5 FREE DAYS OUT for Kids this Easter Holidays

Looking for ideas of FREE things to do in and around the Milton Keynes area with the children this Easter then take a look at our Top 5 suggestions below!

1. Emberton Country Park

Where: Emberton Country Park is in the village of Emberton, Olney in Buckinghamshire, just north of Milton Keynes, close to junction 14 of the M1.

How far from Cosgrove Park: Approximately 11 miles or a 25 minute drive by car.

Set in over 200 acres of mature unspoilt parkland, you can enjoy wildlife, lakeside walks and play areas in a family friendly setting. The park boasts over 5km of paths and trails around lakes, through wooded and meadow areas. Picnics and BBQs are permitted with two dedicated areas. The park features three children's areas including a Quarry Experience!

Please note that there may be a charge to park your car at Emberton Park, however the park is free to enter on foot.

2. Salcey Forest

Where: Salcey Forest lies between Milton Keynes and Northampton, immediately to the east of Hartwell village.

How far from Cosgrove Park: Approximately 8 miles or a 15 to 20 minute drive by car.

There are extensive trails to help you explore the forest, with three walking trails, two of which are surfaced easy-access paths. There is a 5 mile family cycle route and a fabulous tree top walk, which takes you above the trees with views of the Northamptonshire countryside. By the main car park you'll find a café, toilets, children's play area, information point and picnic areas. It is also the starting point for the waymarked walking trails.

Please note that there may be a charge to park your car at Salcey Forest, however the forest is free to enter on foot.

3. Willen Lake

Where: Willen Lake is located in the centre of Milton Keynes, sandwiched between the M1 junction 14 and Campbell Park.

How far from Cosgrove Park: 10 miles or 17 minutes drive by car.

Willen Lake is Milton Keynes’ most popular park. It has over one million visitors a year that take part in watersports activities, go cycling, enjoy the playground, try the high ropes course or simply picnic along Willen’s shores.

It’s a great place to entertain all ages of family and friends, whether it’s a visit to the café or restaurant, a stroll, trying a beginners’ course in sailing or hiring a pedalo or bike.

Facilities include a Play area, public toilets, trim trail, cycle hire, boat hire, fishing, picnic tables, seating, BBQ area, refreshments, watersports, high ropes, café.

Please note that there may be a charge to park your car at Willen Lake, however the facility is free to enter.

4. Easter Egg Hunt at Cosgrove Park

If you're a Cosgrove Park customer, then make sure you bring the kids along to our FREE Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Easter Sunday, April 16th at 10am and start from the main office. Please make sure that you book your child's place on the Easter Egg Hunt to be sure they don't miss out on the FREE chocolate egg that every child who participates gets. Call 01908 563360 to book your child's place.

5. The Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve

Where: The Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve (FFNR) is part of the Ouse Valley Park on the north western edge of Milton Keynes. The main car parks are located off Haversham Road and at Manor Farm Court off Old Wolverton Road.

How far from Cosgrove Park: FFNR is on Cosgrove Park's doorstep, you can access one of the entrances to the park by going through Heron's Field into the back field, and in the corner of this field adjacent to this path there is a bridge, walk over the bridge and the FFNR entrance is just in front of you.

Surfaced footpaths lead you from the car parks to the accessible circular route and bird hides, where you can discover more about the history of the nature reserve and its wildlife. The reserve is situated in the River Great Ouse floodplain and is expected to flood, so may not be fully accessible at all times - before your visit check the current water level.