Fortunately, the frigid days of winter are behind us and spring is almost here. There’s nothing like the sound of birdsong and the smell of blooming flowers to remind us that sleet and snow will give way to long-awaited sunshine, setting the stage for the perfect Easter egg hunt or parade. These events, some of which are expected to draw thousands, will take center stage in some of the nation’s hottest spring break destinations, from vibrant New York City to historic New Orleans. No matter the occasion, people of all ages will enjoy the springtime fun. Read on for some parades and egg hunts scheduled to hit major cities in April or sooner.
New York
If you plan to be in New York City on Easter Sunday (April 4), join hundreds as they stroll down Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets for the Easter Parade & Easter Bonnet Festival, an annual tradition dating back to to the days of the Civil War. Unlike most parades, this one doesn’t feature marching bands or floats. Instead, people come from all over the world to show off some of the most stylish Easter hats imaginable. From Civil War era costumes to animal print outfits, the outfits range from fancy to quirky, and you’re just as likely to find them provided by pets as they are by their owners. The Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival are held from 10 am to 4 pm Plus, free admission makes the event fun and easy on the pocketbook.
San Francisco
Travelers in or near the Bay Area can take part in the 19th annual Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade on Easter Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expected to draw 30,000 attendees, the parade It will feature live music, inflatable bouncers, a climbing wall, vintage cars, stilt walkers, kiddie rides, and a hands-on activity area. Those in attendance can enjoy alfresco dining as they watch the parade proceed between Gough and Filmore streets. Families have been known to call it the biggest little parade in San Francisco.
Washington D.C.
If kids like to roll Easter eggs, this year they’ll love rolling colored hard-boiled eggs across the White House lawn. The White House Easter Egg Roll will be held in our nation’s capital on April 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tradition dates back to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes declared that neighborhood children could gather on the White House lawn to play the Easter Games after Congress banned them from the Capitol grounds. The Egg Roll is currently the largest public event at the White House, attracting approximately 40,000 visitors a year. This year’s theme: “Ready, set, go!” – is intended to promote health and well-being. Children 12 and under and their families can enjoy live musical performances, cooking classes and other activities on the South Lawn of the White House for free.
miami
Miami’s tropical climate makes it a great place for family vacations year-round. If you don’t plan on soaking up the sun on Miami Beach or browsing the unique shops on Ocean Drive this Easter, take the kids to Miami Metrozoo for its annual Miami Metrozoo Egg Safari. The event is free with regular admission and takes place April 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Youth ages 12 and under can take a photo with the Easter Bunny, romp on fun bouncy castles, and enjoy good music. Fun for the whole family also awaits at the Miami Seaquarium’s Egg Hunt celebration, held Friday, April 2-Sunday, April 4. In addition to the park’s usual shows and exhibits, kids will delight in “Bunny-palo za,” which features five acres of rides, slides, bouncy houses and other fun activities.
New Orleans
The sixth annual Easter On The Avenue Parade, also known as the St. Charles Easter Parade, will kick off and then roll down beautiful St. Charles Avenue at 12:15 pm on Easter Sunday. The parade will begin at Emeril’s Delmonico restaurant and travel down Lee Circle and up Cadiz Street before finally turning around and returning to the restaurant. Feel free to show off your Easter finery as you travel in a provided carriage or convertible. Best of all, there will be launches and surprises for viewers, so stay tuned! Dinosaur lovers shouldn’t miss Audobon Zoo’s Dino Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28. Kids can make dinosaur crafts, enjoy snacks, and hunt for their own dinosaur eggs. Alternatively, if you’re an avid runner, you can take part in the Crescent City Classic, which takes place on the Saturday of Easter weekend each year. This 10K road race takes runners down Esplanade Avenue, a beautiful tree-lined boulevard on the edge of the French Quarter, and ends in picturesque City Park. A post-race party, costume contest and other events follow. In fact, there is much more to New Orleans than Mardi Gras!
Easter only comes once a year, just like these fun egg hunts and parades. Whether you plan to go Easter treat hunting this year or join thousands as they stroll down a busy street, it’s time to jump in and have some fun.
