Parents across the country will spend £228 on average over the Easter school holidays, according to a report from Action for Children.

Among the biggest expenses will be: activities (£66), childcare (£63), food (£51), and transport (£48).

Easter holidays are stressful with most parents worried about keeping the children entertained (52%), how to pay for the cost of the Easter break (27%) and not being able to get time off work (24%).

Andrew Harris, director of fundraising at Action for Children, said: “The school holidays are a great time for families to get together and spend time with each other. But with the average cost of a family ticket to some of the country’s top attractions set at £133 per family, it’s no wonder parents are feeling the pinch and pressure about how to keep their kids entertained.”

But you don’t have to get further into debt this Easter. Have a look around your local area to see what’s happening that will keep the kids happy and won’t break the bank. 

Here are a few things to do to keep the little ‘uns happy without getting a phone call from the bank!

Lindt Big Egg Hunt
The world’s biggest Easter egg hunt is in London on 22 March until Sunday 7 April, raising money for Action for Children. Over 100 giant Easter eggs will be hidden in and around the streets of Covent Garden, making it an ideal Easter family activity.

There are hundreds of free eggs to be had and the week is packed with activities, including a chance to meet the nations’ favourite kids characters! This is also free.

The V&A Museum of Childhood- Easter Activities
Pop into the museum over the Easter weekend to get the kids involved in all the free activities throughout the day. The activities are suitable for all ages.

Easter Petting Zoo – at Paradise by Way of Kensal Green
This is a free pop-up zoo on the roof-terrace of this West London institution. The kids can play with the cute and furry friends, while the adults can grab a few pints at the bar.

Paint your Own Easter Eggs
Getting the kids involved in painting their own Easter Eggs is a good cheap few hours of entertainment for them. Use boiled eggs to avoid a ttoal mess and paint is cheap. It’s a good way to get the little ones’ imaginations running.

Make your own Easter Egg hunt
If you have a garden or a similar space, or don’t mind turning the house into a giant play area, then draw up an egg hunt for your kids. Prizes don’t have to just be chocolates eggs – you can hide other smaller treats that you have available to you.

And finally, think local!

Most local councils and libraries will run activities throughout the weekend and the rest of the week. They are often free, and kids love them. Look around and you’ll find plenty that won’t break the bank.