Keeping the Easter egg hunt challenging…more active and more fun!

March 29, 2012

Most kids across Australia will only have one thought when it comes to Easter – chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! This year Easter Saturday falls on April 7 which is internationally celebrated as World Health Day, serving as a good reminder to parents to maintain the balance between Easter treats and keeping kids healthy and active.

Exercise & Sports Science Executive Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell, says Easter is a fun time for kids and the search for eggs is a great opportunity to get them active to compensate for all the chocolate they enjoy following the egg hunt.

“This year we hope to challenge parents to put some thought into the Easter egg hunt, both to increase the level of activity for the kids and to make it more fun,” said Ms Hobson-Powell.

“Kids love a good treasure hunt and we encourage parents to think outside the square, whether they move the hunt to the local park or set up some activities in the garden. What’s great about this approach is that the kids will love it even more and as parents we can feel better about the extra treats they are about to have.”

“If not a treasure hunt, take the kids for a bike ride or a swim in the afternoon or enjoy a game of cricket with friends. We’re not suggesting avoiding chocolate altogether, just being mindful of how much is consumed and trying to create some fun activities for the family to compensate for the extra calories and sugar intake.”

Easter Egg Treasure Hunt Suggestions

Here are some suggestions you may want to use as written clues for your treasure hunt. Of course, these clues have been left by the Easter Bunny to help kids find their hidden treasure! As the child opens each clue they are led on a fun-filled, active adventure to find their eggs.

1. To find the eggs, move your legs!
Find something kids can run around a number of times before looking in a particular place for some chocolate treasure. For example, run around the slide three times before climbing the stairs and seeing what’s on top.

2. Try and Try the biggest are up high!
Find a safe place for your children to climb, whether it’s up a tree, up a ladder or up some stairs.

3. For the eggs you like, get on your bike!
Kids love a good bike ride, find a safe place to leave some treasure along your road and let them follow clues to find the eggs. The post box is always a good starting point!

4. Hop like a bunny for chocolate in your tummy!
Get the kids to make some bunny ears the day before, prepare a short course for them to hop around ending close to a hidden egg. For older kids, why not include a sack race!

5. On your marks, get set – to find the prize you must get wet!
Use the swimming pool or garden hose to let your kids enjoy some water play. This could include swimming two lengths of the pool, jumping over a jet of water from the hose, running through the sprinkler or finding floating containers of eggs in the pool.

6. Egg and spoon to a tune!
The egg and spoon race has always been a favourite! Decorate hard boiled eggs the day before, set up a start and finish line or set up a course for them to follow which ends close to a hidden Easter egg. Do this one to music for added fun!

7. For treasure big, you must dig!
Whether in a sandpit, in a box of grit or pebbles or down at the beach, X marks to spot!

Above all have fun!

Ends.

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