By: Deena Campbell
The ending of winter means the start of another (dare we say, better) season: Spring. You’ve been indoors a lot these days, but Spring is the best time to do outdoor activities (while practicing social distancing) and the Easter holiday is the perfect excuse to do even more activities your kids will love.
To help you start thinking of Easter traditions to try (and perhaps do every year) we gathered a few of our favorites. Happy planning!
Here are 15 ways to make this an Easter to remember:
1. Host a virtual Easter egg hunt
Instead of rallying the crew to attend a virtual egg hunt, host one yourself. It’s a great way to celebrate the holiday at the same time.
A few pro tips for newbies: First, hide eggs around your home or backyard. Then, set up a video chat and have family and friends follow your kids around as they hunt for eggs. Take many, many pictures.
2. Adopt a bunny
Bunnies are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be an adorable first pet. And did we mention how cute they are, too? To locate a rescue group that specializes in rabbits, contact your local animal shelter or search online through the House Rabbit Society. Before you get a bunny, make sure you bunny-proof your home (just like you would with a baby) and educate yourself on the proper foods and nutrition it will need.
3. Decorate your home with reusable stickers
Colorful wall or window decals are an easy way to personalize your child’s room without spending tons of money. Opt for non-toxic decals that are large enough for small hands to peel and paste. Bonus if they glow in the dark!
4. Take family pictures
The spring season is a great time to take family pictures—the weather is warm and sunny and trees are in full bloom. Consider using a tripod (with a remote) to make sure everyone is in the photo. If you’re having trouble getting small children to focus, adhere a small stuffed animal on top of the camera.
5. Decorate eggs
Is it really Easter if you don’t decorate eggs? This century-old tradition is inexpensive, fun and a great way to teach colors. Buy a kit or start from scratch, either way kids of all ages will love playing with their food.
6. Make bunny shaped breakfast
Since breakfast fuels the beginning of a great day, why not make it memorable with fun shaped pancakes? Here’s how to nail it each time: First, pour pancake batter inside a cookie cutter (just don’t overfill it!). Then, gently remove the cutter and flip the cake with a spatula.
7. Attend virtual religious services
If you’re religious, it’s probably important for your family to remember the reason for the season. And if you aren’t religious, attending a virtual service can invite you to reflect on your gratitude for the good things in your life.
8. Make flower crowns
Yes, flower crowns are still in, mama. They are the perfect whimsical accessory for mamas and kids alike. And according to ProFlowers, they are very easy to make. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Shape the wire to your desired size. Then take the wire and wrap it around your head to find your best fit.
- Step 2: Wrap greenery around the base of the crown. Use floral tape to affix the greenery’s stems to the floral wire. Your choice of greenery depends on the type of crown you want to create.
- Step 3: Create mini-flower bunches to prepare your crown. Select three blooms and wrap the stems together with floral tape.
- Step 4: Attach your flower bunches to the crown.
9. Go on a family walk
The spring season is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the weather. Use this as an opportunity to discuss happy family memories or reflect on the nature around you.
10. Make (or buy) Easter donuts
While donuts any time of year will work, there’s something special about having a sweet treat on holidays. Buy them from your local bakery, or make them at home.
11. Read the story of Easter (or about bunnies!)
Find your favorite seasonal books online. If you have older kids, encourage them to make their own Easter story. When they’re done, read them aloud to each other. We love: It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny, God Gave Us Easter and The Story of the Easter Bunny.
12. Plant flowers together
After a hard, cold winter, spring is the best time to get outdoors and beautify your garden. Involve your little ones by letting them choose flowers, while explaining why each is great for the season. Some of our favorites include grape hyacinths, daffodils and tulips.
13. Watch Easter movies as a family
We’re not huge fans of tons of screentime, but we love cuddling up with our kids to enjoy a cute family movie—especially when cute animals are involved. Some of our Easter must-sees are The Dog Who Saved Easter, Peter Rabbit and Hop.
14. Decorate an Easter egg tree
Who says tree decorating is only for the Christmas season? Did you know that in Germany and Austria it’s common to decorate trees with pastel colored eggs? To make your own, gather small branches from a tree and place them in a vase or large jar filled with water.
15. Donate a vegetable-filled Easter basket
Easter is a great time to think of those in need. While clothing and nonperishables are common donations, very seldom do people offer fresh, organic foods. Fill a basket with fresh fruits and vegetables and donate it to a charity on behalf of your family.
