Sensory Easter fun: celebrating with inclusivity

Easter is a time for joy, family, and fun – but for parents and carers of neurodivergent children or other disability, it can sometimes feel like a bit of a balancing act. The holidays often bring a whole new level of stimulation, from bright colours and bustling activities to sugary treats that might feel overwhelming.

Here are some ideas to suit a variety of sensory needs and abilities.

Easter Egg Sensory Hunt

A traditional Easter egg hunt can be adapted to make it sensory-friendly and engaging for neurodivergent children or those with physical disabilities. Instead of just hiding eggs in places that are difficult to reach, try creating a sensory-rich scavenger hunt:

• Tactile touch: Fill eggs with different textures, like soft fabrics, textured papers, or rubbery items, to offer a variety of tactile experiences. This allows children to use their hands and explore the sensory world.
• Smell and sound: For kids who may not be as visually engaged, you could include scents (like lavender sachets or vanilla-scented cotton balls) or items that make gentle sounds (bells, small rattles). This way, they can rely on their other senses to participate.
• Accessible spaces: If your child uses a wheelchair or has mobility challenges, place the eggs at different heights, and keep some at easy-to-reach spots. For older kids or those who can navigate independently, you can make it more challenging by hiding eggs in open spaces.

Painting Easter Eggs (with a Twist)

For kids who enjoy hands-on, creative activities but may find it hard to focus or express themselves with traditional paints or tools, there are plenty of alternative options. The tactile experience can be as important as the visual outcome.

• Shaving cream marbling: This one is sensory fun for all ages! Spray shaving cream into a tray, drop in some liquid food colouring, and use a stick to swirl the colours together. Then, place an egg (real or plastic) on top to make a marble effect. It’s mess-free and offers a squishy sensory experience.
• Textured egg art: Use fabric or textured papers, glue them onto the eggs, and let kids explore the different materials. Think soft fleece, bumpy bubble wrap, or velvety paper.
• Water beads and glitter: If tactile input is what your child enjoys, let them roll the eggs through squishy water beads or sprinkle them with glitter to feel the sensory differences between soft, slick, and gritty textures.

Easter Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage multiple senses at once and can be tailored to your child’s unique preferences and needs. You can create a themed Easter bin with objects related to the holiday, including Easter grass, faux eggs, and bunny-shaped toys, but add a twist to make it even more stimulating.

• Sound and movement: Incorporate bells or light, wind-up toys that move. When your child interacts with the bin, these sounds can provide extra stimulation and make the activity even more fun.
• Visual stimulation: Use colourful pom-poms, sequins, or marbles, alongside tactile items like squishy foam shapes, for visual stimulation.
• Smell: Add lavender sachets or essential oils to the sensory bin, allowing your child to explore scents along with textures and visuals.

Bunny Hop Obstacle Course

For children who benefit from movement and gross motor play, an Easter-themed obstacle course can be a great way to engage their bodies and senses. It encourages coordination, balance, and strength, and is a great way to burn off some energy in a playful, interactive way.

• Physical sensory input: You can set up different stations that focus on various senses, like hopping on soft mats (for tactile input), crawling under tunnels (for proprioceptive feedback), or jumping over soft cushions (for auditory stimulation when they land).
• Speech-friendly fun: For children who are non-verbal or have speech challenges, give them visual cues or signs to prompt actions during the obstacle course. You can incorporate their communication devices or any gestures they may use to make it a more interactive experience.

Easter-Themed Music and Dance Party

For kids who enjoy auditory and rhythmic stimulation, an Easter music session can be a great way to engage them in a fun, inclusive activity. Try playing different types of music, from gentle bunny-themed tunes to upbeat spring songs.

• Movement and Rhythm: Incorporate some simple dance moves or motions (like flapping arms or swaying side-to-side) to engage their bodies with the music. Use streamers or scarves to add a visual element and make the experience even more sensory-rich.
• Sound Variations: If your child is sensitive to loud noises, be mindful of the volume and opt for softer, calming music. If they thrive on auditory stimulation, you can introduce different instruments or rhythm-based activities.

Bunny Ears and Crafting Sensory Masks

For a calming yet creative Easter craft activity, why not try making bunny ears or Easter masks? These crafts allow children to express themselves while engaging their senses through textures, colours, and the physical activity of creating something to wear.

• Textured ears: Let the kids decorate their bunny ears with fuzzy felt, cotton balls, or even fabric with varying textures. These items add an extra sensory dimension and allow for tactile exploration.
• Personalised Masks: For those who may not want to wear something on their head, consider crafting bunny or egg masks. Kids can decorate them using beads, foam shapes, or glitter. The act of decorating engages their hands and vision while being easy to personalise.

More Inclusive Easter Fun for Physically Disabled Kids

Tabletop Easter Garden

Bring the Easter magic right to your child’s level with a sensory-rich mini garden they can create and tend from a seated position.

• Use a shallow tray or container and fill it with kinetic sand or soil-like potting mix.
• Add mini chicks, fake grass, pebbles, and small bunny figurines.
• Kids can arrange, scoop, dig, and explore using adaptive tools or even just their hands, all from a stable tabletop or tray.

This kind of sensory gardening gives kids control and a chance to create something beautiful while engaging their sense of touch and sight.

Seated Egg-and-Spoon Race (With a Twist!)

A classic Easter game made accessible! Instead of running, turn it into a steady-hand challenge.

• Use a tray on a wheelchair table or lap desk.
• Kids balance a plastic egg on a spoon and transfer it between cups or containers.
• For those with limited arm mobility, you can use extra-large spoons or adapted utensils and give as much support as needed.

It’s great for fine motor practice and builds focus – and the inevitable egg drops add a fun dose of laughter.

Velcro Egg Toss

This one’s a hit with kids who love movement but can’t manage traditional throwing games.

• Create or buy felt eggs and a large board or sheet with Velcro patches.
• The child can toss, press, or stick the eggs to the board from a seated position.
• For extra fun, make it a matching game – colour-match the eggs to Velcro patches or add numbers for a counting challenge.

This combines visual skills, hand-eye coordination, and just the right amount of movement.

Accessible Egg Decorating Station

For kids who may struggle with gripping small paintbrushes or handling delicate eggs, set up an adapted decorating area:

• Use egg holders or silicone cupcake moulds to keep eggs steady while decorating.
• Offer chunky or easy-grip paint brushes, markers, or stampers.
• For kids who use switches or eye gaze, you could explore using a paint spinner or electronic art tool they can control independently.

It’s all about making art accessible and letting your child express themselves in ways that feel empowering and fun.

Easter Story Time and Sensory Props

For a calm, connection-focused activity, try an Easter-themed story session with sensory elements woven in.

• Choose a simple, engaging Easter book and pair it with sensory props (fluffy bunny, soft grass, a plastic egg that opens, a chocolate scent).
• Let your child explore the items as the story progresses – this works wonderfully for children with limited movement and emerging communication skills.

You can read aloud or use recorded audio paired with AAC or visual supports.