Nothing makes children happier than hunting for sweet treats during Easter.
Image: Pexels
While driving home and listening to the radio, I couldn't help but chuckle at the predicament of parents whose Easter egg stash had been raided. It sounded like their kids had channelled their inner Sherlock Holmes to successfully solve the case of the missing treats.
It's a familiar challenge: busy schedules demand early preparations to spoil the little ones counting down to the long Easter weekend, which runs from April 3 to 6.
Planning Easter activities and meals is a common parental task, which often includes figuring out the logistics of the Easter Bunny's visit.
Children typically delight in exploring the garden, feeling the satisfaction of their keen detective work leading to a sweet reward.
For a more adventurous Easter egg hunt, exciting alternative options are available for those looking for a change of pace.
Check out some of the popular venues that are transforming the traditional hunt into an unforgettable experience.
The prospect of an Easter egg hunt here is sure to thrill your children!
Beyond the fun, it offers an educational experience, tapping into their natural engagement with animals and the outdoors.
Throughout the long weekend, they can look forward to exciting treasure hunts, plenty of chocolate treats, and special appearances by the Easter Bunny.
The hunts are scheduled daily from 11.30 am to 3.30pm. Remember to arrive early to secure your child's spot, as participation is limited by numbers.
Where: Fourways.
When: Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
Cost: Standard entry fees apply; check their website for more information.
Kids on a farm, I don’t think parents will need to do much arm-twisting with the little ones. In fact, I suspect they will have a difficult time convincing them to go home.
What can those curious minds expect?
They will have to search for coloured stones hidden among the raspberry bushes. Once they’ve collected three different colour stones, they can be exchanged for a marshmallow egg, a candy-coated chocolate egg and one hollow milk egg.
There’s also a guided Easter story walk.
Walk-ins are not permitted; please buy your tickets ahead of time.
Where: De Deur, 1876 Walkerville.
When: April 4 to 5, from 9am to 3pm.
Cost: R100 per child.
Foodies love this market; it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser from Wednesday to Sunday.
The annual Easter egg hunt promises oodles of fun.
This year, it’s been divided into two separate age groups to ensure it is a fair race when the whistle blows.
Where: 10 MacMillan Rd, Glenferness AH.
When: Friday, April 3. For the little ones aged two to four, from 8am to 8.30 am. Kids aged five to eight can hunt from 8.45 am to 9.15am.
Cost: R20 per child, payable at entrance.
Now in its fifth year, this equestrian festival entertains the whole family.
In addition to the vehicle parade, and true to its name, the festival features Easter egg hunts, various food and market stalls, and ample entertainment for children.
Where: Kyalami Park Club.
When: Runs from March 28 until April 6.
Cost: Free entry.
In the same vicinity, there’s plenty of fun from family movie night, paint your own egg, a curated market, and various other activities.
For an additional cost, you can paint your own gift back.
Where: Hawthorne Road, Kyalami.
When: Thursday, April 2, from 3pm to 7.30pm.
Cost: R150 per adult, R100 per kid, R50 for the Easter egg hunt.
This fundraising event, where attendees are welcome to donate marshmallow eggs or money at the Beethoven Coffee Shop, also has myriad activities for the little ones.
Parents can expect their bundles of joy to be kept busy with the jumping castles, pottery painting and egg hunt.
The Nice Restaurant, as well as the aforementioned coffee shop, have plenty of budget-friendly meals on offer.
Where: 11 Poplar Avenue, Riverclub, Sandton.
When: Sunday, March 22, at 3pm for children between one and three and at 3.20pm for children between four and 12 years old.
Cost: R60 per child.
Don't stress about how to keep the children entertained this Easter, The Rand Show has plenty of options, including an Easter egg hunt.
Image: Supplied
Last but not least, The Rand Show is a staple for families around Easter.
There’s just so much for everything. Parents can also channel their inner child with all the different options.
You little ones will most likely gravitate towards the egg hunts, egg painting, character meet-and-greets like Tom & Jerry and the Powerpuff Girls.
The theme park is going to keep the fun going the entire day.
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre (NASREC), Hall 8.
When: April 2 to 6.
Cost: Check the website for the different prices, which include family packages.