How to have an egg-cellent Easter break

AT HOME ACTIVITIES

:: BLOWING EGGS

Way before children filled their days with computer games and social networking, blowing eggs was a popular pastime.

It's still surprisingly good fun. Simply take a pin to the large end of an egg and make a hole. Do the same at the other end, but make this a bit bigger by turning the pin as you push it in.

Then, with the egg over a sink or bowl, put your mouth (or straw if you prefer) over the smaller hole and blow so the egg comes out of the other end.

Once emptied fill up the egg with water (through the largest hole), then cover up both ends and give it a good shake. Let the water out and let the egg dry for a day or so. You can speed things up by popping it into the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or the oven for 10 minutes. This has the bonus of strengthening the shell.

Then get out your paint set, glitter and accessories and get decorating!

:: AN EGG AND SPOON RACE

If egg blowing sounds too fiddly, hard boil some eggs and invite some of your children's friends (and their parents) around for a traditional egg and spoon race. Head to your local park if you don't have enough outside space.

:: MAKE YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE EGGS

Beat the credit crunch, keep the kids occupied and avoid a last-minute dash to the shops by making your own chocolate eggs.

Chocolate egg moulds are cheap to buy - then you just need to melt some cooking chocolate and pour it in. Make sure the edges are flat before the shells set too firmly so the two halves will fit together.

Once they're set, 'glue' the two halves together with more melted chocolate, or simply wrap ribbon around them both.

:: EASTER EGG HUNT

You're never too old to get caught up in the excitement of an Easter egg hunt. Plant some small chocolate eggs around your garden - or a small area of your local park - and watch the fun unfold. Want to make the fun last longer? Turn it into a treasure hunt by leaving clues rather than eggs at every spot.

FAMILY DAYS OUT

:: THE NATIONAL TRUST EASTER EGG TRAIL

If you like little culture but don't think your children will appreciate the finery of a stately home, head to one of the National Trust properties that are hosting Easter Egg Trails. Visit www.eastereggtrails.co.uk to find the nearest participating venue.

:: ACTIVITY DAYS

Whether it's zoos, gardens or inner city farms, many attractions are hosting activity days over the Easter School Holidays. Chiddingstone Castle in Kent will have spring lambs to pet, while Beecraigs in West Lothian has various activities including archery, canoeing, climbing, gorge walking and kayaking. Visit your own region's tourism website to find a full range of listings in your area.

:: ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR

With the winter weather hopefully behind us, it's time for the return of the fun fairs. Many are setting up just in time for Easter. A few highlights from around the country are Southampton: April 9-19, Clapham Common: April 3- 13 and Durdham Downs, Bristol: April 4-18. Check your local listings for further fair details.

:: MAKE YOUR OWN EGG CUP

There's no better time to head to a DIY pottery centre to make - and then decorate - your own egg cup. Get the whole family involved and you'll end up with a complete set!

ADULTS ONLY

:: A ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Why not use the Easter period as a time to grab a quick getaway with your loved one? There are plenty of romantic destinations to choose from - whether you fancy taking long walks along the coast in Cornwall or a cultural city break in Edinburgh. If you yearn to go abroad, keep your eyes peeled for last- minute city breaks to Budapest, Barcelona or Venice.

:: A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

If you find it hard to fit in seeing friends during the weekly grind, consider booking a cottage for a long weekend together. Hiring a property gets cheaper as the numbers increase, so this is one time when the more really will be the merrier. Prices drop even more if you're brave enough to hold off for a last- minute deal. South Wales has some great bargains - not only does it offer some of the country's best beaches but there are plenty of pubs to keep you occupied in the evenings. Other popular locations include Cornwall, the Lake District and the Cotswolds.

:: GO TO A MUSIC FESTIVAL

Easter weekend is a good time to get into the groove of festival season.

The Dark Days festival kicks off at London's O2 Islington on April 11, while the Ether Festival continues at the Southbank Centre.

In Essex, the Cosmic Puffin Festival takes place throughout the Easter weekend in Mersea Island. If you're near Cheshire, make sure you check out the Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival, which runs from April 9-13, while Hampshire boasts the Gosport and Fareham Easter Festival, which claims to be England's biggest indoor folk and Celtic music festival.

:: GET A DOSE OF LOCAL ART AND CULTURE

The majority of galleries and museums will be open over the Easter weekend - with many potential visitors spending Sunday at home, it could provide you with a great chance to view some exhibitions without the usual crowds.

Galleries in popular tourist destinations may be as busy as usual, but you'll have the find gyms and swimming pools to yourself - most people will be too occupied eating chocolate to be putting in some extra time on the treadmill!

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