Easter is more than just chocolate eggs — it’s a chance to slow down, spend quality time together, and create meaningful family memories. With the school holidays often falling around this time, having a mix of indoor and outdoor activities planned can help keep children engaged, active, and entertained.
Below is a collection of simple, practical Easter activity ideas that are easy to organise at home.
Indoor Easter Activities for Kids
Perfect for rainy days or relaxed mornings at home.
Easter Craft Station
Create a dedicated craft space with:
- Coloured paper
- Paints and brushes
- Glue and scissors
- Stickers
- Cotton balls (great for bunny tails)
Simple craft ideas:
- Paper plate Easter bunnies
- Handprint chicks
- DIY bunny masks
- Easter egg colouring sheets
- Homemade Easter cards
Free printable templates and instructions can be found at:
- Twinkl (https://www.twinkl.co.nz)
- Easy Peasy and Fun (https://www.easypeasyandfun.com)
- The Best Ideas for Kids (https://www.thebestideasforkids.com)
- Red Ted Art (https://www.redtedart.com)
Keeping crafts simple allows children to be creative without pressure.
Easter Baking Activities
Baking is a practical and enjoyable way to involve children in the kitchen.
Ideas include:
- Decorating Easter cupcakes
- Chocolate nest treats with rice bubbles or cornflakes
- Bunny-shaped sugar cookies
- Easter rocky road
For a traditional option, homemade Hot Cross Buns are always popular. A classic recipe can be found through Edmonds Cooking here:
Indoor Easter Egg Hunt
An egg hunt can easily be adapted for indoors.
To make it more engaging:
- Create a simple treasure map
- Add written clues for older children
- Colour-code eggs for different participants
- Include small toys or stickers alongside chocolate
This works well for smaller homes or unpredictable weather.
Easter Movie Afternoon
Set up a comfortable movie space with blankets and snacks.
Family-friendly Easter-themed options include:
- Hop
- Peter Rabbit
- Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
- Rise of the Guardians
Pair with popcorn or homemade treats for a relaxed afternoon activity.
Outdoor Easter Activities for Kids
When the weather allows, outdoor activities provide a great opportunity for movement and fresh air.
Backyard Easter Egg Hunt
The traditional Easter activity remains a favourite.
Ways to add variety:
- Hide a “golden egg” with a larger prize
- Include simple challenges at different hiding spots
- Organise children into teams
- Draw a basic treasure map
This can be done in a backyard, park, or open outdoor space.
Egg and Spoon Races
A simple activity suitable for various age groups.
You’ll need:
- Hard-boiled or plastic eggs
- Spoons
- A clearly marked start and finish line
Additional games can include sack races or relay-style competitions.
Nature-Inspired Egg Decorating
Combine creativity with outdoor exploration.
- Collect leaves or flowers
- Use washable paint for patterns
- Try natural food-based dyes such as beetroot or turmeric
This activity encourages observation and creativity in a natural setting.
Create a Bunny Trail Walk
Turn a simple walk into an Easter-themed activity.
- Draw chalk arrows
- Place paper bunny signs along the path
- Leave short clues or riddles
- Add small Easter facts at each stop
This can work in a garden, backyard, or local walking track.
Why Easter Activities Are Beneficial
Seasonal activities offer several benefits:
- Encourage creativity and imagination
- Support motor skill development
- Promote physical activity
- Strengthen family connection
Planning a mix of quiet and active options helps cater to different ages and energy levels.
Easter provides a natural opportunity to introduce simple traditions and shared activities at home. Whether indoors or outside, small, thoughtful activities can help create positive holiday memories for children.
A little planning ahead can make the long weekend both enjoyable and manageable.
What are some budget-friendly Easter activities?
Home crafts, baking, backyard egg hunts, and nature walks are all low-cost options.
How can you adapt an Easter egg hunt for older children?
Add written clues, timed challenges, or point-based systems to increase difficulty and engagement.
What indoor activities work well if it rains?
Craft stations, baking sessions, indoor treasure hunts, and family movie afternoons are practical alternatives.
How can Easter celebrations be less focused on chocolate?
Include small toys, books, or activity vouchers alongside traditional treats.
For more family activity ideas and school holiday inspiration, explore our latest blog posts and share this guide with other families planning their Easter weekend.
