How to spend a budget-friendly Easter holiday with the kids

Spring has finally sprung and somehow the kids are off school again for two weeks! If you're finding yourself struggling for ideas on what to do in the Easter holidays, we've listed a few activities which are all accessible via the Grand Central network and won't break the bank! You'll also find activities that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, too.

Spring Museum Garden Activities, York

Running until 16 April, explore York's Museum Gardens and follow the springtime garden trail to discover the beautifully bright flowers and plants.

The children will then head inside the Yorkshire Museum to create their very own spring nature hat using craft materials provided by the museum. This family-friendly activity is included in the price of the museum admission and promises an enjoyable day out for all.

To help cut your travel costs, consider purchasing the Family & Friends Railcard if you and your kids are frequent train travellers. You'll receive 1/3 off the price of your train ticket, plus 60% off for the kids!

Easter Egg Trail, Sunderland

Also running until 16 April, why not join the hunt for six giant Easter eggs hidden all around Sunderland city centre? Each egg's been decorated by local schools and community groups to represent spring in Sunderland!

Take part in this interactive trail by downloading the Sunderland Experience app to find each egg and uncover AR characters and exciting games! This trail is great for keeping kids active outdoors and entertained, and guarantees a unique day out.

Can you find all six eggs and spell the secret codeword?

Easter Family Fun at Bradford Libraries

Bradford Council's Libraries Service is hosting fun, family-friendly activities to encourage reading and book sharing during the Easter holidays on selected dates up until 13 April. Ideal if you're searching for alternative, fun activities to do with the kids.

Enhance their story time by taking a trip to one of Bradford's libraries, where the staff will be telling stories involving bunnies, chicks, and Easter eggs.

Plus, you'll have the opportunity to create Easter baskets, chicks-on-sticks, Easter crowns, and finger puppets. Perfect if your little one wants to create characters for their own story time!

Easter baking

If you're wanting to stay at home with the kids but are searching for cheap, fun things to do, why not enjoy a spot of baking? Get the whole family involved by planning Easter baking sessions throughout the holidays. Kids love baking – especially when they have a delicious treat to look forward to at the end!

Keep the kids busy in the kitchen and have them whip up some tasty Easter delights. For the beginners, you could choose to make simple hot cross buns. Or get creative and bake mini egg brownie bites or chocolate Easter cupcakes!

Choose Grand Central this Easter

Whatever you decide to do over Easter, choose Grand Central to get you where you need to be. For quick, convenient booking, download the Grand Central app to secure your tickets today. You'll find our latest budget-friendly fares, making travelling with us even easier.

If it's your first time travelling on the train with the kids, check out our Tips for Travelling with Children blog. Don't forget – all kids under 5 travel for free!