What to do this Easter in Central Bedfordshire

There are lots of things to do in Central Bedfordshire over the Easter holidays.

Make the most of Easter

This email is your guide to making the most of our libraries and children's centres, of the wonderful outdoor space in Central Bedfordshire. 

There’s also information included about what's on offer for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

There is loads to do, so read on to find out:

• what’s on at our libraries
• what’s on at our children’s centres
• what’s on for children with SEND
• spending time outdoors
• what's on at our libraries

What's on at our libraries?

We have 12 libraries in Central Bedfordshire, each hosting a variety of activities this spring. Find your local library, along with its address and contact details, and keep scrolling to find out what’s on at our libraries this spring! You can also follow our library page on Facebook.

Dunstable Library

Spring treasure hunt

Taking place from Saturday 30 March until Sunday 14 April! Drop in to the library to take part and be in with the chance of winning a fabulous prize.

The following craft sessions are also taking place at the library between 10am and 3pm:

• Monday 8 April: Make a daffodil craft

• Tuesday 9 April: Make a sheep craft

• Wednesday 10 April: Make a butterfly craft

• Thursday 11 April: Make a ladybird craft

• Friday 12 April: Make a bird craft

• Saturday 13 April: Make a rainbow plate craft

• Sunday 14 April: Make a fish craft

Houghton Regis Library

The following craft sessions are also taking place at the library from 10am. They'll continue throughout the day, until supplies last!

• Tuesday 9 April: Make a bug doorhanger

• Wednesday 10 April: Make a rabbit headband

• Thursday 11 April: Make a happy sunflower

• Friday 12 April: ‘Rabbit down a hole’ craft

Also visit the library each day to take part in a Spring scavenger hunt!

Toddington Library

The following craft sessions are taking place at the library:

• Tuesday 9 April: Make a pretty parrot, from 10am to midday

• Wednesday 10 April: Dinosaur egg, from 2:30pm to 4:30pm

• Thursday 11 April: Decorate a butterfly from 10am to midday

• Friday 12 April: ‘Ladybird Books’ activity pack, from 10am to midday and 2:30pm to 4:30pm

• Saturday 13 April: Mix and match, from 10am to 3pm

Barton Library

The following craft sessions are taking place at the library, from 10am.

• Tuesday 9 April: Wood Cookie Chicks

• Wednesday 10 April: LEGO and games, from 2pm to 6pm

• Thursday 11 April: Make a lion craft

• Friday 12 April: Craft jamboree! Catch up with any crafts you’ve missed, while materials are available

Magic Show with Krisgar

Wednesday 10 April from 10:30am to 11:15am.

Come and join us for an amazing magic show with Krisgar! Popular to Barton Library, he is back with Tricky Teddy this April.

Booking is essential. Tickets must be purchased from the library in advance, to secure a place. Children aged 3+ years, £3.50, Adults £1. Cash only. Please note, the library will be opening out of hours for this event. Sponsored by The Friends of Barton Library. 

Potton Library

A cookie hunt 

This will be around the library! Win a cookie prize for taking part. This finishes on Saturday 13 April.

Pet drawing competition

Do you have the cutest, cleverest or naughtiest pet? Draw a picture of your pet looking cute, clever or naughty and enter the library's Pet Show prize draw. 

Pick up an entry from at the library from Friday 22 March (don't forget to tell us your pet's name and which category you are entering them for) Closing date for entries is Saturday 13 April.

Please note: this is drawing competition so please don't bring your pet to the library

The following craft sessions are taking place at the library:

• Tuesday 9 April: Pastel Art, from 10am to 12:30pm

• Wednesday 10 April: Spring colouring session, from 2pm to 5:30pm

• Thursday 11 April: Otter and baby craft activities, from 10am to 12:30pm

• Friday 12 April: Make a musical shaker from 10am to 12:30pm, and join LEGO club from 2pm to 5:20pm

• Saturday 13 April: Kite crafting, from 9:30am to 3:30pm

Biggleswade Library

Drop in anytime during the Easter holidays for an Easter treasure hunt, egg exploration and a competition to name the snail!

The following craft sessions are taking place at the library from 10am to 3pm, or while stocks last:

• Tuesday 9 April: Make a flapping chick

• Wednesday 10 April: Easter colouring session

• Thursday 11 April: Make a bouncing bunny

• Friday 12 April: Easter colouring session

• Saturday 13 April: Make a chick finger puppet

Flitwick Library

Drop in anytime during the holidays for giant games including giant Connect 4 and giant Jenga and fun spring crafts taking place every day from 10am until stocks last.

