The clocks have changed and it looks like spring is finally here. Hopefully the sun will come out and we can all enjoy some good weather and beautiful scenery.
Take time to visit some of the fantastic castles in the area and spend time outdoors with the kids. Or if the sun disappears there are plenty of indoor entertainment options. Head to one of the amazing family shows that Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA) has arranged and enjoy a giggle or visit the Maritime Museum and learn some history.
Ben Torrie, director of programming and creative projects at APA, said: “There are a number of great productions for children and families at APA’s venues in the Easter holidays, including the first ever stage show by The Teletubbies at HMT, and a selection of productions at The Lemon Tree including three shows as part of Scotland’s national Puppet Animation Festival.”
When booking shows, Ben and the team programme events with the holidays in mind. He said: “It is important to us that we cater for our family audience during periods where parents are looking to do something with their children. A trip to see a show in one of our venues is a great experience and an excellent introduction to theatre and live performances for children.
“The Puppet Animation Festival shows at The Lemon Tree are all delivered using multimedia – from miniature sets and live cinema in There and Back Again, An Odyssey, to traditional puppets with haunting live music in A Heart at Sea, to dance, music and animation alongside puppetry in A Little Light, which is a show created by a Scottish company in partnership with one from Jordan.”
Easter at Braemar Castle
Tomorrow, Braemar Castle opens its doors for its 10th season under community management. There will be a special welcome on Easter Sunday, April 1, for families, with a quiz for children with Easter egg prizes and free warm pancakes straight off the griddle for the everyone.
Castle manager Georgina Errington said: “Our Easter happenings kick off a full events programme. Alan Brecks’s re-enactment society will descend on the grounds on April 14 and 15, tying in with the launch of our new weapons exhibition, Forces and Foes.”
The Castle will be open from 10 to 5 on Good Friday through to Easter Sunday and then from Wednesday to Sunday during April, May and June, and then seven days in July and August. See www.braemarcastle.com
Teletubbies Live
Many of us grew up with them and now the iconic Teletubbies are taking to the stage. Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po will be at HMT on April 4 and 5 for a show full of laughter and love in the magical world of Teletubby land.
A whole new generation can get to know Noo-noo in a world which captures children’s imagination, based on the beloved TV series. See www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/events/teletubbies-live
Big Screen Heroes
Nick Jr, the home of fun and exciting preschool shows, is coming to Vue this Easter – with special screenings of five family favourites. Opening from March 30, parents can take their youngsters along to enjoy the fun and a brilliant selection of some of the best-loved children’s shows on offer, from as little as £3.99.
The line-up includes gripping action from Paw Patrol, Nella the Princess Knight, Rusty Rivets, Shimmer & Shine, Blaze and the Monster Machines and even features a sneak peak from Top Wing. See www.myvue.com/cinema/aberdeen/whats-on
John Lewis Aberdeen hosts Egg-citing family events
To get set for an Easter egg-stravaganza, the Aberdeen store has launched a Bunny Bunting workshop and Easter Bunny hunts for kids and adults alike. The store will host a series of fun and creative events for all the family including The Bunny Hunt, which will continue daily until Easter Sunday.
To take part in any of the Easter activities simply pop along and pick up a leaflet from any till point in branch.
There and Back Again: An Odyssey
Do you remember Patrick Lynch from CBeebies? Follow him as he takes you on a ride through the ancient world of Greece using a mix of theatre and live cinema.
Patrick uses his craft to create the Cyclops, the Floating Island and all kinds of mythical creatures. Enjoy this family show on Tuesday, April 3, at the Lemon Tree. See www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/events/there-and-back-again-an-odyssey
North Hop Aberdeen
Leave the kids at home and have some adults-only time at the AECC tomorrow Friday and Saturday. With an opening preview tonight and a weekend packed with street food vendors, entertainment and Scottish music, as well as a beer hall and cocktail lounge, what more do you need for a fun weekend? See
https://visitabdn.com/whats-on/north-hop-aberdeen-3/
Aberdeenshire Farming Museum
On Sunday, April 1, see the old favourite tale of The Owl and the Pussy Cat and have a great day out. Enjoy craft activities and explore the park this Easter weekend. See www.facebook.com/AberdeenshireMuseumsService
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt
The popular Easter egg hunt returns for another year at National Trust for Scotland properties around the north-east. Enjoy a family adventure and a chocolate treat as you explore nature.
Head to Mar Lodge, Haddo House, the Glencoe National Nature Reserve, Drum Castle, Crathes Castle, Craigievar Castle, Castle Fraser or many of the other locations around Aberdeenshire this weekend, between March 30 and April 2. See www.nts.org.uk/campaigns/easter
Heart at Sea
Take the family along to an epic musical folktale told on a miniature scale. Intricate puppets are swept through a wooden world with astounding backdrops which flip and change.
Suitable for children age seven and above, they will be entranced by the original songwriting which is set to breath-taking visuals of a beautiful wooden chest that holds a secret. See it at the Lemon Tree on April 10, www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/events/a-heart-at-sea
Easter Egg Art
Children age three to eight years can take along their empty Easter egg packaging to the Maritime Museum on Monday, April 2. They will get the chance to make the chocolaty aftermath into some art. See
https://visitabdn.com/whats-on/easter-egg-art/
The Giant Easter Egg Hunt
Enjoy a fun and free family day out in Inverness city centre today and tomorrow, March 30 and 31, from 11am to 4pm.
Pick up your entry form from outside the Steeple on Church Street or inside Eastgate Centre at the Falcon Square entrance and hunt through the shop windows to find all the hidden eggs or enjoy the face painting.
Keep an eye out for the special golden eggs as each one contains a letter – find them all to help reveal the Easter Bunny’s name. If you want to meet the Easter Bunny family then head along to the Easter Garden in the Victorian Market and take your photo with the bunny family. Post it on Facebook or Instagram with #bidbunny for the chance to win a £50 shopping voucher. See www.invernessbid.co.uk
A Royal Easter
Families can hunt through the grounds of Balmoral Castle this Easter. Discover the letters and put them together to create a magic word and claim an eggy prize. On Saturday, March 31, visitors can decorate their own Easter eggs with local chocolatier Cocoa Ooze. Package it up and take it home or enjoy the chocolate treat in the royal location. See www.balmoralcastle.com