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How to Host a Virtual Easter Egg Hunt

How to Host a Virtual Easter Egg Hunt

From Country Living

Our Easter traditions are near and dear to our hearts. Whether the special day involves wearing our finest clothes to a church service and then serving a delicious homemade Easter dinner to the family or a morning spent searching for Easter baskets in our pajamas and eating at our favorite local restaurant, we look forward to this holiday every year. For Easter 2021, we're going to have to get a little creative!

We know this Easter is going to be a little different, with restrictions on gatherings that will change everything from how we attend a church service to hosting our family at dinner. But there's one tradition that can still go on—and safely, too. Virtual Easter egg hunts mean that kids young (and old!) can hunt for treasures from the comfort of their homes and backyards, while friends and family look on (and have their own hunts) via videoconferencing apps. Here's how to do it.

First, invite your family.

Fire up that group chat or send an email to everyone you'd like to "attend" your virtual gathering. You might have to explain the concept of a virtual Easter egg hunt. Give the date and time you're thinking of starting yours and some details as to how they can "participate." The biggest question will be about the videoconferencing app. Which one you choose will depend on how many will be calling in, how long your hunt will be, and the type of tech most people have. (For instance, FaceTime can accommodate up to 32 guests on a call, but everyone has to have an Apple device. Zoom is a good user-friendly option.)

Prepare for the hunt.

If you haven't already, make arrangements to (safely) pick up Easter eggs, candy, baskets, and any other necessary supplies from the store. While you can still find these items available online, delivery windows might affect the arrival of your must-haves. If you're keeping it old-school with dyed Easter eggs, anticipate picking up eggs earlier than usual just in case grocery delivery schedules are affected (and in case your local Easter bunnies have been hoarding). Note: With everyone at home, expect to get very creative when hiding your holiday haul.

Have your kids entertain guests while you do the hiding.

Set up your videoconferencing app first, then position your computer (or phone) in another room while you hide eggs in the living room or wherever your hunt will take place. Your little ones can greet guests as they "arrive" in the app, which in turn will keep them out of your hair while you hide the eggs. Of course, have another adult on supervision duty to make sure curious hands don't accidentally close the video window.

Make a few special eggs for guests.

This is a little touch to help guests feel like they're part of the fun: Label an egg with the name of a friend or family member who will be attending the virtual hunt. When your child finds that egg, have them show it to the corresponding loved one. You can also designate special prizes from guests, like an extra chocolate bunny from Grandma and Grandpa.

Let the fun begin!

When you're ready, bring your laptop or phone to the Easter egg hunt location, and let the kids start searching. Add surprise twists to your hunt by only allowing 10 seconds of hunting at a time (then egg hunters have to temporarily "freeze"), ask kids to do a silly dance whenever they find an egg, or simply have them show off their favorites as they find them. Remember, the more interaction with guests, the more fun everyone has.

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