The library is also running a papier-mache Easter egg workshop, taking place over two days. 

The free workshop has limited places so booking is essential: visit the library or call 0300 300 8057 to book. It's advisable that children wear clothes that can get messy! 

Part 1: Tuesday 9 April at 2.30pm. Get super messy using PVA glue and ripped up paper to mould your Easter egg.

Part 2: Friday 12 April at 2.30pm. Return to paint and decorate your egg.

SEND: Stay & Play

Wednesday 10 April from 10am to 12pm.

A morning of fun packed sensory play, with bubbles, sand and lots of mess. There will be toys, a sensory tent and Easter-themed activities available. This is a parent-led session with staff available onsite for support.

Suitable for those with special needs aged 2+. Book your free place at the Library, by calling 0300 300 8057 or book online. Please note that the library is a nut free zone. It is wheelchair accessible.

Sandy Library

Drop in anytime during the holidays for a fish themed hunt around the library!

The following craft sessions are taking place at the library from 9am to 4pm (or while stocks last).

• Tuesday 9 April: Viking ships and shields; put together and paint a wooden ship!

• Wednesday 10 April: Make animal masks

• Thursday 11 April: Hedgehog crafting

• Friday 12 April: Make narwhales and sparkly fish

Chameleon Sand Art

Thursday 11 April 10am to 12.30pm

Chameleon Sand Art will be at the library. Drop in and get creative with sand. Recommended for all ages. Children under 5 will require parental assistance. Please note there is a charge for items to decorate.

Ampthill Library

Drop in anytime during the holidays for an Easter treasure hunt and fun spring crafts available every day, until stocks last.

Also visit the library for LEGO club on the following dates:

• Wednesday 10 April from 2pm to 5pm

• Saturday 13 April from 10am to 3pm

Stotfold Library

Drop in anytime during the holidays for an Easter egg hunt around the library and an Easter colouring competition.

There are also fun Easter craft sessions are taking place at the library on the following dates:

• Thursday 4 April: from 9am to midday

• Friday 5 April: from 2pm to 5pm

• Saturday 6 April: Pokemon Club 10am to 12pm (recommended for children over 6 years old) and LEGO Club from 10am to 3pm (recommended for all ages)

• Tuesday 9 April: Story and rhyme time at 10:30am and at 11:15am (There is space for a maximum of 10 children and space is available on a first come, first served basis. This is recommended for children up to 5 years old)

Chameleon Sand Art

Wednesday 10 April 2pm to 6pm

Chameleon Sand Art will be at the library. Drop in and get creative with sand. Recommended for all ages. Children under 5 will require parental assistance. Please note there is a charge for items to decorate.

What's on at our children's centres?

To find out what is happening at all of our children's centres this spring, visit our Family Information Directory, find your nearest children's centre and view their calendar.

Dunstable Children's Centre

Bookstart Story & Rhyme

Monday 8 April, 10:30am to 11:30am, Dunstable South Children's Centre, The Annexe, Dunstable Lower School, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable, LU5 4AS

A fun session with lots of rhymes and a story for your children to enjoy. Suitable for children from 18 months up to 5 years old. Booking is required, call 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

Forest School

Tuesday 9 April, 10:30am to midday, Dunstable North Children's Centre, The Beehive, Beecroft Lower School, Westfield Road, Dunstable, LU6 1DW

A fun filled Forest School session where your child can get involved and explore the natural environment. Ideal for children between 2 and 8 years old. Booking is required, call 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

SEND Stay and Play 

Wednesday 10 April, from 10am to 11am, Dunstable South Children's Centre, The Annexe, Dunstable Lower School, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable, LU5 4AS

A group for parents and carers of SEND children. Your child does not need to have a formal diagnosis for you to attend. Chat to parents in a similar situation and children can play in their own way. Support from our Early Years SEND team is also available. Booking is required, call 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

Mini Explorers

Thursday 11 April, 9:30am to 10:30am, Dunstable South Children's Centre, The Annexe, Dunstable Lower School, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable, LU5 4AS

Suitable for children who are crawling to walking, this group is full of exciting activities and play opportunities to support your child's development and learning. Booking is required, call 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

Little Explorers

Friday 12 April, 9:30am to 11am, Dunstable South Children's Centre, The Annexe, Dunstable Lower School, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable, LU5 4AS

A group full of exciting activities and play opportunities to support your child's development and learning. Suitable for children who are walking up to 5 years old. Booking required is required, call 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106. A £1 donation is also requested.

