Before you feast on roasted lamb, mashed potatoes and pie, take the little ones on a traditional Easter egg hunt at one of these local spots.
Soldier Field
Saturday, March 27, 9 a.m.; free (breakfast is $17.50 for adults, $12 for children ages 3-10)
Soldier Field will celebrate its seventh-annual Spring Egg-Stravaganza this year, giving kids the chance to scavenge the stadium for eggs while their parents watch on jumbo TV screens (there will also be a candy grab, a Radio Disney Show and more family-friendly activities. Get there beforehand for a special breakfast in the United Club; reservations are required for breakfast and should be made by Friday, March 24 by calling (312) 235-7160.
Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.-noon; $5 per dog
Easter egg hunts aren't just for kids, at least not at Horner Park. The recreational spot is planning a special Doggie egg hunt this year. All dogs in attendance will have the chance to score Fido-friendly treats and partake in plenty of activities including a spring bonnet parade and photo ops with the Easter Bunny (available for purchase). The event takes place in the back of the building on the hill, and you must be an 18-plus dog owner to participate.
Kilbourn Park & Organic Green House, 3501 N. Kilbourn
Saturday, March 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; $10 for children ages 2-10, $5 for adults
Scavenging for treats at Kilbourn Park's annual Easter egg hunt is just one reason to attend this bunny bonanza. The real focus of the event is an indulgent lunch with the Easter bunny. In addition to the family-friendly feast, there will be face painting, games, prizes and plenty of photo ops (bring your own camera).
Stratford Crossing, Gary and Schick, Bloomingdale
Saturday, March 27, noon-3 p.m.; free (registration required)
The Easter Eggstravaganza festival will include a free kids craft activity, egg hunt, face painting, balloon artists, puppet shows and more. One hundred of the Easter eggs will contain a chance to win a $150 gift card. Don't forget to bring a camera for picture-taking with the Easter bunny! Register in advance at www.stratfordcrossing.com.
Knoch Knolls Park, 336 Knoch Knolls, Naperville
Thursday, April 1, 7:45-8:30 p.m.; $9
Grab a flashlight (and a kid aged 9-13) for this egg hunt under the stars. Pre-registration is required.
Frontier Sports Complex, 2720 95th, Naperville
Saturday, April 3, 10 a.m.; free
On the eve of Easter, Naperville will host its annual egg hunt at the Frontier Sports Complex for children ages 1-8. Kids are encouraged to bring their own baskets to collect all those sweet findings. Check out napervilleparks.org for more information.
Arboretum of South Barrington
Saturday, April 3, 11 a.m.
Bring your four-legged friend to this Doggie Easter Egg Hunt featuring eggs filled with all-natural treats, coupons to Kriser's pet food store or gift cards to the Arboretum. If you're really in the holiday spirit, the Spring Bonnet Parade and costume contest offers a chance to get your dog all dolled up. The Agility Junkies, a non-profit dog club, will perform on an obstacle course at 11:45 a.m. You can also have your dog's picture taken with the Easter bunny beginning at noon next door to Kriser's (100 W. Higgins).
More Chicago Park District Easter egg hunts/Bunny meet-and-greets (visit the website for more information):
Merrimac Park, 6343 W. Irving Park
Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m.; $10 (ages five and under w/adult, advance registration required)
Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside
Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m.; $5 (ages five and under w/adult, advance registration required)
Paschen Park, 1932 W. Lunt
Friday, March 26, 11 a.m.; $2 (ages 18-36 months w/adult)
Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.; free (ages 2-5 w/adult)
Mayfair Park, 4550 W. Sunnyside
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.; $3 (ages 2-10 w/adult)
Senior Citizens Memorial Playlot Park, 2238 N. Oakley
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.; free (ages 2-5 w/adult)
Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland
Saturday, March 27, noon; free (ages 8 and under w/adult)
Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington
Thursday, April 1, 3-6 p.m.; free
Altgeld Park, 515 S. Washtenaw
Thursday, April 1, 4-6 p.m.; free
Piotrowski Park, 4247 W. 31st
Friday, April 2, 4-6 p.m.; $3
Willye B. White Park, 1610 W. Howard
Friday, April 2, 10 a.m.; $4 (ages five and under w/adult, must register by April 1)
Brands Park, 3259 N. Elston
Friday, April 2, 10 a.m.; free (ages six and under w adult)
Taylor-Lauridsen Playground Park, 704 W. 42nd
Friday, April 2, 4:30 p.m.; free (ages 5-11 w/adult)
Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan
Saturday, April 3, 10 a.m.; free (ages 2-3 w/adult)
Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 N. Clarendon
Saturday, April 3, 11 a.m.; free
Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf
Saturday, April 3, 11 a.m.; free (ages 2-4 w/adult)
Dye-ing for more Easter fun? Peep these features:
Easter Brunches
Ethnic Easter Eats
Ham Alternatives
Easter Dessert Recipes
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