St. Charles Park District offers Easter 'Egg-perience' for the whole family
The St. Charles Park District will make your Easter season egg-tastic with a lineup of Easter egg events for all members of the family - even your dogs.
Bring your children and flashlights to hunt for eggs in the dark on Friday, April 12, at Hickory Knolls for its third annual Flashlight Egg Hunt.
Three different age groups will have the chance to find eggs among the several thousand that will be placed in the natural area. The "Little Hoppers" group for ages 1-5 will collect eggs along a mowed path from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
At the same time, "Bigger Bunnies," or children ages 5-8, will explore further into the natural area on uneven ground. The oldest group, Rock'n Rabbits for ages 6 and older, will hunt for eggs on a longer hike from 8 to 8:45 p.m.
Hickory Knolls staff will be present at each location to help children. Parents also are required to accompany children.
After the eggs are collected, end the night with a sweet treat roasting marshmallows around the campfire.
"This event is a spin off of the traditional Easter egg hunt, making it challenging and fun for all ages," said Laura McCoy, Hickory Knolls nature education supervisor.
Advance registration is required.
The fee is $5 per resident and $8 per nonresident. A registered adult must accompany children.
The next day, Saturday, April 13, head over to Pottawatomie Park at 10 a.m. for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, where 14,000 eggs will cover the grounds.
Children will be separated into different age groups, 2 and under, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-9.
The youngest children will limit their search to Gaffney Field, but the remainder of the kids will spread out throughout the park, up the hill and toward the south end. Each child is limited to collecting 10 eggs each.
The eggs are filled with age-appropriate candy and prizes. For children with allergies, the candy can be exchanged for allergy-free goody bags.
The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photo opportunities as well. This event is free, and no registration is required.
Later that day at 2 p.m., family dogs will get in on the egg hunt action with their own event at River Bend Community Park.
During the Doggie Egg Hunt, your family's best friend will sniff and hunt for eggs throughout the dog park. Once their nose touches the egg, it's theirs to keep. Eggs will be filled with natural treats. Dogs will be separated into two different categories, based on weight.
Dog-friendly vendors will be on site, as well as the Easter Bunny for family photos.
All dogs must be kept on a maximum 6-foot, non-retractable leash, be current on all vaccinations and visibly wear tags.
"Dogs are part of the family, and this event allows adults and children to share a different and fun outdoor activity with their beloved pet," said Lara Piner, Park District Supervisor.
Register by Friday, April 12, for $4 per dog, or register at the event for $7 per dog.
The fun won't stop there, as the park district's annual "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave.
Children through age 6 will decorate their own bunny-face pancake meal, take photos with the Easter Bunny, and then, burn off some energy with the "Bunny Hop."
Children, 11 months and younger, are admitted free. The fee is $10 for residents, and $15 for nonresidents.
"These Easter events get the whole family outside, exploring different parks, and engaging in fun activities in their own community," Piner said. "The park district is proud to provide this special experience and make the Easter season last a little longer."
Register for these Easter events at www.stcparks.org.