Easter is almost here, and while it’s traditionally a time for chocolate eggs, family feasts, and questionable bunny-themed decorations, it can also be a minefield of keeping the kids entertained. With holidays stretched over what feels like a fortnight, it can be tricky to avoid the usual refrain of “I’m bored!” Well, fear not – here are 10 free (or very low-cost) activities you can do at home this Easter that will keep the kids occupied, bring some laughs, and maybe even give you a few moments of peace.
1. DIY Egg Hunt (Inside, Because It’s April, Obviously)
Let’s be honest – the weather in April is a bit hit and miss. So why not bring the egg hunt indoors? Grab some plastic eggs or even empty Easter egg boxes, fill them with small toys or treats, and hide them around the house. If the kids are really keen, turn it into a treasure hunt with clues like “look where the socks are hiding” (i.e., under the bed). Pro tip: Make sure you do a sweep of the house after, or you might find yourself uncovering a melted chocolate egg in the middle of July.
2. Baking Easter Treats (or Trying to, Anyway)
Baking with kids: a wonderful idea in theory. Less so when you realise they’ve mixed up the flour with the sugar. But if you’re feeling brave, why not try baking some Easter-themed cookies or cupcakes? Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, and anything that sparkles. Bonus points if you manage to keep the mess to a minimum. If you can’t face the flour wars, grab some ready-made treats and have a decorating session. Less stress, just as fun.
3. Crafty Bunnies and Chicks Galore
Crafting time is here, and what better excuse than Easter to get the glitter out? You don’t need to run out and buy a whole stash of art supplies. Recycle some old toilet rolls (yes, they come in handy) and turn them into little bunnies, chicks, or even Easter baskets. If you’ve got some coloured paper, scissors, and glue, you’re halfway to creating an artsy masterpiece. If the kids get too carried away, just embrace the glitter explosion – it’s only in your hair for the next six months, anyway.
4. Easter Movie Marathon (with the Volume Low)
Gather the little ones for an Easter-themed movie marathon. You can easily find family-friendly classics on YouTube or even streaming services. From *Peter Rabbit* to *Hop*, let the kids snuggle up with a blanket and enjoy the magic. For extra relaxation, slip in a film for yourself. *The Parent Trap*, anyone? The best part – no need to venture into crowded cinemas or shell out for tickets. Plus, there’s no popcorn shortage when you make it at home!
5. Indoor Obstacle Course (Or as I Like to Call It, ‘Where’s the Nearest Exit?’)**
Clear out some space in the living room, and create an indoor obstacle course. Think cushions to jump over, chairs to crawl under, and maybe a few random socks or teddies thrown in for good measure. The idea is to get them moving, and hopefully tired out, but without risking the dog’s tail or breaking your favourite mug. Time them to see who finishes the course fastest. Winner gets… well, probably a chocolate egg, which we all know will disappear mysteriously.
6. Easter Bingo
Make a bingo card featuring Easter-themed images – eggs, bunnies, flowers, etc. As the kids spot these around the house (perhaps during a scavenger hunt), they mark them off. Winner gets to choose a special Easter treat or maybe even the right to boss you around for the next 30 minutes (within reason). *Just make sure they don’t start using bingo cards as tickets to more screen time!*
7. Build a Fort (with Every Blanket in the House)
The fort-building tradition never goes out of style, no matter the season. Get the blankets, chairs, and cushions out of storage and let the kids design their dream Easter fort. While they’re inside, give them a flashlight and a “treasure chest” full of goodies (snacks, small toys, etc.). If you’re lucky, they’ll actually stay inside the fort and let you enjoy five minutes of peace. If not, you can always join them – who doesn’t want to live in a blanket palace?
8. Egg and Spoon Race (The Classic)
Get the kids to channel their inner Olympian with an egg and spoon race in the garden or down the hall if you’re stuck inside. Bonus points for adding a twist – do it in costumes, or have the kids race while balancing other ridiculous items like a soft toy or a plastic cup of water. It’s guaranteed to end in giggles and some slightly cracked eggs. Or, at least, a few good photos for social media!
9. Storytime with a Twist (Improv Storytelling)
Get creative and encourage the kids to take turns telling stories. Start with a sentence like, “Once upon a time, a bunny found a golden egg…” and let each child add their part. It’s a fantastic way to boost creativity and give everyone a turn to be the storyteller. Who knows? You might end up with a story about a time-traveling chicken who goes on a quest to find the Lost Easter Egg of Narnia.
10. Easter-Themed Charades
Charades is a great, low-cost way to entertain the kids. Create some Easter-themed cards with actions like “bunny hopping,” “egg rolling,” or “chocolate egg hunting.” The kids will have a blast acting out these scenes – and so will you! Plus, it’ll give you plenty of opportunities to try to hold back from laughing when they’re trying to mime “Easter parade” or “Peter Rabbit.” Bonus: It’s a sneaky way to get them to burn off some energy without even realising it.
Easter at home doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun. These activities are guaranteed to entertain (and possibly exhaust) your little ones, all while keeping the cost low and the family morale high. So, go ahead – break out the art supplies, get the kids hopping around the house, and enjoy a stress-free (or at least semi-stress-free) Easter. After all, it’s about making memories, even if those memories involve a bit of glitter in the carpet. Happy Easter!
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