Flitwick Children's Centre

Easter garden activities and stories

Thursday 11 April, 10am to 11am, Flitwick Children's Centre, Malham Close, Flitwick, MK45 1PU.

Booking is required for this session, please email janice.foley@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or jane.williams@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 8111 to book.

SEND Stay and Play 

Thursday 11 April, from 10am to 11am, Flitwick Children's Centre, Malham Close, Flitwick, MK45 1PU.

A group for parents and carers of SEND children. Your child does not need to have a formal diagnosis for you to attend. Chat to parents in a similar situation and children can play in their own way.

Houghton Regis Children's Centre

SEND coffee morning

Friday 12 April, 10:30am to midday, Houghton Regis Children's Centre, Tithe Farm Lower School, Tithe Farm Road, Houghton Regis, LU5 5JB.

Face to face informal session for parents and carers of children with SEND. No formal diagnosis needed and children are welcome, but spaces are limited.

Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre

SEND Stay and Play 

Monday 8 April, from 10am to 11:30am, Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre, The Rushmere Park Academy, East Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EW.

A group for parents and carers of SEND children. Your child does not need to have a formal diagnosis for you to attend. Chat to parents in a similar situation and children can play in their own way. Support from our Early Years SEND team is also available. There is no need to book.

Little Explorers

Tuesday 9 April, 10am to 11:30am, Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre, East Street, LU7 1EW.

A group full of exciting activities and play opportunities to support your child’s development and learning. Suitable for children who are walking, up to age 5. No booking is required, but there is a charge of £1 per family.

Playtime Fun

Wednesday 10 April, 1:30pm to 3pm, Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre, East Street, LU7 1EW.

A stay and play session for children under 5 years old, with physical and creative activities to explore. There is also a baby area available. No booking is required, but there is a charge of £1 per family.

Mighty Explorers

Thursday 11 April, 1:30pm to 3pm, Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre, East Street, LU7 1EW.

A session for children from 5 to 12 years old with lots of exciting activities to try. Booking is required, call 0300 300 8880.

Shefford and Stotfold Children's Centre

Build, Explore and Play at Arlesey Youth Centre

Tuesday 9 April from 8:30am to 9:30am at Arlesey Youth Centre, High Street, Arlesey, SG15 6SN.

Build, explore and play with your child. Children can have the freedom to create and play with whatever they choose using a variety of recycled materials.

Campton Woods: explore and craft

Tuesday 9 April from 1pm to 2pm at Campton Plantation, SG17 5XS.

An afternoon of crafts, exploring and fun. This session is perfect for children under 12. No need to book, just dress for the weather and come and join in.

Stondon Family Cafe

Tuesday 9 April from 9:30am to 11:30am at Stondon Baptist Church Hall, Station Road, Lower Stondon, Henlow, SG16 6JL.

For parents, carers, babies and children. Join for a free cuppa, snack and play with support, advice and signposting available for all aspects of parenting.

Drop in for military families

Monday 1 April from 1:30pm to 3pm, at Gilbertine Community Centre, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5PR.

A drop-in session for military families. Drop in for advice and support on topics like feeding, wellbeing, and local activities. 

This isn't just on during the Easter holidays, it takes place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Drop in at Shefford Children's Centre

Friday 12 April from 9am to 11am at Shefford and District Children's Centre, Shefford Lower School, School Lane, SG17 5XA.

Pop in and see the children's centre staff for us for free support and advice on things like behaviour, sleep and toileting. Scales are also available if you need to weigh your baby.

Sandy and Biggleswade Children's Centre

Twins and multiples club

Monday 8 April from 9:15am to 10:30am at Sandy Children's Centre, Laburnum Lower School, Laburnum Road, SG19 1HQ

Drop in club for parents of twins or multiples. For more information email sandy.childrenscentre@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

NEED project drop in

Monday 9 April from 11am to 12:30pm at Sandy Baptist Church, Bedford Road, Sandy, SG19 1EH.

In partnership with the NEED Project. If you are struggling, pop along to pick up some store cupboard staples with a selection of fresh items to boost your store cupboard. Call 0300 300 8134 or 0300 300 8114 for more information.

