Driving through my neighborhood the other day, I saw a bear tied to a mailbox, and it brought me to tears. You’ve probably heard about the rise in the popular neighborhood game as tension rises over COVID-19.
But the tears I cried were happy tears. The salty drops fell because I was reminded how good people are at heart, and how this crisis has brought the best out in people — albeit from afar. Individuals and families are sacrificing their social comforts by self-quarantining to keep others safe. Medical professionals are sacrificing their health and the well-being of their families to save lives. It’s a grim but oddly beautiful time.
The mailbox bear inspired me to think of ways my husband and I could still make Easter special for our daughter without having Easter activities, eggs hunts, and large family meals. We sat down and brainstormed a list of activities we did as a child, plus gathered ideas from moms like you.
- When hiding eggs in the backyard or house, slip in a special golden egg. The finder of the golden egg will open it to find a grand prize (we typically put cash, but for younger kids try a cool toy). Glow-in-the-dark eggs are also a fun spin on the traditional hunt. Check out our article, “Creative Egg Hunts for the Entire Family” for even more ideas.
- Bring some colorful, cultural fun to the Easter party! “Cascarones“ are hollowed out eggs filled with confetti or toys that are smashed on an unknowing recipient’s head. Cascarones were developed in Spain — instead of cracking an egg on the head of a misbehaving child, parents would crack a confetti-filled egg on their kiddos head on Easter. Several countries have adopted the tradition, including Mexico. You can find out how to make your own Cascarones and other crafty ideas in “How Many Ways to Dye an Easter Egg.”
- Go country and throw a couple handfuls of change onto a bale of hay/straw or mulch in the backyard (on a tarp) and let your kid (or kiddos) spend time looking for coins! You’re welcome, parents, for some uninterrupted peace and quiet.
- Award tickets for good behavior and good deeds throughout the day. At the end of the day, the child can redeem the tickets for several small trinkets or one grand prize — all stuffed inside plastic eggs, if you like.
- Hang a bed sheet across the door with an adult on one side and “fishermen” on the other. Using a yard stick and string, “fish” over the sheet for Easter-themed prizes and candy — and maybe a prank or two.
- It only takes a minimum of two people to enjoy a game of bean bag toss! Consider making a board with several holes for a game of bean bag toss, or only use one hole in each board for a game of corn hole. Lord knows we have dried beans in the pantry we can use!
- Don’t forget the adults! Hide eggs for especially for your significant other. Adult prizes could include gift cards, “fancy” chocolate (that you don’t normally splurge on), and we’ve even been known to hide a few airplane shots — so keep a special eye on those eggs so kiddos don’t nab them.
- Host a neighborhood egg hunt! Before you call the CDC on us, take a peek at our egg hunt idea: Email neighbors and post in online Neighbor Groups, asking people to download and decorate these Easter egg printables. Then much like the teddy bear game, neighbors can display the eggs in windows and such on the front of their house. When you’re taking a stroll with the family, you can “hunt” for eggs. You could also do something similar with folks displaying stuffed rabbits — trying to find the Easter bunny!
- Create a scavenger hunt around the yard to find eggs instead of a free for all. Instead of candy, put a riddle inside each egg that will eventually lead to the child’s Easter basket! Everything is more exciting when clues involved!
- Paint an old set of croquet or bocce balls to look like Easter eggs and then play with the family.
Many of these activities can be done with several people, but even if you have an only child, these games are a way to switch up your Easter fun.
