Easter egg hunts sprouting across the suburbs

From flashlight hunts to pool hunts to special hunts just for dogs, Easter egg hunts are springing up all over the suburbs over the next two weeks. Here's where to find one near you.

Egg-citing Crafty Kids Fest: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Courts Plus, 186 S. West Ave., Elmhurst, (630) 833-5064, www.courts-plus.com. Spring fun and games, including eggshell mosaics, bunny crafts and an egg hunt. Dress for outdoor fun and messy projects. Register online. $12 members/$15 nonmembers.

Breakfast with the Bunny: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Lake Zurich Retired Firefighters Association Hall, 77 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, lakezurich.org/599/Breakfast-with-Bunny-Egg-Hunt. Before the annual egg hunt, head to the Bunny Hutch (Lake Zurich Retired Firefighters Association Hall) for a buffet and a visit by the bunny. Bring your camera. $5 kids 2 and older and $7 adults.

Hop 2 It!: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8, at The Sanctuary Church, 1251 Windham Parkway, Romeoville. Glow-in-the-dark egg hunt, bounce houses, food, crafts, face painting, petting zoo and interactive Easter story. Go to hop2itfamilyfun.com to reserve your free tickets. Upon arrival, stop by the welcome table to receive your glow-in-the-dark egg hunt time slot. No Easter basket required.

Easter Egg Hunt: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St., Batavia. Meet the Easter Bunny before the hunt. Meet at the pavilion by 9:45 a.m. Group leaders will divide children into age groups and take them to their separate hunt areas. The hunt begins at 10 a.m. Bring your own basket. Bring a nonperishable food item or paper product to be donated to the Batavia Food Pantry. Parking space is limited. Free.

Easter Eggstravaganza: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Varble Park, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville, (630) 230-1028. Games and activities begin at 9:30 a.m. Kids 2-4 will hunt from 10 to 10:15 a.m. and kids 5-7 will hunt from 10:20 to 10:35 a.m. The Easter Bunny starts it off and each child will be allowed to find seven eggs. There will be three special eggs added to each hunt for kids to find and win a basket filled with toys. The egg hunts will be held outside, so dress accordingly. Bring a basket and your camera for a picture with the bunny or purchase an instant print for $2. If it is raining, the event will be in the gym. Registration is not required.

Hound Egg Hunt: 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8, at Towne Sqaure in Palatine, palatineparks.org/rccms/. Dogs can hunt for eggs filled with treats and have their picture taken with the bunny. Event includes souvenir photo with the bunny, eggs, raffle entry and a goody bag. All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs must be wearing a current rabies tag to participate.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Easter Story and Egg Hunt: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 304 W. Palatine Road, Prospect Heights. Crafts, snacks and an egg hunt. Bring your own basket. Free.

Traditional Egg Hunt 2017: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Lisle Community Park Bandshell, 1825 Short St., Lisle, (630) 964-3410, lisleparkdistrict.org/specialevents.html#egghunt. Kids will hunt for eggs by age groups (2 and younger, 3-5, 6-10) in different areas of the park. Prizes will be given to those who find the golden eggs. Kids can pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny. This is an outdoor event so dress for the weather. Residents: $7; nonresidents: $10; day of: $10.

Mooseheart Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Mooseheart Child City & School, two miles north of 1-88 at IL-31/IL-56/S Lincolnway, Mooseheart, (630) 906-3601, mooseheart.org/2017/02/03/easter-egg-hunt/. Egg hunt at 11 a.m. is for kids from toddlers to age 8. Plus, pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house and face painting. Bring your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny. Free and open to the public.

Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles, (630) 513-4326. Parents and kids ages 9 and younger should arrive at the park 15 minutes early to receive instructions and make their way to the designated egg hunt age group location. Meet at River View Miniature Golf Court Yard. Bring a basket. Children are limited to 10 eggs each. Registration is not required. Free.

Wheaton Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1420 S. Gables Blvd., Wheaton. Bring your own basket. After the hunt, there will be doughnuts and crafts. Bring your camera to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. The hunt is planned for outside, but will be moved inside if necessary. Free.

Third Annual Community Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. The egg hunt is open to kids 10 and younger. Stick around for activities after the egg hunt. $5.

Wood Dale Park District's 2017 “Eggcellent” Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Wood Dale Park District, 111 E. Foster Ave., Wood Dale. Grab your Easter basket and head to Franzen Grove to search for eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny. Groups will be divided by age. Bring your own basket. There will be special prizes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park district. Each age group will be eligible to win a Big Wheel Original Racer. Held rain or shine. Register at apm.activecommunities.com//eggcellent-egg-hunt/5386. Preregistration: $1 or $2 on the day of the event.

