4. Build an indoor den. Blankets draped over furniture will do for younger children. Older ones might prefer to convert the cupboard under the stairs.

5. Introduce the kids to karaoke. Give the kids a microphone and tell them to rehearse their favourite songs for a "New Zealand Idol"style performance. Some gaming machines like PlayStation and X-Box have these games on them. Sing along with the kids and have fun! You can also hire them from your local DVD store.

6. Play party games. There's no reason why musical statues, musical chairs and blind man's bluff should only be played at children's parties.

7. Do experiments. Kitchen-table science is educational as well as entertaining. Baking soda, vinegar and food colouring are the key ingredients to create a foaming lava from a volcano. See our fun pages for some great experiments you can do at home.

8. Put on an Easter play. Assign roles, make costumes and let the kids come up with the script. Invite friends and family over for the showing. You could even sell tickets and provide afternoon tea once the performance is finished.

9. Get cooking. Children love spending quality time in the kitchen. The Library has some great kids recipe books and even some Easter themed ones.

10. Revisit old board games. Rainy days will fly by with a few rounds of Monopoly, Cluedo or even Snap.

11. Get reading. Settle the kids down and encourage them to read to themselves, to each other or to sit and listen to you read them a book. Have a discussion about the book once you have finished. There are some great Easter books in the Library.

12. Make your own Hot Cross Buns. These are fun and easy to make if you have a bread maker.

13. Go on an Easter egg hunt. Have a wee treasure hunt around your garden or the local neighbourhood. Kids of all ages love this, get the older kids helping the younger ones and divy up your stash at the end!

14. Teach the kids the reason why we have Easter. Read the story aloud from a Child's Bible.

15. Make your own Easter Eggs. Buy some cheap chocolate moulds from the Warehouse or Spotlight. Melt some chocolate and then get the kids to help pour the chocolate in the moulds. Wrap in cellophane and give as wee gifts to Grandparents and friends.

16. Egg Rolling -  Take the painted eggs from above and then take them to a local hill.  There are two ways in which you can hold the competition.  Firstly, you can see who’s egg rolls the furthest down the hill without breaking.  Secondly, you can see who’s egg last for the largest number of throws without breaking.  This works best if the eggs are hard boiled for several hours and if you each take several eggs with you, or else the event is over very quickly!

17. Have a fancy dress party. For those of you who love to dress up and make any excuse to have a party, then why not hold a fancy dress party with an Easter theme.  This can be just for the children or for friends and family of all ages. 

18. A family Easter quiz. If you have a sit down meal at Easter, then a fun way to liven up the occasion is to hold an Easter themed quiz.  Use the Internet to help you find interesting questions that will suit the different age groups of the family.  You can have themes on music, television and Easter traditions.

19. Check out what's on locally. Stations of the Cross - 7th annual art experience journeying through the Hamilton Gardens under the stars. 15 installations depicting the Passion of Christ. From 8pm to 10pm each night. Well worth the visit.

20. Anzac Day falls on Easter Monday. Why not get the kids out of bed early and attend one of the many dawn services happening around the country.

21. As the weather is cooling down why not make a day at the hot pools. There are lots of places around the Waikato that have Natural hot springs. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.

22. Get crafty! There are lots of Easter colouring pages on the net which you can print off for free, and great craft idea's too. The $2 shop is great for getting supplies.

23. Why not be adventurous and go on a road trip to Auckland. There's lots to do up there inc The Easter Show, Kelly Tarltons, MOTAT and the Auckland Zoo.

24. Visit your local SPCA. Even if your not looking for a pet why not take a long a can of pet food to help them out and support the great work that they do.

25. Collect all the foil wrappers from your Easter Eggs and make a colourful collage.