For many of us, Easter is a time to pause, step away from our usual routines, and celebrate with family and friends. But it is also a holiday for reflection and gratitude; as the season brings renewal, so too should we embrace a fresh start.
By practising mindfulness during the long weekend, both kids and parents can learn to relax, refocus, and experience shared moments together, creating a greater sense of calm and connection. With that said, let’s explore what mindfulness is, and share five fun easter mindfulness activities you can do as a family!
What is mindfulness at Easter?
When we think of Easter, what first springs to mind? Chocolate eggs? Flowers? Bunnies? These are all familiar signs and symbols that shape the season. Yet beyond this, Easter carries a much deeper meaning.
In essence, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of our thoughts, emotions, senses and surroundings, without judgment. Instead of rushing or over-indulging, we can use mindful activities to appreciate the present moment.
At Easter, it’s about finding calm during the holiday period, and letting go of old habits, expectations, and resentments, while gently making space for a renewed way of living. Easter itself arrives in spring, a season of slow transformation as flowers bloom, daylight lingers longer, and new life (e.g., lambs and chicks) emerges.
For those who observe the religious aspects of Easter, resurrection is not only a historical or theological event; it is also an inner process of growth that arises from the difficulties we face.
Overall, mindfulness at Easter is a reminder that renewal is possible when we are willing to open our hearts and minds to the wonderful in everyday life.
5 Easter mindfulness activities for kids
Easter offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, be present, and have a meaningful family holiday. These five mindful activities blend fun, learning, and creativity, helping children connect with themselves and appreciate the simple joys of the holiday.
1. Take a nature walk
Start your weekend right with a slow, gentle walk at a local park, countryside, woodlands or even your own garden. During Easter, spring is in full swing, with the fresh scent of flowers, the twittering of birds, and the buzzing of bees. Encourage children to pay close attention to all the sights, smells and sounds of nature, grounding themselves in the world around them after winter’s slumber.
This physical activity is a great way to not only practice concentration but also to increase your vitamin D levels. The more sunlight, the more serotonin we produce (the brain’s “feel-good” hormone), which in turn reduces stress and boosts our overall mood.
Tips:
- Challenge your kids to spot five different plants, insects, or birds, turning observation into a fun and interactive game.
- Ask them to stop, listen and describe every sound they can hear (e.g., the rustle of leaves, the whistle of the wind). Or focus on exploring different textures, such as the rough bark of a tree or the smooth surface of a petal.
- Take a magnifying glass for a closer inspection or a small notebook to sketch or write down what they see.
2. Egg decorating
A classic Easter tradition, decorating eggs (either hard-boiled or craft) is a fun, creative activity that anyone can do. There’s no right or wrong way to decorate either, as mindfulness is about presence, not perfection. Focus on the textures of the egg, the bright colours and the patterns they create with every brushstroke, turning a simple craft into an immersive experience.
For children, decorating eggs offers plenty of emotional and developmental benefits. Firstly, it promotes focus, patience, and fine motor skills as they must work carefully with fragile eggs and handle small tools (e.g., paintbrush, glue, marker pens). The repetitive motion of painting, glueing, or sticking can be therapeutic, offering a calm space for self-expression, without distraction.
Tips:
- Find a quiet, clutter-free workspace and play some soft, instrumental music in the background to help kids feel relaxed and fully engaged with the task at hand.
- Use natural dye ingredients such as beetroot, turmeric, or spinach. These produce beautiful colours and make the activity safe as there are no synthetic chemicals involved.
- Take short pauses to admire their progress and resist the urge to critique their design — remember, it’s all about accepting the process as it unfolds.
3. Cook together
What better way to celebrate Easter in a hands-on, mindful way than by cooking together? The kitchen becomes a space for learning and connection, whether you’re baking hot cross buns and biscuits or preparing savoury snacks like devilled eggs and quiches. Simple tasks like measuring, mixing, and kneading give children the chance to be fully involved and enjoy making food rather than focusing solely on the finished dish.
During a cookery session, kids are required to observe minor details (e.g., the aroma of spices or colour changes), follow sequences in a recipe and appreciate the effort behind every meal. Furthermore, it deepens family bonds and nurtures children’s independence by teaching them basic culinary techniques. By the end, they’ll get to taste what they’ve created and walk away with a real sense of achievement.
Tips:
- Let your child take charge of one simple task like measuring the ingredients, stirring the batter, or piping icing on the buns.
- Use the time while things bake or cook to explore other mindful activities, like reading or drawing. Sometimes, simply waiting patiently can be a mindful moment itself.
- Set a calm pace, giving them time to feel the flour between their fingers, or hear the sizzle of things cooking in the pan for a full, multi-sensory experience.
4. Go orienteering
Feeling a little competitive? Orienteering is an adventurous group-based activity that allows children to explore the great outdoors while practising mindfulness and problem-solving. During Easter, it can take the form of an egg hunt or nature trail, and all you need is a map, a compass, and the determination to navigate your way to the finish!
In terms of mindfulness, it requires kids to think strategically and adapt to new environments, while improving balance, coordination and spatial awareness. From a social aspect, orienteering promotes the importance of teamwork and can be a great way to make new friends during the school break, especially on a PGL Easter holiday camp!
Tips:
- Create an easy-to-follow map of your local area (park or garden) with clear markers or clues pointing to the next stage.
- Hide Easter-related objects like chocolate eggs and puzzle pieces. Colourful tokens or small toys.
- Depending on the age and ability of the children, keep the distances between each marker appropriate. Remember to stay hydrated and take plenty of mini breaks.
5. Try breathing exercises
One of the best Easter mindfulness activities is breathing exercises. The holidays can be an exciting and busy period, so taking just a few minutes to focus on breaths can help direct our attention away from any worries or anxious thoughts, and reconnect with our inner self. The good news is that it can be done anytime, anywhere!
Breathing exercises are a cornerstone for mindfulness, teaching children how to regulate their nervous system and manage overwhelming feelings simply by changing their breath. In the long term, this builds resilience and emotional intelligence by equipping them with a practical tool for self-soothing.
Tips:
- Guide your children to take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through the nose for four counts, holding for two, and exhaling slowly for six counts.
- To add a playful twist, imagine smelling a flower on the inhale and then blowing the flower’s petals away on the exhale.
- Notice the rise and fall of their chest and ask: “How does your body feel right now? Tense or relaxed?”
Go on an “egg-citing” Easter adventure with PGL!
If you’re looking for more Easter fun in April, join us on a PGL Kids Camp at Easter! Perfect for children aged 8-16 years old, we offer hands-on activities like archery, kayaking, burn walking, orienteering and more. Children will connect with nature, try new skills, and make a bunch of new friends, all while learning to slow down, relax and enjoy their time off!
Our activity centres are spread throughout the UK, so you can be sure there’s an Easter camp near you, with shorter or longer stays available. Take a look below:
North Yorkshire, Newby Wiske Hall
Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a memorable, inspiring, and mindful Easter experience your kids will love! Book now or get in touch with our friendly team for more details!
