Kids love the simple things in life...and so do adults. Thatt's why so many old-fashioned traditions are carried on year after year. Leave the game boxes at home and get out on the fresh, spring lawns of your local parks for an Easter Egg Hunt. In California, there are hundreds of egg hunts and egg events. One of the funniest things we've found include a flashlight egg hunt for adults in Yorba Linda. Any parent who's been involved in hiding eggs knows how creative you must get to find good spots. And how many times have the kids wanted the game to continue on, so the parent, in a twist, must look for the loot? Now there's a city that understands this phenomenon, and has made it OK for adults to go out hunting on their own. Very cute!

Then there's the instructions in Fountain Valley for parents to stay out of the pin so as not to ruin the fun for the kids hunting for their eggs--this is just the opposite instruction of the hunt in other cities that instruct one parent to accompany each child. You just never know...

Funny egg events include San Francisco's Parade with roller blading cows, and crazy entries that keep you on your toes. An official Eggs & Butter Parade is a long tradition in Petaluma, home to the egg industry many years back. When taking your spring vacation during Easter week, if you visit and stay at the upper crust hotels, an egg hunt is usually part of the deal. Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, Hilton Resort, and many resorts up throughout California not only host Easter Brunch, but also have egg hunts. And among events that cities celebrate, the top three are the holiday tree light ceremony, the 4th of July ceremony, and the Easter egg hunt.

What's the egg all about? It can be chocolate, it can be a plastic candy-filled egg you'll find in the  Encinitas Easter Egg Hunt, or maybe it's just pieces of candy scattered on the ground, found in cities such as Huntington Beach.

See video of one Easter Hunt that has approx. 5000 in attendance. Video by Chris MacDonald, Huntington Beach, CA.

2010

Sausalito Easter Parade and Egg Hunt
Date: 4/3/2010 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Caledonia Street/ Dunphy Park
Caledonia & Bridgeway

ci.sausalito.ca.us

2010

Berkeley
What: 15th annual Eggster Hunt and Learning Festival
When: April  3, 2010
What to bring: The Eggster Hunt and Learning Festival is an outdoor event, so we suggest that you bring:
Plenty of water
Sunscreen
Hats
Sunglasses
Layered clothing for changing weather
They do not serve any food at event (other than the candy in the eggs), so it is  recommended that you also bring a snack or even a picnic lunch for your family to enjoy.
Parking
Parking will be very limited on and near the UC Berkeley campus, so we ask that visitors try to use public transportation (BART, AC Transit) or carpool. There is a parking structure on the corner of Berkeley Way and Oxford Street that has very limited spots available.- ocf.berkeley.edu/~eggster

Cameron Park

Annual Easter Egg Hunt includes face painting, bounce house, pictures with the Easter Bunny and age divisions (age 0 through 10) for egg hunt with a special Golden Egg. Time: 10 a.m. Cost: Free to attend. Location: Rassmussen Park, Cameron Park, CA. cameronpark.org

Capitola

April 3, 2010 11:00 AM Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt
On the beach in front of the Capitola Venetian Hotel
Call the Capitola-Soquel Chamber for more information at 475-6522.

Carlsbad

Eggstravaganza Spring Festival & Egg Hunt
Saturday April 3, 2010

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Poinsettia Park

6600 Hidden Valley Road

City of Carlsbad hosts the 7th annual “Eggstravaganza Spring Festival and Egg Hunt". Live music, fun games, exciting arts and crafts, and food. Come enjoy an amazing magic show, bounce houses, a giant slide, a chance to "soak the bunny" and much more. Collect eggs in the Egg Scramble activity on the baseball fields where groups of about 20 kids race to collect as many eggs they can. The Egg Scramble is ongoing from 10:30-12:30 p.m.
Children of all ages are invited to participate in the city's biggest and best egg hunt.  Activity cards can be purchased at our Information Booth for $5 which will buy some crafts and activities; food will be an additional cost also. 3 egg hunts will be held for different ages: 2-5 year olds, 6-9 year olds and 10-12 year olds. Older kids hunt by creating a communication contest between parent and child. Bunny Balloon Toss is where kids of all ages try and give our Spring Bunny a bath by hurling water balloons at him (no animals or persons will be hurt during this activity). Say goodbye to winter and help welcome in the spring. Call:  (760) 602-7519 ci.carlsbad.ca.us
 

Costa Mesa

Annual Easter Festival and treasure  includes treasure hunt, free gift and the Easter Bunny. Time: Hunt 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $2, free 12 and under, Location: Orange County Fairgrounds, MarketPlace & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. Call: (949) 723-6660.
 

