Easter Adventures Await at Broadland’s Tots2Teens Programme
As the spring sunshine begins to peek through the clouds, families across Broadland are eagerly anticipating the return of the beloved Tots2Teens holiday programme. This Easter, the initiative promises a vibrant array of activities designed to spark imagination, foster friendships, and create lasting memories for children aged 5 to 16. From scaling the heights of Highball Climbing’s bouldering walls to mastering circus skills under the guidance of Foolhardy Circus professionals, the programme offers experiences that both challenge and delight young participants. With bookings opening at 10am on March 3rd, parents are encouraged to secure spots quickly for these popular sessions that have become a cherished tradition for local families seeking quality holiday experiences that won’t break the bank.
“With such a varied and inspiring programme for children across Broadland this Easter, there really is something for everyone,” enthuses Councillor Natasha Harpley, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing at Broadland District Council. Her passion for the programme shines through as she explains its core mission: “Tots2Teens has always been about giving every child the chance to learn new skills, make friends and enjoy memorable experiences, regardless of their circumstances.” This philosophy of inclusivity forms the backbone of the initiative, with free places available for children receiving means-tested free school meals and a 50% discount offered to households claiming benefits such as Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, or Council Tax Reduction. By removing financial barriers, Tots2Teens ensures that all families can participate in these enriching holiday activities, creating a diverse community of young explorers united by their curiosity and enthusiasm.
The Easter programme kicks off with a bang on March 30th as older children (aged 10-16) embark on a bouldering adventure at Highball Climbing in Norwich, challenging themselves physically while building confidence and teamwork skills. The following day brings a burst of color and laughter as the Foolhardy Circus team introduces children to the delightful world of circus arts, from the delicate balance of spinning plates to the rhythmic flow of diabolo. As April begins, the traditional Easter Fun Zone returns on the 1st, immersing children in seasonal celebrations with egg painting, treasure hunts, and beloved holiday games that connect them to springtime traditions. For budding scientists and engineers, April 2nd offers the Stemex Science Lab, where hands-on building, coding, and practical experiments await in a specialized environment designed to nurture STEM skills in an engaging, accessible way.
The middle of the holiday week brings a delicious twist to the programme, with two literary-inspired cooking sessions that blend storytelling with culinary arts. On April 7th, children aged 11-16 will don aprons for the Fictional Foods Cookery Session, recreating iconic dishes from beloved storybooks. Imagine the satisfaction of baking Matilda’s famous chocolate cake or preparing savory treats inspired by the feasts of Robin Hood and his Merry Men! The following day invites younger participants (aged 5-10) to journey through “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” cookery event, creating colorful fruit arrangements and hearty meals based on Eric Carle’s timeless tale. These sessions offer more than just cooking skills; they provide a multi-sensory exploration of literature, encouraging children to experience stories through taste, smell, and texture while developing practical life skills in a supportive environment.
For artistically inclined youth, April 9th presents the Natural Ceramics workshop, where participants aged 11-16 will craft unique pottery pieces enhanced with foraged flowers and natural materials. This hands-on session connects children with both artistic expression and the natural world, fostering an appreciation for environmental resources while creating beautiful keepsakes to take home. The programme culminates on April 10th with a family-friendly finale at Broadland Country Park. The Dinojam and Gym Family Fun Day invites entire families to participate together in interactive fitness challenges, games, and an imaginative prehistoric performance – all for just £5 per family. This inclusive closing event encourages parents and siblings to join in the fun, creating shared memories and promoting family bonding through active play.
As part of the wider Big Norfolk Holiday Fun initiative, Tots2Teens demonstrates a thoughtful commitment to supporting families beyond just providing entertainment. Every participating child receives nutritious lunches and snacks throughout the sessions, carefully prepared with consideration for all dietary requirements and allergies. This wholesome nutrition component ensures that children maintain their energy levels for active participation while addressing food security concerns that can arise during school holidays. The programme’s combination of physical activities, creative workshops, culinary experiences, and STEM learning opportunities ensures that children develop holistically during their time away from school. Rather than simply passing time, Tots2Teens participants engage in meaningful experiences that expand their horizons, challenge their capabilities, and nurture their natural curiosity – all while forming friendships with peers from across their community. As families throughout Broadland prepare for the Easter break, this thoughtfully crafted programme stands ready to transform ordinary holiday time into extraordinary adventures that children will eagerly anticipate year after year.
