Easter: a season for celebrating, spending time with loved ones, and let’s not forget, egg hunting! This beloved Springtime activity has been a family favourite for years. After all, who doesn’t love the thrill of discovering colourful eggs filled with chocolate, sweets, or even a surprise toy or two?
But where did Easter eggs actually come from? And more importantly, how do you plan an epic hunt that everyone will love? In this guide, we’ll dive into the surprising history of this chocolatey tradition and share six Easter egg hunt ideas packed with hopping-good fun for kids, teens, and adults alike!
Plus, we’ll show you why our Easter holiday camps are the perfect place for children to participate in a wide range of adventurous activities, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories!
Why do we have easter eggs?
Easter eggs are one of the most recognisable images of Spring, with a long and fascinating history that dates back to pre-Christian times. From ancient rituals to chocolatey treats, here’s a closer look at why we have Easter eggs in more detail.
History of the Easter Egg
Well, long before chocolate took over, ancient pagans saw them as little bundles of life, celebrating spring’s grand return after winter’s long nap. Eggs then took on a new meaning, becoming a symbol of resurrection throughout Christianity. Festivals even decked them out as offerings to goddesses like Ēostre. Fast-forward to medieval times, when Lent’s egg ban turned them into prized treats – boiled, gifted, and sometimes even gilded, like Edward I’s 450 golden eggs.
The Easter bunny
Think Easter eggs come from chickens? Think again! The idea of an egg-laying hare (also known as Osterhase) originated in 17th-century German folklore, whereby children who had been good would receive coloured eggs, often hidden in the garden or around the house. This tale was later brought to America by German immigrants and quickly became part of Easter celebrations, evolving into the friendly, playful Easter bunny we all know and love.
The chocolate revolution (19th Century — Present)
By the 19th Century, the UK’s first hollow chocolate Easter eggs were introduced in 1873 by J.S. Fry & Sons, followed by Cadbury in 1875. Early versions were made using dark chocolate, but new milk chocolate recipes soon became the nation’s best sellers. They also turned into true works of art, thanks to Peter Carl Fabergé, who crafted jewel-encrusted Fabergé eggs for the Russian Imperial family from 1885 to 1917. In the U.S., egg rolling was further popularised when President Rutherford B. Hayes allowed children to play on the White House lawn.
Today, Easter eggs come in every size, shape, texture and colour imaginable! So, the next time you discover, decorate, or eat one, remember that you’re taking part in a historic, thousand-year-old tradition!
6 Easter egg hunt ideas for kids
Now that we’ve explored its history, let’s jump right into six easter egg hunt ideas for kids. Perfect for children of all ages and abilities, these activities are designed to bring the joy and excitement of Spring to life — making your Easter celebration even more memorable!
1. Scavenger hunt
A classic scavenger hunt always goes down a treat (literally!). Using clever riddles, children in teams of two or more must ‘crack’ the clue inside each Easter egg to discover the next one. It’s a fantastic way to challenge their problem-solving skills, keep them active, and enjoy the sweet rewards of their efforts at the very end!
What you’ll need:
- Plastic, refillable Easter eggs
- Slips of paper for writing clues
- Pen or pencil
- Small basket or bag
- A grand prize for the winning team (e.g., a large Easter egg or voucher).
Instructions:
- Choose 6-8 hiding spots around your house or garden that can be described with a riddle, such as the sofa or a tree.
- Write a series of clues that lead to each egg. For example, “I have four legs but cannot move. You sit on me and watch TV.”
- Place each clue inside an egg. The last one must reveal the final riddle that reveals the location of the grand prize.
- Place the eggs in their designated spots, and give the first clue to start the hunt.
- Players must find each egg and solve each clue until the prize is found!
2. ‘Truth or Dare’ hunt
Add a playful twist to your Easter egg hunt with a game of ‘Truth or Dare’! It combines both chocolate and age-appropriate challenges that are guaranteed to bring lots of laughter and smiles. Not only does this keep kids energised, but it also helps develop their social skills by encouraging teamwork and cheering each other on as they take turns to complete each task.
What you’ll need:
- Plastic, refillable Easter eggs
- Slips of paper for writing ‘Truths’ or ‘Dares’
- Pen or pencil
- Small basket or bag
- Optional: small rewards (sweets, chocolate or small toys)
Instructions:
- Write out a variety of family-friendly ‘Truths’ and ‘Dares’ on small slips of paper. For example, “Hop like a bunny around the garden/room” or “What’s your favourite chocolate?”.
- Place them inside the plastic eggs and hide them around your designated area (e.g., house, garden, or local park).
- Once a player has found an egg, they must read out the slip of paper and choose whether to perform a ‘Truth’ or a ‘Dare’.
- After completing the challenge, give them a small reward or token.
- Continue until all the eggs have been discovered and/or all the challenges have been completed.