What's on this week for children with SEND?

Read on to find out more, or visit our Local Offer website, which outlines all the services and support available to children, parents and carers.

SEND spring swimming sessions

Our leisure centres are offering swim sessions for children, young people and families with SEND during the spring. The SEND swimming session is an opportunity to share the pool exclusively for an hour with other families who have a child or young person with SEND.

See the full itinerary of sessions.

Stay and play in our own way

Our children’s centres run regular SEND Stay & Play in your own way sessions. To find out more, find your local children’s centre and use the calendar to find upcoming sessions.

Everyone is welcome to join SEND Stay & Play sessions, including those without a diagnosis. Sessions are suitable for children aged 18 months to 8 years old.

Next week's sessions

Dunstable Children’s Centre

Wednesday 10 April, from 10am to 11am, Dunstable South Children's Centre, The Annexe, Dunstable Lower School, Oakwood Avenue, Dunstable, LU5 4AS

Booking is required, call 0300 300 8104 or 0300 300 8106.

Flitwick Children’s Centre

Thursday 11 April, from 10am to 11am, Flitwick Children's Centre, Malham Close, Flitwick, MK45 1PU.

There is no need to book.

Leighton Buzzard Children’s Centre

Monday 8 April, from 10am to 11:30am, Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre, The Rushmere Park Academy, East Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EW

There is no need to book.

Spending time outdoors this spring

Make the most out of living in Central Bedfordshire

Houghton Hall Park

Xplorer sessions

Xplorer is a fun free family friendly navigation challenge that gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. It involves a healthy mix of physical activity and decision making that the whole family can enjoy together.

Using a simple map, the aim is to find a number of markers that are located around the park. At each marker children need to identify what is pictured and enjoy learning a fun fact to tell their friends. 

Sessions will take place on Tuesday 9 April, 10am to 3pm. Booking is not required. Find out more about the 9 April session on the Houghton Hall Park website.

Dragon Egg Trail, Monday 8 April

Olaf the ice dragon has lost his eggs in the park, can you find them before they hatch? Using your map find each egg, answer the questions and come back to the Visitors Centre to collect some treats!

Tickets cost £4 each, you can also take part in the trail for free but this will not include the prize. Please bring a pen, something to lean on and a bag to take home your prize.

On Monday 8 April, children can also take part in a craft session to make their own dragon egg and dragon. This costs £3 per child.

Book tickets for the Dragon Egg Trail on the Houghton Hall Park website.

Forest of Marston Vale

Decorate your own frog house: crafting for kids

Wednesday 10 April from 11am to midday and 1pm to 2pm

All paints and utensils are provided for children to decorate a ceramic frog house. The craft session is suitable for children ages 3-9.

Aprons are not provided, so make sure children wear something that you don’t mind getting messy. Parents must stay with their child at all times during the session. Tickets cost £4 per child. 

Book a ticket for frog crafting on the Forest of Marston Vale website.

Big and Little Pottery Painting Workshop

Friday 12 April from 11am to midday

This workshop is specially designed for children and their accompanying adults - be it mum, dad, grandparents, or any loved one. Create a unique gift, or a cherished memory that will be captured on ceramic to treasure for years to come!

Please note that aprons are not provided, so make sure you wear something that you don’t mind getting messy. Parents must stay with their child at all times during the session. 

Tickets cost £20 and that covers the cost of the child and accompanying adult.

Book a ticket for the Big and Little Pottery Painting Workshop.

Rushmere Country Park

Easter Trail

The Easter Trail is running throughout the Easter holidays until Sunday 14 April at 3pm.

Follow the trail around the park, and find out more about the wildlife there! Answer all the questions and return your sheet to the visitor centre to collect an Easter reward. 

Trail sheets are available from the visitor centre £4. 

Find out more on the Rushmere Country Park website.

Xplorer sessions

This session will take place on Thursday 11 April, starting at 11am and running until 1:30pm.

Xplorer is a fun free family friendly navigation challenge that gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. It involves a healthy mix of physical activity and decision making that the whole family can enjoy together.

Using a simple map, the aim is to find a number of markers that are located around the park. At each marker children need to identify what is pictured and enjoy learning a fun fact to tell their friends. 

Find out more about the 11 April session on the Rushmere Country Park website.

What else is happening across Bedfordshire?

Visit our website for information on how to contact us.