Easy Easter Days Out Near Cheltenham for Tired Parents & Energetic Kids

Let’s be honest, school holidays are not always the relaxing break we dream of. Especially Easter, when the weather might be nice (but you can’t count on it) and the pressure to keep the kids constantly entertained is real!

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “things to do with kids near Cheltenham” for the third time in a week, this one’s for you. But here’s a gentle reminder…you don’t need a packed itinerary to have a good time. In fact, some of the best family memories are made during the quiet, slow moments.

Here are a few ways to enjoy the Cotswolds this Easter without burning yourself (or your budget) out…

Make a DIY Nature Trail

You don’t need a fancy event - just a bit of curiosity and some fresh air. Head out to a local woodland, park, or even a quiet footpath and turn it into a spring spotting game.

• Look for blossoms, buzzing bees, daffodils or new lambs in nearby fields.

• Make a little checklist together or bring a notebook for kids to draw or tick off what they see.

• Bring a phone or tablet and encourage them to take pictures of what catches their eye - you’ll be amazed at how it slows them down and helps them really take in their surroundings

Pub Walks the Whole Family Will Love

There’s something so comforting about a walk that ends with a pub. It keeps everyone motivated and makes the day feel like a proper adventure—even if it’s a short one. Here are a few gentle, family-friendly favourites:

• Cleeve Hill to The Rising Sun – Wide open skies, easy parking and a pub that’s got a great view to relax with a drink looking out at the view.

• Leckhampton Loop to The Royal Oak – A manageable circular walk with woodland shade, hilltop views and a pub at the finish line with plenty of outdoor space.

• Northleach Stroll to The Wheatsheaf Inn – Pretty streets, a stream for splashing and one of the loveliest pub gardens in the area.

Add in a kite, a football or just a blanket for the grass and you’ve got a day out that’s simple, slow and genuinely enjoyable for all.

Plan For Later, Don’t Fill The Day

If your mornings are chaotic or your kids take a while to get going, let go of the 9am start time. There’s nothing wrong with a lazy morning in PJs.

I recently visited a tulip field that stays open until 8pm - a dreamy late-afternoon outing with soft golden light, fewer crowds, and loads of space to run. (And if you’re like me, it’s also the perfect time for relaxed, golden-hour photos.) There are lots of other locations at the minute that are staying open later for the holidays, so it’s worth making the most of it. Have a slower-paced start to the day.

You can also let the kids help plan the outing earlier in the day if they need an activity as soon as they wake up. Get them involved with choosing snacks, outfits or even the playlist for the drive if you decide to visit somewhere a bit further away. It builds excitement without rushing.

Find a View & Stay Awhile

Pick a pretty spot with space to picnic by a lake, a field or under a tree, and don’t overthink it. Bring along a blanket, some bits from the fridge and something for the kids to play with. If there’s water nearby, even better! Just bring along a change of clothes and be prepared for a bit of splashing!

You don’t need a full day out. Sometimes, two peaceful hours outdoors is plenty.

Embrace the Day-In

And finally, yes - it’s okay to have a slow day at home. No guilt needed!

Buy or print a fun activity pack, have a drawing contest, or spend the day looking at places you might go later in the week. Let the kids scroll through photos you’ve taken already. Reminiscing can be an activity in itself.

Want to take it further? Use your chill day to try a mini at-home photo session or create a mini video story. Let the kids take turns using your phone or a tablet. you can set up a little backdrop and include some of their toys as subjects. Or go with a classic activity and build a fort together!

Why Not Make a Day of It Doing Something A Bit Different?

Instead of squeezing in another activity just to keep everyone entertained, why not plan a day out that has a calm pace, something fun for the kids and a way to capture the memories at the same time?

My photography sessions are completely different from the usual experience. There’s no awkward posing, no pressure to smile on cue and no stress if things don’t go to plan. We’ll simply head somewhere beautiful together - maybe exploring the wildflowers at Crickley Hill, paddling in the stream at Bourton-on-the-Water or wandering through the trees at Westonbirt - and I’ll capture your children just as they are.

They can run, climb, eat snacks, make daisy chains or bring along their favourite toy for an adventure. You get to enjoy a peaceful moment, take in the view, even get involved in helping capture the shots if you’d like, and know that you’ll come away with natural, beautiful images that truely feel like your family.

These sessions are more like a relaxed outing than a formal photo shoot and kids usually leave thinking it was just a really good day out.

If that sounds more your style, I’d love to help plan this fun, relaxed activity for your family this Easter!

Click HERE to find out more or complete the form below to start arranging a shoot with me: