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From Apache Junction to Surprise, cities across metro Phoenix are hosting spring festivities where children can scavenge for colorful Easter eggs, play games, meet the Easter Bunny, decorate their own eggs, win prizes and have their faces painted.
For sensory-friendly fun, head to Bierman Autism Centers in Tempe on April 1. If you're looking to explore all that a city has to offer, head to downtown Mesa's Main Street egg hunt on April 8. At Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, you'll find thrills for the whole family at the amusement park that is open during its Easter Egg-Citement event on April 8.
Easter is Sunday, April 9, this year and most of the events take place April 1, 2 and 8.
Here are 15 Easter egg hunts that promise family fun in metro Phoenixin April 2023.
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Easter egg hunt in Apache Junction
Apache Junction's Parks and Recreation department will hide more than 8,500 prize-filled eggs around Prospector Park on Saturday, April 1. Children will be divided by age groups; the 2 and younger crowd will kick off the day at 9 a.m. Don't forget to bring your own Easter baskets.Families can participate in activities and games hosted by local nonprofits, too.
Details: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 1. Prospector Park Softball Fields, 3015 N. Idaho Road, Apache Junction. Free; some activities require payment. 480-983-2181, https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov.
Spring Celebration in Buckeye
Buckeye's spring celebration atSundance Park will have an egg hunt that is divided into age groups (2 years and younger through 11 years and older). Start times vary depending on age; the schedule can be foundon the city's website. The Eggstra Special Huntfor children who need additional assistance or accommodationsbegins at 9:30 a.m.
There will also be bounce houses, Easter egg decorating, Easter Bunny photos, face painting and food vendors.
Details: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 1. Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye.623-349-6331,https://www.buckeyeaz.gov.
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Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg-Stravaganza in Tempe
Bierman Autism Centers' Tempe location will host "a sensory-friendly day full of fun" on April 1. Guests can decorate eggs, play with bubbles and pose with the Easter Bunny. RSVP on Eventbrite to secure a spot.
Details: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 1. 1729 W. Greentree Drive, Tempe. Free. 800-931-8113, https://www.eventbrite.com.
Bunny Hop at Tempe Marketplace
Tempe Marketplace's Bunny Hop will take place in The District from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 1. There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, live performances, giveaways and kid-friendly crafts.
Details: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 1. 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Free. 480-966-9338, https://tempemarketplace.com/events/bunny-hop.
Bunny Bash at Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix
The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace will have "the ultimate spring celebration" on Friday, April 7. From 4:30-6:30 p.m., participants can follow a trail of eggs from store to store, decorate eggs, pose with the Easter Bunny, get some balloon art, participate in giveaways and watch live entertainment.
Details: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, April 7. 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Free. 480-513-7586, https://shopdesertridge.com/event/bunny.
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Family Easter Celebration in Chandler
Children 9 and younger can hop along Chandler's 24 Karrot Trail while collecting eggs and goodies — make sure to bring a basket. The egg hunt is 5:30-8:30 p.m., or until everything has been collected, and children are limited to eight eggs each. Stick around afterfor food vendors, carnival games, bounce houses, performances, and arts and crafts.
Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free; some activities require payment. 480-782-2669, https://www.chandleraz.gov.
Spring Eggstravaganza in Surprise
Surprise will again host an "eggs-travaganza" in the park. Children are divided by age groups for the egg hunt, which begins at 8:20 a.m. for kids 2 and younger. The next age group follows every 30 minutes. At 10:20 a.m., children 11 and older — and those who missed their start time — can participate in the open egg hunt.
The free event will also have balloon artists, Easter Bunny photo opportunities, food and drink for purchase and face painting.
Details: 7:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8. Surprise Recreation Campus — Kansas City Royals Practice Fields, 15850 N. Bullard Ave.Free; some activities require payment. 623-222-2000,https://www.surpriseaz.gov/1162/City-Calendar.
