SANDY KITCHING discovers some fun activities to keep the kids amused this Easter.

Spring is the time when the landscape is dotted with newborn lambs and duck eggs are hatching beside the region's rivers and streams. If you want to get close to baby animals and chicks there are plenty of animal attractions across there region to choose from.

The Lakeland Maze Farm Park near Kendal opens on Saturday 28 March until Sunday 12 April offering loads of fun activities. Meet the farm animals and visit pets corner, join in an Easter egg hunt, and play in the indoor and outdoor play areas. Visit: lakelandmaze.co.uk

Greenlands Farm Village near Carnforth is a popular family attraction with lots of farm animals. Bottle feed the lambs every day at 10.30am and 2.30pm. This Easter there will be chicks to hold, donkey rides and an Easter egg trail. Discover regional produce in the Farm Shop, savour home cooked fayre in Wellies cafe and treat yourself to hand-selected gifts, plants and wines. Visit: greenlandsfarmvillage.co.uk

At the Lake District Wildlife Park you can watch Grants zebras roaming the fells and Lars gibbons swinging through the trees! Wander around the 24 acre parkland near Keswick and you can see an eclectic mix of over 100 species including meerkats and their pups, a red panda, mandrills, otters, lemurs and Eurasian lynx. The magical Bird of Prey flying displays are always popular. Visit: lakedistrictwildlifepark.co.uk

On Wednesday 1 April, the Lake District will once again host the north of England's biggest Easter egg search in The Great Peter Rabbit Easter Egg Hunt. Children and adults can seek 50 limited edition ceramic Easter eggs with great prizes to be won. This popular event is raising money for WaterAid, and you can register to take part on the World of Beatrix Potter website by giving a minimum £2 donation via JustGiving to take part. On April 7 children can enjoy some fun and free crafts in the foyer of the World of Beatrix Potter with the option of having your face painted as your favourite character (£2 charge). Visit: hop-skip-jump.com

On April 3 and April 5, starting at 11am the Easter Extravaganza at Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre at Windermere features an Easter egg hunt around the gardens, face painting, Easter crafts, egg decorating and a chance to try out the Beatrix Potter trail. It's fun for all the family with booking not required, just turn up. Free admission. Visit: brockhole.co.uk

From April 12 – 24 children (5-15 years) go for free when travelling with their Teddy Bears and a paying adult on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Journey on an historic steam train from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, across the estuary and through the hills. Visit: ravenglass-railway.co.uk

To cool down, head to Abbott Lodge near Penrith. This working dairy farm produces delicious ice-cream from a Jersey herd. There are 30 different flavours, but the real Jersey ice-cream is the best. Children can watch the cows in the fields, get close to the adorable calves, and let off steam in the play areas. Visit: abbotlodgejerseyicecream.co.uk