With the price of Easter chocolate at an all-time high and the cost of living on everyone’s mind, many families are looking for ways to celebrate Easter without spending a lot of money.
The good news is that you don’t need expensive eggs or elaborate gifts to make Easter special for kids. Some of the best Easter memories come from simple traditions like an egg hunt in the backyard, a picnic at the park or a family movie night.
From creative play ideas at home to outdoor adventures while the weather is still warm, here are some free Easter activities for kids that families across Australia can enjoy.
Free Easter Activities for Kids
Looking for simple ways to celebrate Easter without spending money? Here are some easy ideas that kids love:
- organise an Easter egg hunt at home
- visit a playground or park
- go to the beach or swimming pool
- try Easter craft or sensory play activities
- read Easter books together
- enjoy a family movie night
- go for a bike ride or nature walk
- attend a free Easter community event
Many of these activities take very little planning and can quickly become fun family traditions.
Organise an Easter Egg Hunt at Home
An Easter egg hunt is one of the most exciting traditions for children. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to organise.
Hide small chocolate eggs, reusable plastic eggs or even small toys around the house or backyard and let kids search for them. Younger children will enjoy simple hiding places under pot plants or behind furniture, while older kids might like following clues or a treasure map.
You can even add a bit of magic by telling kids the Easter Bunny visited overnight and left clues behind.
If you’re looking for creative ideas, see our guide on how to organise an Easter egg hunt at home.
Try Easter Craft Activities
Craft activities are perfect for quiet time during the Easter school holidays. They give kids a chance to slow down and get creative.
You don’t need lots of supplies to get started. Children can decorate cardboard Easter eggs, draw Easter pictures, make paper bunnies or create homemade Easter cards for family members.
Setting up a small craft area at the kitchen table with paper, crayons and glue can keep kids entertained for hours.
Easter Sensory Play for Younger Kids
Sensory play is especially popular with toddlers and preschoolers because it encourages hands-on learning and creativity.
Activities like Easter sensory trays, egg painting and playdough can help children explore colours and textures while developing fine motor skills. Even something simple like rolling painted eggs across paper can turn into a fun Easter art activity.
If you’re looking for inspiration, explore our guide to Easter sensory play activities for kids, which includes creative ideas that are easy to set up at home.
Enjoy the Outdoors While the Weather Is Still Warm
In many parts of Australia, Easter falls during beautiful autumn weather, which makes it the perfect time to spend the day outside.
A visit to the local playground can turn into a whole afternoon adventure. Pack a picnic, bring a ball or scooter and let the kids run around while you relax.
Heading to the beach is another favourite Easter activity for many Australian families. Kids can build sandcastles, collect shells or splash in the water while parents enjoy the fresh air.
If you live near the coast or a lake, a family walk along the foreshore at sunset can be a lovely way to end the day.
Go Swimming
When the weather is warm, spending the day at the pool can feel like a mini holiday for kids.
Local swimming pools, splash parks and ocean baths are great places for children to burn off energy during the school holidays. Whether they’re practising their swimming, jumping off the edge or simply splashing around with friends, water play is always a hit.
Swimming is also a great way for families to enjoy the long weekend together without spending much money.
Go on a Family Bike Ride or Nature Walk
Another simple activity is exploring your local area on foot or by bike.
A bike ride along a lake path or coastal track can feel like a little adventure, especially if you stop for a snack or a playground break along the way.
Nature walks are also fun for kids. Encourage them to look for interesting leaves, birds or flowers along the track. Turning the walk into a mini scavenger hunt can make it even more exciting.
Enjoy a Family Movie Night
After a busy day of Easter activities, it can be nice to slow things down with a cosy movie night at home.
Spread out blankets and pillows on the couch, make some popcorn and let the kids choose a movie. Easter-themed films, family favourites or animated movies featuring rabbits and springtime adventures all work well.
If you need inspiration, check out our guide to Easter movies to watch with kids.
Read Easter Books Together
Reading together is another lovely Easter tradition. Sharing stories helps create quiet moments during the busy holiday period.
There are many wonderful Easter-themed books for children, including board books for toddlers, picture books and stories about the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts.
Some families also like reading books that explain the meaning of Easter from a Christian perspective.
You can discover some great titles in our guide to Easter books for kids and families.
Look for Free Easter Events
Many communities host free or low-cost Easter activities over the long weekend. These might include markets, family fun days or community egg hunts.
These events are often a great way for kids to enjoy the festive atmosphere while meeting other families in the community.
If you’re in the Hunter region, you can explore our guide to Easter events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
There are also plenty of Easter events happening in Sydney, including family festivals and markets.
Simple Traditions Make Easter Special
Easter doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Often it’s the simple traditions that children remember most.
Searching for eggs in the backyard, drawing Easter pictures, swimming at the beach or watching a movie together can create wonderful memories for kids.
By focusing on time together rather than spending money, families can enjoy a relaxed and joyful Easter weekend.