Twenty FREE things to do with the kids this Easter in Bedford(shire)*

Need some inspiration for the Easter holidays? We’ve rounded up TWENTY things that cost exactly nothing to take part in. Hurrah!

We’ve cherry-picked some highlights of what’s on at the libraries, but please check out the Bedfordshire Virtual Libraries website which details all the activities that are taking place over Easter.

Happy Hoppy Easter from all at the Bedford Clanger.

1. Love Bedford Easter Egg hunt

Head to Bedford High Street to take part in the big Easter egg hunt around the town’s shops. Pick up an entry form from the Library, ask a Blue Cap or download one here.

Four winners will share £100 worth of Love Bedford vouchers

2. Jubilee Play Area

The Shuttleworth Collection, Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, Nr Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9EP tel: 01767 627927

As well as the beautiful Swiss Gardens and the awesome aircraft collection, Shuttleworth is home to a huge playground suitable for children of all ages and it is absolutely free. It is advised to give them a call before you go, as during special events the playground is not open to the public.

3. Wrest Park playground

Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR tel: 01525 860000

Wrest Park is one of the jewels in English Heritage’s crown. You do have to pay to go into the grounds (and in our opinion, it is well worth the money as you can easily spend a day there), but you can take a picnic and enjoy their playground for free. Swings, a zip wire, climbing equipment and lots of space to run around, there is also a café selling refreshments and ice creams.

4: Egg Hunt Trail

Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford, Mk40 3XD tel: 01234 718618

Hop along to the Higgins to take part in their eggcellent Easter egg hunt trail throughout the collections.

5: Design an egg

Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford, Mk40 3XD tel: 01234 718618

More fun to be had at the Higgins. Make your way to the foyer and design your very own Easter egg to display in the museum.

6. The Higgins Trail

Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford, Mk40 3XD tel: 01234 718618

There’s so much to see at the Higgins Bedford. Ask at reception for the Higgins trail pack and follow the instructions to find the clues around the museum.

7. The River Great Ouse

There are few better places to spend your time in Bedford than along the banks of the beautiful River Great Ouse. There are lots of bridges to cross, pathways to explore and wildlife to spot – from swans, ducks and geese to otters and mink. Take a walk along from Prebend Street towards Queens Park and Kempston and you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Sikh Gurdwara.

8. Easter Monday at Kiosk in the Park

Russell Park, Bedford, MK40 3SA tel: 01234 271877

On Easter Monday, join Hartbeeps at the Kiosk in the Park for an interactive storytime. They’ll be joined by Helicopter Ears, a Dunstable-based charity the rescues and re-homes rabbits. Definitely lots of bunny cuddles to be had!

9. Family Easter egg hunt at Russell Park

Kiosk in the Park, Russell Park, Bedford, MK40 3SA tel: 01234 271877

Tuesday 29th March from 10.30am – 12.30pm

Cycle, walk or scoot your way around the mega Easter egg hunt in Russell Park on Tuesday 29th March. Match the eggs and win a prize. Also, Dr Bike will be on hand to make sure your bike is safe and ready to ride now that Spring has arrive.

10. Easter Egg hunt at the John Bunyan Museum

Bunyan Meeting Church, Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU, tel 01234 213722

During the Easter holidays the John Bunyan Museum is running a free Easter Quiz, where children can hunt for the letters on Easter eggs hidden around the Museum. Re-arrange the letters to reveal a mystery word and win a chocolate egg prize! The Easter Egg Quiz runs from Saturday 26 March to Saturday 9 April.

11. Playground and Cafe at Bromham Mill

Bromham Mill, Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8LP tel: 01234 824330

The Cafe at Bromham Mill is open Friday – Sunday throughout the Spring and Summer and sells delicious home-made food and cakes. Surrounded by meadows and the river, the location is just 10 minutes outside Bedford and a great place to run around and burn off some energy. Parking is free and the playgound is brilliant.

12. Priory Country Park

Visitors Centre, Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9DJ tel: 01234 211182

Playgrounds, walks, lakes and lots of wildlife, Priory Country Park has something for everyone. Parking is free.

13. April Fool’s Day Clown Afternoon

Kempston Library, Halsey Road, Kempston, MK42 8AU

Friday 1st April from 2pm – 5pm

An afternoon of clowning around. Let’s get all silly on April Fool`s Day!

14. Paper turtle craft workshop

Kempston Library, Halsey Road, Kempston, MK42 8AU

Friday 8th April from 2pm – 5pm

Using a paper dish, you can create your very own turtle to take home.

15. Decorate an Easter card