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Some new takes on Easter egg hunts
It’s almost time to hide those stuffed plastic eggs, whether they’re filled with candy or creative non-sweet alternatives, and let the chaos ensue. As our little chicks get older, however, many parents long for a fresh take on this Easter tradition. These ten creative egg-hunt alternatives will engage kids and liven up any humdrum Easter routine. From letting kids unearth pirate treasure to egging them on to solve a top-secret mission, each hunt introduces an exciting new twist that may speak to your child’s specific interests.
- Toddler-friendly egg hunt
- Cell phone egg hunt for teens
- Egg shaped piñata
- Matching game
- Pirate treasure hunt
- Outdoor nature hunt
- Digging into dinos
- Super eggs!
- Obstacle course egg hunt
- Top-secret mission hunt
Up first: Toddler-friendly egg hunt
Editor’s note: This article was originally published a several years ago and updated Most recently on March 13, 2026 by ParentMap’s content editor, Kari Hanson. New activities and images were added, all other information received a thorough fact-check.
Toddler-friendly egg hunt
This clever activity from Tiny Kingdom focuses more on exploration and sorting, rather than racing to collect eggs. Start by taking apart a puzzle (or two or three) and dividing the pieces into a few plastic Easter eggs that are the same color. Next, toss the plastic eggs containing the puzzle pieces into a large bin filled with brightly colored toys you already have around the house. Kids can search through the bin to find the eggs, then place them in a recycled egg carton marked with the same color (blue plastic eggs go in the container with a blue sticker, for example). After collecting all the plastic eggs, you can all work together to complete the puzzles. The activity slows things down for younger children and encourages problem-solving and hands-on play rather than competition.
Up next: Cell phone egg hunt for teens
Cell phone scavenger egg hunt
You know they always have their phones, why not use them! If your older kids suddenly become too cool for an Easter egg hunt, try adding a little tech to the tradition with this clever idea from Mommy Poppins. Hide an egg, then snap a close-up photo that reveals just a tiny bit of the surroundings and text it to your kids as their first clue. Once they track down that egg, send another close-up image pointing them toward the next hiding spot. It’s a simple twist that keeps tweens and teens engaged, and proves that even big kids can’t resist the thrill of the hunt.
Up next: Egg shaped piñata
Egg-shaped piñata
Rather than run around looking for small eggs, why not go for a single, giant one? Making a egg-shaped piñata is pretty simple, and you can paint it any festive spring color you’d like. Fill the piñata with Easter candy (or other small treats and prizes) and let the kids start swinging! One Little Project gives step-by-step instructions for making a piñata using a balloon (which just happens to be an egg shape), along with a cute decorating idea.
Up next: Matching game
Matching game
If you want to make your Easter egg hunt a little more challenging, consider making it into a matching game. Gather up some plastic eggs that can completely separate. On one half, put a letter of the alphabet, and on the other a picture (or a sticker) of something that starts with that letter. Put the eggs back together, but do not match the letters and images correctly. After the kids find the eggs, they have to match all the sides correctly to get the treats inside! Treehouse Treads gives a great tutorial for this project, which can put those Easter eggs to good use well past the holiday.
Up next: Pirate treasure hunt
Pirate treasure hunt
Arrr! If you have a child who dreams of finding buried treasure, a pirate-themed scavenger hunt is a slam dunk and surprisingly easy to organize. Begin by creating a series of clues that kick off the treasure hunt. The clues can be personalized to familiar things in your child’s life, for instance, “Ahoy, matey, go to the place where we keep your toothbrush.” If you prefer to follow in another captain’s footsteps, the Lil’ Luna blog has excellent ideas for creating clues and shares a free printable treasure map. She even suggests hiding golden nuggets (spray-painted rocks) around the house that lead to Easter baskets.
Up next: Outdoor nature hunt
Outdoor nature hunt
For the budding naturalist in your home, this is a great way to connect your kids to the outdoors and teach them about identifying Northwest plants. Create your own list with things that are already in your yard or use this free printable from Clean & Scentsible for a general scavenger hunt. The blog post includes specific items such as pine cones and rough leaves to teach texture, as well as a piece of litter to encourage conservationism. Another practical idea is to print the checklist on a paper bag instead of using an Easter basket. Once the items have been found, reward hunters with Easter treats.
Up next: Digging into dinos
Digging into dinos
Parents of dinosaur enthusiasts can use a sandbox or a bag of sand and a plastic pool to create an excavation site. Pick up a few packets of plastic dinosaurs and write a list that outlines the different types they’ll need to dig up. Tuck that list into an Easter basket filled with shovels, paintbrushes and a small magnifying glass. If you don’t have a sandbox or any sand on hand, the Make Life Lovely blog has an incredible guide to creating your own mini-sandbox using disposable containers and includes details on creating miniature dino-dig craft kits.
Up next: Super eggs!
Super eggs!
Here’s an idea that can be tailored for both older and younger kids. For smaller superheroes, hide figurines inside Easter eggs and turn them loose. Once they discover what’s inside the eggs, they will have a new collection of toys to play with. For kids who are a little older, use the free superhero bingo printable from the Big D & Me blog. Whoever gets a superhero bingo first wins!
Up next: Obstacle course egg hunt
Obstacle course egg hunt
Sugar and children can often lead to a hairy holiday, so why not get them moving while they find their treats? In each egg, include a physical activity to be completed. Ideas such as “bunny hops” and “pencil rolls” come from The Seasoned Mom blog, but feel free to add in Easter-centric ideas such as “carrot kicks” or “crack the egg” rolls. Once the children complete every activity you’ve hidden in the eggs, you’ll have tired-out kids who’ve earned every bit of that Easter candy.
Up next: Top-secret mission hunt
Top-secret mission hunt
If we get a rainy Easter Sunday this year, here’s a fun indoor option. Fill an Easter basket with secret agent props and include a manila envelope labeled “top secret.” Inside the envelope is a list of evidence to find. Hide items such as a water gun, stolen loot (pennies) and precious stones (plastic beads) around the house and let the hunt begin. For added fun, set a timer and see who can find the most items the quickest.
