How to Plan a Fun-Filled Easter Egg Hunt

One of my most treasured memories as a child was that of the old fashioned Easter egg hunt. It has become a favorite annual event for my children as well. Nothing is more delightful to children than searching for colorful eggs and the anticipation of discovering the hidden treasures that each holds. Planning a grand Easter egg hunt doesn't have to break the bank, be time consuming or stressful. With a little organization, it is quite simple.

Decide on a location for the Easter egg hunt. Will it be your children or a gathering of extended family? If so, the perfect spot might be your own front or backyard. Hide eggs around play equipment, in shrubs, trees and fence posts. Scatter them about the yard. For a larger crowd, consider a local park. Many community parks have pavilions that one can reserve complete with picnic tables and maybe even a barbeque pit. Use the grassy areas around the park for your festivities. The perfect spot may be in your own Subdivision Park or clubhouse. This venue would be ideal if you are hosting a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. If there is inclement weather, don't sweat it! As a child, we always had an inside Easter egg hunt. My mother would hide jelly beans all over the house and it was our job to find them. Don't let rain deter a fun-filled day of Easter egg hunting.

Next, consider what types of activities you think children would enjoy at this event. The Easter egg hunt is a given. I prefer non -chocolate candies to fill plastic eggs. That way, there you don't have to worry about the candy melting. Think outside the box for this one. Perhaps you will fill the eggs with coins or confetti. What about stickers or small toys? Take into consideration the ages of the children involved. For a large group, divide kids according to age and have each age group hunt the eggs at the same time. For our egg hunts, we always have participants bring a certain number of filled eggs (usually a dozen per child). Parents can monitor to be sure that each child has found their fair share. For small children, carefully watch the contents of the eggs as certain items can be a choking hazard. Another fun activity for young children is making some sort of craft. There are a variety of crafts available online or in craft stores for holiday activities. It doesn't have to be elaborate. I think simple is better. Kids love hats and crowns. This year, we will be making Easter bunny hats. Children cut out bunny ears (children can design their own or templates are available online for free!). I like to use cardstock for the bunny ears. Next, take a cardstock sentence strip (available at teacher's supply stores) and form into a circle the size of the child's head. Staple or tape in place. Attach the bunny ears with tape or staples.

Finally, capture the moment on film. Don't forget to grab the camera and snap dozens of pictures. Set up an easy photo opportunity for the kids and their families. Use yard decorations and Easter eggs for a festive backdrop for your posed pictures. If you don't have yard decorations, ask friends or family to loan them to you. If possible, have a designated amateur photographer take pictures of each child or family. After the Easter egg hunt, enhance each photo with a cute border and mail to each family for a special keepsake and memento of the day.