3. Jigsaw race
Instead of chasing for chocolate, why not jigsaw pieces? This Easter egg hunt idea for kids involves working together to complete the bigger picture before time runs out. It’s brilliant for encouraging teamwork, concentration, and problem-solving skills, while keeping everyone active, engaged, and having heaps of fun along the way!
What you’ll need:
- One simple jigsaw puzzle (e.g., 20–50 pieces, depending on the number of hunters/age).
- Plastic, refillable Easter eggs (one for every 2-3 pieces)
- Small basket or bag
- A timer (via your phone or a free online app)
- Optional: small treats or rewards (sweets, chocolate or toys)
Instructions:
- Break up the jigsaw and put a small number of pieces into each egg (2-3).
- Hide all the eggs in your garden or house. Mix up the locations with some in more obvious places and others in trickier spots.
- Start the timer (e.g., 15-20 mins) and watch hunters scramble to find and collect each egg. Make sure all the puzzle pieces are kept in a single basket.
- Once all the eggs have been found, it’s time to fit all the pieces together!
- When the puzzle is complete, celebrate with chocolate treats!
4. The golden egg
Turn up the heat by adding a golden egg into the mix! While regular eggs are easy to spot, the shiny golden one is hidden in the trickiest place of all, making it one of the simplest, most rewarding Easter egg hunt ideas. It also encourages friendly competition and a little extra thrill as everyone searches for the ultimate Easter prize!
What you’ll need:
- 1 golden chocolate Easter egg
- A large quantity of regular chocolate Easter eggs (of a similar colour or theme)
- Small basket or bag
- Optional: A timer
Instructions:
- Scatter the regular eggs around the area, with plenty of easy ones for younger children to find.
- Choose a well-concealed spot for the golden egg. Outdoors, it could be tucked behind a flower pot or under a small bush. Indoors, try hiding it behind cushions or inside a laundry basket.
- Set the rules, explaining that whoever finds the golden egg will receive a special prize. To keep things fair, limit each player to a maximum of 10 eggs.
- Let the hunt begin!
- Once the golden egg has been found, the finder can claim their prize!
5. Ball pit challenge
For those rainy Spring days, or if you are working with a small indoor space, the ball pit challenge is an excellent alternative to the traditional Easter egg hunt. Children must dive, dig, and discover the hidden eggs among a colourful pile of balls. It’s a safe, sensory, and action-filled activity that keeps kids entertained from start to finish!
What you’ll need:
- A large inflatable/plastic paddling pool, cardboard box, or tub.
- Plastic balls (approx. 100-200)
- Small Easter eggs (chocolate or plastic with treats inside)
- A timer
- Basket or bag
Instructions:
- Place the large paddling pool, box or tub in a safe, clear area.
- Fill it with plastic balls to create a pit deep enough to hide the eggs.
- Add the Easter eggs, ensuring they are completely hidden from sight.
- Give each child a basket or bag, and set a time limit (e.g., 5 mins) or number of eggs to collect (e.g., 10 each).
- On “Go!” players plunge their hands into the ball pit, feeling around for eggs and popping each one into their basket as they find them.
6. Glow-in-the-dark hunt
Take your Easter egg hunt into the evening, with a fun glow-in-the-dark adventure! This is ideal for children who aren’t afraid of the dark, adding a touch of suspense and excitement as hidden eggs come to life with a mysterious glow. Plus, it gives kids a chance to build confidence and step outside of their comfort zones — something we actively promote here at our kids’ Easter camps!
What you’ll need:
- Easter eggs (chocolate or plastic)
- LED tea lights or glow-in-the-dark stickers
- Torches or headlamps (one per hunter)
- Basket or bag
- Optional: Treats (sweets, chocolate or small toys)
Instructions:
- Switch on the LED tealights and insert one inside each plastic egg, then close it securely. If using chocolate eggs, simply place the sticker on the foil wrapping.
- Hide the eggs around the garden or indoors before it gets dark. Make sure to hide them in locations that are safe and free of trip hazards (e.g., steps).
- Dim the lights or wait until evening for the hunt — the darker it is, the better the glow!
- Give each child a torch or headlamp and a basket. The lights inside or outside of the eggs should guide them.
- When all the eggs have been found, enjoy your treat!
“Egg-splore” the great outdoors on a PGL Easter holiday camp!
Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Our Easter holiday camps for kids aged 8-11 11-13 and 13-16 years old are packed with outdoor fun, teamwork, and plenty of “egg-citing” surprises! From zip lining and archery to raft building and climbing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We offer flexible options, including short 2- or 3-night camps, as well as longer 4- or 7-night stays, so you can choose the stay that best fits your schedule. Our specialist kids’ camps are also an excellent way for children to dive into something they love and build their skills over the holidays.
We have Easter camps available in the following UK locations:
Shropshire
Wiltshire
Surrey
North Yorkshire
Don’t miss out — book your spot and make this Easter truly unforgettable! For more information, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today.
