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No Easter is complete without an egg hunt. Instead of the traditional, this year, introduce clues so kids have a bit of riddle-solving to do along the way. Or add challenges like ‘do 10 bunny hops’ for little ones to try. As an alternative, get the kids to hide eggs for the adults with rewards they’d like to receive – ‘extra pudding’, ‘stay up late’ and other requests will probably spring to mind.

Why not host your own spring Olympics? Invite friends and family and set races such as an egg and spoon race, egg toss and a donut-eating contest of confectionary strung up on string.

The garden offers ample spring-centric shenanigans. Grab some foil trays and encourage kids to make their own Easter garden. Pick spring flowers and press them to make a montage, or gather foliage to decorate Easter bonnets.

Inside, try blowing out eggs and painting them. Think faces, farm animals (white pom poms for sheep, quail eggs for pigs) and botanical-themed eggs. Otherwise, dabble in a little Easter baking. Try making beautiful, edible Easter bark by melting milk and dark chocolate, spreading over a baking sheet and marbling together using a skewer. Scatter on some coloured chocolate buttons and chill in the fridge for an hour to set.

Alternatively, host a mini Easter party. Play pin the tail on the bunny, Easter piñata or make some art by filling blown-out eggshells with paint and taking turns to throw at a canvas – messy but totally worth it.

Whatever the weather, get outdoors

There’s a Swedish saying that goes ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,’ which is why you’ll find them embracing nature and making the most of the great outdoors all winter long.
The layering principle, rätt klädd med lager på lager, can help you dress kids for all weathers. Here’s how to do it…

• Layer one consists of Merino or polyester base layers. These fabrics trap heat close to the skin, drawing cold moisture away, keeping the wearer dry and warm. This isn’t thermal underwear however. Buy dresses, tops and long johns which are perfect for inside the house once you’ve come in from the cold.
• Layer two is a middle layer of breathable fleece or wool. This keeps in heat under the outer layer and releases moisture. In less chilly weather, soft-shell jackets or fleece jackets can be worn alone, without the need for the third layer.
• Layer three is a wind and waterproof outer that protects against the elements. A padded winter coat is what you need, or a Polarn O. Pyret shell jacket to attach to layer two’s fleece jacket. These are designed so if you sit in a puddle, you won’t get wet. Polarn O. Pyret also make waterproof trousers which attach to their coats and hook over the kids’ feet to stop them riding up.

Finish off the layers with gloves, boots and a beanie hat, which can be worn under a hood. Kids will be ready for every adventure.
Take-home tip: With the right gear, you can all enjoy hours outside.

Establish cosy Fridays

Fredagsmys, which means Friday cosiness, is a widespread tradition in Sweden. On a Friday night the family gathers together and eats tacos, crisps and dip, and snuggles up on the sofa to watch TV. Taking into account long winter nights, Scandi interior design provides the perfect setting for a night in. Think mood lighting and luxurious texture.
Take-home tip: Establish one evening of the week as a family night in.

Make the coffee break intentional

Fika, meaning ‘coffee break,’ is a national institution in Sweden. But it holds more significance than just a literal translation. While it traditionally consists of coffee and fikabröd such as cinnamon buns, it can really be anything, as long as you’re sipping coffee, eating a baked treat and taking a break, as it’s more about pausing and making space; establishing the coffee break as a designated moment.
Take-home tip: In the business of weekend activities, designate time to eat as a family and share about the week.

Switch-up Pancake Day

Shrove Tuesday in Sweden is also known as Semlor Day. Instead of pancakes, semlor - cardamom-flavoured buns, filled with almond paste and cream - are eaten. So popular, they’re now enjoyed through all of Lent. Pancakes with jam and cream, however, will almost invariably be a restaurant children’s main course option throughout the year, along with meatballs and mash, and hot dogs.
Take-home tip: Make your own Pancake Day tradition.

Build an interchangeable wardrobe

Polarn O. Pyret and other Swedish kids’ brands are masters in playful patterns. Stripes, dots and bright colours are key and make for unisex pieces that can be mixed-and-matched. Kidswear is also designed with practicality at the fore. Super-soft fabrics that don’t lose their shape when washed, seams that can scarcely be felt, and easy-to-put-on garments; these features make clothes kids will want to wear – and life easier for you. Arm your children’s wardrobe with these and they’ll keep happy and stylish all winter.
Take-home tip: Think timeless patterns and bold colours for clothing that’ll work for passing on to friends.

Scotland

Long summer days, spectacular scenery and a host of cultural epicentres make days out in Scotland a treat. Journey to the heart of planet Earth at Dynamic Earth (Dynamicearth.co.uk), Edinburgh, where with interactive exhibits, a 360° dome and school holiday hands-on activities, budding explorers can discover all about nature. Head to Highland Wildlife Park (Highlandwildlifepark.org.uk), near Kingussie, to meet Britain’s first polar bear club in 25 years, or Camperdown Wildlife Centre (Camperdownwildlifecentre.co.uk), Dundee, for European brown bears.

Harry Potter fans will love riding The Jacobite (Westcoastrailways.co.uk), the iconic steam train, and there are children’s shows galore at The Edinburgh Fringe (Edfringe.com). Kids go free to the Royal Highland Show (Royalhighlandshow.org), Edinburgh, on 21st to 24th June and for a taste of tradition, watch the Loch Lomond Highland Games on 14th July.

Wales

Kids will love the spectacular experience of Zip World Bounce Below (Zipworld.co.uk), Blaenau Ffestiniog, with slides and trampolines set in a cathedral-sized underground cave. For another day's trip, it's hard to imagine a holiday without going to the beach. Head to Barmouth beach, Snowdonia, for donkey rides and ice creams or one of the sandy beaches on the Gower Peninsula for surfing lessons. Be sure to check out Rhossili Bay, known as 'the supermodel of British beaches'.

