Spring has officially arrived (well the sun has made an appearance a few times), and Easter is the perfect time to get out and explore everything West Berkshire has to offer. There are loads of fun Easter egg hunts and outdoor adventures to enjoy, as well as craft workshops. We hope this guide helps you to plan a fun Easter. Easter Adventures Peter Rabbit Springtime Adventure - Milestones Museum When: Sunday 28th March - Sunday 12th April Where: Milestones, Basingstoke Cost: From £19.50 (under 5's go free, and free for current ticket holders) Giant marble run, crafts, story time, Beatrix Potter paper trail, games, seed planting, and lots more Easter Eggstravaganza - 4 Kingdoms When: Saturday 28th March - Sunday 12th April Where: 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Cost: General Admission (Adults from £17.95) Meet classic bunny characters, Easter bunnies, and more. A magical Rabbit Hole walk through experience. Easter Egg Hunts and Easter Trails Eggventure Sessions - Little Play Lounge When: 30th March - 2nd April Where: Little Play Lounge Cost: From £3.50 Little one ticket includes:An outdoor Easter egg hunt with a sweet treat on completion Play lounge session, Easter dress up and Easter colouring and crafts Family Activity Day - Shaw House When: Wednesday 1st April 10am – 2pm Where: Shaw House, Newbury Cost: £2.50 Aimed at 7-11 year olds, but younger and older children are welcome. Egg-cellent! Decorate a polystyrene egg with paint pens, sequins and other craft materials so it’s ready for an Easter egg hunt! The Easter Show - Little Play Lounge When: 3rd April Where: Little Play Lounge Cost: From £5 Children are invited to take part in a magical, interactive storytelling adventure designed especially for little imaginations. Characterful Clay Chicks - The Base When: 4th April 10am - 12pm Where: The Base Cost: £35 Celebrate spring and have fun sculpting a characterful spring clay chick with Susie from Pots of Hope. Sheepish Family Activity Day - Shaw House When: Wednesday 8th April 10am – 2pm Where: Shaw House Cost: £2.50 Sheepish! Make a rocking sheep or lamb from a paper plate, cotton wool, pom poms, wiggle eyes, markers, glue and other craft materials.Includes the Sheep at Shaw House Trail. Aimed at 7-11 year olds Blossoms & Bygones Hallcourt Farm When: 9th - 12th April Where: Hallcourt Farm, Midgham Cost: From £6.80 Enchanted Woodland Trail, BIG Bale Play, Arts & Crafts, Outdoor Games and more! Perfect for families with children aged between 2 - 10 years. Easter Adventure Trail - High Lodge Farm When: 28th April - 6th March Where: High Lodge Farm, Abingdon Cost: From £6.50 Tickets include woodland trail and activity sheet, Play Patch access with garden games, sandpit, straw bales, farm tractor, ride-on toys, mud kitchen and lots more! Barrel train rides around the farm are extra (£3pp). Highclere Castle’s Easter Egg Trail When: 11th April Where: Highclere Castle Cost: £15 per person which gives access to the Easter Egg Trail, Gardens and Grounds, Tea Rooms and Gift Shop. Please note, this ticket does NOT include access to either the Castle or the Egyptian Exhibition. Suggested donation of £5 per child. Explore the gardens and woodland and discover the Highclere Castle Easter Egg Trail. At the end of the Trail, each child will win a chocolate Easter Egg or an alternative dairy-free treat! Eggstravaganza trail Ikea Reading When: 27th March Where: Ikea Reading Cost: Free Grap a map and discover the secret location of the 8 colourful Easter eggs hidden amongst the store Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch with the Easter Bunny - Ikea When: 2nd April , 9:30-11:00 or 11:30-13:00 or 13:30-14:30 Where: Ikea Reading Cost: Free With lots of free fun for all the Family to enjoy. From crafts, colouring, egg decorating and an appearance from the Easter Bunny. Easter Crafts: Easter Taste Safe Messy Session - Tiny Town When: 1st April  13:30-15:00 (walkers to 5 years and Tuesday 7th (6 months and non walkers) Where: Tiny Town Cafe, Newbury Easter Messy Museum Morning When: 2nd April Where: West Berkshire Museum Cost: £2.50 Greet Spring by choosing a themed ceramic hanging decoration to decorate with porcelain pens and other craft materials. Subject to availability, choose between a bunny, chick, lamb, egg or butterfly. Kids' Easter Egg Character