Share some magical moments, as you hop around the grounds of RHS Garden Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford, on the trail of the world-famous Lindt Gold Bunny (28th March to 12th April). Follow the clues to discover a delicious Lindt treat.

Also at RHS garden Hyde hall from 30th March, as part of its egg-citing Easter Holidays with Lindt programme, will be a series of arts and crafts activities in the Events Barn. These will include traditional Easter bonnet-making workshops plus the ever-popular Sow and Grow sessions; all supported by Lindt.  For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall

What could be more magical than the chance to meet baby animals on a working farm? The chance to meet baby animals, go on an Easter egg hunt, take part in TV and film star Shaun the Sheep’s Championsheeps Live and join in the bonkers fun of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, that’s what!

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park’s Easter Eggstravaganza (30th March to 10th April) promises a magical day out for all the family in South Woodham Ferrers.  More at www.marshfarm.co.uk

Want more bang for your bucks? Well, who doesn’t?! You’re in for an explosive time if you visit the Royal Gunpowder Mills, near Waltham Abbey. Between 26th March and 12th April let your kids go ballistic in this fascinating attraction’s series of secret science activities.

Throughout the dark days and nights of winter, Professor Nitrate has been hard at work in his Mad Lab and now he’s ready to share his latest experiments and discoveries with the world! But is it ready for his awesome Anti-Grav Machine and amazing Air Wing Machine? Find out the answer and have fun firing rockets and shooting stuff across the Prof’s Test Range.

Also, on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th April, the Royal Gunpowder Mills are hosting special Easter activities for younger children; including a traditional Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, face painting, and a chance to meet the Easter bunny. For further details see www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Who’s afraid of a big bad pun? Certainly not Visit Essex or Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre. From 5th April, the Easter Eggstravaganza is a chance for fans of all creatures great and small to follow a trail around the reserve, do some pond dipping and minibeast hunting, before returning to the centre to collect your prize and make an Easter themed craft to take away with you. More details are available www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/hanningfield-reservoir

Colchester Zoo is inviting budding botanists and next-gen naturalists to Get Hands on with Nature (3rd to 6th April)

this Easter. Featuring ‘Dawn Chorus’ walks, bug hunts and pond dipping, plus the chance to be a moth scientist and, of course, learn all about the wonders of eggs, Colchester Zoo will also help your little ‘Nature Crusaders’ to discover fascinating facts about birds, reptiles and insects at the nature reserve. The zoo’s brand new, walk-through enclosure, Butterfly Glade, will also be open in time for Easter. Tickets are available via www.colchesterzoo.org.

If you’ve got steam coming out of your ears at the end of the day, you’ve clearly had a great time at the East Anglian Railway Museum at Earl’s Colne. And who could fail not after spending time with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends?!

Days Out With Thomas (3rd to 6th April) is a perfect family experience for fans of the Reverend W Awdry’s timeless books. Join Thomas, Toby, Henrietta, Daisy the DMU, Percy, the Troublesome Trucks and, of course, the Fat Controller for train rides, children’s activities, entertainment and more! You could say, it’s the chuff of legends. The full timetable of events is here

www.earm.co.uk

If you’re looking for a knight in shining armour this Easter, or one in chain mail at least, then march over to Hedingham Castle for its Medieval Siege and Fair (3rd to 6th April).

Laying the Norman keep under siege for three days, the Medieval Siege Society invites you to go nearly a thousand years back in time. Experience the bustle of the camp and see displays of archery, birds of prey and a fearsome trebuchet in action. Gird your loins for the arming of the knights and prepare to witness one of the most horrible aspects of our history, a set-piece battle.

Gentler pursuits such as maypole dancing, donkey rides, performing jesters and musicians will all add to the spectacle. Fans of Tolkien and Game of Thrones will be drawn to the Dragons of Wye-Ten – for a magical and mythical Dragon’s Egg Hunt and puppet theatre shows.

There’ll also be craft stalls and traders, and lots of food stands! The Keep will be open to explore the Castle - come early and enjoy a full day, packed with spectacle and fun! Call ye castle landlyne on 01787 460261 or visit ye websytte  www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk for information and tickets  

Take your little adventurers on a journey through time at Audley End House, near Saffron Walden, during the Easter weekend (3rd to 6th April) and get hands on with history. As you go on a quest to find clues and win rewards, you could meet a whole host of characters. Will it be the butler, a monk, a Roman centurion or even a king? The ticket price includes entry to the house and grounds (per child £9.60, adult £16.00, concession £14.30 and family £41.60. NB: It is free for members). More details are available here www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley.

The Easter Bunny has a very special treat in store for visitors to Barleylands Farm Park and Craft Village. Between 23rd and 27th March, the wee fluffy fella has hatched a very curious plan – an egg hunt with a surprising difference.  Can you find one of his magical golden snake eggs? If you do, you’ll win a slithery snake and a ticket to visit the farm park and its awesome, brand new Reptile House where you’ll come face to flicking tongue with lizards, snakes, amphibians and all sorts of weird and wonderful mini-beasts. Don’t miss the baby Red Squirrels, fluffy chicks and new born lambs on the farm, plus there’s egg-stra entertainment throughout the holiday. Information and prices are available here www.barleylands.co.uk

Easter is a great time to get the family together and explore our amazing county. We’ve highlighted just some of the fabulous, fun events and delightful destinations but if you want even more ideas and information, click on www.visitessex.com