Easter is a special time for families. For some, it’s about chocolate eggs, Easter egg hunts and enjoying the long weekend together. For others, it’s a meaningful religious celebration marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
However your family celebrates, Easter is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and create special memories with your kids. From Easter egg hunts and craft activities to family movies and Easter events, there are plenty of ways to make the long weekend fun for children.
10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Easter with Kids
Looking for simple ideas to celebrate Easter with your family? Here are some fun activities kids love:
- Organise an Easter egg hunt at home
- Visit a local Easter event or fair
- Read Easter books together
- Watch Easter movies with the family
- Try Easter craft and sensory activities
- Decorate Easter eggs
- Bake Easter treats
- Go camping or plan a family getaway
- Attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show
- Visit playgrounds or parks for an Easter picnic
You can find more ideas throughout this guide, including Easter events, activities and family traditions.
When is Easter in 2026?
In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on 5 April.
The date of Easter changes each year as it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the March equinox.
The key Easter dates for 2026 are:
Good Friday – 3 April
Easter Sunday – 5 April
Easter Monday – 6 April
Many families use the Easter long weekend to attend events, travel or spend time together during the school holidays.
What is the significance of Easter?
Easter, also known as Resurrection Day, is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.
The Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter.
The final week before Easter is known as Holy Week. It includes:
- Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem
- Maundy Thursday, remembering the Last Supper
- Good Friday, commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion
- Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday
For Christians, Easter celebrates hope, renewal and new life.
Why are Easter eggs and Easter bunny associated with Easter?
Eggs have long been a symbol of new life and rebirth, which is why they became connected with Easter celebrations. Over time, decorating eggs and giving chocolate eggs became popular traditions, especially for children.
The Easter Bunny is also associated with Easter because rabbits symbolise fertility and new life. The tradition of the Easter Bunny delivering eggs to children is believed to have originated in Europe before becoming popular in many countries, including Australia.
Today, children often wake up on Easter morning to find chocolate eggs left by the Easter Bunny or the Easter Bilby, an Australian twist on the tradition.
Easter Events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter
The Easter long weekend is a great time to get out and enjoy local family events.
Across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter region, you’ll find Easter egg hunts, family fun days, markets and community celebrations taking place throughout the Easter school holidays.
Explore our guide to Easter events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter to discover what’s happening locally.
Easter Events in Sydney
If you’re planning a day trip or weekend away during the Easter school holidays, there are also plenty of family-friendly Easter events in Sydney.
From Easter egg hunts and themed activities to markets and family festivals, Sydney hosts a wide range of celebrations during the Easter period.
Check out our guide to Easter events in Sydney to discover what’s happening across the city.
Sydney Royal Easter Show
One of the biggest Easter events in Australia is the Sydney Royal Easter Show, held each year at Sydney Olympic Park.
Although it’s often described as an agricultural show, it’s much more than that. Visitors can enjoy farm animal displays, award-winning produce and crafts, carnival rides, showbags and live entertainment.
The show celebrates Australia’s rural and agricultural heritage and has been running since 1823.
If you’re planning to visit, see our guide on how to enjoy the Sydney Royal Easter Show with kids, including tips to save money and make the most of your day.
How to Organise an Easter Egg Hunt at Home
One of the most popular Easter traditions for children is the Easter egg hunt.
Organising your own egg hunt at home can be simple and lots of fun. Hide chocolate eggs around your house or backyard and let the kids search for them with clues or a treasure map.
For more ideas, including hiding spots and creative egg hunt themes, see our guide on how to organise an Easter egg hunt at home.
Easter Play & Sensory Activities for Kids
If you’re looking for ways to keep kids entertained during the Easter school holidays, Easter-themed play activities are a great option.
Hands-on activities such as Easter sensory trays, egg painting, roll painting and nature crafts can help children explore creativity while developing important skills.
Our guide to Easter kids play activities includes 15 unique Easter-themed ideas you can easily set up at home.
Best Easter Books for Kids & Families
For many families, Easter is also a lovely time to share stories together.
If the Easter Bunny brings books as well as chocolate eggs to your house, we’ve put together a list of Easter books for kids and families to enjoy.
The guide includes Easter board books for toddlers, picture books for young readers and activity books featuring Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny and the story of Jesus.
Easter Movies to Watch With Kids
Another fun way to celebrate Easter is with a family movie night.
Whether you’re looking for Easter-themed films, faith-based stories or family favourites featuring chocolate and rabbits, there are plenty of movies that are perfect for the Easter weekend.
Check out our guide to Easter movies and TV specials to watch with kids for inspiration.
Easter Long Weekend Getaways
Many Australian families use the Easter long weekend as an opportunity to enjoy a short getaway. Popular options include camping trips, caravan parks and holiday parks close to home.
Whether you prefer traditional camping, glamping or staying in a comfortable villa, there are plenty of family-friendly places to stay within a few hours of Newcastle.
See our guide to 50+ camping, caravan and holiday parks within a 3-hour drive of Newcastle for inspiration for your next Easter escape.
Free Easter Ideas for Families
Easter celebrations don’t have to be expensive. Simple traditions like organising an egg hunt at home, visiting a local playground or enjoying a beach day together can be just as memorable for kids.
You can find more inspiration in our guide to free Easter activities for kids.