Hosting An Outdoor Easter Egg Hunt This Year? Don't Forget To Check Your Forecast And Take These Other Tips Into Account

I could tell something was wrong as we gleefully examined our Easter baskets.

I was about 7 or 8-years-old, and it was a sunny Easter morning. My father was pulling on his jacket while whispering with my mother.

"Where are you going?" I asked, "We're about to do the Easter egg hunt."

My mother tried to distract us three girls by saying she was going to make pancakes. My father left and closed the door behind him.

"What's wrong?" I asked, alarmed.

"A raccoon got to the eggs outside," my mother whispered to me so that my sisters couldn't hear.

I glanced outside and noticed colorful foil and vibrant plastic scattered about. Critters had, indeed, gotten into our Easter treats. The hunt had been set up the night before, giving animals ample time to snack on our Easter candy.

Luckily my father was able to find a store open Easter morning, and he quickly replenished the hunt with new eggs and prizes. My two younger sisters were none the wiser. But we never forgot that lesson, and even as an adult with kids myself, I've never set up an Easter egg hunt the night before Easter.

Hide Eggs Shortly Before The Hunt

Animals are just one reason to set up your Easter egg hunt on Easter morning. If you’re in a warm region of the country, you won’t want the candy sitting out in the sun and heat, melting away. Morning dew could also affect the prizes, or an unexpected rain or snow (Easter snowfall isn’t unheard of). Leaving the eggs unattended overnight or for hours during the daytime leaves lots of room for the hunt to get ruined.

Check Your Local Forecast

One of the best things about the Easter holiday is that spring is beginning to ramp up; Tulips and daffodils are in bloom and the weather is beginning to warm. It’s often the first weekend people start to break out their spring wardrobe, and at least some of the holiday can often be spent enjoying the weather outdoors.

But the Easter Bunny may want to check the forecast before hiding those eggs in the yard because rain could potentially put a damper on that plan. Though the kids will likely be dressed in gorgeous pastel Easter apparel, the holiday can still pack a chill, depending on where you are in the country - especially in the morning. Don't forget sweaters or jackets for your egg hunt participants. No one wants the cold to ruin a good time.

Sneakers are a good idea to have on hand as well. Running around in dew-covered grass in dress shoes can make for a bad fall.

Checking your forecast beforehand could also help you decide the best time of day for your egg hunt.

Switch Gears If Rain Or Severe Weather Is Expected

If the day turns out to be rainy, or severe weather is expected, an indoor hunt can be just as fun.

The rain can ruin the treats and soak the kids’ fancy outfits, and severe weather can be dangerous when outdoors. It’s be better to be safe inside than sorry.

Easter candy tastes just as sweet whether the egg was found indoors or out. Try not to get down about a change of plans, because the kids will still have a blast. There’s always next year.