Looking for Easter activities that are more than just crafts and chocolate eggs?
Easter is a powerful opportunity to support your child’s development through meaningful, hands-on experiences. When guided by Montessori principles, Easter activities for toddlers and preschoolers can build independence, coordination, concentration, and confidence while naturally introducing early maths, language, creativity, and practical life skills.
From simple Easter craft ideas like egg colouring and threading, to hands-on activities such as sorting, counting, food preparation, and sensory play, these experiences help children learn through doing. The focus is not on the final product, but on the process of learning, exploring, and repeating.
If you’re looking for Easter activities and Easter craft ideas that go beyond entertainment and genuinely support your child’s development, explore our Montessori materials designed to encourage real learning through play.
Easter Cheat Sheet (Australia 2026)
Key Dates:
Good Friday: 3 April 2026
Easter Sunday: 5 April 2026
Easter Monday: 6 April 2026
Easter activities are a wonderful way to support your child’s development across:
Fine motor skills (painting, threading, grasping)
Gross motor skills (movement, coordination)
Sensory exploration (textures, water, natural materials)
Early numeracy (counting, sorting, sequencing)
Independence and confidence
The key is keeping activities simple, hands-on, and meaningful.
Making Easter Meaningful: A Montessori Approach to Learning Through Celebration
Easter is a season of renewal, growth, and new life — and this aligns beautifully with the foundations of Montessori education.
In Montessori, learning is not separated into subjects. Instead, children experience the world through interconnected areas of development — practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, and cultural understanding. Easter provides a natural opportunity to bring all of these areas together through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
From preparing food and caring for the environment, to exploring patterns, counting, storytelling, and connecting with nature, Easter becomes more than a celebration. It becomes a rich learning experience that supports the whole child.
What makes Montessori Easter activities different is their intention.
Rather than passive entertainment or one-off crafts, these activities:
Build independence through real-life tasks
Develop concentration through purposeful work
Strengthen coordination through hands-on materials
Encourage creativity without focusing on outcomes
Connect children to nature and seasonal change
This is where the magic of Montessori lies — children are not just participating in Easter, they are learning through it.
15 Easter Crafts and Activities to Do With Your Child This Year
Easter Activities for Infants (0–2 Years)
During the first two years of life, children learn through movement, repetition, and sensory exploration. In our Infant Program, we focus on supporting the absorbent mind through simple, real experiences that build coordination and curiosity.
Whole Hand Transfer
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: A muffin tray, and large objects such as plastic eggs, wooden eggs, large round pebbles, or soft balls (ensure they are baby-safe and not a choking hazard)
Developmental skill: Hand-eye coordination, early fine motor control, grasp and release
The activity:
Place a few objects into the sections of a muffin tray, leaving some spaces empty. Sit beside your child and slowly demonstrate how to pick up one object at a time using your whole hand, move it across, and place it into an empty section.
You can start with just 2–3 objects to keep the activity simple and achievable, then gradually increase the number as your child becomes more confident. The defined spaces in the tray help guide placement and support early coordination.
Once demonstrated, allow your child to explore and repeat independently at their own pace.
Why it matters:
This activity builds early coordination and strengthens the muscles needed for later fine motor skills such as writing. It also supports concentration and a sense of order, as children begin to understand placing objects with intention and completing a simple, repeatable task.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Demonstrate the movement slowly and intentionally once, then step back. The real learning happens in the child’s repetition — not in constant guidance — as they refine their coordination, build focus, and develop a sense of independence.
Open and Close Easter Containers
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: Plastic eggs, Easter themed jars, small containers with lids
Developmental skill: Problem-solving, hand strength
The activity:
Collect a small range of Easter themed containers and place them in a basket. Demonstrate how to open and close each one slowly, then invite your child to explore and practise. You can also add an Easter themed trinket such as a craft chicken inside the boxes for older children.
Start with simple snap-close eggs, then gradually introduce more complex containers that vary in size to support fine motor development and confidence.
Why it matters:
Children learn through trial and error, building problem-solving skills and persistence. It also strengthens hand and wrist movements needed for everyday tasks.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Offer just 2–3 containers at a time rather than a full basket. Limiting the choices helps your child focus, reduces overwhelm, and allows them to repeat the movement with intention — which is where the real learning happens.
Easter Sensory Basket
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: Soft toy, board book, eggs, fabric, textured objects
Developmental skill: Sensory exploration, language
The activity:
Gather a range of Easter-themed materials from around your home and place them in a basket. Include a mix of textures such as soft fabric, smooth eggs, and natural objects.
