12 Easter activities for kids

The Easter holidays are a wonderful excuse to slow down and have some fun together as a family. Whether you are near Cappuccino cafe at The Hub in Buckshaw Village or planning a day at home, these 12 Easter activities will keep children of all ages happy and entertained. We have split them into four groups so you can pick and mix ideas to suit the weather, the ages of your little ones and how much time you have.

Get out of the house

Fresh air and a change of scene work wonders during the holidays. Here are three easy ways to get out and about around Chorley and the wider area.

1. A trip to Cappuccino cafe

Start the holidays with a treat. Cappuccino cafe at The Hub in Buckshaw Village is a relaxed, family friendly spot for a hot chocolate and a cake, and an easy meeting point for families in Chorley, Leyland and Euxton. Call the cafe on 01772 454287 to check opening times and any seasonal events.

2. Visit a local farm

Spring is baby animal season, so a local farm is the perfect Easter day out. Children love meeting the lambs, chicks and rabbits, and it is a lovely way to talk about where our food comes from. There are several farms within easy reach of Buckshaw Village, Preston and Whittle-le-Woods.

3. An Easter picnic

If the weather is kind, pack up some sandwiches, a few chocolate eggs and a blanket, and head to your nearest park. A picnic costs almost nothing, tires the children out and gives everyone a proper breath of fresh air.

Easter games

You do not need much to keep children giggling. These three classic games work brilliantly in the garden or a local park.

4. An Easter egg hunt

No Easter is complete without an egg hunt. Hide chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with treats around the garden and let the children loose. For older children, add written clues or a simple map to make it more of a challenge.

5. The 500 game

A great one for a group of mixed ages. One person tosses a soft ball or plastic egg into the air and calls out a number of points. Whoever catches it earns those points, and the first player to reach 500 wins. It is simple, fast and full of laughter.

6. Spoon full of sugar

The classic egg and spoon race. Line the children up, balance a small egg on each spoon and race to the finish line without dropping it. Use hard boiled or plastic eggs to save the mess, and hand out little chocolate prizes for taking part.

Sweet Easter treats

Baking together is a lovely rainy day activity, and these three treats are simple enough for even the smallest helpers.

7. Chocolate Easter nests

An Easter favourite. Melt some chocolate, stir in cornflakes or shredded wheat until everything is coated, then spoon the mixture into paper cases. Once set, add a few mini eggs to each nest. No oven required, so it is safe and easy for little hands.

8. Bunny burrows

Build a sweet little bunny burrow using biscuits, melted chocolate and marshmallows. Children can decorate them with mini eggs and edible bunnies, then enjoy the results with a glass of milk. Perfect for a cosy afternoon indoors.

9. Creme egg characters

Turn a chocolate creme egg into a funny character. Use writing icing, edible eyes and a few sweets to give each egg a face. It is a fun, no bake activity, and every child ends up with something a little bit different to show off.

Arts and crafts

Crafting keeps children busy and gives you something lovely to display. All three of these ideas use everyday bits and pieces from around the house.

10. Painted Easter eggs

Hard boil some eggs, let them cool, then decorate them with paints, pens and stickers. You can hollow eggs out first if you want to keep your creations, or simply enjoy them for the day. A brilliant activity for practising colours and patterns.

11. Bunny ears

Make a pair of bunny ears from a strip of card and some cotton wool. The children can colour and decorate their own headband, then wear it all through the egg hunt. Cheap, cheerful and great for dressing up.

12. Egg carton bunnies

Do not throw away that empty egg carton. Cut it into sections, paint each one, then add ears, eyes and a cotton wool tail to make a little bunny. It is a great way to reuse and recycle while keeping the children busy.