If you are searching for things to do with kids in the Easter holidays, the simplest answer is often the best one: get them outside and let them burn off some energy. The Easter break runs from roughly 30 March to 10 April 2026, which is close to two weeks of “I’m bored” to fill, frequently in changeable spring weather and usually on a budget. A round of outdoor mini golf ticks every box. It is active, it works for a wide range of ages, and because our courses sit inside free-to-enter parks in London and Essex, you only pay for the golf.
The two-week boredom problem (and why outside fixes it)
Two weeks off school sounds relaxing until about day three, when the tablet has taken over and the walls start closing in. Fresh air resets everyone. A morning in the park gives children something to focus on, gets them moving, and sends them home pleasantly tired rather than wired. It is also a welcome change of scene for the grown-ups, who get to enjoy the spring sunshine instead of refereeing another living-room squabble.
Burn off the energy without the meltdown
Mini golf is the sweet spot between structured and free play. Children walk the whole course, line up their shots and cheer each other on, which is far more activity than it looks from the sidelines. There is just enough challenge to keep them engaged and just enough silliness to keep it light. By the eighteenth hole, most kids have happily worn themselves out, no screen required.
One thing everyone from 4 to 14 can do together
Easter often means juggling different ages at once, whether it is siblings, cousins or a holiday playdate. Mini golf is one of the rare activities a four-year-old and a fourteen-year-old can genuinely enjoy side by side. Younger children can take extra turns, older ones can compete on the scorecard, and no one feels left out. If you are wondering about the very youngest players, our post on whether you can play mini golf at any age is a helpful read before you set off.
Doing Easter on a budget
School holidays can be expensive, but they do not have to be. Because every Putt in the Park course is set in a public park that is free to enter, a family day out can be as simple as a round of golf, a picnic on the grass and a run-around afterwards. If you fancy a treat, the licensed clubhouse cafe serves wood-fired pizza and coffee. For more low-cost inspiration, take a look at our guide to London leisure on a budget.
Rain in the forecast? Keep it flexible
Spring weather is nothing if not unpredictable. The good news is that a light shower rarely stops play, and each site has covered seating and a warm cafe if you need to wait out a heavier burst. Keeping your plans loose, and booking a slot you can plan the rest of the day around, takes the stress out of a changeable forecast.
Where to go across London and Essex
You have five outdoor courses to choose from: Wandsworth Park, Battersea Park, Acton Park and Gunnersbury Park across London, plus Castle Park in Colchester for families in Essex. Planning a bigger get-together over the break? Our children’s parties are an easy way to turn an Easter meet-up into a proper celebration.
Easter holiday mini golf: your questions answered
Is Putt in the Park open over the Easter holidays?
Yes, our courses are open through the Easter break. Opening times can vary by site and season, so it is worth checking your chosen course before you travel.
Do I need to book, or can we just turn up?
You can often play on the day, but the Easter holidays are busy, so booking ahead is the surest way to get the slot you want. See our booking guidelines for details.
What age is mini golf suitable for?
Children of almost any age can join in. Younger players simply take a few extra turns, and the game naturally scales to suit toddlers right through to teenagers and adults.
How long does a round take?
A full round usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, though with very young children it is fine to take it at your own pace.
Beat the Easter boredom before it sets in. Find your nearest Putt in the Park in London or Essex and book a holiday slot the whole family can enjoy.
References:
- UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines: children and young people should average at least 60 minutes of moderate activity a day (2019).
- Historic England, Public Parks and Green Spaces research on the value of free-to-access outdoor recreation (2022).