Ensure all items are safe and not a choking hazard, then allow your child to explore freely while you sit nearby and gently describe what they are experiencing.
Why it matters:
This supports sensory development and helps children understand their environment. It also builds early language and encourages calm, focused engagement.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Keep the basket simple and observe what your child is drawn to. Deep, uninterrupted exploration of just a few items builds far more learning than quickly moving through many.
Easter Activities for Toddlers (2–3 Years)
Toddlers are in a sensitive period for independence and movement. In our Toddler Program, we support children to take ownership of their learning through hands-on, repeatable tasks.
Egg or Posting Box
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: Box with slot, eggs or round objects
Developmental skill: Coordination, cause and effect
The activity:
Cut a slot into a box and demonstrate how to post one object at a time inside. Use plastic eggs, wooden shapes, soft toys, or you have available.
Encourage your child to repeat the activity, focusing on one movement at a time.
Why it matters:
This builds coordination and introduces cause-and-effect learning. It also supports concentration through repetition.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Allow your child to repeat the activity as many times as they like without interruption. Repetition is not boredom — it is how children refine skills and build concentration.
Easter Washing Station
Mess level: Medium
What you’ll need: Bowl of water, sponge, tray, eggs or toys
Developmental skill: Sequencing, independence
The activity:
Prepare a small Easter-themed washing station using a shallow bowl of warm water, a sponge, a tray, and a few drops of mild dish soap to create gentle bubbles. Include a selection of washable items such as plastic Easter eggs, small bunny or chick figurines, or even smooth stones collected during an Easter nature walk.
Sit beside your child and slowly demonstrate how to dip the sponge into the water, gently squeeze it, and carefully wash each object before placing it neatly on the tray to dry. You can frame this as “washing the Easter eggs” or “cleaning the bunnies” to add a sense of purpose and connection to the season.
Once demonstrated, invite your child to repeat the process independently, allowing them to work through the full sequence at their own pace.
Why it matters:
This builds independence through real-life tasks. It also supports sequencing and responsibility.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Show the full sequence from start to finish — wash, place, and tidy — then allow your child to complete it independently. Children thrive when they can see and repeat a complete process.
Easter Egg Scoop and Transfer
Mess level: Low to Medium
What you’ll need: A shallow tray, two small bowls, a spoon or scoop, and objects such as small plastic eggs, large pom poms, or wooden balls
Developmental skill: Fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration
The activity:
Set up a tray with one bowl filled with objects and an empty bowl beside it. Demonstrate how to use a spoon or scoop to carefully transfer one item at a time from one bowl to the other.
You can start with larger, easier-to-handle objects like plastic eggs or pom poms, then gradually introduce smaller or more challenging items as your child’s coordination develops. Allow your child to repeat the movement at their own pace.
Why it matters:
This activity strengthens hand control and coordination while building concentration through repetition. It also prepares children for later skills such as using utensils and writing.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Choose tools and objects that match your child’s current ability so they experience success. When children feel capable, they are more likely to repeat the activity and build mastery.
Easter Egg Colour Sorting
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: A collection of coloured eggs or objects (such as plastic eggs, coloured pebbles, or pom poms) and small bowls or sections for sorting
Developmental skill: Classification, visual discrimination, early maths
The activity:
Place a mixed collection of coloured objects in a basket and demonstrate how to sort them into matching bowls by colour. Start with two colours, then gradually introduce more as your child becomes confident.
You can use plastic eggs for an Easter theme or substitute with any coloured objects you have at home. Encourage your child to continue independently.
Why it matters:
This activity builds early mathematical thinking by helping children recognise patterns and differences. It also strengthens focus and attention to detail.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Begin with clear, contrasting colours to make sorting easier. As your child’s skills develop, you can introduce similar shades to gently increase the challenge.
Easter Egg Hide and Find (Object Permanence Game)
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: A few eggs or small objects, and a cloth or small basket
Developmental skill: Memory, problem-solving, concentration
The activity:
Sit with your child and place one or two eggs in front of them. Slowly hide one under a cloth or inside a basket while they watch, then invite them to find it.
As your child becomes more confident, you can hide multiple objects or place them slightly out of sight. Keep the activity simple and repeatable.
Why it matters:
This activity builds memory and problem-solving skills as children learn that objects still exist even when they are out of sight. It also supports concentration and curiosity.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Keep the hiding spots simple and visible at first to build confidence. Success encourages repetition, which is where the learning happens.
