Fun Easter Activities for Kids

Looking for some Easter fun for the kids? Why not have an Easter egg hunt before Easter - or after? I have been known to break out the plastic eggs in the middle of summer and hide them in the yard for my three kids. They don't seem to care if there are treats in the plastic eggs - they just love gathering them up.

How about a scavenger hunt? Write simple clues on slips of paper and put them into the plastic eggs. Each clue will lead to another egg. The final clue should lead to a special treat.

Instead of candy, why not stuff the eggs with coupons for special things? For example: A night out with Dad or Mom, a day of no chores, bedtime half an hour later, a sleepover at Grandma's, getting to pick out a movie rental, supper at a favorite restaurant, an extra 30 minutes of television, a night at the movies, a trip to the park. Be creative - think of things your kids would really enjoy.

Let the kids decorate! Draw outlines of eggs on white paper. Let the kids color them and decorate them however they want. Cut them out and display them on a bulletin board, the wall, the windows or hang them from the ceiling (attach string to the paper eggs and use thumbtacks to hang the stringed eggs from the ceiling).

Most of us know the routine for dyeing eggs: Go to the store, buy the dye kit, dye the eggs. Why not try something different this year? Try natural dyes.

Use natural things (onion skins, cabbage leaves, etc.) to dye your Easter eggs. Detailed instructions can be found at http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/easter/natural.htm.

Make a handprint lamb magnet: Trace the outline of your child's hand on black craft foam, cut out then glue cotton balls on the palm for the lamb's wool. Glue a small wiggle eye on the thumb. Use purple ribbon to make a small bow then glue the bow on the lamb's neck (where the thumb meets the palm). Stick a short length of adhesive strip magnet on the back and voila! You've got a lamb.

Make a cross magnet: Use two popsicle sticks - one five-inch and one two-inch. Glue the smaller stick on top of the larger to make a cross. Make a bow out of a length of purple ribbon - glue it on top of the small stick. Stick a short length of adhesive magnet strip on the back.

Looking for Easter crafts, printables, puzzles, coloring pages and other simple activities? Check out www.dltk-kids.com for plenty of fun for all ages. Other creative Easter activities can be found at www.rainbowcastle.org.