Workshop - Hobby Craft   When: 10th and 11th April Where: Hobby craft, Retail Park, Newbury Cost: £8 Suitable for ages 3+. With this Easter egg decorating project, kids can create their very own egg character using all the craft supplies provided. This workshop is designed to help kids of all ages get making. Each maker will be left with a colourful egg – ready for display this Easter! City Arts Easter Egg Trail When: Saturday 28 March , 10am to Friday 10 April 4pm Where: City Arts Newbury Buy your map at City Arts Newbury (10 Hampton Road, RG14 6DB) from Saturday 28 March and receive a small Easter treat (while stocks last) – Trail maps are available to buy during the Community Art Café normal opening hours – Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm Children’s Easter Safe Print When: Monday 30 March – 2 to 3:30pm Where: City Arts Cost: £12.50 Easter Printmaking for Kids – fun for all ages, as long as you can hold a pencil! Join City Arts for a colourful printmaking session where you’ll design your own Easter and spring-inspired artworks Easter Woodblock printing with Arty Pumpkin When:Wednesday 1 April , 10am to 12noon Where: City Arts Cost: £15 This workshop is for children of all ages, teenagers and adults. A playful chance to experiment with words using beautiful woodblock type. Rabbit Jar in Clay When: Thursday 9 April , 1:30 to 3:30pm Where: City Arts Cost: £18 plus £2/participant firing charge This workshop is for children 8 years old and over.Make yourself a clay jar with a rabbit themed lid.

A blog post written by West Berkshire Family Life #pr visit We had the best  time on our recent visit to Windsor Great Park Adventure Play. Honestly, we couldn’t fault a thing! First of all, we couldn’t have chosen a better day. It was the first proper sunshine of the year, that glorious blue-sky was just amazing to see, even my 2 year old kept saying "sun, no rain!". After months of grey, it felt extra special, and spending it outdoors with the boys was just perfect.(except for the ones we left behind that were struck down with the horrid illnesses going around) The playground itself is beautifully designed. It’s only around four years old and still feels absolutely pristine. Every detail has been so thoughtfully considered. There are wooden walkways weaving through the trees, rope bridges to balance across, a brilliant zip wire swing that had the boys squealing with excitement, and a great sandpit that kept them busy digging and building for ages. It’s adventurous without feeling overwhelming. Just the perfect way to spend a morning with busy boys who need to climb, swing and explore. Even the bathrooms were immaculate. Clean, spacious, and so well thought out. There are little seats to safely pop babies into so mums can be hands-free in the loo (why doesn’t everywhere have these?), children’s toilets, and basins set at exactly the right height. It’s these small touches that really make a difference. The café and shop is just beautiful. You almost need to walk past quickly so you’re not tempted by all the gorgeous gifts and children’s toys on display. We did stop though (of course we did!) and enjoyed a lovely lunch. The pizzas were absolutely delicious and just what we needed after a busy morning of climbing and exploring. We had hoped to visit the stunning The Savill Garden too, but we ran out of time. In a few weeks it will be even more beautiful as everything begins to bloom — so we are already planning a return trip. Good to know: Parking is free  if you’re visiting the Adventure Playground — which is a real bonus as parking can be a bit pricey. You’re not allowed to bring your own food into the playground , but you could easily pack a picnic and head out into Windsor Great Park afterwards for a lovely outdoor lunch. There’s also a free playground within the park , which is perfect if you want to extend the day without extending the budget. The Adventure Play area is open daily throughout the year (except 24 & 25 December) with booked 2-hour play sessions The park itself is free to visit dawn until dusk, but the Adventure Play area requires a ticket and booking All in all, it was one of those simple, sunshine-filled mornings that remind you how special family days out can be. Fresh air, happy boys, beautiful surroundings. We will definitely be back!

