Easter Activities for Special Needs Children: Fun & Inclusive Ideas for Australian Families  

Easter is a time of joy, family, and fun, but traditional activities may not always suit children with special needs. Whether your child has sensory sensitivities, mobility challenges, or prefers structured play, here are some inclusive Easter activities that will ensure they feel involved and celebrated.  

1. Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt

Traditional egg hunts can be overwhelming with loud noises, big crowds, and bright colours. Instead, create a sensory-friendly hunt in your backyard or a quiet park.  

– Use eggs with different textures (soft, bumpy, fuzzy) for tactile engagement.  

– Fill eggs with non-candy surprises like small toys, stickers, or sensory items.  

– Provide clear instructions or a visual guide to help with transitions.  

2. Easter Crafting for Fine Motor Skills

Crafting is a great way to celebrate Easter while working on motor skills and creativity.  

– Finger painting eggs: Use non-toxic paint for a mess-free sensory experience.  

– Decorating with stickers: Perfect for kids who struggle with gripping small objects.  

– Bunny ears headband: Cut out paper ears and let your child decorate them before attaching them to a headband.  

3. Calm and Engaging Storytime

Many children with special needs love stories, and Easter is a great time to explore themed books. Some great choices include:  

– We’re Going on an Egg Hunt by Laura Hughes  

– Pete the Cat: Big Easter Adventure by Kimberly & James Dean  

– Spot’s First Easter by Eric Hill  

Reading together helps with communication and provides a soothing break from overstimulation.  

4. Baking Simple Easter Treats

Baking is a fantastic way to bond while practicing sensory play and following instructions. Try:  

– Rice bubble nests: Melt marshmallows, mix with rice bubbles, and shape into nests.  

– Bunny toast: Use cookie cutters to shape toast into bunnies and add fun toppings like banana slices and blueberries.  

– Chocolate-free treats: Some children have dietary restrictions, so try fruit kebabs or jelly cups with Easter-themed decorations.  

5. Water Play with Floating Eggs

For children who enjoy water play, fill a tub or shallow container with water and let them scoop floating plastic eggs with a spoon or net. This activity helps with hand-eye coordination and provides a calming effect.  

6. Easter Sensory Bins

Fill a large container with safe, sensory-friendly materials and Easter-themed items. Some ideas include: 

– Dyed rice with small bunnies and chicks hidden inside  

– Kinetic sand with plastic eggs to dig up  

– Shredded paper “grass” with hidden surprises  

This activity provides sensory stimulation without being overwhelming.  

7. Nature-Based Easter Walks  

Instead of an overwhelming public event, take a quiet Easter-themed walk in nature. Let your child look for hidden paper eggs along the way or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn in Australia.  

Making Easter Inclusive 

Every child deserves to enjoy Easter in a way that suits their needs. By adapting activities to your child’s preferences, you can create a stress-free, joyful holiday for the whole family.  

What are your favourite Easter activities for your child? Let’s share ideas in the comments!