Encinitas

Encinitas Easter Egg Hunt Festival

The City of Encinitas Easter Egg Hunt Festival  time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Ecke Sports Park, at 278 Saxony Rd., Encinitas, CA.  Egg hunt times are as follows: 10:15 – 2 years and under, 10:45 – 3 year olds, 11:15 – 4 & 5 year olds, 11:45 – 6 & 7 year olds, 12:15 – 8 & 9 year olds. For more info, call (760) 633-2740.

Eureka
Easter Egg Hunt
 Saturday, April 3, 2010
The City of Eureka’s Recreation Division sponsors an Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Carson Park. This “egg-citing” event is FREE for children 10 and under accompanied by an adult. The event features an egg hunt, candy, games, prizes and an opportunity to meet the EASTER BUNNY! Remember to bring an Easter basket!
Location: Carson Park (Carson & Buhne Streets)
Time: Ages 4 & under 10am; Ages 5—10 11am
FREE for children ages 10 & under, accompanied by one adult.
Call: (707) 441-4224

ci.eureka.ca.gov

Felton - Roaring Camp's Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 4 (Easter Sunday)
Kiddies hunt for thousands of chocolate candy eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny in a redwood forest and win prizes. Special Easter crafts and games for families and kids.

Ferndale

April 3, 2010  Easter Egg Hunt. Youngsters hunt for treasured eggs hidden by Ferndale Scouts. Prizes in 4 categories, by age. 10:30 a.m. Firemen’s Park. (If raining, check at Valley Lumber, Shaw & Berding Sts.) 707-786-4477

Folsom

April 3, 2010

Eggstravaganza & Spring Polar Plunge. Eggstravaganza is an annual fun event for kids with a pancake breakfast, kiddie carnival, displays and the Big Egg Hunt. Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost: Free. Location: Lembi Park next to Aquatic Center, 1328 Riley Street. Celebrate the opening of the giant 165-foot water slide after the egghunt. Time: 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Cost: Free. Location: Folsom Aquatic Center, Folsom, CA. folsom.ca.us

Fountain Valley

Fountain Valley Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast

April 3, 2010

Time 8 a.m.

Location: Recreation Center & Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley, CA

The Fountain Valley Recreation & Community Services Division presents the Annual Egg Hunt. DON’T BE LATE! Or your child may miss the egg hunt. Remember to have a basket or sack for your child to collect their eggs. Parents are to remain out of the hunt areas so children can enjoy collecting their own goodies. Pancake Breakfast provided by the FV Kiwanis Club, includes pancakes, sausage, and beverage. Cost is $5/person. Pictures with the Easter Bunny are $2 per picture. Everything will begin at 8am, and the Egg Hunt, Carnival Games, Crafts, Face Painters, Bounce House and are all free so come join the fun! Call: (714) 839-8611. fountainvalley.org

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach Spring Hunt

April 3, 2010

Time: 8 a.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Central Park West, near Alice's Breakfast in the Park. This event offers kids from toddler to youngsters the opportunity to scour the grass lawns with children their own age and hunt for candy. Booths, face painting and fun for the children is provided in this event.

Mission Viejo

Easter Fair

April  3, 2010

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Dr., Mission Viejo, CA.  Easter Fair for the Entire Community invites the public to join in for a very festive celebration of spring. Free admission  with fee for select activities and food.  Call: (949) 837-7467

Norco

April 3, 2010

Time: 10 a.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Wayne Makin Park, 3364 Western Ave., Norco, CA. Easter Egg Hunt. Annual Easter egg hunt is sponsored by City of Norco, Department of Parks, Recreation Community Services. 

10 a.m. Saturday,  For children 11 and younger.

Call: (951) 270-5632

Oakland

Spring Egg Hunt: Saturday April before Easter, noon - 3pm

Dusnmuir House & Gardens Historic Estate in Oakland
Another Dunsmuir tradition where children can greet the Easter Bunny, look for eggs on age-appropriate egg hunts, play games and picnic at the Estate.

