Spending Easter outdoors with family is a beautiful way to embrace the spirit of togetherness, especially in a lively, colorful place like Lagos or any vibrant African city.
Easter isn’t just about spiritual reflection—it’s also about celebration, laughter, and reconnecting with one another. If you’re looking for the best outdoor activities to enjoy with family during Easter, here’s a thoughtful and expressive guide filled with ideas that blend tradition, fun, nature, and culture:
1. Go for a Family Beach Day
Easter in Lagos often means sunshine and cool sea breeze (with a few showers here and there). Take advantage of the city’s many beautiful beaches for a relaxed yet festive outing. Tarkwa Bay, Elegushi, Oniru, and Landmark Beach offer great vibes with amenities that suit both children and adults.
Pack a picnic basket with homemade food—jollof rice, grilled meats, plantain, and cold drinks—and make a full day of it. Let the kids build sandcastles while adults relax under canopies or play beach volleyball. You can also bring along a portable speaker and play uplifting gospel or Afrobeats music to keep the mood joyful.
Many beaches offer horse rides, quad bikes, and even small boats for rent, adding a touch of adventure to the family day out.
2. Attend an Outdoor Gospel Concert or Church Picnic
Many churches host Easter outdoor services or picnics, especially on Easter Monday. These are usually full-day events with prayers, praise and worship, drama performances, and then lots of food, games, and bonding time.
The beauty of such gatherings is the blend of spirituality and celebration. It reminds everyone—especially the younger generation—that worship can be joyful and inclusive. You’ll often see aunties dancing to live choirs, children running around with painted faces, and uncles debating over who has the best suya.
You can also organize a DIY family picnic at a park or garden if your church doesn’t host one. Take along a Bible for a short family devotion, then transition into fun, games, and food.
3. Explore Nature and Parks Together
Lagos is home to several green and scenic spots that are perfect for Easter weekend. You could visit:
- Lekki Conservation Centre – Walk the canopy bridge, see monkeys, and enjoy a calm moment in nature.
- Freedom Park – A peaceful, historical space to sit, reflect, and enjoy live music or local exhibitions if available.
- Jhalobia Recreation Park or Muri Okunola Park – Lovely for a quiet afternoon picnic and gentle play.
Being in nature allows the family to slow down, reflect on the meaning of Easter, and enjoy God’s creation. Bring along a journal or a gratitude notebook where each person can write what Easter means to them—it becomes a special memory you can keep forever.
READ ALSO: 10 Luxurious Beaches in Lagos to Visit This Easter
4. Organize or Join an Easter Egg Hunt
This is always a hit with children and surprisingly fun for adults too. You can either join a public Easter egg hunt—many malls, hotels, and family centers in Lagos host these—or plan one yourself in your compound, a park, or even a friend’s backyard.
Hide eggs (plastic ones filled with candy or small coins) and make the hunt a bit challenging with riddles or clues. You can even add a cultural twist by including African proverbs as clues or hiding traditional snacks like chin chin or kokoro along with the eggs.
End the hunt with a small gift-giving ceremony—something sweet for the kids and perhaps a Bible verse card for each participant.
5. Take a Family Boat Ride or Visit the Lagoon
If you want something a bit more adventurous, take the family on a boat ride across the Lagos lagoon. Boat cruise companies like Prest Cruise, Tarzan Marine, or Bella Boats offer family-friendly packages. Some include snacks, drinks, music, and guides for safety.
Imagine watching the sun set over the water with your loved ones, sharing stories or reflecting on what the resurrection means for your family. It’s a calming and unforgettable way to bond.
For a more affordable option, consider visiting waterfront gardens or jetty-view spots where the family can relax and watch boats go by while enjoying local snacks and chilled drinks.
6. Visit a Cultural or Art Space
Places like the Nike Art Gallery, Terra Kulture, or National Museum can make for educational and engaging outings. Many host Easter-themed exhibitions, kids’ workshops, or craft markets during the season.
You’ll be surprised how these places can spark meaningful family conversations—about heritage, creativity, identity, and even faith. Younger children might enjoy painting or clay modeling activities, while adults take in the deeper messages behind the art.
After the visit, head to a nearby buka or restaurant for a family-style meal. It gives a sense of completeness to the outing—art, culture, and food, all wrapped in love.
7. Plan a Family Game Day Outdoors
Not every Easter outing has to cost money. Sometimes, the most treasured moments are the simplest ones. Gather your extended family or close friends for a family sports or games day at a local field, school playground, or compound.
Bring along skipping ropes, balls, ludo, ayo, cards, and chairs. Play team games like tug-of-war, sack race, and relays. Include small prizes or “bragging rights” for winners to make it even more fun.
Make a rule that no one is allowed to talk about work, school, or stress—just play, eat, laugh, and take photos. This kind of bonding builds resilience and togetherness that lasts beyond the Easter weekend.
In conclusion, Easter isn’t just about being inside the church building—it’s about taking the message of life, joy, and renewal into every part of our lives. Whether you’re by the ocean, in a park, or under a canopy in your compound, what matters most is the love and unity shared with those around you.
With a little planning and a lot of heart, your family can make this Easter unforgettable—filled with sunshine, laughter, worship, and connection. The memories you create now will echo for years, reminding everyone that no matter where you go in life, home is always where love gathers.