Family favourites and Easter activities to keep everyone entertained during the holidays
Words Helen Brown
Beatrix Potter’s London
2016 marks the 150th anniversary of celebrated children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, who was a frequent visitor to the museum where she would often sit and sketch. This display of artworks, original sketches and her earliest published works explores the role of London in Potter’s life and work, including her most famous book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Until 28 April
Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7;
vam.ac.uk
Easter Chocolate Workshop at My Chocolate
Make all manner of Easter treats at My Chocolate’s special workshop for cocoa loves. Create a giant flat egg or squashed chick from molten chocolate, using dipping forks to create marbled effects. After a quick (and tasty) chocolate history lesson, you can dip and decorate your quirky Easter creations using dark chocolate ganache, milk chocolate fudge and bowls of melted chocolate. We assure you, you will leave on a guaranteed chocolate-high with around 15 handmade chocolate treats to enjoy at home.
14-17 April10c Branch Place N1
mychocolate.co.uk
Matilda the Musical
Roald Dahl’s magical story is brought to life in this anarchically joyous, gleefully nasty and ingenious musical production from Tim Minchin. This beloved tale tells of a small girl with a big imagination who soon learns she has special magical powers. Whilst Matilda’s parents think she’s a  waste of space, she survives by being ‘a little bit naughty’.  A fantastic family show brought to the stage from the award-winning Royal Shakespeare Company.
OngoingCambridge Theatre, Seven Dials London, Earlham Street, WC2H; uk.matildathemusical.com
Enter the Dear Zoo Story
Celebrating 35 years since the publication of much-loved author Rod Campbell’s classic children’s storybook, ZSL London Zoo is hosting an exclusive Dear Zoo experience this Easter. Between 1 – 17 April, kids of all ages are invited to enter the Dear Zoo story and embark on an interactive trail of the Zoo. Little ones can collect stamps, explore the storytelling hub and learn more about the real life animals from the books.
Until 17 April
ZSL London Zoo, Regents Park, NW1;zsl.org
Baby Animals at Hackney Farm
For an aww-inducing family activity this Easter head down to Hackney City Farm. Now that Spring has sprung, the place is abundant with fluffy baby animals and new wildlife. There are lambs, rabbits, and chicks to get up close and cuddling with as well as a range of educational or environmental themed activities to take part in. See, smell and plant vegetables, create vibrant mosaics or try your hand on the potter’s wheel.
Ongoing
Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmiths Row, E2;
hackneycityfarm.co.uk
Explore the Forbidden Forest
Leave the safety of the Hogwarts grounds to venture into the depth of the Forbidden Forest. Opening just in time for Easter, this new permanent expansion at Warner Bros. Studio Tour was created by members of the design and construction crew who worked on the original Harry Potter film sets. Step over the twisting roots of 19 giant trees, take a bow before Buckbeak the Hippogriff, come face-to-face with Aragog the Acromantula and take control of the weather in the mysterious forest.
From 31 March
Warner Bros. Studio; Leavesden WD25; wbstudiotour.co.uk
