Map out your Easter egg hunt strategy now
Easter might still be weeks away but local park districts are getting into the spirit early. For some active holiday fun, grab a camera and a basket for your kids to fill with plenty of eggs at one of these egg hunts.
27th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville, (630) 961-9375; naperjaycees.org
When: 10 a.m. April 11
Price: Free
Ages: 2-8
Thousands of children line up to take their spots as early as 9 a.m. for this massive event. This year Factory Card Outlet donated 15,000 eggs, which will be scattered across a field broken up by age groups. You should bring a container for the eggs and the Naperville Jaycees are also requesting donations of nonperishable food for the Loaves & Fishes Community Food Pantry. Free refreshments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the siren signals the start of the hunt at 10 a.m. the event is usually over in a matter of seconds so make sure to arrive on time.
Underwater Eggstravaganza, The Waterworks, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, (847) 490-7020; parkfun.com
When: 6 to 8 p.m. April 2
Price: $7 residents, $9 nonresidents; free for adults
Ages: 1-12
Eggs are tossed into the zero depth pool at this egg hunt, where kids are asked to bring their own baskets. Hunt times are divided by age group, but rather than wait around kids are welcome to splash in the water playground or slip down the slides at the indoor water park. The event includes gift bags and the chance to get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. A DJ plays music and runs games.
Easter Egg Hunt and Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Community Park, 120 E. Oak St., Addison, (630) 889-2150; addisonparkdistrict.org
When: 7:30-11:30 a.m. April 4
Price: $4, $3 for seniors and kids under 12
Ages: 10 and under
After filling up with all-you-can-eat pancakes, kids can get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny from 8:30 to 10 a.m. A DJ plays music and runs dances and games like the Bunny Hop and a hula hooping contest. The hunt starts at 10:30 a.m. sharp and kids should bring their own basket. The area is roped off by age groups, with 5,000 eggs up for grabs including 40 eggs that will provide additional prizes to celebrate Addison Park District's 40th anniversary.
Great Egg Scramble, Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton, (630) 665-5534; wheatonparkdistrict.com
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2 p.m. April 4, 12:30 to 2 p.m. April 5
Price: $8-$15
Ages: 2-10
Kids can interact with birds and reptiles and the eggs they lay, with different creatures participating in the program depending on the weather. The event includes animal-centric storytelling and crafts including decorating an egg bag, though families are still welcome to bring their own baskets. Kids can visit with the Easter Bunny and are free to wander the rest of the free zoo. The actual egg hunt takes place on an open field and is divided into three age brackets. Reservations are required.
Easter Egg Hunt, Lions Park, 111 Park St., Willow Springs, (708) 467-3700; willowsprings-il.gov
When: 10:30 a.m. April 4
Price: Free
Ages: 12 and under
The annual egg hunt features a visit with the Easter Bunny. Make sure to get there on time as the hunt starts at 11 a.m. sharp. Registration is required.