Easter Staycation Ideas

 

The Easter break is a time for overflowing Easter baskets, delectable family feasts, and a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the school routine. But what if that dream beach getaway isn't in the cards this year? Not to worry! The fun doesn't have to fizzle out just because you're staying put. With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of planning, you can whip up a memorable Easter staycation filled with exciting activities that will keep the whole family hopping with joy. From fun-tastic arts and crafts to backyard adventures, there's a treasure trove of possibilities waiting to be discovered right at your doorstep. So grab your little ones and get ready to embark on an egg-cellent Easter staycation adventure filled with exciting activities for the whole family!

 

Get Crafty: Easter Egg-stravaganza!

 

What better way  to unleash creativity on Easter than by getting crafty with eggs? Dig out the art supplies – crayons, paint, markers, glitter glue, sequins, and stickers – and prepare to unleash their inner artists. Here are some inspiring  ideas to get you started, designed to spark creativity, and keep everyone entertained!

 

DIY Egg Dyeing

This classic activity is always a hit, but with a natural twist, it can be even more fun and educational! Instead of using store-bought dyes, try creating vibrant hues using natural ingredients like red cabbage, beetroot, or turmeric. Simply chop up these vegetables or spices and boil them in water to create a colourful broth. Let the water simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the colours to fully extract.

Here's where the fun begins! Using spoons and tongs, gently dunk the eggs in the natural dye for a few minutes. Experiment with different dipping times to achieve a range of colour intensities. The longer you dip, the more saturated the colours will become. You can also create beautifully marbled patterns by swirling the eggs gently in the dye bath.

This natural dyeing technique not only produces stunning results but also This activity allows for experimentation and discovery. Encourage your children to predict the colours based on the vegetables used and observe the colour changes as the eggs soak.

 

Decorate, Decorate, Decorate!

Let your imagination run wild and transform plain eggs into unique masterpieces! Glitter glue, sequins, and stickers are always a hit, but don't be afraid to get creative and explore different embellishments. Look around the house for hidden treasures – buttons in various shapes and sizes can become adorable polka dots, ribbons can be transformed into festive bows, and even colourful paper scraps can be cut into interesting shapes for a collage effect.

Nature can also provide endless inspiration! Take a walk in the park and collect leaves, feathers, or dried flowers that can be carefully glued onto the eggs. These natural elements add an organic touch and are a perfect excuse to get the kids outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

 

 

Egg Carton Crafts

When you’ve finished decorating your eggs, don't throw away those empty cartons! With a little creativity, they can be transformed into adorable Easter characters or even functional planters. Cut the cartons into individual sections and unleash your inner artist. Paint them in bright colours – classic Easter pastels or vibrant rainbow hues – let your children choose their favourites.

Once the paint dries, it's time to bring your creations to life! Add googly eyes and pipe cleaner whiskers to create playful bunnies hopping across the table. Transform others into fuzzy chicks with the help of faux feathers and felt beaks.

Feeling particularly ambitious? Repurpose the cartons into charming flowerpots! Poke drainage holes in the bottom using a thumbtack or a skewer (with adult supervision) and fill them with potting mix. Plant your favourite seeds or herbs  and watch your egg cartons sprout new life. Seeing the seedlings emerge and grow adds another layer of fun and learning to the experience. It's a delightful reminder of your Easter creations, with a sustainable twist!

 

 

Bake Up a Storm: Sweet Treats for the Soul (and the Lunchbox!)

 

Easter wouldn't be complete without indulging in some delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than by baking them together with your little ones? Transform your kitchen into a wonderland of sweet smells and creative chaos and whip up a batch of festive goodies that are both fun to make and delicious to devour.

 

Bunny-shaped Cookies

This is a fun and easy activity that's perfect for bakers of all ages. Even the youngest helpers can get involved in simple tasks like mixing dry ingredients or rolling out the dough. Grab your favourite cookie cutter set, featuring shapes like bunnies, carrots, or eggs, and let the creativity flow! Roll out the dough and gently press down the cookie cutters to create adorable (and edible!) Easter characters.

Once the cookies have been baked and cooled, let your kids get creative with the decorating process – whip up a simple icing with powdered sugar, water, and a touch of vanilla extract, and set out a mix of mini chocolate chips, colourful sprinkles, or even edible glitter. These delightful bunny-shaped cookies are not only fun to make but also perfect for packing in your b.box lunchbox, b.box mini lunchbox, or snackbox for a delicious Easter picnic treat – yum!

 

 

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Elevate your Easter baking game! These moist and flavourful cupcakes are a delightful addition to any Easter celebration. Start by gathering your ingredients – flour, sugar, eggs, and of course, the star of the show – grated carrots. Adding grated carrots to the batter not only adds a beautiful colour but also infuses a subtle sweetness and forms a unique moist texture. Don't forget the warm spices! Cinnamon and nutmeg will add a touch of warmth, while making the whole house smell amazing.