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Schnepf Farms Easter Egg-Citement in Queen Creek
Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek promises "egg-citement" for kids with Easter egg hunts (by age group), cookie decorations, train and amusement park rides, a petting zoo and Easter Bunny photos. The morning hunt begins at 10 a.m., with 8:30 a.m. check-in, and the afternoon hunt starts at 1 p.m.; check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made at https://schnepf-farms.ticketleap.com.
Details:8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek.Starting at $5 for adult admission (no rides), $25 plus fees for children. 480-987-3100,https://schnepf-farms.ticketleap.com/easter2023.
Foundation for Blind Children's spring festival
The Foundation for Blind Children's main campus in north Phoenix will hostits annual beeping egg hunt that will also feature a bounce house, carnival games and pie-baking contest with its staff.
Details: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 8. Main Campus, 1234 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-331-1470, https://seeitourway.org/event/spring-festival.
Easter Eggstravaganza in downtown Mesa
Start your day at downtown Mesa's Easter Eggstravaganza with a stroll through the farmers market (at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St.) where guests can collect fresh Easter goodies from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and embark on an egg hunt through Main Street's shops and restaurants — look for bunny ears on the businesses' doors. The Easter Bunny will pose for photos at Main Street and Macdonald, too. There will also be snacks and Easter-themed crafts.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Various locations in downtown Mesa. Free. https://downtownmesa.com/events/easter-eggstravaganza.
Great Egg Hunt andFamily Fair near Scottsdale
Arizona Boardwalk will host two free Easter egg hunts as part of itsGreat Egg Hunt and Family Fair on April 8.There will be photos with the Easter Bunny ($10 per picture), vendors, bounce houses, obstacle courses, live entertainment, face painting and giveaways.
Details:10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. Free.https://www.azboardwalk.com.
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Easter egg hunt at Uptown Plaza in Phoenix
Uptown Plaza's Easter egg hunt will begin at 11 a.m. with more than 400 filled Easter eggs and a dozen golden eggs with special prizes from participating businesses. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos as families participate in egg decorating and games.
Details: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 8. 100 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Free. https://www.uptownplazaphx.com/events.
Hide & Peep Scavenger Hunt at Scottsdale Quarter
Families can head to Scottsdale Quarter the day before Easter for the annual egg hunt. Colorful eggs will be hidden throughout the open-air mall, and there will be a secret location with "a bag full of goodies" that can be unlocked. Reservations are required, and spots can be reserved for $5 on Eventbrite.
The Easter Bunny will be taking photos around The Quad, and kids can dance along with live music, get their faces painted and snag some balloon art, too.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 8. 15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free; $5 for scavenger hunt bag. 480-270-8123, https://scottsdalequarter.com.
Goodyear's Hop & Hops Festival
Goodyear will offer more than 80,000 Easter eggs, toys and candy during its Hop & Hops Festival. Kids can hunt for bonus eggs hidden around the two baseball fields at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.; age groups will be divided into 0-5 years old and 6-12 years old. There will also be a Peep or Treat path where families can stroll and collect treats from community booths.
Other activities include 15 inflatables, appearances by Disney and Marvel characters, arts and crafts, airbrush face painting, balloon twisters and a dance party.
Details: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Goodyear Recreation Campus, 420 S. Estrella Pkwy., Goodyear. Free. https://www.goodyearaz.gov.
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Enchanted Island Easter egg hunt in Phoenix
Children 1-10 years old are invited to a free, two-day egg hunt at Enchanted Island amusement park in Phoenix. Eggs will be filled with toys and Enchanted Island coupons for free rides, food and other discounts. Grand prizes include kids' bikes, one-year passes and birthday party packages.
Reservations are recommended and can be made at https://www.enchantedisland.com; those without reservations will wait in the standby line. Make sure to bring your own basket. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Details: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 8-9. 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. Free. 602-254-1200, https://www.enchantedisland.com.
Reach the reporter atkimi.robinson@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter@kimirobinand Instagram@ReporterKiMi.
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