Many churches, schools, and youth groups organize Easter Egg hunts in the spring, but this can be a daunting task if you have many children expected to attend. Here are a few tips to make the egg hunting fun and enjoyable for all in attendance.


Step 1: Request donations for the goodies and plastic eggs. If your organization cannot afford to purchase all the required plastic eggs and treats, request donations about one month in advance. Do this through email, fliers, and advertisements in the facility such as the YMCA or church. Request bulk candy that is individually wrapped or coins to fill the eggs.

Step 2: Fill the eggs and prepare for the big day. Filling the eggs is a tedious task that may take longer than expected. Expect to fill about 10 eggs per child or 1000 for every 100 children. Plan to fill the eggs with age appropriate goodies to include candy, stickers, religious items, or money. Ask for volunteers on several different days and times to ensure all eggs are filled and ready to go.

NOTE: You can purchase prefilled eggs from Walmart, Meijer, and Walgreens to save time. You can also incorporate a raffle with the egg hunt by simply collecting donation for bikes, scooters, movie tickets, or restaurant gift certificates from local merchants. Stuff the eggs with winning prize tickets (one per prize) rather than candy or money.

Step 3: If the event is a free community activity to raise awareness of your organization then advertise. Hang fliers around the community, signs along streets, and use word-of-mouth invites to increase attendance. If the event is only for those in your organization then plan to advertise internally at meetings and other functions prior to the egg hunt.

Step 4: Make alternative plans in the event of inclement weather and include this information on the advertisements. This could be a one day postponement or an alternative inside location.

Step 5: Clearly mark the egg hunting site. If many different age groups will be present then you can section of the grounds for different age groups. This will reduce the chance for injury of smaller children and increase enjoyment for all in attendance. Suggested age groups would be 4 and under, 5-7 year olds, 8-11 year olds, 12 and over. There are often more children in the 5-11 year old groups, make sure to distribute more eggs in these areas.

NOTE: If the organization is small then breaking down the groups by age may not be necessary. Determine what needs to be done by the number of children expected to participate in the egg hunt.

Step 6: Request volunteers to set out the eggs, keep children out of the hunting are until the event officially begins and to monitor the event to prevent mishaps.

Step 7: Announce rules prior to the egg hunt. Remind children not to push or shove to get to the eggs.

Step 8: Release the children to hunt for the eggs. Some hunts limit the number of eggs where other hunts are a free for all. Either way, stick to rules and make sure the children understand what they can and cannot due.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to have enough eggs to make the event exciting for the children.
• Try not to have less than 10 eggs per expected child.
• Provide bags or advertise for participants to bring a bag or basket for collecting eggs.
• Register children prior to the start of the event for later contact if you are recruiting for your organization.
• Purchase fun Easter goodies online from Shindigz, Orange Onions, or Silly Bandz if you want to avoid all of the sugary treats.

Have fun and enjoy the Easter excitement! And if you are really up for the feat you can serve refreshments such as punch and cookies following the hunt.

Do you have any suggestions on organizing an Easter Egg Hunt? What are your favorite goodies to place in the eggs? Feel free to post comments or suggestions.