Strike your own coin at The Royal Mint Experience (Royalmint.com), near Cardiff, and there’s history aplenty at Cardiff Castle (Cardiffcastle.com) and Caernarfon Castle (Caernarfon-castle.co.uk). Spot dolphins at Cardigan Bay and for a magical trip, explore Llanddwyn Island.

Northern Ireland

See sweets being made at Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory (Auntsandras.com), Belfast, and have a guided tour of linen mill Wellbrook Beetling Mill, (Nationaltrust.org.uk) in County Tyrone. Take a day trip to Castlewellan Forest Park (Discovernorthernireland.com), County Down, for one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes and explore the Mourne Mountains – the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ Narnia.

A history fiend? Head to Titanic Belfast (Titanicbelfast.com) where you can discover the story of the ship in the interactive galleries. Hang out with seals at Exploris Aquarium (Explorisni.com), Portaferry, and, for those who are feeling daring, enjoy the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim, with its spectacular vista.

North and The Midlands

Little ones will be enthralled by The National Space Centre (Spacecentre.co.uk), Leicester, with its 42m high rocket tower, planetarium and the chance to walk in the footsteps of many a famous astronaut. For history buffs, a trip to Warwick Castle (Warwick-castle.com) is a must. There are daily shows, such as a birds of prey showcase, and a Princess Tower, where kids can help solve a puzzle to unite the make-believe prince and princess.

Enjoy mountain biking, high ropes, archery and more at Kielder Water and Forest Park (Visitkielder.com), Northumberland, where the sky is said to be the darkest in England. Head to Blists Hill Victorian Town (Ironbridge.org.uk), Shropshire, to journey back in time, Chester Zoo (Chesterzoo.org), or base a day around Manchester with indoor skiing and snowboarding at Chill Factore (Chillfactore.com) and footballing like the pros at the National Football Museum (Nationalfootballmuseum.com).

South

Plan a city day trip to London. Take kids to Dinosaurs in the Wild (Dinosaursinthewild.com), in Greenwich Peninsula until 31st July, for an immersive, prehistoric experience, while pilots-in-the-making will enjoy the Emirates Aviation Experience (Aviation-experience.com). The first open air cinema for children is heading to London during the summer (Lunakidscinema.com), showing family favourite films like Paddington 2 and Finding Dory.

It’s 100 years since Stonehenge (English-heritage.org.uk) was donated to the public so head there to marvel at the sight. For a swimming adventure, think Coral Reef Waterworld (Everyoneactive.com), Berkshire. The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Historicdockyard.co.uk) is ideal for an educational trip, as is the Eden Project (Edenproject.com), Cornwall, for giving an immersion into nature.

If there’s one product that takes centre stage at Christmas, it’s the toy. Wished for, opened, paraded around, played with for weeks – a great toy can make childhood memories. Yet, like all yuletide duties, picking one – unless you’re under strict instructions from the recipient themselves – can be a troublesome affair. But to make it less work, more fun, we’ve delved into Santa’s grotto and cherry-picked our favourites for 2018.

“Sit back and watch the reactions”

Whether it’s the supersized version of everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear or the sassy Batgirl who’ll make everyone say ‘yass’, these will delight little ones. Long story short: peruse our hand-picked lists of top toys and it’ll be the simplest of all your festive assignments.

“I’d wear my school shoes,” divulges Maisie (aged 4), “and a blue dress with hearts on it, or one with fairies on it.” There's a definite fantasy theme at play. “I would put on a snow queen outfit that is white and blue,” Eliana (5) says, “with a beautiful tiara with snowflakes on it.”

The boys go for a sporty, high-low look. “I’d wear my Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom top or a shirt and a bowtie because then I’d look smart,” Beau (6) explains. “For my trousers, I’d wear my football shorts with the big number ten on them and my brown boots for shoes.” Reuben (2) would follow suit. “He likes to wear what he calls his ‘goal-keeper’,” his mum explains, “which is any long sleeve top with stripes on it and his monkey trousers!”

Town

Time to head out of the comfort of home? Story-telling sessions, craft-making and fun trails can all be winners. Check out your local library, leisure centre, museum and garden centre for information. For days out, there are dozens of child-friendly events going on, from the Viking festival in York to the children’s book festival at The Eden Project, Cornwall.

"Look out for half term deals."

Transform your everyday chores into fun activities to do with the kids. You could try ‘alphabet days’ where you nominate each day of the holiday a different letter and do things starting with that letter. For example ‘L’, you could drink lemonade, sing lullabies, play sleeping lions and make lanterns.

Country

It may be cold but there are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Head outside, take some dressing up clothes and put on a play- Little Red Riding Hood is perfect. Farms, outdoor high ropes and adventure parks are great places for a day outs. Check out Dayoutwiththekids.co.uk for attractions near you.

"Take the chance to explore the local area."

How about making it a mission to go to all the woods in your area? Make a nature book with lists of birds, bugs and plants and get kids to keep a log of all they see. Also look out for junior park runs and football coaching in your area- perfect for giving kids time to let off steam.

Away

February half term is often just the right moment for a holiday. Desperately craving the warmth? Stock up on stylish tees, lightweight knits and swimwear from our new collections. Equally it’s the ideal time to snap up cool-weather clothing bargains if you’re going skiing or to Scandinavia.

"In need of a holiday? Now’s the time to go."

No time for a trip abroad? A staycation packs just as much appeal. Top of our UK hit list? Fossil hunting and cream teas on the Jurassic Coast; the Beatrix Potter sights in the Lake District; and Edinburgh with its castle and zoo.