The Easter long weekend is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your child, and embrace the beauty of autumn. Whether your family celebrates Easter or simply enjoys the chance to spend time together, these thoughtfully crafted activity ideas are perfect for curious young minds and growing imaginations.
At Papilio Early Learning, we believe that high-quality early education extends beyond the classroom. When families engage in meaningful play together, children flourish - emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
In this post, you’ll find:
- Elegant Easter crafts using natural, sustainable materials
- Outdoor activity ideas designed to support development
- Autumn sensory play that inspires curiosity
- Thoughtful ways to nurture quality family time
Before You Begin: A Few Tips for Effortless Play
- Choose materials inspired by nature - think soft textures, warm tones, and calming scents
- Involve your child in the setup to encourage independence and confidence
- Keep the mood relaxed - let your child lead the experience
- Make time for connection over perfection
1. Autumn-Inspired Easter Treasure Hunt
Redesign the traditional egg hunt with a nature-based twist. Use decorated paper eggs, smooth stones, leaves, or flower petals to guide your child through a gentle outdoor treasure trail. Include small handwritten notes or prompts to encourage observation and reflection.
Why it’s enriching for young children: This activity nurtures gross motor development, encourages problem-solving, and sparks a deeper connection to nature. It also fosters collaboration and patience when enjoyed with siblings or friends.
2. Botanical Bunny Ears Craft
Invite your child to create a bespoke bunny headband using paper, glue, and natural materials such as dried leaves, pastel petals, or textured bark. Offer soft colours and calming background music to enhance the sensory experience.
Why it’s enriching for young children: Creative expression promotes fine motor skills, artistic confidence, and emotional self-regulation. The open-ended nature of this activity allows children to explore their individual style and preferences.
Create a keepsake: Frame a photo of your child wearing their handmade bunny ears as a sweet holiday memento.
3. Seasonal Sensory Tray
Design a curated sensory tray featuring safe, seasonal items like soft fabrics, cinnamon-dusted pinecones, dried orange slices, and wooden eggs. Sit together and explore the textures, scents, and shapes through gentle, guided conversation.
Why it’s enriching for young children: Sensory play supports cognitive development, language acquisition, and helps children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them - all through hands-on discovery.
4. Outdoor Picnic and Musical Movement
Head to a quiet park or shaded backyard spot for a calm and joyful Easter picnic. Include a curated playlist of gentle instrumental music or upbeat tunes your child enjoys. Encourage dancing, hopping, and playful stretching to inspire movement.
Why it’s enriching for young children: Physical activity promotes gross motor development, balance, and self-confidence. Movement paired with music also supports emotional wellbeing and helps children process and express feelings.
Why These Moments Matter
The early years are a precious time, and the small rituals we create with our children today become cherished memories tomorrow. Simple, intentional play nurtures:
- Emotional bonds between parent and child
- Language-rich conversations that support literacy
- Creativity and imagination through open-ended exploration
- Security and self-worth as children feel seen, heard, and loved
At Papilio, we are passionate about empowering children through meaningful learning - both in our early learning environments and beyond.
We'd Love to See Your Holiday Adventures!
If you try any of these activities, feel free to tag your Papilio centre on Facebook or share a photo with your Centre Manager. We love celebrating the creativity and connection that happens when families play together.