Where you can find an Easter egg hunt in the Fox Valley
If you have kids, you probably already know this is the weekend for Easter egg hunts throughout the Fox Valley.
A few tips: These egg hunts usually start on time, so arrive early. Bring your own basket and wear shoes that are OK to get muddy.
On your mark, get set, go!
Algonquin
Grab your basket and meet the bunny at the village of Algonquin's annual egg hunt on Saturday, March 24, at the new location, Towne Park. The egg hunt is open to participants up to 12 years of age. There will be 10,000 eggs for participants to pick up as quickly as possible. All participants must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. To ensure safety, participants will be grouped by age. There will be no preregistration for the egg hunt, which will begin promptly at 10 a.m. at the park, 100 Jefferson St. For information, visit www.algonquin.org.
Cary
Cary Park District's annual Dog Egg Hunt starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Hoffmann Park on West Main Street. It is an opportunity for your family to include Fido in the festivities of the spring season.
Leash up your pup and hop on over to the Dog Park for a hunt that's just for them. Don't forget to bring your camera - the bunny will be available for pictures with you and your pet.
During the egg hunt, each dog may collect up to 10 treat-filled eggs. Small dogs will hunt for eggs at 6:30 p.m. while medium/large size dogs will hunt for eggs at 7 p.m. Owners must stay with their dogs at all times. Bring a basket or bag for collecting eggs. Arrive early as the egg hunt will start promptly on time.
You do not need to have a Dog Park membership to participate, however preregistration is required at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Cost is $2 per dog to participate. To register, visit www.carypark.com.
Dundee Township
• The Dundee Township Park District will offer "Swimming for Eggs" on Friday, March 23.
Do you have an 8- to 12-year-old who would love to hunt for eggs in the pool? Join an egg hunt in the Rakow Indoor Pool, 665 Barrington Ave. in Carpentersville. It will be open to 8- to 10-year-olds from 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. and for 11- to 12-year-olds from 7:45 to 8 p.m.
The park district will supply the bag in which to put the "scooped up" eggs. Participants and their siblings are welcome to stay and swim from 8 to 9 p.m. Check in 15 minutes before the event begins. The event will start promptly. Your child should be poolside wearing swimming attire and ready to go.
Registration is required by midnight Thursday, March 22. Cost is $5 for residents or $9 for nonresidents. Visit www.dtpd.org/special-events/.
• The Dundee Township Park District will offer an "Egg Hunt and Hayride" from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at Randall Oaks Park, 1180 N. Randall Road in West Dundee.
Your adventure begins as you board the hay wagon at Randall Oaks Zoo for a trip to the hunting field; one family member is allowed to ride along with their little hunter. Once the hunt is complete, and you have collected your 12 guaranteed eggs, you will enjoy a wagon ride back to the starting point.
Other family members may view the hunt by parking at the community shelter at Randall Oaks Park. Because of limited space on the wagons, preregistration is required. They will not be able to accommodate same-day registration.
Don't forget to visit the bunny, who will be making appearances throughout the park. Visit www.dtpd.org/special-events/.
Elgin
• Nick's Pizza & Pub locations in Elgin and Crystal Lake will offer "Easter Fun" on Saturday and Sunday, March 24-25. Enjoy the Egg Scavenger Hunt, Easter crafts, and photos with the bunny. Bring your camera. You also get a special egg with candy from the bunny.
Check-in times are 11, 11:30 a.m. and noon at the restaurants: 990 S. Randall Road in Elgin and 856 Pyott Road in Crystal Lake.
Tickets are $12 per child; it includes one kid's meal.
Space is limited so reserve your tickets now. Adults do not need to buy tickets. All other food and beverages can be ordered off the dine-in menu during the event. Note: ticket price does not include gratuity.
To sign up at either location, visit www.nickspizzapub.com/upcoming-events-3/. For questions, email yuliamillernickspizza@gmail.com.
• On Sunday, March 25, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 340 Grand Blvd. in Elgin, will host an Easter egg hunt after the 9 a.m. service. There also will be an Easter brunch in Wittenstrom Hall. For details, call (847) 741-8434 or blcelgin.org/events.
• Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 12N462 Tina Trail in Elgin, invites the community to "Eggstravaganza!" from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 31. A story, games, crafts, snacks and a visit from Caasi the Clown will fill the morning. A huge egg hunt will wrap up the event. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, call (847) 741-8141 or visit www.ctlelgin.org.
• Vineyard Church of Elgin invites you to bring the kids to a free Easter egg hunt for children up to age 12 on Saturday, March 31. The fun begins at 10 a.m. at Wing Park, 1000 Wing St., Elgin. This event is open to the public. For information, call the church office at (847) 697-8001 or visit www.elginvineyard.com.
