10 Easter family activities

If the thought of a fortnight's Easter holiday brings mixed feelings - worry about how to keep the family amused as well as the anticipation of the well-earned break and a celebratory meal - look no further. We've put together some great ideas for family fun to keep you all happily occupied

1. Family Easter trails

There are Easter trails and treats aplenty around the UK when you choose to visit a National Trust property in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Depending on where you visit there's Easter egg making and decorating, egg rolling, bird-box making, hot-cross bun baking and lots more, not forgetting the all-important chocolate eggs!

2. DIY Easter Egg Hunt

Whatever the weather, it's great fun to organise an Easter egg hunt for the kids. Indoors or outside, all you have to do is get a bit creative thinking up clues to lead the children to the treasure. Write six or seven clues, each leading from one place to the next - and don't forget to hand over a starter clue to lead them to the first hiding place.

Each hiding place could contain a few mini eggs or other sweets, with the last clue leading to a main prize. You can make it more fun by trying to think up rhyming clues, and by giving the kids little collecting baskets for their eggs.

3. Make your own Easter eggs

It's not that hard to make your own eggs - and that way you can use top-quality chocolate without it breaking the bank! First, get hold of an egg-shaped mould (these are available through many online stores, including kitchen catalogue websites).

Next, melt your chocolate in a bain-marie (or a glass bowl set over a simmering pan of water - but don't allow the bowl to actually touch the water). Stir occasionally until smooth and silky, then brush into the moulds and leave to set for 10 minutes in the fridge.

Brush on two or three more layers of chocolate, leaving to set between each layer. When all the layers have hardened, press the two egg halves out and seal together with more melted chocolate. (You can pop a few sweets or a toy inside the egg shells before sealing if you like!). Cover in coloured foil and sit inside a mug until Easter Sunday - yummy!

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