Is it finally here..? Can we really trust the sun..? It is so pleasing to finally feel it's warmth again, but how long will it last... Nonetheless, Easter is just around the corner and we encourage you to be bold and plan some fun, eggcellent (sorry!) adventures.

Below is our pick of just a few of the many eggstravaganzas (I know, I know) available across NI.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Stormont Estate

After the success of the 2017 Easter event, Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association (NICSSA) have announced the return of their Easter Eggstravaganza for another year.

This Easter Saturday, NICSSA will be hosting a fun-filled day out for the whole family at The Pavilion on the Stormont Estate. Enjoy a craft fair, petting zoo, bouncy castle, face painting, balloon modelling, arts and crafts, Easter egg hunt, prizes to be won and lots more.

The event will take place on Saturday 31 March, at the Pavilion in Stormont Estate, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast.

Prices: NICSSA Members: Children £4, adults free. Non-members: Children £6, adults free.

For more information go to nicssa.org.uk

Easter Eggspress Steam Train

Hop aboard the Easter Eggspress for a steam train adventure to Whitehead and back from Belfast Central Station.

On board the train you'll find the Easter Bunny handing out Easter eggs to all ticket holding children.

On Monday 02 and Tuesday 03 April, the classic and beautifully maintained steam train will take two trips from Belfast to Whitehead. The morning trip will depart Belfast Central at 11:30 and arrive in Whitehead at 12:20, before departing Whitehead again at 12:55 and arriving back in Belfast at 13:45.

The afternoon journey will depart Belfast Central at 14:30, arriving in Whitehead at 15:20, departing again at 15:55 and arriving back at Belfast Central at 16:45.

All tickets are priced at £14 and they are available online here. Steam Trains Ireland regret that tickets, once purchased, may not be exchanged, cancelled or money refunded. No buggies can be carried on these trains and no dogs permitted except guide dogs.

*Children under 3 years of age not occupying a seat do not need a ticket, however, children of any age travelling on the Easter trains must have a valid ticket if they wish to receive an Easter egg.

steamtrainsireland.com

Easter at Downhill Demesne

Why not try going to the Downhill Demesne for some Easter fun and crafts, where you can explore the natural play area and see new signs of spring in the meadows.

Downhill Demesne is an extensive estate near Castlerock. It is a great place to explore for children and adults alike, as there are so many different things to see, experience and learn about.

The most famous building in the Demesne is the Mussenden Temple which is perched on the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea far below. Downhill Demesne also has a lake, large ruined house, Black Glen, Lion's Gate, Bishop's Gate and Walled and Bog Gardens. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing. Dogs on leads are welcome. Meeting point at Lion's Gate.

Easter activities will run from 26 Mar 2018 - 08 Apr 2018 at Downhill Demesne on Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry

More information is available here.

Easter At The Ulster American Folk Park

Stallholders, shopkeepers, travelling journeymen and a host of characters will keep you amused for hours on end this Easter as you stroll down Ulster Street witnessing the sights, smells and sounds of a busy market day in Ulster during the spring of April 1918.

Try your hand at traditional crafts, enjoy storytelling sessions, taste seasonal treats, giggle at Punch & Judy, have a go at egg & spoon races and horse and cart rides.

Marking the Decade of Centenaries, this three day event transports you back to experience one of the most eventful eras in Ireland's history as women finally achieved the right of representation allowing them to vote and stand for public office across the island for the very first time.

Tickets are priced at £11 for adults and £6 for children. More information is available here.

Easter Celebrations at Cultra

The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum is putting on a 'smashing' Easter event from Sunday 01 April - Tuesday 03 April.

Visitors can enjoy a range of traditional Easter activities, sample traditional foods and see traditional crafts such as basket making, pole lathe turning, weaving and even take part in traditional street games. As you wander through Discovery Farm you will be able to see the friendly pigs, chickens, goats, horses and donkeys.

"We look forward to Easter every year and our visitors always enjoy celebrating Easter with a lovely range of traditional activities. You're never too old to enjoy egg rolling on Bleach Green Hill and it is wonderful to watch the baby lambs frolicking in the fields at Discovery Farm."

Among the hands-on activities are a range of crafts suitable for young children, a Great Egg Trail in the Folk Museum and an Eggstreme Egg Hunt in the Transport Museum. Visitors can also enjoy the sounds of traditional music.

Tickets are priced at £11 for adults and £6 for children. More information is available here.

Easter Petting Zoo at The MAC

Back by popular demand, the MAC Petting Zoo returns this Easter Monday and Tuesday, 02 and 03 April. The petting zoo is free to visit anytime between 10am and 2.30pm on both days, with no ticket required.

Get up close to all of your favourite farm animals - you'll find the Easter Petting Zoo on the ground floor in the main foyer. If you've joined The MAC the past couple of years, you'll know just what to expect - and if not, their fluffy friends are back for some more fun and they can't wait to meet you! With lambs, chicks, bunnies and lots more, you can cuddle, feed and stroke your farmyard favourites till your heart's content.

Why not book a table at NATIVE by Yellow Door to enjoy a family lunch during your visit? And don't forget, the free Family Room will be open too for some fun and games before or after your visit to the petting zoo.

The event takes place at the MAC, at 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast.

themaclive.com