Easter egg hunts
The Easter Bunny has been busy plotting how to come up with the best hiding places for eggs, and it is almost time to match wits with him.
As Easter is April 12, much later than it was last year (March 23) when winter still had a tight grip on us, the weather should be better.
Families will have a lot to choose from as clubs, park districts and churches are getting into the act. Don't forget to bring a basket and your camera.
Here's a list of local Easter egg hunts.
Algonquin
The village of Algonquin is hiding 14,000 eggs for children to find when the hunt begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 5 at the Golf Club of Illinois. The hunt is free for all Algonquin residents.
Immediately following, families can have an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with the Easter Bunny at the Golf Club of Illinois banquet hall. There is a fee. Registration for the breakfast is due by Monday, March 30.
Call (847) 658-2700 or visit algonquin.org.
Dundee Township
The Dundee Township Park District is holding a flashlight egg hunt for children ages 8-12 at 8 p.m. Friday, April 3 at Liberty Elementary School gymnasium. Each child will receive one hard-boiled egg to decorate at 7:30 p.m. Bring your flashlights.
The registration fee is $5 for Dundee Township Park District residents and $8 for nonresidents before Monday, March 30. After March 30 the fee is $10 for residents and $12 for nonresidents.
The Easter egg hunt for children ages 2-7 is at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4 at Randall Oak Park, 1180 N. Randall Road in West Dundee. Golden eggs containing special prizes will be hidden throughout the park.
The registration fee is $4 per child for park district residents and $6 for nonresidents before Monday, March 30. After March 30, the fees increase to $7 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Call (847) 428-7131.
Elgin
• The city will hold its Easter festivities on Saturday, April 11. The day will begin with a breakfast with the bunny at 9 a.m. at the Hemmens. Breakfast consists of scrambled eggs, sausage, a cookie and a beverage; the cost is $9/$12 for children and $5/$8 for adults; registration is required.
There will be a free egg hunt with Radio Disney at 11 a.m. in the former Gail Borden library lot on Grove Avenue. There will be separate areas for toddlers, ages 4-6 and ages 7-10. After the egg hunt, enjoy games, music and more with Radio Disney at the Hemmens. Call (847) 931-6140 for details.
• For a down-to-earth approach to Easter, visit the Elgin Public Museum in Lords Park from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11 for natural egg dyeing. Participants will use a variety of natural dyes such as onion skins, turmeric, beets, blueberries and more. This technique comes from Native American and pioneer days when chemical dyes and food coloring were not available. Recipes of the dyes will be provided so you can try this technique at home. No registration required, fee $2. Call (847) 741-6655.
Hampshire
The Hampshire-Burlington Jaycees will hold a spring faire from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at St. John Lutheran Church on French Road.
In addition to the Easter egg hunt, there will be games, face painting and temporary tattoos. There will be a nominal fee for face painting and tattoos.
The Jaycees will accept donations for the Hampshire-Burlington Food Pantry.
Call (847) 683-9263 for information.
Huntley
The Huntley Park District will hold an egg hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11 at Deicke Park. Participants are asked to park at the REC center. Children will be divided into age groups: 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8. Bring your own basket. There will be an area set aside for children with special needs. Call (847) 669-3180.
Lake in the Hills
The Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department will hold an egg hunt for children ages 0-8 at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 4 at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos. There is no fee. Call (847) 960-7460.
Marengo
Children 13 and younger can take a short hike to bird habitats where they hunt for eggs of local birds from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11 at Marengo Ridge, 2411 S. Route 23 in Marengo.
Registration and a $2 fee must be received by Friday, April 3. Registration is accepted online, by phone, mail or walk-in at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake.
Visit mccdistrict.org or call (815) 479-5779.
St. Charles
Join the St. Charles Park District for the annual Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4 at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave. in St. Charles.
Children ages 9 and under should start lining up at 9:45 a.m. Meet at the entrance gate to the River View Miniature Golf Course.
The event is free to St. Charles Park District residents.
South Elgin
The South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department will be holding the spring egg hunt at noon Saturday, April 11 at Kenyon Woods on Raymond Street across from South Elgin High School.
Call (847) 622-0003.