THE Easter holidays are underway so it's time to start thinking about activities to keep those potential pangs of holiday boredom at bay.

Similarly to Christmas, Easter is another important religious occasion on the ecclesiastical calendar - it's also the first Bank Holiday of the year giving families, particularly those who don't live near to each other, the chance to get together for a catch up over the long weekend.

The seaside is always a popular place for those seeking a short break away, although the outing is very often weather dependent, and for thrill seekers nothing matches the excitement of local theme parks.

However, there are plenty of other activities going on in our home communities with drop-in sessions for youngsters to create their own Easter crafts to take home as well as the popular chocolate hunting trails.

Here are just a few ideas to give you some inspiration for some eggcellent entertainment.....

Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, has a cracking programme of events including two family theatre productions and three craft workshops. For more information visit otleycourthouse.org.uk or call the box office 01943 467466.

Medieval Easter comes to the Royal Armouries in Leeds from April 8 to 23. The museum is hosting two weeks of Medieval themed events including live interpretations, dramatic performances and combat demonstrations. Knight School, for the fives to 11s gives young visitors the chance to learn all about Knights and tournaments.

There will be daily activities such as crafts and storytelling too. For more information visit royalarmouries.org/events/calendar or call 0113 220 1999.

Over in Hull The Deep, a fantastic place for youngsters to 'sea life' in one of the most stunning aquariums and home to 3,500 fish including sharks and rays, young visitors can join a professional musician from Opera North for a fun workshop exploring music from 1.30 on April 11 until 3.30pm on April 13

To find out more visit thedeep.co.uk or call 01482 381000.

Pantomime fans can look forward to Robin Hood - oh yes they can - coming to the stage at the Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax. The star-studded cast includes Dani Hamer, famous for her role as Tracy Beaker in the popular CBBC TV series, who is playing Maid Marian; Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson who is taking on the role of Robin Hood and X-Factor runner up Andy Abraham as the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham.

The performance takes place on Saturday April 8. For more information call 01422 351158.

From Saturday April 8 to 23 youngsters can get crafty in a Woolly Workshop at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens. Young visitors can make a woolly lamb to take home during this free event - normal admission charges apply. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk

Visitors to East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, will have the opportunity to learn more about the tradition of wassailing an apple tree, said to be a celebration of prosperity. Apple trees are decorated with good luck messages and songs are sung to bring hope for a good harvest during the event which runs from April 8 to Sunday April 23.

For more information about this event visit nationaltrust.org where you can also discover more about The Cadbury Egg Hunt. East Riddlesden Hall is among the locations for this popular trail which takes place at the venue from April 14 to 17.

Mayfield Community Centre is hosting a free half term family fun day on Saturday April 22 at its venue, Broadway Avenue, Bradford. BD12 8PE.

There will be stalls as well as games and activities including sand arts and funfair rides.

And young visitors to Oakwell Hall, Nutter Lane, Birstall can seek out a chocolate treat within the grounds of the museum's walled garden during the Easter Egg hunt which runs until Saturday April 23. For more information call 01924 324761.