2960 Peralta Oaks Court
Oakland, California 94605
Phone: 510.615.5555
Fax: 510.562.8294
General Info: info@dunsmuir.org

Oakland - City Easter Egg Hunt. A very special Easter Egg Hunt for kids sponsored by the City of Oakland Parks & Rec and Pacific, Gas and Electric, includes an Easter Egg Hunt for youths (Toddler to 8th Grade), Basket Decoration, Free Kids Lunch, Face Painting, Jumpers, Raffles and much more. Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Mosswood Park, 3612 Webster, Oakland, (Corner of MacArthur & Broadway by Kaiser Hospital), Oakland, CA. Phone: (510) 597-5038‎. oaklandnet.com

Orange

Irvine Park Railroads Eggstravaganza March 28 - Apr. 11, 2010

Ride the Easter Train, Hunt for Eggs and Have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny at Historic Irvine Regional Park in Orange, CA.

Time: Daily

Cost: $4 train; Bunny photo: $10

Location: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA

Petaluma

The Petaluma Mothers’ Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Sunday, April 4, 2010, 11 am to 2 pm

Photos with the Easter Bunny, music from Miss Kitty, jumpy house, cookie decorating, make bunny ears, face paint, refreshments and bake sale. Easter egg hunts at 12:00, 12:30 and 1:00 p.m.

Location: Kenilworth Junior High School

800 Riesling Road

Petaluma, CA

petalumamothersclub.org.

Pismo Beach April 3, 2010

Easter Egg Hunt. The festivities will be held at Dinosaur Caves Park, Shell Beach & the hunt is FREE! The celebration will include games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon artist & much more! Participants are asked to bring their own basket or bag to collect their eggs and goodies! In addition, if everyone uses their good manners, the Easter Bunny will be visiting & may even be on-site for photo opportunities so be sure to bring your cameras! Time: 10:00am –1:00pm. (Ages 2 & under…10:05am; Ages 3-4…10:40am; Ages 5-6…11:10am; Ages 7-9…11:45am; Ages 10-12…12:10pm. Call: (805) 773-7063. pismobeach.org.

San Diego

On Easter Sunday, The Hotel Del Coronado is famous for its fun egg hunts on the oceanfront Windsor Lawn. Kids can also make a variety of arts and crafts at the wonderful Craft Eggstravaganza. The Easter Bunny himself roams throughout the hotel to take photos with hotel and brunch guests.

San Francisco's 19th Annual  Spring Celebration & Easter Parade

Sunday, April 3, 2010

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Union Street  Gough to Fillmore
San Francisco, CA
The 18th annual event celebrates and showcases the diverse community of San Francisco and features some of Union Street's best restaurants serving attendees in an outdoor bistro setting.
A variety of children's and family activities are the focus of the event and include; large inflatable bounces, kids' rides and games, a climbing wall, a hands-on children's activities area, costumed characters, a petting zoo, a pony ride and entertainment from some of the Bay Area's best musicians.
For the past 17 years the event has been known as the Biggest Little Parade in San Francisco. Over the years the parade has grown and in 2008 there were 45 units entered, all of which reflected the unique community of the Bay Area.
The event is not your average Street Fair or formal Parade. It can best be described as wonderful, wacky, elegant and fabulous, with everything from roller-blading cows and creative self-propelled mini-floats to garden areas, sophisticated fashions and beautiful classic and art cars. It's a special event for the entire family.

Yorba Linda
Date: April 3, 2010
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Egg-Citement Hunt
Free Event for Children Ages 2 to 7
Join the free celebration as the bunny “hip-hops” to Hurless Barton Park to visit girls and boys and joins in the fun activities. There will be separate hunting areas for different age groups with plenty of plastic eggs with candy and prizes. We recommend one adult per child for supervision. Bring your own basket to collect your goodies. This is a free event, so you do not need to pre-register, but please arrive early. The Egg Hunt will begin at 10:00 a.m. sharp. In case of rain, the Egg Hunt will be relocated to the Yorba Linda Community Center. For further information, please call the Yorba Linda Community Center at (714) 961-7181. This is a free event, so you do not need to pre-register, but please arrive
early. The Egg Hunt will begin at 10:00 am sharp.
Location: Hurless Barton Park, 4601 Casa Loma Ave, Yorba Linda
Contact: Community Center - (714) 961-7181

Yorba Linda

Friday, April  2, 2010

13TH ANNUAL LATE NIGHT FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT FOR AGE 8 to 14
Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House/
Hurless Barton Park
Don't miss out on the 13th Annual Late Night Flashlight Egg Hunt for kids age 8 to 14! Bring your flashlight, a basket, and your running shoes and you're off to find the Golden Egg. All participants are guaranteed a great time and some awesome treats. Pre-registration is required for the Youth Flashlight Egg Hunt and they take registrations up until 4:00 pm on the day of the event.
$8/ person
Time: 8:00-9:30pm