The Easter Bunny officially hops into town April 5, but the little ones and the kids at heart can start celebrating now. Philadelphia and its suburbs are painting eggs and hiding prizes in anticipation of the holiday. Special brunches will be available around town, too, as will meet-and-greets with the big rabbit himself.
The West Laurel Hill Cemetery will host a hunt at its Conservatory. The popular event includes hidden Zitner's chocolate eggs, raffles, music and photos with the Easter Bunny. Kids can also enjoy balloon art, magic tricks and caricatures before the big hunt. This hunt is BYOB -- bring your own basket.
All children can attend this hunt for free and each will receive a prize. Candy and more are up for grabs, but this hunt is also BYOB -- bring your own basket.
Saturday, March 28
For select days, the Easter Bunny will join travelers on the vintage trains of the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. He will greet each child, pose for pictures and hand out treats. The round trip travels nine miles in 50 minutes on the railroad's antique rail cars.
Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, April 5
Hourly, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | $8.95-42.90
32 West Bridge St. New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2332
Take a hayride from the Linvilla Garden Center through the woods and to the Easter Bunny's House. You'll meet the famous figure in person and he'll pose for pictures and give out treats. Be sure to check out the incubator in the Farm Market to see all the newborn baby chicks and ducklings.
Saturday, March 28 through Saturday, April 4
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | $8
Linvilla Orchards
598 Linvill Rd. Media, PA
(610) 876-7116
Local businesses Villavillekula,
Oxford Circus Toys and
Zipf’s Candies team up to host a hunt of plastic eggs filled with jelly beans and little prizes. One hunt will be held for kids ages 3 and under at Buckley Park and another for ages 4-7 at Jenks Playground.
Saturday, March 28
1-1:30 p.m. | Free admission
Chestnut HillJenks Playground: Germantown & Southampton avenues
Buckley Park: E. Hartwell Ln. & Germantown Ave.
As a double adventure, kids take a wagon ride out to the farm's "Hunting Grounds" to find eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. On the Festival Field kids can enjoy jumping pillows, go-carts and other activities.
Sunday, March 29
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | $8 for kids, $3 for adults
Shady Brook Farm931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, PA
(215) 968-1670
Celebrate Easter the traditional Swedish way with crafts, dressing up as the Swedish Easter witches, face painting and an egg hunt.
Take a 5K walk or run around the Philadelphia Zoo with this event to raise money for Parkinson's Disease. Registrants get free admission to the Zoo after the race and live entertainment will be on hand for spectators to enjoy, including the Eagles cheerleaders at 9 a.m.
Saturday, April 4
7 a.m. | $40 before April 1, $45 on race day
Philadelphia Zoo3400 West Girard Ave.
Now that spring has (nearly) sprung, early blooms and buds will be in the Outdoor Gardens and the Conservatory will be filled with Easter lilies and hydrangeas. Harpist Gloria Galante will perform from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for guests and
a reservations-only Easter Buffet will be available for an additional fee.
Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5
9 a.m.-6 p.m. | $10-20
Longwood Gardens1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, PA
(610) 388-1000
Momo's Tree House, the cute toy store in Old City, will host a BYO basket hunt throughout their shop for little ones 8 years old and younger. Though the event is free, Momo's will be collecting donations for the
Philadelphia Children’s Foundation.
Saturday, April 4
10:30 a.m. | Free, reservations required
Since the Chaddsford winery Adult Egg Hunt has already sold out, they'll be holding a limited number of candy-and-wine pairings for those who missed out. Each wine will be paired with a traditional Easter candy, like Cadbury Eggs and marshmallow Peeps. Reservations can be made on every half hour.
Saturday, April 4
Noon-6 p.m. | $12
Chaddsford Winery632 Baltimore Pike Chadds Ford, PA
(610) 388-6221
In addition to participating in a traditional Easter egg hunt (BYO basket), attendees will have the chance to learn about natural dyes made from flowers, vegetables and animal projects. They'll get to dye some eggs, too. Reservations for these activities are required.
Saturday, April 41-3 p.m. | Free, but reservations requiredStenton4601 N. 18th St.
(215) 329-7312
This popular event has already sold out its original start time - 11 a.m. - so they added another at 1 p.m. For kids 10 and younger, this hunt includes candy and small toys, plus four grand prizes for those who find a raffle ticket in their egg! Wine tastings and wine by the glass will be available for spectating adults.
Saturday, April 4
1 p.m. | $8, advance ticket purchase suggested
124 Beaver Valley Rd. Chadds Ford, PA
(610) 459-0808
A nondenominational spiritual service will be held for people of all faiths with music, singing, prayers and scripture readings. Clergy of different traditions will lead the approximately 45-minute service. Offerings will be collected for Interfaith Hospitality Network, which aids the homeless. Dress warmly and bring a lawn chair.
Sunday, April 56:30 a.m. | Free admissionGlenn Foerd on the Delaware5001 Grant Ave.
(215) 632-5330
Does the sound of Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, Shrimp and Grits and Eggs Benedict make you excited for Easter morning? Make reservations at Bridget Foy's for a full brunch with Easter specials, plus a killer view of the South Street Easter Promenade at 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 5
9 a.m. | Pay as you go
Bridget Foy's200 South St.
(215) 922-1813
This Southern-style eatery has new specials for Easter brunch, like seasonal cocktails, a bloody Mary menu, lamb bacon Benedict and wild boar hash.
Sunday, April 5
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pay as you go
Twisted Tail509 S. 2nd St.
(215) 558-2471
Try an easy, relaxed brunch with Granite Hill at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Executive Chef Gerald Drummond is creating a spring-inspired menu for the occasion. Reservations are required.
Sunday, April 5
10:30 a.m.-2 :30 p.m. | Pay as you go
Granite Hill, Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
(215) 684-7990
MC Henri McDavid will lead a parade down South Street, complete with the Philadelphia Freedom Band and, of course, The Bunny Hop. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail will be on hand, as will the Easter Bunny. There will be treats and a best-dressed contest with 12 categories.
Sunday, April 5
12:30 p.m. | Free admission