A blog post by Lizzie Lock, Boogie Mites West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire Children LOVE a good story (again… and again… and again!) Sharing a book with your child brings so many benefits (for us parents too) – but did you know that music-making is also a really powerful way to help develop early literacy skills? Recent research suggests that children up to around 6 years old actually process language as music –when they hear speech, their brains are picking out rhythms, pitch, melody. It explains why we as parents instinctively speak to young children in a sing-song voice – and why you might notice your child responds to a request or instruction if you sing it rather than say it. There’s plenty of evidence that music and sound games serve a really valuable purpose in helping our children to process language, and ultimately become ready for learning to read and write. “Sound before symbol” is a well-recognised concept in music education, and is relevant for language learning too: in order to be able to read and write, first we need to be able to hear the sounds that make up our language, and produce those sounds. So how can we use music at home to support our children’s early literacy skills? There’ll be LOADS of things you already do with your child intuitively: singing or chanting songs or rhymes together; speaking in ‘parent-ese’ (that sing-song, exaggerated voice that slows down speech, often repeating words or short phrases); dancing together to your favourite music; to name just a few! Here are some ideas you might like to try too: “Found Sounds”: what sounds can we make with everyday objects? Pots and pans are a firm favourite of course, banging on the highchair or table – maybe running a stick along some railings. Junk percussion (cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, rubber bands on margarine tubs) make great instruments too! This kind of play helps children differentiate between sounds – and that ‘tuning in of the ears’ will support them to hear different speech sounds. Add in mimicking the sound with your own voices, maybe taking turns, we’re layering on the opportunity for children to master their voice and listen to others, which leads us onto… Vocal play: Did you know you use around 100 different muscles when you speak? That’s a lot to co-ordinate! Next time you’re reading a story together with your child, why not try out some sound effects with your voice? Encourage your child to join in – it could be exaggerating voices for each character, a sound for an action or movement (e.g. whoosh, pop, blowing a raspberry) or setting the scene (maybe the sound of the weather or environment the story takes place in). There are some great books for children which have really clear opportunities for vocal play: e.g. We’re Going On a Bear Hunt, Room on the Broom, Little Red Riding Hood, Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear? Sounds that get repeated through the story are especially brilliant – giving children the chance to anticipate when to use the sound, and practise making it. Tapping out words : Facing your child, try clapping or tapping out the syllables of words as you sing or chant a song your child knows and loves. You can use your hands, or objects (2 sticks from the park or garden, 2 wooden spoons, or just drumming on a hard surface). Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is a simple one to start, as the word rhythm is more or less 1 syllable per musical beat. Singing or chanting naturally slows down our speech, giving children a chance to see how we form each syllable with our mouths. Adding a tap or clap further emphasises each syllable. Lizzie offers WBFL families a free 1 week trial of the "Let's Tap A Word" song resources as well as 15% off first block bookings on her Boogie Mites Classes. See here for booking details: Newbury and Hungerford Music Classes | Boogie Mites

West Berkshire Family Life is the go-to online resource for family-friendly activities, events, classes and exclusive local offers. Discover, connect, and create memories! Sponsored What's On WHAT'S ON Button GUIDES, REVIEWS & ARTICLES Button BABY & TODDLER Button PARTIES Button KIDS Button FOOD & DRINK WELCOME TO WEST BERKSHIRE FAMILY LIFE! JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS Enjoy special discounts and free perks across West Berkshire with your digital membership card – your all-access pass to the best local deals. LEARN MORE STAY IN THE KNOW WITH OUR NEWSLETTER Get updates on the best local deals, exciting new spots, and curated collections of outings, activities, and classes. SUBSCRIBE EXPLORE THE BEST SPOTS WITH OUR DIRECTORY Find the best things to do in West Berkshire with our directory. Explore top dining spots, local shopping, family-friendly activities, classes and more. VISIT DIRECTORY DISCOVER THINGS TO DO IN WEST BERKSHIRE Boogie Mites with Lizzie A Fun Afternoon at the Theatre - Shrek the Musical at Arlington Arts Behind the Lens: A Fun Photoshoot with Amber from Parker Wilson Photography 1 2 3 4 5 1/1 Sponsored 1/1 Sponsored Want to get your business in front of thousands of local families? West Berkshire Family Life connects parents with the best activities, events, and places to go. Partner with us and showcase your business across our website, socials, and newsletter. LEARN MORE

