12 of Our Best Easter Egg Hunt Ideas
Updated: Apr. 14, 2022If you're planning an Easter egg hunt, start here. These epic Easter egg hunt ideas take the holiday tradition to a whole new level.
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Easter is on its way—and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a good old-fashioned egg hunt. This classic activity is fun for all ages, and we have all the information you need to plan the best hunt ever. Ready to get started? (For another fun Easter tradition, learn how to dye Easter eggs).
Stuff Your Eggs with More than Candy
Whether you have kids with allergies or want to avoid an all-day sugar high, stuff some (or all!) of your eggs with non-edible items. Think small toys, dollar bills, bouncy balls and other fun trinkets.
Include a Few Clues
How do you make an easter egg hunt more fun? Ensure it’s accessible for everyone. If you have really young kiddos participating, consider “egging” them along on their search. Small signs and arrows can help little ones narrow in on where to look.
Hide a Golden Egg
Challenge your hunters by hiding a golden egg. (Or, place a golden ticket inside of a regular egg). Tuck the trophy in a tricky spot, and reward the finder with a large prize, such as a plush bunny or king-size candy bar. These Easter recipes took home a prize, too.
Create a Master Map
Make sure you keep track of your eggs’ hiding spots—especially if you’re using the real deal! Create a master map that lists the hiding spot of each egg, and do a spot-check after the hunt to make sure all of the prizes were found. Psst! These are the most popular Easter recipes in every state.
Dig Deep
Skip the lawn and take your eggs underground! If you have a sandbox, bury your eggs for a creative twist on the traditional hunt. We suggest keeping prizes (especially edible ones) separate, though. Reward finders with their goodies after all of the eggs have been found.
Keep the Hunt Separate
As cute as they are, no one wants screaming kiddos interfering with their Easter brunch. For the sanity of all guests, keep the egg hunt separate from other holiday activities. The best spot is outside, but a basement, play room or other neutral site will work, too.
Designate Colors for Different Age Groups
If you have kids from different age groups competing, make sure to designate a specific color for each age. This will help ensure that the little ones can find just as many eggs as the big kids. Have young kids around the house? Here are great cooking ideas for every age range.
Add a Challenge
In addition to prizes, add slips of paper with silly challenges to each egg. Fun prompts can include “waddle like a duck for 15 seconds,” or “hop like the Easter bunny 10 times.” Get creative with your dyed Easter eggs, too.
Hide a Few Eggs for the Adults
Adults want in on the fun, too! Stuff some eggs with gourmet chocolates, mini liquor bottles or cash. Just make sure you hide these eggs so they’re out of reach of the kids. Try our yummiest homemade Easter egg fillers, too.
Opt for a Scavenger Hunt
No plastic? No problem. If you’re looking for something to use instead of Easter eggs, nature has everything you need for a different type of hunt. Fill out a list of common finds—like dandelions, pine cones or leaves—then send the kids out hunting. The first person back with all of the items wins a prize.
Get Glowin’
While most egg hunts happen during the day, there’s something egg-stra exciting about a nighttime search. Hide glow-in-the-dark eggs and pass out the glow sticks for a gathering kids of all ages will enjoy. End the night with a bonfire and s’mores.
Stock Up on Supplies
If an Easter egg hunt is a yearly tradition for your family, stock up on goodies for next year when this year’s supplies go on sale. Snag plastic eggs, toys and other trinkets for up to 75 percent off! Avoid any candy or edible items, though—those won’t last an entire year. (And it’s more fun to go with homemade Easter candy anyway!)