Gilberts
The village of Gilberts invites residents to the annual Easter egg hunt at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Eagles Club, 325 Raymond Drive, off Tyrrell Road. Bring your own basket. All ages are welcome. For information, visit www.villageofgilberts.com or contact the village hall at (847) 428-2861. It is sponsored by the village of Gilberts and the Taylor Family YMCA.
Huntley
• The Huntley Park District will host a Flashlight Egg Hunt from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Friday, March 23, at Deicke Park, 11419 Route 47 in Huntley. Gather your friends and hunt for candy-filled eggs in the dark. Refreshments will be served. Bring a flashlight and a bag to put your eggs and prizes in. This event is held outside, so please dress accordingly. Parents may stay, but will not be allowed to assist kids during the hunt. It is open to fourth to eighth grade. Preregistration is required at www.huntleyparks.org/events/flashlight-egg-hunt-/.
• The Huntley Park District will host Easter egg hunts for various ages at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at Deicke Park, 11419 Route 47 in Huntley.
Early arrival is suggested as this free event typically draws a large crowd, begins promptly at the start time for each age listed below, and it does not take long for all the eggs to be found.
The egg hunt for kids under age 2 or those with special needs starts at 10 a.m.; meet by Deicke Discovery Zone.
Meet by Deicke Hilltop Shelter at 10:15 a.m. for children, ages 2 to 3; 10:30 a.m. for children, ages 4 to 5; and 10:45 a.m. for children, ages 6 to 8. Visit www.huntleyparks.org/events/easter-egg-hunt-2018/.
Lake in the Hills
The Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department will host an "Easter Egg Scramble" on Saturday, March 24, at the village hall, 600 Harvest Gate. Kids, grab your baskets, it's time for the annual Egg Scramble. Find eggs filled with candy, small toys, or tickets to win a special prize basket. This free event will take place outside (rain, snow or shine). Age groups are: 0-2, 3-4, 5-7, and 8-10. There is a limit of 12 eggs per child. This event, sponsored by Yumz Gourmet Frozen Yogurt of Lake in the Hills, starts at 10 a.m. sharp, so arrive early to find parking. Visit www.lith.org.
Mooseheart
Nearly 20,000 eggs and other Easter-related goodies will be collected from Mooseheart's artificial turf football field in mere minutes at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, when the eighth annual Easter egg hunt takes place.
Gates open at 10 a.m. prior to the 11 a.m. egg hunt, which is open to children up to 8 years of age. There will be separate hunts for children ages 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8. Each year, 4,000 local children participate in the free hunt, and then enjoy the many activities Mooseheart organizes, which are open until 1 p.m. Activities take place in and adjacent to the campus' Field House, which is attached to the football stadium. Among those activities are pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, arts and crafts and face painting. The Easter Bunny will be on-hand for photos. For more information, call (630) 906-3601 or visit www.mooseheart.org.
Mooseheart is between North Aurora and Batavia, two miles north of I-88 on Route 31.
McHenry County
The McHenry County Conservation District will host a "Conservation Egg Hunt" from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at Harrison Benwell Conservation Area, 7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake. A short hike leads kids to various bird habitats where they search for "eggs" of local birds. Everyone finds eggs and everyone gets a prize. There is a $4 fee for county residents or $5 for nonresidents. The program is for kids, up to age 13, with chaperon. Registration is required by March 28. Visit www.mccdistrict.org.
Sleepy Hollow
The Sleepy Hollow Service Club will host its annual Easter egg hunt at noon Saturday, March 31, in the fields of Sabatino Park, off Thorobred Lane. The hunt is divided into several age categories including one for those with special needs. After the eggs are collected, children open the candy-filled eggs in anticipation of one of the "golden" tickets that awards the bearer a grand prize. The empty eggs are then returned and a special treat for participation is awarded. The Easter Bunny will mingle with the children and be available for pictures. Visit www.sleepyhollowil.org.
South Elgin
The village of South Elgin will hold its Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31, at Kenyon Woods, off Raymond Street. The hunt will begin at noon sharp. Kids will need to bring a basket and parents. Bring your camera for Kodak moments. There will be specific areas set up for specific age groups in an effort to make the event fun for everyone. Support the South Elgin Food Pantry by bringing canned food to this special event. Visit www.southelgin.com.
St. Charles
The St. Charles Park District will host a Doggie Egg Hunt from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at James O. Breen Community Park, Campton Hills and Peck roads.
Wag on over for a diggity dog good time. And the hunt is on for eggs filled with treats and prizes. When your dog touches one of the plastic eggs with their nose, into your basket it goes. Dogs must be leashed at all times. The hunt begins promptly at 2 p.m.
It is an opportunity for you and your pet to get a picture with the Easter Bunny. Several pet-friendly vendors will be on site. All dogs must be kept on a non-retractable leash (maximum 6 ft.), be current on all vaccinations and visibly wear tags. Advance registration is requested by Friday, March 23. Cost is $4 per dog in advance or $7 on-site.
Visit www.stcparks.org.