Spring is in full bloom and Newby Leisure are here with some top tips for outdoor fun and sensory play this Easter! With the sun shining and temperatures rising, it is the perfect time to get early years children active outdoors. Engaging in sensory play benefits children in a variety of ways and helps with many developmental skills. Let’s explore some simple, engaging ways to bring Easter themed sensory play to your outdoor space.
Here are a few fun easter themed activities for your outdoor play time:
Sensory Easter Egg Hunt
A sensory Easter egg hunt is a great way to combine seasonal fun with hands-on learning. Try hiding eggs in areas that encourage children to explore different textures, such as sand, soil or water-filled trays. Encourage them to search using their hands, feeling around to discover the hidden eggs while enjoying the different textures along the way.
You can also include stimulating visuals by using brightly coloured or patterned eggs. These vibrant designs help support visual development while making the activity more exciting and engaging for early years children.
To add even more sensory interest, try creating a multi-sensory path for the hunt. This could include natural materials such as sticks arranged along the ground, or simple chalk drawings leading children from one hiding spot to the next. Incorporating a variety of materials keeps children curious and encourages creativity. Our new Sensory Panels would be a great addition for this!
Easter Nest Building
Encourage children to create their own birds’ nests using natural materials they can find around the playground, such as twigs, leaves and grass. This simple activity allows children to explore a variety of natural textures while using their creativity to design and build their nests. As they gather materials and carefully place them together, children also develop important fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination.
Easter Sound Shakers
Create simple musical instruments by filling them with materials such as rice, beads, or small pebbles. Once sealed, children can shake the eggs to create different sounds and rhythms, turning them into fun Easter-themed shakers. This activity helps support auditory development and coordination while encouraging creativity.
Eggshell Painting
Instead of throwing away eggshells, reuse them for a fun painting activity using water-based paints. Children can experiment with colours and patterns while exploring the textures of the shells. This creative exercise supports fine motor development and encourages hands-on learning by recycling natural materials.
With a little creativity, Easter can become a fantastic opportunity to bring new ideas into outdoor play. Using natural materials and engaging activities can help create the perfect Easter themed environment for outdoor learning through play!
