Unlike Christmas, where everyone is sitting around drinking and opening presents, and St. Patrick’s Day, where everyone is sitting around drinking and then drinking some more, Easter provides the possibility of fun activities for the whole family.
The soft pastels, the arrival of spring, and those classic chocolate bunnies make it stand out. But what really ties it all together? The Easter egg hunt. Whether you’re hosting for your kids or the entire neighborhood, it’s a guaranteed way for everyone to have a blast.
To further level the fun, here’s our guide to planning and hosting a fun, creative, and seamless Easter egg hunt at home.
The Planning Stage
The first step is picking a date and time that works for everyone invited. While Easter Sunday is the obvious choice, you might discover that hosting the hunt a day or two earlier works better, especially if your guest list includes multiple families with packed schedules.
Aim for mid-morning or early afternoon to take advantage of comfortable temperatures and good daylight for outdoor hunts. Adding a theme can elevate your Easter egg hunt from standard to stand out.
The Essential Supplies
Now that you’ve got the big day planned out, you need to gather supplies.
Here’s a list to get you started:
- Plastic or hard-boiled eggs
- Baskets or egg-collecting containers
- Prizes for different age categories (We strongly recommend Purdys Easter eggs because there is no such thing as too much chocolate. Like…ever.)
- Stickers or mini trinkets for inside eggs
- Decorations that match your theme
Before you jump in the trusty Civic to go hit up all of the stores, stop. Hold on for just a second. Know where to go before you start going.
Budget stores often have seasonal decor and affordable supplies, but if you want a more personal touch, consider DIY options. You can also buy in bulk online if you’re catering to a larger crowd.
Preparing the Eggs and Hiding Spots
Hard-boiled eggs can be dyed with easy-to-make natural dyes using ingredients like turmeric, spinach, or beets. For plastic eggs, try adding stickers or painting on cute designs to match your chosen theme.
Consider your participants’ ages when deciding where to hide the eggs. For younger kids, keep them visible on windowsills, walkways, or under bushes.
Older children might enjoy a challenge to their adventure – hide eggs in high tree branches, tucked behind garden decor, or even partially buried for a treasure-hunting vibe.
Running the Hunt
Ready? Set…go! Kidding. Review these tips really fast before you get started.
- Gather everyone together for a short welcome announcement and explain the rules.
- Hand out baskets or other containers for egg collection.
- Assign kids to their respective age group areas and start the hunt on time. This avoids the more eager participants rushing ahead.
- Have a dedicated timer or use music to indicate when the hunt is over.
Keep the Fun Cranking After the Hunt
Gather everyone to announce winners and award prizes. Categories might include “Most Eggs Found,” “Best Decorated Basket,” or “The Golden Egg Finder.”
Even small accomplishments should be recognized to keep the atmosphere celebratory.
Cap off the event with a meal or light refreshments. Finger foods are ideal since they’re low-effort and allow guests to mingle freely. A small dessert table with Easter-themed cupcakes or cookies adds a sweet touch.
Take this guide and run with it. Make it your own. And make sure everyone has a great time.