Bunny Bash: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Activities include face painting, egg hunts, games, moon jumps, train rides, crafts and concessions. Pony rides and a petting zoo will be available, weather permitting. Take photos with the bunny. Preregistration by April 7 costs $12 for kids 3 and older. Day-of registration costs $15 for kids 3 and older. Free for kids 2 and younger and adults. (847) 490-7015 or ParkFun.com.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1808 Miller Road, Crystal Lake. Kids will hunt for more than 4000 eggs in their age groups for treats, prizes and basket giveaways. Meet the Easter Bunny. Hunt starts promptly at 10:30, so arrive early to register for prizes. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, 950 Hart Road, Batavia. Hunt is for toddlers through third grade. Includes craft time. Free.

Grayslake Park District Annual Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Central Park, Library Lane, Grayslake. For kids 7 and younger. Preregistration is required at www.glpd.com. Residents: $6; nonresidents: $8.

Photos with the Easter Bunny: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights. Bring your pets and kids for photos with the Easter Bunny (small donation required), raffles, egg hunt, bake sale, adoption eggstravaganza and more. The Buddy Foundation is a not-for-profit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray, abused and abandoned cats and dogs. Call The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806 or see www.thebuddyfoundation.org. Free.

Doggie Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Batavia Park District Bark Park. Let your dog hunt for Easter eggs filled with doggy treats starting at 11:30 a.m. All dogs must be leashed during the event. Preregistration is requested, but we will accept registration at the gate to the Bark Park starting at 11 a.m. There will be pet-friendly vendors on-site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Anderson Animal Shelter. $10.

Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Easter egg hunt for kids 10 and younger. Free coffee and crafts. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and must bring their own basket. Held rain or shine. (847) 358-4600 or www.clcpalatine.org. Free.

Spring Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Burr Ridge Village Center, 440 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge. Kids and their families are invited to visit with the Easter Bunny at Barbara's Bookstore, hunt for eggs, meet furry friends at the petting zoo, enjoy a balloon artist and crafts and more. Register for the egg hunt at the welcome table to get a free tote to collect eggs. Totes will be available to the first 250 kids who register. Registration for kids 5 and younger is from 11:30 a.m. to noon and for ages 6 to 12 is from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Free.

Bunny Photos & Fun: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Enjoy photos with the bunny, a face painter and a balloon artist, kids' crafts, prizes and more near the gazebo. Crafts and games sponsored by Bright Horizons and The Little Gym. Enter for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree. Photos will be available for download from our Facebook page; personal cameras are welcome. Free.

Egg Hunt, Easter Bunny & Bob James magic: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Wolff's Flea Market, 1775 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Flea market style egg hunt. Kids can find one egg hidden in the market and redeem it for a present and candy. Noon to 1 p.m.: Bob James Magic Show. 1 to 3 p.m.: Visit with the Easter Bunny. Kids admitted free; free for adults by showing a coupon from wolffs.com. Email wolffsflea@aol.com or call (847) 524-9590. Free.

Lake Zurich Annual Egg Hunt: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Lions Park, 81 E. Main St., Lake Zurich. Kids 2-10 can join in the free community egg hunt. Jump in the moon bounce, dance to a DJ and play games. The Easter Bunny plans to hide surprises in designated areas. Each group will go into their area to hunt for their eggs. The hunt begins promptly at noon, rain or shine. Bring a basket. Free.

Doggie Egg Hunt: Noon Saturday, April 8, at the Cabin Nature Center White Oaks Dog Park, 111 S. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale, wdparks.org/calendar-details.aspx?ID=149. Bring your dog to search for eggs filled with a dog treats. Dress your dog in Easter gear for the costume contest to be held after the hunt. $2 per dog.

Underwater Eggstravaganza: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Buehler YMCA, 1400 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, (847) 359-2400, buehlerymca.org. Underwater egg hunt. Kids 4 and younger must have a parent/guardian present in the pool for the egg hunt. Bring a basket. $8 members; $16 nonmembers.

