Easter Egg Hunts, colorful cheers around Chicago

It’s time for a favorite holiday activity for the kids: the annual Easter Egg Hunts, with lots of them in Chicago! You just can’t top the excitement of beating the competition to collect the most eggs filled with delicious chocolate  treats, small toys or coins!

This celebration is believed to have originally come from Germany, where the protestant priest Martin Luther  created early Easter Egg Hunts at the end of the fifteenth century. 

Rooted in springtime and fertility, Luther partnered with the men in the community to hide the eggs for women and children.  Eggs have been connected with life and rebirth.  And the empty eggshell specifically represents the empty tomb of Jesus, which was found and cracked open by females.   

The rabbit is also long known for fertility and birth in the spring. This idea is what is thought to have brought the Easter Bunny to the celebration, though he started as the Easter Hare.  

Due to the religious and historical relations between Germany, Great Britain, and the United States through Protestantism, Easter spread with immigrants during the eighteenth century, specifically to Pennsylvania. 

It’s the perfect opportunity to take the family for some great fun and memory-making. These are the ones we think you can’t miss! The Easter Egg Hunts range from free to about $5 – $14, all around Chicago area.  

Check for more information with the links below!

1.- Flashlight Egg Hunt at Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center in Olympia Fields

Starting on the 8th of April at 7:30. $12 for residents and $15 for non-residents. For fids 3-10.

20000 Western Ave. Olympia Fields, IL 60461

Kick off this Easter Egg Hunt with a craft project!  Kids must bring their own mask, basket, and a flashlight. 

2.- Eggventures in Wonderland at New City

Starting on April 9th at 10:00 am. For Kids up to 16.

1457 N Halsted, Chicago

With an Alice in Wonderland theme and over 30,000 eggs for kids to hunt for, this egg hunt should be fun!!  Face painting, characters, music and prizes will be available. Plus, big kids can join.  

3.-  Flashlight Egg Hunt & Hike at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles

Starting the 14th to the 15th of April at 6:00 pm. $12/person. All ages are welcome, registration is required.

3795 Campton Hills Dr. St. Charles, IL 60175

This is an egg hunt and a hike combined, where you’ll get to learn about animals that lay eggs. Bring a basket and a flashlight, along with some good walking shoes.

4- Bunny Bonanza at Welles (Gideon) Park

April 7th 9:30a-12:30p.  $7/child. Focused on the wee ones, ages 1-4, registration is required. Parents, be sure to bring your own camera.

2333 W. Sunnyside Ave, Chicago

Enjoy an egg hunt, a visit with the Easter Bunny and get a special treat! 

5-Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt at Prairie Path Park

April 9th, 7-8p Pre-registration is required.  $12/child

811 Mark Twain Trail, Batavia

Finally, an egg hunt for the older kids!  Bring a flashlight and hunt for the golden egg to win a special treat. All kids will get a glow stick and a goodie bag.

6-Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at West Main Community Park

April 9th 12-1p  $14/dog.  Pre-registration is requested.

40w101 W Main St, Batavia

Even the dogs get their own Easter Egg Hunting event for sniffing for eggs filled with dog treats!  Starts at the gate to the Bark park.  All dogs must wear a leash.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit Anderson Animal Shelter.  

7-Easter Egg Hunt at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles

Starting on April 9th at 10:00 am. For Kids under 9 years of age, 

8 North Ave. St. Charles, IL 60174

Kids can collect a maximum of The challenge is to complete 10 eggs in the basket. This event is free and does not require registration. Kids must bring their own basket. 

8-Pool Egg Hunt at Sheridan (Philip Henry) Park

April 15 5-6:30p, Kids 6-12 years old,  $2/child

910 S Aberdeen St, Chicago

Hunt for eggs…IN A POOL!!! How cool! All participants must wear swim gear and bring their own basket.

9-Easter Egg Hunt at Jefferson Field

April 16 10a

16th Wenonah Ave, Berwyn

Bring your own basket and find a share of 20,000 candy-filled eggs. After the egg hunt, stay to enjoy the Easter Stravaganza and parade.

10-Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo

April 16 8a-Noon, $35/ticket; free for children under 12 months old, registration required 

2234 N Cannon St, Chicago

There is more than just an egg hunt at Lincoln Park Zoo! Meet the Easter Bunny and other spring characters, enjoy music, games, free rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and the Lionel Train Adventure and more!  Egg hunts are divided into different age groups.  Bring your own baskets for the egg hunt. Each ticket also gets a $5 Zoo Bucks good at Park Place Cafe.