Easter egg hunts, brunches and parades on Long Island
The Easter Bunny will be hopping around Long Island this spring, which means photos, parades, brunches and egg hunts abound.
“During the spring season, we look forward to seeing families and their pets come to the malls dressed in their Easter finery to take pictures with the Easter Bunny or partake in one of our special events including an Easter egg decorating experience with a police officer, story time and pet photos,” says Maria Cavanagh, director of marketing and business development at the Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station.
There will be plenty of scavenger hunts for eggs filled with treats and surprises at historic landmarks and family-friendly destinations.
At the Big Duck in Flanders on March 23, the Friends of the Big Duck will be on hand as different age groups starting at age 2, get a chance to win a prize basket filled with “duckabilia” merchandise that includes a book and T-shirt for those lucky enough to find the special eggs, says Neil Young, treasurer of the Friends of the Big Duck.
Families can also head to Garden City on March 31 for the annual Easter car parade where attendees can see collectible, classic and antique cars and trucks parade down Franklin Avenue.
Here are spots where you can meet the bunny, have a meal together and search for colorful eggs filled with treats.
Photos with the Easter Bunny
Photos with the Easter Bunny
Roosevelt Field
630 Old Country Rd., Uniondale
Take photos with the Easter Bunny now through March 31 (times vary), located in the “Spring Garden,” North Court at Roosevelt Field mall and on Easter Sunday, children get a special treat. Caring Bunny, a sensory-friendly experience for those with special needs takes place, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. March 17 with sensory activities and giveaways available until supplies last at the North Court (reservations required). Come for pet photos with the Easter Bunny, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. March 10 (enter through the doors by Dick's Sporting Goods).
Cost Photo packages start at $39.99, for reservations: whereisbunny.com
More info simon.com, 516-742-8000
Green Acres Mall
Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream
Visit and take photos with the Easter Bunny 2 to 7 p.m. March 15; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 16; noon to 6 p.m. March 17 and March 24; 11 a.m. to p.m. March 18-23 and March 25-March 30, near Forever 21.
Cost Packages start at $39.99 with reservations starting at $19.99 to be used toward the photo package cost
More info greenacresmallonline.com, 516-561-1157
Walt Whitman Shops
160 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station
Smile for the camera with the Easter Bunny at Center Court March 1-30 (times vary). Caring Bunny, a sensory-friendly experience takes place 9 to 10:30 a.m., March 17 (reservations required). Pet photos with Easter Bunny take place 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 10 (enter through the Saks entrance on the Route 110 side of the mall). Join Easter egg decorating with a police officer, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 18 and story time with the Bunny from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 26.
Cost Packages start at $39.99, for reservations: whereisbunny.com.
More info simon.com, 631-271-1741
SOUTH SHORE MALL
1701 Sunrise Hwy., Bay Shore
Take pictures with the Easter Bunny through March 30.
Cost Packages start at $39.99, for reservations southshoremallrealty.com
More info southshoremallrealty.com, 631-665-8600
Smith Haven Mall
313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
Take photos with the Easter Bunny at the Bunny Garden in Center Court, now through March 30 (times vary) at Smith Haven Mall. For pet photos, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 10, enter through the mall entrance located between Macy's and Texas de Brazil. Caring Bunny photos with the Easter Bunny take place, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. March 17.
Cost Photo packages start at $39.99, for reservations: whereisbunny.com.
More info simon.com, 631-724-1433
Buster the Bunny at Phenomenal Reflections Selphy and Portrait Studio
Three89, 389 Middle Country Rd., Coram
Take photos with a chocolate Easter Bunny during 15-minute sessions daily through April 9.
Cost Packages start at $40; must register in advance
More info phenomenalreflectionsstudio.square.site, 631-578-0097
Easter egg hunts
Easter egg hunts
Sweetbriar Nature Center
62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown
Bring your own basket or bag to collect eggs, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 16 (rain date: March 17). There will also be games, live animal presentations, face painting and refreshments available for purchase. Separate egg hunt for ages 2-4 with their parents at 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on the half-hour, must be booked online in advance.
Cost $25 per child 2 and older, $5 for adults
More info sweetbriar.org, 631-979-6344
Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Public Square Lobby at Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Centre
Participate in Easter-themed activities and take photos with the Easter bunny, 1 to 3 p.m. March 24.
Cost $5 per child
More info 516-323-3459
The Big Duck
1012 Flanders Rd., Flanders
Friends of the Big Duck present an Easter Egg Hunt for “duck” eggs, where you can meet Mother Goose at noon March 23 (rain date: March 24) at The Big Duck Ranch. For ages 2-9; bring a basket to collect the eggs.
Cost Free
More info bigduck.org, 631-284-3737
Farmingdale
361 Main St., Farmingdale
Family-friendly Easter egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny for ages 11 and older; bring your own basket to collect at 11 a.m. March 23 on the Village Green.
Cost Free
More info farmingdalevillage.com, 516-987-5001
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery
1660 Rte. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor
Participate in one of the 20-minute egg hunt sessions scheduled throughout the day March 16-17, 23-24 and 28-30.
