By Rebecca Ramshaw
Home-schooling might be coming to an end, but those Easter holidays are just around the corner. With plenty of parents probably wondering how to keep the kids entertained at home a little longer, we’ve found some of the best lockdown-friendly activities in and around Huddersfield, for families of all ages.
The Big Rainbow Knit
Calling all crafters! WOVEN is a Kirklees-based festival of textiles, and they’re planning to cover the iconic grand pillars of Huddersfield’s train station in colourful creations. Whether you’re an accomplished knitter or a family of beginners, everybody is invited to help spread a little joy by knitting or crocheting their own brightly coloured squares. Their website is packed with tutorials and knitting patterns for all ages and abilities – ideal for idle hands.
When: The Big Rainbow Knit will be installed in June 2021 – so the kids can get knitting now.
Find out more: Visit WOVEN’s website here
Book Trail Competition
Huddersfield’s Literature Festival may have moved online this year, but there’s still plenty that families can get hands on with. They’ve joined forces with WOVEN to create a unique book trail across the town using recycled clothes and fabrics. Locked down little ones are invited to create a garden or window display inspired by their favourite book, and there are even prizes for the best one – perfect for keeping them occupied for an hour or two.
When: Sunday 28th March – Monday 5th April
Find out more: Visit HLF’s website here
Huddersfield Heritage Trail
For older children and history buffs in the making, this heritage trail shows off some of Huddersfield’s most iconic buildings. From our impressive train station to Queensgate Market and the old Riding School, the whole family can get some steps in whilst taking in the sights. Whilst most buildings are currently closed, there’s plenty of interesting architecture and sculpture to discover outside, whilst the bustling coffee shops of Byram Arcade make the perfect pit stop for takeaway cake.
When: Anytime, rain or shine
Find out more: We’ve listed out all the stops on the trail here.
Lockdown Lantern Installation
Believe it or not, it’s almost been a year since the first lockdown began. So, to commemorate the occasion, Huddersfield Literature Festival has commissioned a jaw-dropping Lockdown Lantern Installation in the Laurence Batley Theatre courtyard. Created by Huddersfield-based company AniMATronics, the display will be covered in lanterns and messages of hope, to help us all look forward to some positive days ahead.
When: Every evening from Tuesday 23rd March – Monday 5th April
Find out more: Visit HLF’s website here.
The Big Neighbourhood Easter Egg Hunt
Whether you’re in Huddersfield town centre or Marsden Village, families all over are invited to get involved with the Big Neighbourhood Easter Egg Hunt. Perfect for getting some fresh air in between all those chocolate treats, simply pop an Easter egg in your window and then get out and about to see how many others the kids can spot around town. You can even get them crafting with paints and papier mâché to create their own homemade eggs.
When: Good Friday – Easter Monday
Find out more: Visit the event’s Facebook page here.
Nature Story Trail at Beaumont Park
A little bit of green is good for the soul, and great for burning off some of that school holiday energy. The Nature Story Trail at Beaumont Park gives families an educational story about the natural world to follow through the picturesque woodlands of this beautiful Grade II listed park, and it’s even accompanied by drawings and sculptures by local Huddersfield artists.
When: Beaumont Park is open all hours, all year round
Find out more: Download the trail map from Beaumont Park’s website here.
