
‘Meet the author’ at Shoeburyness Library
Join Southend Libraries for a joyful reading of Lynsey Garrick’s debut picture book Mummy’s Magic Walking Stick. Inspired by Lynsey’s experiences as a disabled mother, this uplifting story follows Eddie on his magical adventures.
Afterwards, little ones can decorate their very own walking stick to take home. Suitable for ages 4 to 8, with free tickets to be booked in advance for both adults and children.