Fortunately, the frigid winter days are behind us and spring is almost here. There’s nothing like the chirping of birds and the smell of blooming flowers to remind us that sleet and snow will give way to much-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 hottest spring break destinations in the country, from vibrant New York City to historic New Orleans. No matter the occasion, people of all ages will enjoy some springtime fun. Read on for some parades and egg hunts scheduled to hit major cities in April or earlier.
NY
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 the days of the Civil War. Unlike most parades, this one does not feature marching bands or floats. Instead, people come from all corners of the world to sport some of the most stylish Easter hats imaginable. From Civil War-era costumes to animal print outfits, the outfits range from fancy to wacky, and you’re just as likely to find them provided by pets as if they were their owners. The Easter Parade and Easter Hat Festival take place from 10 am to 4 pm Plus, free admission makes the event fun and easy on the wallet.
San Francisco
Travelers in or near the Bay Area can participate in the 19th Annual Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade on Easter Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm Expected to attract 30,000 attendees, the parade It will feature live music, inflatable bounces, a rock-climbing wall, vintage cars, stilt walkers, kiddie rides, and a hands-on activity area. Those who are present can enjoy al fresco dining as they watch the parade move between Gough and Filmore streets. Families have been known to call it the biggest little parade in San Francisco.
Washington DC.
If the kids like rolling 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 Easter Games after Congress banned them from Capitol grounds. The Egg Roll is currently the largest public event at the White House, attracting approximately 40,000 visitors annually. This year’s theme: “Set, 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 a family vacation year-round. If you’re not planning on soaking up the sun in Miami Beach or browsing the unique shops of Ocean Drive this Easter, take the kids to the 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 their photo with the Easter Bunny, frolic on fun bouncy castles, and enjoy good fun. music. Fun for the whole family also awaits you at the Miami Seaquarium’s Egg Hunt Celebration, which takes place Friday, April 2-Sunday, April 4. In addition to the park’s regular shows and exhibits, kids will delight in “Bunny-palo za,” featuring 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 begin 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 will go around Lee Circle and up Cadiz Street before finally turning around and heading back 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 releases and surprises for viewers, so stay tuned! Dinosaur lovers shouldn’t miss the Audobon Zoo’s Dinosaur 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, ending in picturesque City Park. An after-race party, costume contest, and other events follow. In fact, there’s a lot more to New Orleans than Mardi Gras!
Easter only comes once a year, as do these fun-filled egg hunts and parades. Whether you plan to go hunting for Easter treats this year or join thousands as they stroll down a busy street, it’s time to jump in and have some fun.
