Hunting for Easter Fun?

Hunting for Easter Fun?
By Shelly T. Hudson

Wondering where to take the kiddies for a sweet time this holiday? Well, search no more. Whether you’re a fan of the chocolate or the fluffy variety, South Orange County has bunnies galore. Gather up your good eggs and get crackin’…we’ve got a basket full of ideas to keep things hopping.

SAN CLEMENTE
The SENSATIONAL SPRINGTACULAR at San Gorgonio Park (2916 Via San Gorgonio) promises to be springier and more spectacular than ever! If you have eager early risers at home, start the day off right with the Kiwanis Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23rd. The fun stuff kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with crafts, games and entertainment. The Great Big Egg Hunt for newborns to kids ten years old starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. (bring your own basket!) and Peter Cottontail will be on hand to cheer on the egg-hunters and pose for photos. The Wildlife Company will exhibit exotic animals right after the hunt and the Springtime Puppet Parade will finish the morning with a performance from 10:30 to 11:00. Contact the Recreation Division at 949.361.8264 for more.

The City of San Clemente and the Family Assistance Ministries are teaming up again to sponsor the COMMUNITY EASTER BRUNCHat Ole Hanson Beach Club (105 West Avenida Pico) on Saturday, April 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to noon. This event is open to community individuals and families in need. A variety of donation and volunteer options are available. It’s a great opportunity to get involved with the community and show our children the spirit of Easter! Please email info@family-assistance.org for additional information.

Six local churches are collaborating this year to celebrate EASTER TOGETHER at Steed Memorial Park (247 La Pata). Services at 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday will include events for the whole family. Plenty of parking is available and a shuttle service will assist seniors or guests with small children. Seating will be provided, but feel free to bring blankets or beach chairs.

DANA POINT
Once again, the City of Dana Point Community Services and Recreation Department will host annual EASTER EGG HUNTS for kids up to age ten on Saturday, April 23rd. Pines Park (34941 Camino Capistrano) and Sea Canyon Park (33093 Santiago Drive) will feature children’s games, a petting zoo and face painting. The Bunny of Honor will stop by and make himself available for photo-ops, so remember to bring your cameras! The fun starts at 9:00 a.m. and the egg hunts begin at 10:00 a.m. sharp.

LAGUNA BEACH
One of Laguna Beach’s longest running holiday traditions, the American Legion and Women’s Auxiliary’s annual EASTER EGG HUNTwill be held at Laguna Beach High School’s baseball field (625 Park Avenue) on Easter Sunday at noon. The event welcomes children aged nine and younger and always has an impressive turnout. Rumor has it that a certain fuzzy rabbit will make an appearance for photos before the egg hunt starts.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Jet over to Chapparosa Park (25191 Chapparosa Park Road) on Saturday, April 23rd from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for Laguna Niguel’s BUNNY BLAST. A petting zoo, crafts, face painting, games, a bounce house and a Spring Show will keep the kids well-entertained. Saddle up for a pony ride and visit the Easter Bunny who will be strolling around for photos. Admission to the event is $7 for children (ages 3-12) and $1 for adults (13 and older). Call the Recreation Hotline for event updates at 949.362.4351 extension 1.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Hop on down to the Rotary Club’s annual EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA at Historic Town Center Park (31852 El Camino Real). The fun is free for all children aged 11 and under. Events this year will include egg-decorating, face-painting, house-bouncing and egg-hunting. Musical entertainment will keep things jumpin’ and the Easter Bunny will be on hand to shake tiny hands and pass out hugs. The morning fun starts at 9:00 a.m. and runs until noon on Saturday, April 23rd.

Easter in the Park on Sunday, April 24th will once again be a must-do on your weekend calendar. Calvary Chapel hosts a huge celebration in Town Center Park from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. featuring a barbeque, live music and an egg hunt. All ages are welcome. Don’t forget your blankets, chairs and sunscreen!