Most of us can remember how wonderful the Easter holidays were as children. A break in the monotony of school and lots of chocolate – what’s not to like?
For parents, Easter can be hard work. It’s not just that this religious festival can be viewed very differently by different families or communities, it’s also that the unpredictable spring weather can make planning a fun Easter into a bit of a nightmare. However, we’ve to some tip-top ideas to help you have an amazing Easter, whatever the weather.
Easter days out with nanny
Going out is always a good idea – if the weather permits. Some events work just as well in the rain as on a sunny day. So here’s our round up of Easter trips that work for everyone:
- Easter Egg Hunt. The National Trust is holding 300 Easter egg hunts over the Easter weekend, so there’s bound to be one within travelling distance. This event works for all because it gives a chance to visit a historic property and experience a little culture while the children get to go crazy hunting for eggs. Almost all properties have refreshment facilities so grown ups can get a cup of tea and nanny will usually enjoy a chance to look around such an interesting building.
- City Farms – many city farms have pop up events over Easter but actually, that hardly matters. Ducklings and chicks and newborn lambs are exciting enough for most children even without other Easter themed activities. This event delights parents who are happy to be out in the fresh air and it’s always wonderful to engage with animals. Nannies generally find children will amuse themselves quite happily given farm type surroundings. It’s a no fuss event that even the most demanding child will find attractive
- Wildlife Trusts – more weather dependent are the activities planned by the UK’s Wildlife Trusts. While some go for the classic Easter Egg hunt. Others are putting on scavenger trails and several have survival skills workshops running. Wildlife Trusts are used to dealing with changeable weather and will usually have a plan to bring activities under cover. But it’s good to be aware that they work with the climate and a bit of drizzle won’t stop the fun! Parents often find they learn more than their kids on a Wildlife Trust event. It can lead to much more enjoyment of time spent outdoors. Nannies who enjoy outdoor activities can pick up many tips on how to engage children with the natural environment and develop the ‘outdoor classroom’ approach to childcare.
But sometimes Easter weather just isn’t cooperative. If you have to stay indoors we have two suggestions to make Easter fun without breaking the bank.
Easter fun indoors
Easter Egg hunt. While many parents are going to try (often unsuccessfully) to limit their child’s chocolate intake over Easter. Our hunt gives younger children the chance to develop key skills without filling them full of sugary treats. Buy a simple six or eight piece jigsaw and either write clues on the back of each piece or attach a clue label to each jigsaw piece. Hide the pieces. Each one with a plastic film wrapped treat. One tiny egg, a single jelly bean, one marshmallow etc. Let the children find each piece (a jigsaw each if you’re having an Easter party). Then get them to assemble their jigsaw on a tray and bring it to you for their reward – a single small egg.
Egg dying. For older children, some eggs and a range of natural food dyes will combine art and science and give them hours of quiet fun. Using a litre of water and two tablespoons of white vinegar as the base. You can dye fresh eggs with the following colours:
- Yellow-gold – add 2 tablespoons turmeric to the base and boil. Cool, add fresh eggs and boil for a further 30 minutes
- Orange – make a base solution and add half a dozen onion skins, boil for 30 minutes. Cool. Hard boil eggs and let stand in solution for a further 30 minutes
- Pink – make a base solution and add half a chopped fresh beetroot, boil for 30 minutes. Cool ad strain. Hard boil eggs and let stand in solution for a further 30 minutes. Wear old clothes, this really stains!
- Deep blue – make a base solution and add a quarter of a red cabbage, chopped, boil for 30 minutes, strain. Cool. Hard boil eggs and let stand in solution overnight