Let the hunt begin, the Easter Egg hunt that is! After two years of backyard searching we are all ready to run in large fields (and maybe even dive in a pool) to see where the Easter Bunny has hidden his bright colored treasures. The options this year are plentiful from farms to historic manors to zoos all offering their own twist on the nostalgic plastic Easter Egg hunt. So grab your basket and your running shoes, we are off to find some chocolate filled fun!
Green Meadows Petting Farm Egg Hunt
This “One Price Does It All” destination offers a big bang for your buck as the general admission of $16/ person includes more than just an Easter Egg hunt. Green Meadows boasts over 200 animals to pet and feed (FREE food provided for feeding), hayrides, rubber duck races, large play area and new this year, an Easter Trail where you can meet their Easter Bunny, Whiskers. Children can participate in one Egg Hunt per day (they will be running continuously from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and need to bring their own basket (one can be purchased onsite for $5).
Cost: $16/ per person
When: April 1-2, 9-10, 14-17
Where: 10102 Fingerboard Rd. Ijamsville, MD
Online: tinybeans.com
Underwater Egg Hunt
Dive in to Easter fun at the Reston Community Center. Children 6 months to 9 years can scoop up Easter eggs floating on the pool's surface while strong swimmers can show off their swimming skills by diving down to grab the eggs on the bottom of the pool. A parent/adult is required to accompany each non-swimmer. A limited number of life jackets are available (ones brought from home must be U.S. Coast Guard approved).
Cost: $4/Reston resident, $8/Non-Reston resident
When: April 9th 12:30-4:00 p.m.
Where: Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston, VA
Online: tinybeans.com
Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
Ten acres of farm fun goes all out for Easter! Admission to Bunnyland includes time to jump on the orchard’s jumping pad, a hayride through the decorated Day Trail, a hunt for colorful eggs, giant slides, pedal tractors, farm animal encounters, a visit with the Country Bunny and a goodie basket to take home. For an additional fee guests can participate in face painting and pony rides. Breakfast, lunch and treats are sold at Farmer’s Porch Kitchen from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Editor's note: Easter eggs are NOT filled and must be returned, but children under 12 will leave with a goody bag.
Cost: $10/person online & $12/person at the gate
When: April 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 23 & 24
Where: 22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD
Online: tinybeans.com
Easter Egg Hunt at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
Spend an afternoon hunting for Easter Eggs in Alexandria's Lee-Fendall garden. Sessions include a visit from the Easter Bunny, crafts and games. Tickets are required for the event as space is limited. Participants are encouraged to wear masks and must provide their own baskets.
Cost: $15/children 2-12; $5/adults; free/under 2
When: April 16 & 17
Where: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA
Online: tinybeans.com
Leesburg Animal Park's Easter Egg Hunt
Spend an afternoon with an African-Crested Porcupine, White-Handed Gibbons, two adorable sloths and other exotic animals while you gather up Easter Eggs at this Loudoun-based petting zoo. Egg hunts at the Animal Park are broken up into 3 age groups for kids up to 12. L.A.P provides an egg hunt bag and eggs are filled with small toys. The number of eggs each child can collect will be monitored so everyone gets a fair share. Note that the egg hunts happen rain or shine with no refunds or reschedules. If you choose not to attend on your purchased day, your ticket is valid for another weekday or non-event weekend admission.
Cost: $16.95/adults, $19.95/children
When: April 9, 10, 16 & 17 2022
Where: Leesburg Animal Park, 19246 James Monroe Hwy Leesburg, VA
Online: tinybeans.com
Roer’s Zoofari Egg-Citing Eggstravaganza
Face painting, Bunny photos, an Easter Parade with the animals, arts and crafts and more will fill your day at Roer’s Zoofari! Running for 2 weekends in April, you’ll find a full schedule of events for the entire family (there is even an adult Easter Egg hunt twice daily). On Sundays check out the paint session with Mrs. Cheryl.
Cost: $30/adult and $20/child (members are $5/ person)
When: April 9, 10, 16, 17
Where: 1228 Hunter Mill Rd. Vienna, VA
Online: tinybeans.com
Seasons at Magnolia Manor Easter Eggstravaganza
Seasons at Magnolia has been customizing their Egg Hunts to meet community needs for the past 3 years. In 2020 they took their eggs on the road and delivered to 57 families in Carroll and Frederick Counties. In 2021 they hosted socially distanced, small group hunts on property. For the 4th annual Eggstravaganza, families can gather at Magnolia Manor to return to the open field style egg hunt. There is even a dedicated field for those that are more comfortable staying masked and hunting within a smaller group. Bring the kids out to meet the Easter Bunny, trade eggs for prizes and snap some photos at the amazing property.
Cost: Free!
When: April 9
Where: 111 S. Springdale Ave. New Windsor, MD
Online: tinybeans.com
Easter Monday at the National Zoo
Continue your Easter celebration into Easter Monday with the National Zoo’s Washington Family Tradition. Throughout the day on Monday, April 18th, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will offer an egg hunt with prizes, special animal demonstrations and live entertainment. Check the calendar of events for tortoise, tiger and beaver feedings. If the reptile house is a family favorite, don’t miss the Komodo Dragon and Crocodile Monitor Egg Hunt at 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
When: April 18
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC
Online: tinybeans.com
—Elissa Olechnovich and Meghan Yudes Meyers
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