Kiddipedia
Planning an Easter Egg Hunt for Every Child: Making It Fun for All
Easter is right around the corner—just take a stroll through the supermarket and you’ll see Easter eggs, hot cross buns, baskets, and all sorts of craft supplies for the school Easter hat parade. Sure, some of it’s been around for a while now, but it’s a big reminder that Easter is almost here!
And what’s Easter without the classic Easter egg hunt? For kids, it’s one of the highlights of the holiday—racing around to fill up their basket with chocolate eggs, then happily demolishing the treats in record time!
But let’s face it: not every child enjoys the hunt in the same way. For younger kids, it can be tough when older, faster kids swoop in and grab all the eggs. And for kids with disabilities or additional needs, the traditional hunt might feel out of reach, leaving them feeling frustrated, upset, or even left out.
The good news? It’s not hard to make your Easter egg hunt a fun, inclusive experience for every child, no matter their age or abilities. With just a few thoughtful changes, you can ensure that all kids have a blast—no tears, no worries, just pure Easter joy.
Here are 5 simple strategies to make your hunt accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
1. Make Accessibility a Top Priority
Think about the hunt from the perspective of the child. What can you do to help them join in, no matter their needs?
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Flat, Clear Space: Hold the hunt in an easy-to-navigate area, so kids with mobility challenges can join without a hitch.
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Sensory-Friendly Elements: For kids with vision impairments, use high-contrast colours or add some fun sounds (think jingle bells on eggs). This will help them spot and identify the eggs.
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Staggered Starts: If you have kids with sensory sensitivities, stagger the start times. That way, it’s not too overwhelming for anyone.
2. Set Clear Boundaries with a Defined Search Zone
A well-marked hunting area makes all the difference. It helps younger kids or those with sensory needs feel more at ease.
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Use Visual Cues: Mark out the search zone with ribbons, cones, or colourful signs. Not only does it help guide the hunt, but it also gives the kids a sense of direction.
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Make Hiding Spots Kid-Friendly: When hiding eggs, think about where the kids will be searching. Don’t make it too hard for the younger ones or those with mobility challenges to find their eggs.
3. Offer Alternatives to Chocolate
Not every child can (or should) eat chocolate, and that’s okay! There are plenty of fun alternatives.
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Non-Chocolate Treats: Hide little toys, art supplies, or sensory-friendly items like squishy stress balls. These are just as exciting to find and ensure no one feels left out.
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Healthier Options: If you want to limit the chocolate, try hiding healthy snacks, stickers, or small crafts instead of traditional Easter eggs.
4. Assign Colour Codes for a Fair Hunt
To make sure everyone gets a chance to fill their basket without the chaos, assign each child a colour.
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Less Competition: Give each child a specific colour and have them hunt for only those eggs. It keeps the search fair, even if you’re staggering start times.
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Perfect for Special Needs: This is especially helpful for kids who may feel overwhelmed in the rush of a traditional hunt. It gives them their own space and helps them enjoy the hunt at their own pace.
5. Switch it Up with a Scavenger Hunt
Want to try something a little different? Turn the egg hunt into a scavenger hunt instead!
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Clue-Based Fun: Instead of just hunting for eggs, kids can follow clues to find hidden items. This adds an extra layer of fun and is perfect for kids who love puzzles.
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Sensory Scavenger Hunt: Make the clues sensory-friendly! Use sounds, textures, and visuals to guide the kids—this way, all kids can participate in their own way.
Make This Easter About Inclusion
By making these small adjustments, you can turn your Easter egg hunt into an event that every child can enjoy. After all, Easter is about more than just chocolate eggs—it’s about bringing everyone together, celebrating, and having fun.
This year, let’s make sure that every kid has a chance to join in on the excitement, whether they’re racing for eggs, following clues, or enjoying a colourful basket of surprises. With just a little thought, you can create an Easter egg hunt that’s all about inclusivity, fun, and happy memories.
How are you making your Easter egg hunt accessible this year? Share your ideas with us on social media—we’d love to hear how you’re making Easter extra special for all the kids!
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