The time of year has arrived for pastel colors, chocolate bunnies, and spiffy outfits. Grab the kids and enjoy spring’s first major holiday at an Easter celebration near you.
EASTER-EGG HUNTS
In case you can’t make the Easter-weekend fun, Friends of Friendship Park is hosting a hunt at Tenleytown’s at Friendship “Turtle” Park Monday, April 25, at 3:30. (Heads up, the playground will be closed at 2:30).
At Del Ray’s Bean Creative Grassy Field (Mt. Vernon & East Del Ray Aves.) April 17, from 1 to 4, the Easter Bunny will pose for pictures and oversee two egg hunts—the first one at 1 is for kids six and under, and the second one at 1:30 is for kids seven through ten. All children will be eligible to win a two-foot chocolate bunny from ACKC. The Del Ray Business Association is also hosting a hunt for adults and their dogs at the same time, in which select shops will provide eggs filled with coupons, candy, and doggie treats.
Herndon is hosting its egg hunt at the Herndon Municipal Center Saturday, April 23, from 10:30 to 12:30, rain or shine. The hunts are organized by age (walking age through seven years old), and there’ll also be art projects and a baby-animal petting zoo. Bring your own basket; $7 per participant.
If you’re in Falls Church, there’s a free hunt at Cherry Hill Park Saturday, April 23, at 10 AM. Bring your own basket to hold the eggs you find. Afterward, children 11 and younger can participate in crafts and meet the Easter Bunny. Rain date Monday, April 25.
Bring your basket to Reston Zoo Saturday, April 23, and Sunday, April 24 for Easter-egg hunts, and meet lambs and baby bunnies as well as the Easter Bunny. Admission to the Reston Zoo is $12 for adults, $9 for children up to 12 years old, and free for children under two.
Takoma Park’s rec department is hosting its annual free Easter-egg hunt at Lee Jordan Field (behind Takoma Park Middle School) Saturday, April 16, at 11 AM. Kids ages 18 months through eight years old are invited to participate and will be grouped by age. Rain date is Saturday, April 23.
The egg hunt at Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville allows children ages two through 12 to search for real eggs and dye and decorate the ones they find. The hunt is Friday, April 22, from 10 to 3 and features other outdoor spring activities. It’s $8 per child, and registration is required (slots are filling fast).
If your kids are so over egg hunts, the Gaylord National is hosting a Peeps hunt—find at least six Peeps hidden “in plain sight” around the resort for the chance to win treats, a one-night family getaway at the Gaylord, or a $250 gift certificate for PeepsandCompany.com.
And if you haven’t enjoyed an Easter hunt in years, Annapolis Recreation & Parks is hosting an adults-only Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 16, at 8 PM at the Truxtun Park pool parking lot. The eggs will be filled with prizes and gift certificates—golden eggs are worth $50 or more. Bring a flashlight and a basket; $10 to participate. Call 410-263-7958 to register.
EASTER FESTIVALS
Spend a day outside and get the chance to meet the Easter Bunny at one of three Easter Eggstravaganzas (Alexandria Saturday, April 16, and Ballston and Capitol Hill Saturday, April 23; all celebrations start at 10:30). Activities include egg hunts, face painting, moon bounce, a bike raffle, games, magic shows, and much more.
The National Zoo is hosting a free Easter Monday family fun day, featuring an egg hunt, field games and activities, crafts, live entertainment, food, and the Easter Panda. The festival is held rain or shine.
Morven Park in Leesburg is hosting “An Eco-Friendly Easter” Saturday, April 23, from 10 to noon. Activities include story time, natural egg dying, basket making, a petting zoo, an egg hunt and egg roll on the Mansion lawn, and the opportunity to learn about healthy Easter treats. Children $5, adults $10.
Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro in Reston is offering a family-friendly Easter Brunch Sunday, April 24, from 11 to 3. The event includes à la carte brunch, Easter-egg hunts with prizes for the winners, a petting zoo, and more. Reservations are required.
The Children’s Museum of Rose Hill Manor Park in Frederick is hosting its Rose Hill Egg Roll Saturday, April 23, from 1 to 4. Children ages two through 12 are invited to participate in the egg-roll competition, craft decorations, listen to songs and stories, and play games. It’s $5 per child, and registration is required.
Butler’s Orchard in Germantown has a long history of providing holiday diversions, and Easter is no exception. The farm’s 16th annual Bunnyland (April 16, 17, 22, 23, 25, 30, and May 1, from 9 to 3) features hayrides; egg hunts; goodie baskets; moon bounces; a petting zoo with bunnies, lambs, and chicks; and more. It’s $8 for children and $6 for adults, and be sure to bring some spending money—food, face painting, crafts, and pony rides are extra.
The Gaylord National, in conjunction with the Peeps store on the Harbor, is celebrating Easter and the marshmallow treats through April 24. In addition to the aforementioned Peeps hunt, several of the National Harbor restaurants are creating special desserts featuring Peeps, and the Gaylord National Hotel is offering an Easter-accommodations package. See details here .
Put a bit of magic into your Easter at the Magic Eggstravaganza, Saturday, April 16, from noon to 2 at Langley Park Community Center in Hyattsville. In addition to a magic show, children will meet the Easter Bunny, play games, and hunt for eggs. Bring a basket. Entrance is $2 per person for residents and $3 for non-residents.
MEET THE EASTER BUNNY
The Miniature Trains at Cabin John Regional Park and Wheaton Regional Park are hosting the Easter Bunny as the guest of honor on Saturday, April 23, and Sunday, April 24, from noon to 5 both days. He’ll be passing out treats to the children who come for a ride.
Meet the Easter Bunny in downtown Silver Spring Saturday, April 23, from noon to five, and find the eggs he’s hidden around the fountain. Free.