Check out exclusive discounts on activities, food, fitness, services and shopping available to West Berkshire Family Life members. MEMBERSHIP & EXCLUSIVE OFFERS Discover the best of West Berkshire with our Membership Card Looking for fun days out in West Berkshire, family-friendly activities, and exclusive discounts? You've come to the right place! The West Berkshire Family Life Membership Card is your all-access pass to a world of special savings at your favourite local spots. From dining and shopping to unforgettable family days out, you will enjoy handpicked offers that make exploring West Berkshire even more rewarding. We have made accessing our exclusive offers even easier with our new and improved digital membership card – ready to use anytime, anywhere. Become a member today to unlock our exclusive offers. Sign Up Manage Your Subscription WEST BERKSHIRE FAMILY LIFE MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO THESE UNBEATABLE EXCLUSIVE OFFERS Our partners below are paid partners who advertise with us and offer exclusive discounts to our members. The Silver Clay Cabin 10% off your first booking Read More A Life Less Complicated Free Meal Planning Method Read More Imagine Photography £29 Exclusive Family Photoshoot Offer Read More Mission Exercise First Session Half Price Read More Bucklebury Farm Park 10% off play during weekends and holidays & 10% off Food and Shop Read More Waterside Centre 10% off Food and Beverage Read More Arlington Arts 20% discount on soft & hot drinks and snacks Read More Orida 50% off swimming Thurs-Sun. Children Eat Free. 20% off Adult Meals Read More Our Story 10% off all workshops & programmes Read More Laura Fishlock Osteopathy 10% off all appointments Read More Boogie Mites 15% off Block Bookings Read More Emmett Bloom Free 30-minute Get Market Ready call with checklist and plenty more! Read More Hartbeeps 10% off (classes currently being phased in) Read More Parker Wilson Photography Free Digital Image Read More Cobbs Play Barn 10% off play and food Read More Newbury Adventure Golf 10% off play Read More

Find trusted local businesses, classes and services for families in West Berkshire - from soft-play and fitness to music, parties and more. DIRECTORY Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Soft Play and Role Play Visit Website Mission Exercise Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Visit Website Waterside Centre Holiday Camps, Sports, Restaurants and Cafes Visit Website OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS IN WEST BERKSHIRE Sponsored EXPLORE THINGS TO DO IN WEST BERKSHIRE Filter by Category Arts and Crafts Baby Classes Dance & Gymnastics Holiday Camps Music Classes Outdoors and Forest School Parties Photographer Postnatal & Antenatal Fitness Classes Pregnancy Care Restaurants and Cafes Sensory Classes Shopping Soft Play and Role Play Sports Swimming Classes Baby College Visit Website Elite Sports Visit Website Clinical Pilates Visit Website City Arts Visit Website Boogie Mites Visit Website Jolly Melodies Visit Website Little Play Lounge Visit Website Moo Music Visit Website Northway Climbing Centre Visit Website Mission Exercise Visit Website Pop up Play Village Visit Website Molly Risker Visit Website Water Babies Swim School Visit Website Baby Squids Visit Website Better Swimming Lessons Visit Website Blue Beetle Ceramics Visit Website Cobbs Play Barn Visit Website Footy Champs Visit Website K D Gymnastics Visit Website Sally Rimmer Photography Visit Website Northcroft Leisure Centre Visit Website Nuffield Health Visit Website Super Hero Swim School Visit Website Swim Kidz Visit Website The Watermill Theatre Visit Website Waterside Centre Visit Website Between the Lines Visit Website Baby Sensory Visit Website Pageant Party Visit Website Corn Exchange Visit Website Froggies Visit Website Kennet Leisure Centre Visit Website MNR Coaching Visit Website Naturally Curious Play Visit Website Nature Discovery Centre Visit Website The Base Visit Website The Base Visit Website Tutus and Tappers Visit Website West Berkshire Family Hubs Visit Website Baby Sensations Visit Website Bucklebury Farm Park Visit Website Calm Arrivals Hypno Birthing Visit Website Fitter Mum Visit Website Hydro Kidz Visit Website Berkshire Music Trust Visit Website Madden Swim School Visit Website Parker-Wilson Photography Visit Website Thatcham Garden Centre Visit Website Rugby Tots Visit Website Tiny Town Visit Website Ugly Duckling Pottery Visit Website Yogi Littles Visit Website