Easter Size Sequencing (Eggs, Carrots or Chicks)
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: A set of Easter-themed objects in graduated sizes (up to 10), such as nesting plastic eggs, wooden eggs, cardboard egg cut-outs, felt carrots, or chick shapes, plus a mat or tray
Developmental skill: Visual discrimination, early maths (sequencing and seriation), problem-solving, concentration
The activity:
Prepare a set of Easter-themed objects in a clear size progression, ideally ranging from smallest to largest. You might use nesting eggs, create your own paper or cardboard cut-outs, or use felt shapes that gradually increase in size.
Begin by selecting a smaller set of 3 objects and place them randomly on a mat. Sit beside your child and slowly demonstrate how to find the largest item first, place it down, then continue ordering the remaining objects from largest to smallest.
As your child builds confidence, gradually increase the number of objects to 4, 5, and beyond, eventually working towards a full set of up to 10 sizes. Always allow your child to repeat the activity and adjust their work independently.
Why it matters:
This activity introduces seriation, a key early mathematical concept, helping children understand size, order, and comparison. It also strengthens concentration and logical thinking as children visually assess, organise, and refine their work.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Always introduce the activity with fewer items first, even if you have a full set of 10 available. In Montessori, we isolate difficulty and build gradually, ensuring children experience success before increasing complexity.
Easter Activities for Preschoolers (3–6 Years)
Preschool-aged children are ready for more complex learning and real responsibility. Our Preschool Program supports children to refine their skills across maths, language, and practical life.
Carrot Grating and Food Preparation
Mess level: Medium
What you’ll need: Carrot, child-safe grater, bowl
Developmental skill: Coordination, independence
The activity:
Prepare a small, child-sized workstation with a peeled carrot, a child-safe grater, a bowl, and a plate for serving. Sit beside your child and slowly demonstrate how to hold the carrot securely and grate it using controlled, downward movements, keeping your fingers safely away from the blade.
Once demonstrated, invite your child to take over and work at their own pace. You can extend the activity by showing them how to transfer the grated carrot into a bowl, set the table, and serve it as part of a snack or meal.
Why it matters:
This builds real-life skills and confidence. It also strengthens coordination and sequencing.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Position yourself beside your child rather than in front of them when demonstrating. This allows them to mirror your movements more naturally and confidently.
Easter Flower Arranging
Mess level: Low to Medium
What you’ll need: A small jug or cup with water, a child-sized vase or jar, and a selection of flowers or greenery (these can be picked from the garden, bought, or even simple leaves and herbs)
Developmental skill: Fine motor skills, coordination, independence, care of environment
The activity:
Invite your child to collect flowers using a small Easter basket, either from your garden or during a short walk. Back at home, set up a simple workstation with a small jug of water and a vase, and demonstrate how to carefully pour the water and place each flower into the container.
Show your child how to hold the stems gently and arrange them one at a time, then allow them to continue independently. You can extend the activity by placing the arrangement on a table as part of your Easter setup, giving the work a clear purpose.
Why it matters:
This activity builds fine motor control and coordination through careful pouring and placing movements. It also encourages independence and a sense of responsibility, as children contribute meaningfully to their environment.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Use a small amount of water and a stable, child-sized jug to support success. In Montessori, adjusting the environment to the child’s size and ability helps build confidence and allows them to work independently.
Easter Egg Counting and Number Matching
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: Plastic or wooden eggs, numbered cards or paper egg cut-outs with numbers, and small counting materials such as beads, pom poms, mini carrots, or collected natural items like pebbles
Developmental skill: Number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, logical thinking, concentration
The activity:
Prepare a set of eggs or cards labelled with numbers (for example 1–10) and place them on a mat or tray. Alongside them, provide a small bowl of counting materials such as pom poms, beads, or small Easter-themed objects.
Sit beside your child and demonstrate how to take one number, count out the correct number of objects slowly and deliberately, and place them either inside the egg or next to the card. Emphasise touching each object as you count to reinforce one-to-one correspondence.
Once demonstrated, invite your child to continue independently, working through each number at their own pace. You can adapt the materials depending on your child’s interest — for example, using small pebbles collected on a nature walk, mini toy chicks, or felt carrots for a more engaging Easter theme.
Why it matters:
This activity builds a strong foundation for mathematical understanding by helping children connect numbers with quantity. It also develops concentration, sequencing, and problem-solving as children work through each step independently.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Start with a small number range (such as 1–3 or 1–5) and only increase once your child shows confidence. In Montessori, mastery comes from repetition and success, not rushing ahead.
Stone Painting with Cotton Tips
Mess level: Medium
What you’ll need: Stones, paint, cotton tips
Developmental skill: Fine motor precision
The activity:
Begin by inviting your child to go on a simple nature scavenger hunt using a small Easter basket. Collect smooth, round stones from your garden or a local park, encouraging your child to choose and carry their own.
