Easter Games for Older Kids

Easter usually means spring has come. Kids get to put aside their winter clothing and wear floral print dresses and smart-looking suits. If the weather is nice, they can play outside without heavy coats for the first time in months. Easter is also one of the times during the year when children get showered with candy and sweets. Make sure the kids in your life have an enjoyable Easter by planning games, both classic and new, for them to play.

Types

You'll discover that there are plenty of different types of Easter games suitable for older children. Kids who are between the ages of 8 and 12 can still enjoy Easter egg hunts, especially since there is the promise of abundant candy and small prizes. Children can also play Easter-themed variations of classic party games, such as Pin the Tail on the Bunny or Easter Bingo. Let active older children blow off some steam by taking them outdoors for an egg toss or relay races.

Time Frame

Plan the kids' games around your Easter brunch or dinner. Just as children are excited about opening presents first thing on Christmas Day, they may want to do an egg hunt right after getting out of bed. Set up quiet games, such as an Easter matching or memory game, for them to play while you and the other adults prepare the day's meal. If you plan on playing games outdoors, do it before the meal if you plan on serving an evening dinner or just after a brunch.

Size

The number of children you have will determine the type of games you can play. While relay races are a good idea for groups of 10 children or more, it may be difficult to get that many children to sit down and play a game of Memory or Bingo. The bigger your group, the more elaborate your egg hunt can be as well. For a large group, plan on a multi-room egg hunt or set it outdoors. Keep the egg hunt in one spot if you only have a few children searching.

Planning

Older kids like to be consulted when it comes to planning party games. Ask your children what they would like to do for Easter. You may be surprised at their response. Also check the weather forecast a day or two before Easter. You don't want to plan for several outdoor games and an outdoor egg hunt only to have it rain or be too chilly to play outside.

Benefits

Well-planned games will keep the kids occupied and out of your hair, so that you can focus on the other details of the holiday and on socializing with other adults. Playing Easter games can help draw a shy child out of her shell.

Photo Credit

• easter egg hunt image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com