Rough guide to Eastertime

This Sunday the greatest of all Christian feasts, the resurrection of Christ, will be celebrated with all the traditional rigmarole. So here's a mini guide to the festivities.

GOOD FRIDAY

The first 700 children to visit the Tower Hill Pageant (to 17 April, Tower Hill Terrace, EC3) will each collect a free bunny mask. You can duck into the Museum of London and catch up on 2000 years of history at the same time. History is on the agenda at the next stop, Widow Son's Inn (75 Devons Rd, E3) for the traditional noon Hot Cross Bun Ceremony where, in time-honoured fashion, a sailor will add a bun to the blackened collection. Not your average Friday lunchtime, but this ain't no ordinary Friday, and thus to the solemn surroundings of St Paul's Cathedral, EC4 for the Good Friday Liturgy (2pm). An hour's venerable peace from the kids can't, of course, go wholly unrewarded, so it's time to head northwards to Alexandra Park, Wood Green, N22, to practice the religion of the Easter funfair (to 18 Apr), this time praying for the safe resurrection of your wallet. The added attraction of N22 is that you can sneak off to the sacred environs of the Easter Bank Holiday Wine and Beer Festival (15-17 April), at the Phoenix Pub in Alexandra Park. But don't forget to pick up the little angels on the way home.

EASTER SATURDAY

Having spent yesterday in the big smoke, the whole family might fancy a breath of fresh air, albeit with an Easter slant, at Leeds Castle, Leeds, Kent. Morris dancing, Mad Hatters and, joy of joys, children's entertainers (to 17 Apr). Alternatively, there's wholesome family fun at the British Ice Hockey Championships (15-16 Apr, Wembley Arena 0171-225 3733). Whatever you decide to inflict on the family, end the day with a trip to the Easter Vigil at Westminster Abbey, SW1 (10pm), with the soothing sounds of the Abbey Choir to keep your spirits up.

EASTER SUNDAY

Church is a strong contender on the activity list today, with most places running a seemingly non-stop service all day. Other possibilities include the International Model Railway Exhibition, RHS Halls, SW1 (01442 62271), with five track layouts for the kids to operate, or else a trip to the Easter Folk Festival (to 17 Apr) at the Barbican Centre (see p.2, 0171- 638 8891).

EASTER MONDAY

After yesterday, the children are still straining for Easter treats. Oblige them with a Victory Easter egg hunt at the Imperial War Museum (0171-416 5311). Alternatively, if the showers hold off, you could watch the London Harness Horse Parade in Battersea Park, with the Grand parade at 12.45pm.

Tired yet? Broke yet? Well, just remember, Easter may be over but school's still out, so here's a few survival ideas for the coming week:

Fireman Sam (above) saves the day on the streets of Pontypandy, in a brand new stage production for 3-8 year-olds. 19-23 April, Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Ave, EC1 (0171-713 6000)

Easter Egg Race Workshop with staff and kids building a balloon powered vehicle. 16-17 April, Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, SW7 (0171-938 8000)

Spring Hats and Bonnets Make and decorate your own Victorian bonnet. For children aged six and over. 19 April, Ragged School Museum, Copperfield Rd, E3 (0181-980 6405)

Sadko and the Waves Theatre Confetti present a two-day dance and mask workshop for 5-11 year-olds. 20-21 April, Tricycle Theatre, Kilburn High Rd, NW6 (0171-328 1000)