Doggie Egg Hunt: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at James O. Breen Community Park, Campton Hills and Peck roads, St. Charles, (630) 513-4330, st-charlesparks.org/vw-systems/Calendar/calendar.asp. When your dog touches one of the plastic eggs with their nose, into your basket it goes. Dogs must be kept on a nonretractable leash (max 6 feet), have current vaccines and visibly wear tags. Get a picture with the Easter Bunny. Several pet-friendly vendors will be on site. Kids 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, 16 years or older, at all times. $4 per dog (early bird rate until April 7); $7 per dog the day of the event.

Easter Egg Hunt in the Pool: 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Elmhurst YMCA, 211 W. First St., Elmhurst, (630) 929-2456, elmhurstymca.org. Easter egg hunt in the pool. $5 per family for members; $10 per nonmember family.

Palatine Jaycees Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Noon Sunday, April 9, at Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. The Palatine Jaycees will hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids 9 and younger. Meet the Easter Bunny. There is no preregistration. Free.

Capannari's Easter Egg Hunt: Noon Sunday, April 9, at Centennial Green, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Kids 2-7 can hunt for 5,000 Easter eggs in Centennial Green. Meet the Easter Bunny. Free.

Community's Annual Children's Easter Egg Hunt & Easter Celebration: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at the Community Nursing & Rehab Center, 1136 N. Mill St., Naperville. Egg hunt starts promptly at 2:15 p.m. outside (weather permitting) or inside and goes until 2:30 p.m. Crafts, balloon creations, popcorn and music by Doc Diamond until 3:30 p.m. RSVP to activity director Sherri Walton-Peterson at (630) 355-3300, ext. 231, or email swalton-peterson@CNRCLLC.com. Free.

Library Egg Hunt: 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Road, Winfield. Receive a special gift for finding eggs through the Youth Services area. Registration required. Free.

Flashlight Egg Hunt at the Farm: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave., Bensenville. Kids 6-12 will go on a scavenger hunt, participate in an egg hunt at 7 p.m. sharp and eat s'mores by the bonfire. Bring your flashlight and basket. The Easter Bunny will be there, so bring your camera. Registration is not required.

Flashlight Egg Hunt for teens: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Wilder Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Teens, grab your flashlights and join the teens-only flashlight egg hunt in Wilder Park. Eggs are filled with candy, gift certificates and other prizes. Free for teens 11-16. Free.

Spring Egg Hunt Extravaganza: 10 a.m. Friday, April 14, at Keith Mione Community Park, 1401 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein. Kids 1-6 can hunt for eggs filled with candy or toys. Bring a basket or bag and your camera to get a picture with the spring bunny. Held outdoors, so dress for the weather. Kids 1-2 start at 10 a.m., ages 3-4 at 10:15 a.m. and ages 5-6 at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Rain date is Saturday, April 15. Free.

The Great Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Friday, April 14, at Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale. For kids 1-10. Registration is required. Hunt times: Kids 1-3: 10 to 10:30 a.m.; 4-6: 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.; 7-10: 11:30 a.m. to noon. A maximum of one adult per child is permitted. Requested donation of $1 per child to help support Cancer Kiss My Cooley at the door when you turn in your ticket. Free.

Aqua Egg Hunt: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 14, Bartlett Community Center Splash Central, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, (630) 540-4828, bartlettparks.org. Collect prize-filled plastic eggs in the activity pool and stay after the event to meet Navigator, the Splash Central mascot, and swim. Children will be put into groups at different areas of the pool. Age groups will collect eggs sequentially. All participant's ages will be checked right before the group hunts. Participants must stay with their age group. Wear a bathing suit, and bring a towel and a basket for your eggs. Advance registration is required. $9 resident and $11 nonresident fee includes open swim.

Easter Bunny Visits, Photos and Egg Hunt: Noon Friday, April 14, at Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee St., Barrington. Visit and take photos with the Easter Bunny from noon to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 14-15. Bring your camera. The Ice House Mall will host an Easter Egg Hunt with participating stores from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15. Signs will be posted for Egg Hunt instructions. Bring a basket. Free.

Naperville Jaycees 34th Annual Easter Egg Hunt: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Road, Naperville, naperjaycees.org/event/easter-egg-hunt-2/. About 14,000 eggs will be “hidden” among the four ball fields, divided by age groups: 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. Special prizes plus a visit from the Easter Bunny. Bring a basket and a camera. The Naperville Jaycees will be accepting food donations for Loaves and Fishes. Free.

Easter Eggstravaganza: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 S. Cass Ave., Darien. Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. A comfort dog will be on hand to greet everyone. Games and crafts at 9 a.m. and puppet shows at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Free.