Once home, wash and dry the stones together, then set up a small painting station with cotton tips and a few colours of paint. Demonstrate how to create dot patterns, then allow your child to explore and create at their own pace.
You can keep it simple or extend the activity by introducing patterns or turning the stones into Easter-themed designs.
Why it matters:
This builds precision and control needed for writing. It also supports creativity and focus.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Encourage slow, controlled movements when using cotton tips. This builds the precision and hand control needed for writing.
Easter Egg Threading
Mess level: Low
What you’ll need: String, egg cut-outs
Developmental skill: Coordination, concentration
The activity:
Prepare a set of egg-shaped cardboard cut-outs with pre-made holes around the edges. Thread a piece of string, ribbon, or a shoelace through one hole to begin, and demonstrate slowly how to guide the string in and out of each hole in a consistent pattern.
For younger children or beginners, use thicker string or shoelaces and larger holes to make the movement easier and more achievable. You can also secure the end of the string with a small piece of tape to create a firm “needle,” making it easier for little hands to grip and thread.
Place the materials neatly on a tray or mat and invite your child to continue independently. Allow them to work at their own pace, repeating the movement and gradually completing the shape, rather than rushing to finish.
Why it matters:
This supports hand-eye coordination and concentration. It also prepares children for everyday skills.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Use thicker string or shoelaces for beginners and secure the end with tape. This reduces frustration and allows children to focus on the movement itself.
Easter Egg Colouring (Natural Dye Method)
Mess level: Medium
What you’ll need: Hard-boiled eggs, natural food colouring such as water from boiled onions or beetroot (or food dye), white vinegar, small bowls or cups, spoons, paper towel, a small amount of oil (such as olive oil) for polishing
Developmental skill: Fine motor skills, creativity, sequencing, concentration
The activity:
Prepare a simple workspace with small bowls of water, a few drops of natural food colouring, and a splash of vinegar in each bowl. Demonstrate how to gently lower a hard-boiled egg into the dye using a spoon, leave it to absorb the colour, then carefully remove and place it on paper towel to dry.
Once dry, you can extend the activity by showing your child how to lightly rub a small amount of oil onto the egg using their hands or a cloth to give it a soft shine. Allow your child to explore different colours and repeat the process at their own pace.
Why it matters:
This activity builds fine motor control and coordination through careful handling and transferring of the eggs. It also introduces sequencing and patience, as children follow a process and wait for the transformation to occur.
Montessori Pro Tip:
Focus on the process rather than achieving a perfect result, and allow your child to repeat the steps as many times as they wish. In Montessori, it is the repetition, care, and sense of ownership that builds concentration, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
It’s About the Process, Not the Product
The most valuable part of any Easter activity is not what your child creates, it is what they experience.
In Montessori, we understand that learning is not about producing perfect outcomes, but about engaging in meaningful, purposeful work. When a child carefully transfers an object, patiently colours an egg, or repeats a simple task over and over, they are building far more than a finished product. They are developing concentration, coordination, independence, and a deep sense of capability.
It is through this process of exploration and repetition that children begin to understand themselves and the world around them. They learn to focus, to persist, to problem-solve, and to take pride in their own efforts.
When we slow down, step back, and allow children the time and space to fully engage, we give them something far more valuable than a craft to take home. We give them the foundations for confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Easter Printables to Continue Learning at Home
We’re also happy to share some free Easter printables to enjoy with your children over the long weekend. Our Easter Printable download includes the following activities:
- 62 Easter eggs of different patterns (31 pairs)
- 6 Identification cards
These printables are suited for both Toddlers and Preschoolers. Click on the image below to download the printable.
This Easter activity pack is a fun, engaging way for children to explore visual recognition, pattern matching, and early logic skills through seasonal play. Designed to align with Montessori principles, the printable encourages independence and hands-on exploration.
The colourful egg designs invite children to compare, identify, and pair similar patterns – a simple yet effective exercise in developing focus, concentration, and visual memory. These types of matching games also build foundational problem-solving abilities in early childhood.
What is Included in The Printable
The set features 31 unique egg pattern pairs, each with distinct colours and designs. Children can match the eggs individually or turn them into a memory-style game by placing them face down and taking turns flipping two at a time. Activities like these help reinforce cognitive flexibility and attention to detail.
The six identification cards offer an extra layer of learning. These can be used to sort eggs by category, guide visual searches, or serve as prompts for storytelling. For example, you might ask, “Can you find all the eggs with dots?” or “Which egg matches the one on this card?”
