by Melissa Park

Created on: April 15, 2009   Last Updated: April 17, 2009

When planning an Easter egg hunt it is important to pay attention to detail. That may seem strange, but if you think back to your own childhood, sometimes it is the extra special touches that cause an event to be memorable. The first considerations, however need to be practical. Make sure that the area where the hunt is to be held is safe. Take a walk around and check that there are no hidden obstacles that are sharp or obscured.

For younger children, be careful that the eggs are going to be easily found, or perhaps leave some kind of trail that they can follow. Older children will prefer a more challenging hunt. If there are children of multiple ages (or perhaps the uncle who never grew up) you should point out to the older children where you have hidden the eggs that are easily found so that they can leave them for the little ones to find. Of course you can simply ask the older participants to share with the younger ones afterwards, but there is nothing like the thrill they get from feeling they found it themselves.

Once the practical side is taken care, of get creative! Think bright, and think glittery! Make this an Easter hunt to remember by extravagantly decorating eggs. You want the children to feel they have found not just an egg but a treasure! There are many things you can do to jazz up an Easter egg find, such as, cardboard Easter bunny cutouts, little nests, glitter, tinsel, ribbons and paint. Try putting eggs in little boxes decorated with craft gems or painted gold; find that leftover tinsel to create beautiful sparkly nests! Boiled eggs can be painted or dyed. When purchasing eggs for the hunt make certain to look for bold colors that will stand out.

It is important not to place too much emphasis on making rules for the hunt and explaining them, that's no fun! However if you feel you must set some ground rules in the interest of safety or fairness, be sure to keep them simple. In the interest of fairness it is sometimes a good idea to ask children to sit out once they have found their treasure, this way you can be sure everone finds eggs by ensuring when you hide them you have the right amount.

The challenge with older children is how to gain their interest, perhaps you could use clues or have a trivia contest giving each person who answers a question correctly access to a clue. Most importantly have fun. Laughing is a definite necessity, if there is laughing and happiness your Easter egg hunt has been a success!

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