Easter EGGstravaganza: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights. Kid-friendly magic show, egg hunts, balloon artists, bounce houses, crafts. and doughnuts, coffee and juice. Free.

Easter EGGstravaganza: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at The Orchard, 1301 S. Grove Ave., Barrington. Hear the Easter story and enjoy crafts, snacks, games, egg hunts and variety artist Tim Hannig performing at 9:15 and 10:15 a.m. Free coffee, doughnuts and snacks. Egg hunt times: Ages 1-5: 9:15 and 10:15 a.m.: first through fifth grade: 9:45 and 10:45 a.m. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 1451 Raymond Drive, Naperville. Indoor event for kids up to fourth grade and their parent(s). Activities and an opportunity to win door prizes such as zoo tickets, movie tickets and more. (630) 778-0328, email pastorsally@trinitynazarene.org or visit www.trinitynazarene.org. Free.

Easter Party and Egg Hunt: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 680 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Crafts for all ages and an interactive walk-through Easter story followed by breakfast. Kids in fifth grade and younger can hunt for more than 4,000 eggs. An adult must accompany all kids during the event, which will be held rain or shine. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at St. Peter United Church of Christ, 47 Church St., Lake Zurich. Kids 2-12 can hunt for eggs on the church lawn. For details, call the church office at (847) 438-6441. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Meadows Christian Fellowship, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. x Doors open at 9:30 a.m. There will be over 5,000 eggs to find. 10 a.m. (847) 255-8764 or www.meadowsfamily.org.

Egg Hunt in Wilder Park: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Wilder Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Visit with the Easter Bunny and be ready for the hunt at 10 a.m. sharp. The hunt will be followed by the Doggie Eggstravaganza at 10:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for best doggy costume. Presented by Edward-Elmhurst Health. Free.

NJWC's fourth annual Hoppy Easter Festival: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Naperville Safety Town, 1320 Aurora Ave., Naperville. Photo op with Mr. or Mrs. Easter Bunny. Egg hunt (allergy friendly), extra treat stations, egg recycling, prizes, instrument petting zoo, live bunnies and more. Bring a basket. Admission: $10 per family to benefit Safety Town and a nonperishable food item for Loaves & Fishes food pantry. $10.

Celebration Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Berens Park, 493 Oak Lawn Ave., Elmhurst. Family fun, games and 35,000 eggs for kids up to 5th grade to hunt. Hosted by Bethel Assembly. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt and Activities: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Living Christ Lutheran Church, 625 E. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights. Join the Easter Bunny to search for Easter eggs and to make a craft to take home. Living Christ's JoJo Comfort Dog will attend. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 485 Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. Juice, coffee and doughnuts will be served, and Pastor Greg Lucas will read an Easter story. Children through sixth grade will then be able to hunt Easter eggs outside. Bring a basket. For details, check the Facebook page, email info@stpaulsucccl.org or call (815) 459-5096. Free.

Village Church of Bartlett Egg-Stravaganza: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at Bartlett Gazebo Park, 102 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett. Hunt for more than 60,000 eggs filled with candy and treats. Plus, kids' events, face painting, bounce houses and games. Free.

Easter EGGstravaganza: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at The Orchard, 716 E. George St., Itasca. Free egg hunts, a bouncy house, crafts, a puppet show, a chocolate fountain dessert and lunch provided by Sweet Baby Ray's. Egg Hunt Times: 11 a.m.: Infant to 2; 11:30 a.m.: 3 to kindergarten; noon: 1st and 2nd grade; 12:30 p.m.: 3rd to 5th grade. Puppet show performance times: 11:15 and 11:45 a.m., and 12:15 and 12:45 p.m. Free.

Bunny Hop & Mega Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Thrive Vineyard Church, 845 E. Glencoe St., Palatine. Egg hunt starts at 12:30 p.m. Food, contests, prizes, petting zoo and pony rides. Free.

Egg Hunt on the Island: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Water Street Mall, Aurora. All ages are invited to search for plastic eggs filled with candy and toys. Free kids' crafts and Easter photos plus ride the trolley with the Easter Bunny. Refreshments and sweet treats, crafts and chalk art. Free.

Free Easter Egg Hunt: Noon Sunday, April 16, at Cardinal Drive Church of Christ, 2300 Cardinal Drive, Rolling Meadows. Hunt for a few thousand Easter eggs on the front lawn, cookie decorating and a coloring contest. (847) 259-2995 or email office@cdfamily.org. Free.