We hope this free Easter printable brings a sense of fun and learning to your home or classroom.
Ready to Experience Montessori in Action?
Discover how Montessori education supports your child’s development through hands-on learning.
Learn more about our Montessori curriculum
Or book a tour at your nearest Montessori Academy
Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Activities for Children
What are some easy Easter activities for toddlers?
Simple Easter activities for toddlers include egg transferring, Easter washing stations, egg colouring, posting activities, and sensory baskets. The best activities are hands-on, easy to set up using materials you already have at home, and allow children to repeat the task independently.
How do Montessori Easter activities support child development?
Montessori Easter activities support development by building independence, coordination, concentration, and confidence through purposeful, hands-on experiences. Children learn through real tasks such as preparing food, sorting, counting, and exploring textures, rather than passive or overly structured activities.
What are some simple Easter craft ideas I can do at home?
Simple Easter craft ideas include egg painting, stone painting with cotton tips, threading egg shapes, and making Easter baskets using paper or natural materials. These activities focus on the process of creating, helping children develop fine motor skills and creativity without pressure to achieve a perfect result.
What materials can I use for Easter activities at home?
You can use a wide range of everyday materials such as plastic eggs, wooden eggs, large round pebbles, cardboard cut-outs, baskets, bowls, paint, cotton tips, sponges, string, and child-safe kitchen tools. The most important consideration is choosing materials that are safe, age-appropriate, and easy for your child to handle.
Are Easter activities suitable for babies and infants?
Yes, Easter activities can be adapted for infants by focusing on sensory exploration and simple movement-based tasks. Activities such as sensory baskets, whole-hand transferring, rolling objects, and opening and closing containers support early coordination, curiosity, and development.
How can I make Easter activities more meaningful for my child?
To make Easter activities more meaningful, focus on simple, hands-on experiences that allow your child to actively participate. Prioritise real-life tasks, natural materials, and repetition, and shift your focus away from the final product towards the learning process.
What skills do Easter activities help develop in children?
Easter activities can support a wide range of developmental skills including fine motor skills, gross motor coordination, sensory processing, early numeracy, problem-solving, and independence. When approached intentionally, they also build concentration, confidence, and a love of learning.
Easter Activity Shopping List
The beauty of Montessori-inspired Easter activities is that you don’t need to buy everything new. In fact, some of the most meaningful materials are the ones you already have at home or can source naturally.
Below is a simple guide to help you prepare, while keeping things practical, affordable, and sustainable.
Everyday Materials You Likely Already Have
Before buying anything, start by looking around your home:
Small baskets or containers
Bowls, trays, and spoons
Jars with lids or reusable containers
Cloths, sponges, and tea towels
String, ribbon, or shoelaces
Paper, cardboard, or packaging materials
These everyday items are often the most effective, as they are familiar, functional, and easy for children to use.
Easter-Themed Materials (Optional Additions)
If you’d like to add a seasonal element, consider:
Plastic or wooden Easter eggs
Soft bunny or chick toys
Easter-themed cookie cutters
Egg cartons for sorting or counting
Simple craft materials like paint and cotton tips
These can enhance engagement, but they are not essential — the learning comes from the activity, not the theme.
Natural & Low-Cost Materials
Some of the best Montessori materials are found outdoors or repurposed:
Smooth stones or pebbles (for sorting, painting, counting)
Leaves, flowers, and natural materials(for arranging and sensory play)
Sticks or bark (for texture exploration)
Natural food dyes (beetroot, onion skins, turmeric)
Collecting materials can become part of the experience, helping children connect with nature and their environment.
Kitchen & Practical Life Items
For real-life, hands-on learning:
Carrots or vegetables for food preparation
Child-safe grater or peeler
Small jugs or cups for pouring
Plates and bowls for serving
These activities are some of the most valuable, as they build independence and confidence through real tasks.
A Note on Sustainability and Intentional Choices
Montessori encourages us to be thoughtful not only in how children learn, but also in the environments we create for them.
Rather than buying more, consider:
Using what you already have
Repurposing household items
Thrifting or sourcing second-hand materials
Choosing natural, reusable materials over plastic where possible
Simple, well-chosen materials are often more engaging and meaningful than busy or overly decorative ones. Children are naturally drawn to real objects, natural textures, and purposeful work.
Final Thought for Parents
You do not need the “perfect” setup to create meaningful Easter experiences.
What matters most is:
Creating a calm, inviting space
Offering simple, purposeful activities
Allowing your child time to explore and repeat
When we shift our focus from buying more to doing less with intention, we create richer, more meaningful learning moments for our children.