FORECASTERS are predicting a cold and wet Easter this year, and with the school holidays looming, many parents will be wondering how to occupy their children.

But the little ones can still have an egg-cellent break from school with a host of activities on offer in the Bournemouth area.

If the weather isn’t kind enough for children to paddle in the sea during the holidays, they’ll be welcome at the Oceanarium in Pier Approach to do the next best thing.

From Friday to April 14, there will be a celebrity fish trail in the popular attraction based around Disney favourite Finding Nemo.

Visitors can come face-to-face with real-life relatives of Nemo and his dad Marlin the clownfish, Crush the sea turtle and Bruce the shark.

Fans of SpongeBob SquarePants will also enjoy learning about some of the show’s best-loved characters, including Mr Krabbs, Patrick Star and Gary the snail.

For more information, visit oceanarium.co.uk

The Mayor's Duck Race will be held on Saturday, from 2pm in the Lower Gardens. Ducks are £1 and can be purchased by emailing mayor@bournemouth.gov.uk or calling 01202 451117.

Bring the whole family to an Easter fun day in Boscombe Chine Gardens on Saturday  from 11am until 4pm.

There will be a nature trail quiz, a dog show, music, train rides and activities provided by the RSPB, Dorset Bat Group and more.

If the weather really does take a turn for the worse, warm and cosy libraries around the Bournemouth area will be hosting Easter activities throughout the break.

For more information, visit Bournemouth.gov.uk

There will be something for everyone in Poole during the break.

Compton Acres Historical Gardens in Canford Cliffs are famous for their glorious grounds, and the Easter Bunny himself is as enchanted by the Gardens as any other visitor.

He will be popping in for breakfast on Saturday and Monday from 9am until 11am.

Enjoy a full English before taking on an Easter egg hunt in the gardens.

Entry is £4.25 for children aged five to 16, £7.95 for adults, or free for children under five.

There will also be a host of events at Upton Country Park over the break, with fun for all the family.

Children can make a bird wreath on April 5 from 10.30am until noon and 1pm until 2.30pm or join an Easter trail on April 3 from 11am until 3pm.

But there’s something for adults too, with an Easter craft show at Upton House in the grounds on Sunday and Monday.

A wild and wacky Easter egg hunt around Parkstone will be held on Saturday from 10.30am until 2pm.

Entrants are invited to meet outside St John’s Church to take part in the hunt, with an Easter egg for everyone who takes part.

Those who may no longer be children themselves but want to take a trip down memory lane will enjoy the latest exhibition at the Priest’s House Museum in Wimborne.

The Games We Used to Play opens on Friday, and will take a nostalgic look back at childhood before bringing the story up to the present day.

For more information, call (01202) 882533.

While you’re in the pretty town, visit National Trust property Kingston Lacy for a Cadbury Easter Egg trail on Sunday and Monday from 11am until 3pm.

As well as following the trail, chocoholics will also enjoy games and crafts. There's also an Easter Egg hunt on Brownsea Island all weekend and an egg and spoon race on Easter Monday.

See all our Easter Events - and add your own on our Events page. Or see lots more events in our What's On section.