Be prepared with these Easter Egg Hunt Tips for Large Groups! This post is sponsored by Oriental Trading. All thoughts, ideas, opinions, and tips are my own.
Many of you know that my husband is a family pastor. One of our favorite events to plan each year is our annual children’s Easter Egg Hunt. We enjoy planning Easter Egg Hunt events while incorporating the Biblical Easter story. Even with a smaller sized church, we still have 20-30 kids attend our Easter gathering. It is a fun event!
When thinking of Easter Egg hunts, I typically think of an outdoor event. However, we live in a state where the weather each Easter is a toss up! In my husband’s 10 years of working at this church, we have only had the Easter Egg Hunt outdoors once! Cold, rain, or gusty winds have always driven us inside. With this, we’ve learned to be flexible when planning an Easter Egg Hunt for a large group.
Find an assortment of pre-filled Easter eggs at Oriental Trading.
Easter Egg Hunt Tips for Large Groups
Plan for any weather
Spring weather may not be consistent. I always hope for warm, awesome weather but plan for any. Try to pick a location that has ample outdoor location but also an indoor space in case the egg hunt needs to be moved inside.
If crafting, plan an easy craft
The Easter Egg Hunt is the main event, of course. But a craft can be a good idea for kids who are speedy with the egg hunt or for those who are overwhelmed with the egg hunt. A craft can also be used as a “station” at an Easter party. With a large group, an easy craft is always best. Try to pick a craft that most age groups can complete on their own. Something with simple coloring or gluing works best. Find an assortment of simple crafts here.
Have a few extra bags or baskets on hand
Although most kids will bring their own Easter basket, a few kids may not remember to bring one (or they may not have one to bring). Have a few extra baskets or bags on hand that you can discreetly hand them when it is time for the egg hunt.
Divide the Hunt by Age
I’m currently the mom of “older” elementary aged kids, but I remember those days when my boys were small. They wanted to participate, and I wanted to make sure they were not ran over by the older kids! Prepare enough eggs and plan for two age groups. Here are a few ideas for coordinating this:
- Actually have two egg hunts going on at the same time- one for older kids and one for younger. If a gated playground is available in your area, this is a great place for the younger kids.
- Allow the younger kids to have a 10 minute head start. If you do not want to divide the egg hunt, you can have the younger kids start first. The only downside to this is that the older kids will eventually join in, and the younger kids will have to make sure they do not get stampeded by the older ones.
Egg Recycle Box
Your organization may or may not recycle Easter eggs for next year’s hunt. I can be convinced either way. My kids enjoy bringing their eggs home. Some parents do not want to bring the eggs home. Offer an egg recycling box near the door way for parents who want to place the eggs before leaving. Provide goody bags for the kids to empty the contents of their eggs to carry home.
Skip Goody Bags
Kids are already getting candy and trinkets in their Easter Eggs, so there’s no need to hand out separate goody bags. An exception to this would be if there are kids in attendance who are not able to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. A goody bag would be nice for them, but it can contain Easter Eggs from the hunt or the items inside these eggs. Instead, we have one plush that the kids can pick up as they head home. Find an assortment of plush party favors here.
Planning is key when coordinating an Easter Egg Hunt for a large group. Find pre-filled Easter eggs, plush party favors, table cloths, plates, and more at Oriental Trading.
Looking for a cute Easter craft idea? See the tutorial for these Craft Stick Bunnies: