Easter sits at that unpredictable time of year when the weather can swing from glorious sunshine to drizzle and grey skies in a matter of hours. That can make planning for the school holidays a challenge, especially when you’re trying to keep costs low.

To help, we’ve pulled together some weather‑proof, budget‑friendly ideas and activities that can keep your children occupied throughout the Easter break.

If the sun is on your side grab a blanket, pack some Easter‑themed snacks (think hot cross buns, chick-decorated cupcakes, or carrot sticks for that bunny vibe), and head to your local park, favourite countryside spot, or even your own garden. Add toys or books and you’ve got yourself a perfect relaxed afternoon. If the rain sets in you can create a cosy indoor picnic instead. Just scatter cushions on the floor, pile up some blankets, and enjoy the same treats in dry, snuggly comfort.

Creating some sweet treats to eat is an easy way to capture your child’s attention for a while and a great way to tempt them away from screens, so if Easter has left you with a mountain of chocolate turn it into a family fun activity. Choose easy-to-make cookies or cake bites – just mix melted easter egg with your favourite cereal and a little golden syrup and pack it into cupcake cases – then just top with mini eggs. Alternatively, you can fold your chopped up chocolate it into your cookie dough for some creative bakes or making your own chocolate bark by adding melted chocolate on to a tray (extra points for swirling different colours together) and adding colourful edible sprinkles or dried fruit. As well as getting children to mix the different ingredients together, let your children feel all the ingredients as they are added for some extra sensory exploration.

Egg decorating is a great Easter activity and can be a fun way to pass the time. Simply hard boil some eggs and when they are cooled decorate them with some non-toxic paint, stickers or stamps. You can also add different types of material to them for sensory appealing textures, such a brightly coloured ribbons, bubble wrap, fuzzy or fluffy material. This activity isn’t just fun; it can also help with fine motor skills too.

For a longer, more involved craft, create your own Easter egg salt dough decorations. Just mix two parts plain flour with one part salt and one part water, knead into a smooth dough and roll to 5mm-1cm thick. Then you can cut out egg shapes (or bunny or chick shapes) before they are baked at 100°C-140°C for 2-3 hours until hard. Once cooled, paint and decorate them together, but be sure to add a small hole before baking if you want to hang them as decorations or attach them to Easter cards.

If you want your children to burn off some energy, create a mini Easter sports challenge. Ideas include an egg and spoon race, or a bunny hop obstacle course – which can also be done indoors if the weather is bad. For obstacles you can use whatever you have to hand such as piles of cushions, rolled up blankets or boxes.

A scavenger hunt either around the house or in the garden is the perfect way to keep children occupied for a while and encourages problem solving skills. Leave visual clues for them to work out at each stage so they can find their ‘treasure’ at the end in the shape of their favourite treat.

Creating space for calm moments is important too, so make a calm-down glitter jar which can help children regulate their emotions. Not only can they be fun to make together you can then take it out with you wherever you go. To make, fill a jar with warm water, clear glue, and pastel glitter, or use clear hair gel and the glitter colour of your choice, then add different size Easter confetti and small objects such as small rubber ducks. If a jar isn’t practical, use strong freezer bags which are completely sealed.

If you need some quiet time to re-charge, then some story-time snuggles are in order. Just grab some Easter-themed books from your local library, book shop or charity shop, or check what’s available online. If the weather is nice head outside for some fresh air reading (add a blanket if the air is still a bit chilly) but curling up on the sofa can be just as magical.