The Easter bunny isn’t the only one busily hiding eggs! Check out these Chicagoland spots where your kids can grab tasty treats — and make memories sweeter than jelly beans.
Underwater EGGstravaganza
You’ve never collected eggs quite like this! Five age groups, all with separate hunting times, seek out plastic eggs in a zero-depth pool to trade in for treats and prizes. Don’t forget the bathing suits and baskets! When it’s not your designated splash time, the deejay, craft tables and snacks will keep the good times hopping.
When: 6-8 p.m. April 2
Where: The Water Works in the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg (www.parkfun.com/home)
Cost: $18 ($6 discount for Schaumburg residents); free for adults.
Easter Party at Evanston’s Little Beans Cafe
For a springtime romp geared toward younger peeps, Little Beans Cafes in Bucktown and Evanston are hosting Easter celebrations with music, an egg hunt, pizza, playtime and a photo op with the Easter Bunny.
When: 5-7:30 p.m. April 3 in Chicago or 4:30-7 p.m.April 4 in Evanston
Where: 1809 W. Webster Ave. (773-251-1025); 430 Asbury Ave., Evanston (847-807-3731, http://www.littlebeanscafe.com)
Cost: $30 for one child, $45 for two, $60 for three; includes bunny photo and pizza for the whole family.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Westfield Hawthorn
The holiday hare is about to have some tough competition in the form of a very tiny, very cute petting zoo, where every-bunny will be feeling the love. If you’re looking for an egg hunt, kids 3 and under get their own special version at 8:45 a.m. in Macy’s Court. The rest of the kids kick off their hunt at 9 a.m. inside Dave & Buster’s.
When: Saturday, April 4, 8:45 a.m.-noon
Where: Westfield Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills (847-362-2600, http://www.westfield.com/hawthorn)
Cost: Free, but tickets required.
Northcenter’s Eggstravaganza
Think of it like trick-or-treating with a pastel hue: At this informal Easter parade, your tiny treasure-seekers go from shop to shop along Lincoln and Damen Avenues. Beyond the storefront egg hunts, the party includes a town-square appearance by the lop-eared guy himself.
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 4
Where: Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave. (www.northcenterchamber.com)
Cost: Free.
Easter Egg Hunt at LaPointe Park
Blink and you’ll miss it! This charming egg hunt in Ravenswood Manor may be small in square footage, but big on laid-back appeal. As an incentive to bring the whole family, there are two start times: one for toddlers and a slightly later one for the bigger kids who take no prisoners (and leave no plastic shells).
When: 10-11 a.m. April 4
Where: LaPointe Park, 4745 N. Manor Ave. (www.ravenswoodmanor.com)
Cost: Free.
Doggie Egg Hunt at Horner Park
Why should smartly dressed kids have all the fun? Bring your pup — in her Easter best, obviously — to hunt for treats, get a photo with Mr. Bunny and take part in the bonnet parade. All dogs get a bandana and must remain on leashes.
When: 10 a.m.-noon April 4
Where: Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave. (www.chicagoparkdistrict.com)
Cost: $10.
Hop the Bunny Train
Hopping from home to home is one way the bunny delivers Easter treats, but in Chicago, he also takes the train. Join in the scampering fun on a ride around the Chicago French Market, beginning at 11 a.m. At 1:30 in the afternoon, train-hoppers hunt for eggs and treats from more than 30 of the market’s vendors. Before you say “bon voyage,” don’t forget to pose for pictures with the cotton-tailed conductor.
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 4
Where: 131 N. Clinton St. (www.frenchmarketchicago.com)
Cost: Free.
Egg Hunt at Armour Square
Most folks know Armour Square as the park right across from where the White Sox hang out. On Easter weekend, you’ll know it as the place where your kid dominated the egg hunt! Face painting, a bounce house and petting zoo add to the fun.
When: Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Armour Square Park, 3309 S. Shields Ave. (www.chicagoparkdistrict.com)
Cost: $10.
Caring Bunny
Seeking a gentle Easter Bunny experience for a special-needs child? Two Chicagoland malls provide a calm way to meet the big guy before the crowds arrive. Prior to the malls’ opening, children and their families can have their pictures taken in a quiet space with dimmed lights and special activities. Participation is free (photo packages are available for purchase).
When: 8-10 a.m. March 29 at Woodfield Mall; 8:30-10 a.m. at Orland Square Mall. Advance registration required.
Where: Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg; Orland Square Mall, 151st Street and La Grange Road, Orland Park (www.simon.com)
Cost: Free to visit; $25-$60 for photo packages.
Capannari Easter Egg Hunt
If some of your kids are too old to scrounge for plastic eggs with treats inside, well, this particular hunt will still delight. While kids 2-7 meet the Easter Bunny and search for the 5,000 eggs in Mount Prospect’s Moehling Park, older sibs — and parents, of course — can purchase ice cream next store.
When: Noon March 29
Where: Moehling Park, next to Capannari’s, 10 S. Pine St., Mount Prospect (www.capannaris.com)
Cost: Free.
