Easter is early this year, falling on the last Sunday of March (3/27). We’ve rounded up the egg hunts, bunny meet-and-greets, and more special events happening around town for kids and families!
Easter Egg Hunts
It wouldn’t be Easter without egg hunts, and New York City has a plethora of options.
Head to the Upper East Side’s Carl Schurz Park on Saturday, March 19, where continuous waves of egg hunts will run from 1:10-2:45pm. Participants will meet the bunny, hear music from Eastside Westside Music Together while they wait in line, and receive an egg collection bag and glitter cheek or hand stamp. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting Easter egg hunts throughout the museum on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Easter weekend (March 25-28), along with egg-decorating and craft workshops. Think ‘N’ Fun NYC is hosting an egg hunt with a photo op with the Easter Bunny, light snacks and beverages and stamping for little faces and hands in Riverside Park on Saturday, March 26. The earlier you register, the less you pay–so pre-register now. That same day, stop by Central Park’s Hecksher Playground for the annual egg hunt, where kids in pre-K-grade 5 (divided into two ages groups) can hunt for thousands of treat-filled eggs starting at 11am until they run out. For those who want a trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park has an egg hunt with egg tossing, farm animals and even an old-fashioned hayride on Saturday, March 26.
Easter Eggs of the Ukraine
If you want to learn and celebrate the holiday, head to the Ukrainian Museum in the East Village on March 19. Watch artists make pysanka eggs and see a short film about the eggs. It’s free with museum admission. 222 East 6th Street, 1-5pm
Easter Eggstravaganza Children’s Workshop at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
Hop over to The Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine for an Easter eggstravaganza! Children will decorate eggs with tissue paper, glitter, glue, and paint, and construct a nest out of clay. You’ll need to bring your own hard-boiled eggs, though–two per child! Recommended for ages 4-8. $10 per child, with an accompanying adult. 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street, workshops at 10am & 2pm.
Macy’s Flower Show
On March 20, head to the famous Herald Square Macy’s for their Flower Show Family Fun Day starting at 1pm . Or stop by through April 3 for different flower-themed events, including wreath-making and a performance by the cast of “Beautiful – the Carole King Musical.” 51 West 34th Street, 9:30am-10pm
Easter Weekend Celebration at the Bronx Zoo
Bring your family to the Bronx Zoo this Easter weekend for some animal-themed fun! Take a self-guided “Eggstravaganza” scavenger hunt and learn which animals lay eggs; join an endangered species hat parade; and head to the Dancing Crane pavilion to make a mask or hat for the parade and to take home. Free with zoo admission. 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 11am-4pm.
Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
One of the oldest New York City traditions, dating back all the way to the 1870s, the Easter Parade by St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a fun way for all ages to spend Easter Sunday. Bring the kids out on March 27 to see New Yorkers in their finest spring bonnets! You can watch or join the parade in your best bonnet. 49th Street to 57th Street on 5th Avenue, 10am-4pm.
Full Bunny Contact
If you want to celebrate the holiday with fun for older kids and adults, Full Bunny Contact is just the place from March 22-27. Suitable for ages 16 and up, it’s Easter with a twist. The main event is an agility contest: Three people at a time try to collect as many eggs as possible while being pursued by three costumed bunnies. Don’t worry, this won’t turn in to a football game, it’s all about speed and quickness—and no physical contact is allowed. You can win prizes like gift cards to restaurants, tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, stuffed animals, and even cash. $5 admission. The Clemente, 107 Suffolk Street, hours vary
Easter Brunches and Dinners
Restaurants, cafes and delis all over the city have special Easter Sunday specials. Brunch, lunch and dinner are available, though some restaurants require a reservation ahead of time. Check with the individual restaurant so you’re not left out in the cold!
Easter Cruises
If you want a truly memorable Easter experience, cruise lines all over the city are hosting special Easter cruises. Spirit Cruises has a very family-friendly special, with brunch cruises leaving at noon (11:30 AM boarding). The menu is kid-friendly, and there are rumors of a special appearance by the Easter Bunny! (Tickets start at $59.90 for adults, $35.95 for ages 3-12) For a swanky Easter dinner, Hornblower Cruises, which departs from Pier 40 in the West Village, has a 5pm cruise (4:30 boarding) with a buffet dinner and dessert station and after-dinner dancing with a live DJ (Tickets start at $120).