Once your batter is well mixed, fill your cupcake liners and bake until golden brown. Did you know you can also use our silicone snack cups? These are oven safe to 230C° and perfect for baking – no cupcake liners or moulded trays required! Simply set them out on a flat baking tray, fill directly with batter, and bake as normal.

The real fun begins with the frosting! Opt for a classic cream cheese frosting, whipped to perfection, or get creative with a flavoured buttercream like orange or carrot. Top your cupcakes with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, shredded carrots, or even mini chocolate Easter eggs.

 

 

Fluffy Easter Egg Bread

For a more ambitious baking project, why not attempt a traditional Easter egg bread? This beautiful sweetbread is shaped like a braided ring and decorated with coloured eggs, making it a showstopping centrepiece for your Easter brunch or afternoon tea. While the braiding technique might seem intimidating at first, it's surprisingly simple with a little practice!

Start by working on the dough together. Kneading the dough can be a great sensory experience for kids, and the rhythmic motion can be remarkably calming. Once the dough has risen, the fun begins – braiding! Divide the dough into 3 strands and gently weave them together to create a beautiful braid. Last but not least is the decorating.  Hard-boiled eggs, dyed in vibrant colours are traditionally nestled in the centre of the braided bread. For creative inspiration with this part, check out our previous DIY egg dying activity from earlier in this blog.

 

Adventure Awaits: Explore Your Own Backyard

 

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are hiding in plain sight, waiting to be discovered right in your own backyard. With a little imagination and these fun ideas, you can transform your familiar space into a wonderland filled with excitement and exploration.

 

Easter Egg Hunt

There's a reason an Easter egg hunt is such a classic tradition – it's simply egg-cellent fun!  Use traditional chocolate eggs or mix it up and fill plastic eggs with treats (lollies, small toys, or even riddles for an extra challenge) and hide them around your backyard.

For older children, create a hand-drawn treasure map leading them to the hidden prizes. Decorate the map with colourful markers, cryptic clues, and adorable Easter-themed illustrations. For younger children, leave a trail of brightly coloured paper streamers, biodegradable confetti,  or even chocolate gold coins to guide them on their egg-citing adventure.

No matter their age, ensure your little explorers stay hydrated throughout their adventure. Pack their favourite b.box bottles filled with cool water to keep them refreshed as they search high and low.

 

Outdoor Games

Embrace the fresh air and sunshine with some backyard games that will get everyone moving and laughing. Organise a family frisbee competition, seeing who can throw the farthest or catch the most discs – you could even involve the family dog!

For an Easter-themed twist on tiggy/tag, try playing a "bunny hop" version where the person who is “it” chases after others while hopping like a bunny. "Egg tag" is another fun variation – designate one person as the "egg" who runs around while everyone else tries to tag them. The first person to tag the "egg" becomes the new "egg" and the game continues.

For something more on the creative side, break out chalk and create a vibrant hopscotch course decorated with colourful bunnies, chicks, and Easter eggs. Let the competition begin as players hop, skip, and jump their way through the course.

 

Camping Under the Stars

Backyard camping is a fantastic way to create a sense of adventure and excitement without straying too far from home! Set up a tent in your backyard, string up some festoon lights for a touch of ambiance, and gather up cozy blankets and pillows for a night of stargazing and storytelling. Oh, and be sure to remember the insect repellent!

For a hassle-free camping feast, pack your trusty b.box lunchbox. Fill it with delicious finger foods like pre-made sandwiches, chopped vegetables and fruits with a yummy  dip, cheese and crackers, and maybe even some sliced deli meats for a protein boost.

Later, as dusk settles, gather around a crackling fire pit (with adult supervision, of course) and roast marshmallows for a classic camping treat. Gather around a flashlight to share spooky stories, sing silly songs, and let your imaginations soar as you search for constellations and shooting stars. This cozy and intimate backyard camping experience will create lasting memories that will have your little ones wanting to stay outdoors!

 

 

 

Bonus: Colouring Fun with b.box!

Looking for more screen-free activities? We've got you covered! Download our free Easter colouring sheets featuring our lovable characters. These printable sheets are the perfect way to keep your little ones entertained and letting them unleash their inner artist. 

Make Memories

Remember, the Easter break is a time to treasure special moments with your loved ones and make memories that will be cherished for years to come. Embrace the staycation spirit and cast aside any pressure to embark on an expensive trip. Instead, get creative with these ideas and rediscover the magic of spending quality time together, right in the comfort of your home! You might just be surprised by the joy, laughter, and connection you spark, simply by being present and creating memories with the ones you love.