Historians believe Easter egg hunts probably became a tradition in 16th century Germany, with ties to a legendary Easter Hare. No Easter Hares to speak of in this part of the world although seasonal hunts for eggs, gratis the Easter Bunny, are just about everywhere.
Granted, most lack the cache that surrounds the annual event at the White House or the sheer numbers that earned Guinness World Records status for 2007’s hunt at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven, Florida. Still, this area offers plenty of options.
Fuel up pre-hunt
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Easter Brunch — with egg hunt for 2- to 12-year-olds — includes an extensive spread designed to please even the pickiest egg-splorers. Reserved seatings are 10 a.m., 11:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on multiple weekends through March 31. The zoo is located at 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown. Pricing and other details: www.elmwoodparkzoo.org
If a casual barbecue is more your style, Pottstown’s Church of the Nazarene has extended an invitation to the community for its free Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt and cookout dinner “featuring Pastor Tom’s BBQ chicken” on March 23. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Egg hunt at 7 p.m. The church is located at 1045 Beech St. Details: www.pottstownnazarene.org.
Also in Pottstown, St. Paul’s UCC will host March 23’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny (free will donation) from 9 to 11 a.m. at 927 N. Franklin St. Pancakes, crafts and a 10 a.m. egg hunt are on the menu. Details: www.stpaulspottstown.org.
And in West Conshohocken, the George Clay Fire Company Auxiliary invites all ages to its annual all-you-can-eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at 426 Ford Street on March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Ages 13 and older, $12; 4 to 12, $6; 3 and under, free with a paying adult. Details: www.geoclay.com.
Week of events
Organizers promise lots of treats at Greater Plymouth Community Center’s weekend-long nod to Easter, starting with its March 23 Egg Scramble with the Bunny at 10 a.m. (Plymouth residents, $5; Non-residents, $7).
The celebration continues with March 24’s 10 a.m. to noon Easter Eggsravaganza in GPCC’s indoor pool, complete with in-water egg hunt and live D.J. ($20 per person; $50 per family of four). Both events at GPCC, 2910 Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting. Pre-registration required at 610-277-4312. Details: www.plymouthtownship.org.
Other egg hunts
• Ambler Kiwanis Club will hold its free annual egg hunt March 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at Ricciardi Park, 236 Hendricks St. Details: 267-401-1570
• Lansdale Borough’s free hunt for 3 to 8-year-olds is scheduled for March 23 at 10:30 a.m. in Whites Road Park, 400 Whites Road. Registration required by March 22 at 4:30 p.m. Details: www.lansdale.org.
• North Wales’ March 23 egg search for pre-K through third graders will take place at 11 a.m. in Weingartner Park, 254-344 Summit St. Details: www.northwalesborough.org.
• Horsham Township Library’s March 23 egg hunt at 435 Babylon Road will begin at 10:30 a.m. and include “age-appropriate” hunting areas. Details: www.horshamlibrary.org.
• East Norriton Township’s free hunts for 3 to 11-year-olds are set for March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at Stanbridge Street Park. Details: www.eastnorritontwp.org.
• West Norriton Township’s hunt for 1 through 8-year-olds will take place March 30 at 10 a.m. in Centennial Park, 8 Burnside Ave., and also feature face painting and balloon art. Details: www.westnorritontwp.org.
• Fairview Village Church, 3044 W. Germantown Pike, Eagleville, will offer free egg hunts for ages 3 and under through 12-year-olds, inflatables, carnival games, photos and lots more on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details: www.fairviewvillagechurch.com.
• Perkiomen Valley Library, 290 Second St., Schwenksville, will host a used book sale (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and egg hunt (11 a.m.) on March 23. Details: www.pvlibrary.net.
• Royersford Borough’s free Teen Glow Hunt is scheduled for March 23 at 8 p.m. in Victory Park, Green and Washington streets. Pre-registration and details: www.royersfordborough.org.
• Limerick Township’s Flash Light Easter Egg Hunt for 8 to 12-year-olds is set for March 28 at 7 p.m. in Limerick Community Park, 180 Swamp Pike. Details: www.limerickpa.org.
• Pottstown Community Arts’ March 23 Easter Fair in Pottstown Riverfront Park, 140 College Drive, from 2 to 5 p.m. will feature a variety of egg hunts for ages 0 through 7-plus. Details: www.pottstowncommunityarts.org
