Easter is on its way and will soon be upon us, bringing together family and fun. A highlight for many children is the Easter egg hunt. This year, let’s make it even more accessible. It’s about making an environment where everyone feels included and can experience the thrill of the search and join in the joy of discovery. There is nothing quite like seeing the excitement on your children’s faces as they find the eggs and enjoy the day. Let’s all have an egg-cellent time!!

Ideas On How To Plan An Accessible Easter Egg Hunt.

  • Beeping Eggs: You can buy beeping Easter eggs online from retailers like Amazon UK. Search for “beeping Easter eggs for blind” or “audible Easter eggs”. Some even have different sounds like chirping. You can create your own by placing small, battery-operated buzzers or key finders inside plastic Easter eggs. Ensure the sound is loud enough to be easily heard.
  • Talking Eggs: Some electronic eggs can play pre-recorded messages or sounds when a button is pressed. An adult could guide the child towards the egg and then activate it.
  • Tactile Eggs: Decorate plastic or hard-boiled eggs with various textures like sandpaper, cotton wool, felt, or textured yarn. This allows your child to differentiate eggs by touch.
  • Tactile Markers: Attach distinct tactile objects (e.g. pompoms, velcro pieces, smooth stones) to the eggs. You can create a key beforehand so your child knows what each marker signifies (e.g. a specific type of treat).
  • Scented Eggs: Place cotton balls with mild, recognisable scents (vanilla, peppermint – use sparingly, lemon peel) inside the eggs.
  • High Contrast and light: Use brightly coloured eggs that contrast sharply with the environment. Avoid hiding green eggs in grass, for example. Neon colours can be very effective.
  • Glow in the dark eggs: These can be fun for a hunt in a slightly darkened room (ensure safety). You can buy these or place small LED tea lights or glow sticks inside regular plastic eggs.
  • Balloon or streamer attachment: Tie a balloon or a long, colourful streamer to each egg. This makes them easier to locate for children with low vision and can also be found by touch or with a cane.
  • Elevate hiding spots: Place eggs at eye level on tables, shelves, or garden walls instead of solely on the ground, making them easier to spot for children with low vision.
  • Sensory Bins: Fill containers with various textures like shredded paper, dried rice, pasta, or water beads (ensure safety) and hide the eggs within them for a tactile searching experience.
  • Verbal Cues: Provide clear, descriptive verbal clues about the location of the eggs or use simple rhyming clues spoken aloud.
  • Familiar Environments: Conduct the hunt in a familiar and safe area to aid navigation.
  • Adult Guidance: Have an adult nearby to offer gentle verbal guidance and encouragement as needed.

Resources

Below we have listed some resources and organisations that can support further with accessible Easter activities and guides.

  • Guide Dogs: Their website has resources for helping visually impaired children learn at home, some of which can be adapted for Easter activities.
  • RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) offers information and support for people with sight loss and may have relevant resources or advice on accessible activities – Search for their “Parties and Playdates” resource for general ideas.
  • Paths to Literacy: Search for “Easter egg hunt”.
  • Wonder Baby: Many creative ideas for tactile Easter eggs and adapting hunts for children with disabilities.

Top Tips for A Successful Accessible Easter Egg Hunt

  • Involve your child: Ask for their input on what types of clues or sensory experiences they would enjoy.
  • Keep it fun. Not competitive. Focus on the joy of discovery rather than who collects the most eggs. Be flexible. Adapt your plans based on your child’s needs and how the hunt is progressing.
  • Consider other disabilities: If your child has other disabilities alongside their visual impairment, factor those needs into your planning as well (e.g. mobility).

By using a combination of these ideas, you can create a memorable and inclusive Easter egg hunt that your visually impaired child will thoroughly enjoy!

Are you hosting an Easter egg hunt? We’d love to see how you’ve made it accessible! Share your photos with us and show the creative adaptations you’ve made to ensure everyone can join in the fun.

Either email your photos to info@look-uk.org or tag us on social media