Cost $12 per child through age 6, $5 helper siblings ages 7-12, $7 adults
More info cshfishhatchery.org, 516-692-6768
Stew Leonard's
261 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale; 1897 Front St., East Meadow
Take photos with the Easter Bunny and get a bag to collect eggs filled with candy and other prizes from costumed characters, 4 to 5:30 p.m. March 26.
Cost Free for ages 8 and younger; children must have a ticket to attend
More info Get tickets at eventbrite.com; stewleonards.com, Farmingdale: 516-962-8210; East Meadow: 516-394-9001
St. James
Deepwells Farm County Park, Route 25A and Taylor Lane, St. James
Children can hunt for an abundance of eggs at the Spring Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. March 23 in the fields.
Cost Free
More info stjameschamber.org, 631-584-8510
American Airpower Museum
1230 New Highway, Farmingdale
Bring your own basket and hunt for eggs, take pictures with the Easter Bunny and visit the bunny patch and adopt a bunny or chick (plush toy, not live animals). Guests can also take an Easter tram ride around Hangar 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 23.
Cost $15, $10 ages 3-12
More info americanairpowermuseum.org, 631-293-6398
Orient Beach State Park
40000 Main Rd., Orient
Join an egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 23 (rain date: 1 p.m. March 24).
Cost Free; $8 parking fee
More info parks.ny.gov, 631-323-2440
Egg Scramble at Adventureland
2245 Broad Hollow Rd., Farmingdale
Kids receive a treat bag with Easter eggs and a coupon book for vendor tables scattered around the property, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 30 (rain date: April 6).
Cost Tickets in advance online: $39.50 for adults; $49.50 ages 2-24; parking is free and admission ticket includes access to all the rides.
More info adventureland.us, 631-694-6868
Montauk Eggstravaganza
742 Montauk Hwy., Montauk
The event features games, an egg hunt and a chance to win prizes, 11 a.m. March 30 on the Montauk Green. Easter baskets and bunny ears are given to children ages 10 and younger.
Cost Free
More info montaukchamber.com, 631-668-2428
Decker's Nursery
841 Pulaski Rd., Greenlawn
Meet Peter Rabbit as he hosts an egg hunt on April 1 where you can win prizes. The hunt is separated by age groups: group hunts start 9 to 9:45 a.m. (for ages 3-5); 9:10 to 9:45 a.m. (for ages 6-8) and 10:15 to 11 a.m. (for ages 9-11).
Cost Free
More info deckers-nursery.com, 631-261-1148
Belmont Lake State Park
Exit 38 off the Southern State Park, North Babylon
Try to fill your basket with the most eggs, noon to 2 p.m. March 23.
Cost Free; no parking fee
More info parks.ny.gov, 631-667-5055.
White Post Farms
250 Old Country Rd., Melville
Visit with the Easter Bunny (take your own pictures), join an egg hunt, visit the bunny holding station, see a magic show and more, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 23-24 and 28-31.
Cost $29.95
More info whitepostfarms.com, 631-351-9373
Wicks Road Park in Commack
Wicks Road, Commack
Get ready to count all the eggs you find, along with games, cash prizes and free pictures with the Easter Bunny, 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. March 24.
Cost Free, register in advance
More info commackegghunt.com, 631-486-3811
Egg hunt at Cathedral of the Incarnation
36 Cathedral Ave., Garden City
Kids can hunt for eggs from 10 to 11 a.m. March 31.
Cost Free
More info incarnationalgc.org, 516-746-2955
Easter Egg Hunt at Caroline Episcopal Church
1 Dyke Rd., Setauket
The festive event features a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, face painting, crafts and more, 10-11:30 a.m. March 30. Bring your own basket to collect eggs.
Cost Free
More info carolinechurch.net, 631-941-4245
Events and parades
Events and parades
Crazy Hat Parade in Bellport
161 South Country Rd.
Join the Easter Crazy Hat Parade, meet at 11:30 a.m. March 30 in front of the Bellport Fire Department and at noon marching steps off on South Country Road. The Bellport Fire Department and its antique fire truck leads the way, traveling to the Village Gazebo off Bell Street. Take photos with the Easter Bunny at the gazebo and eggs with prizes will be given out.
Cost Free
More info bellportchamber.org, 631-438-1713
Port Jefferson Chamber Easter Parade and Egg Hunt
412 Main St.
Join an old-fashioned Easter bonnet parade at noon March 31 in Port Jefferson. The parade starts in front of Theatre Three, Main Street and concludes at the Port Jefferson Village Center. An Easter egg hunt for ages 2-8 follows at 12:15 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Harborfront and Children's Park.
Cost Free
More info portjeffchamber.com, 631-473-1414
BELLMORE EASTER PARADE
Assembly in front of Bellmore Movies at 222 Pettit Ave.
Wear your Easter finery and take a stroll followed by pictures with the Easter Bunny, bring your own camera, parade begins at noon March 23, rain or shine.
Cost Free; free Easter eggs to all children 12 and younger
More info bellmorechamber.com, 516-679-1875
Easter Market Extravaganza at Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Rd., Freeport
The Easter Bunny will be hopping around for a meet and greet and pictures with children from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 24. Each child receives a free gift from the bunny. You'll also find music, glitter art, face painting, vendors selling home décor, sweets and treats and more.
Cost Free admission; fees apply for certain activities; Get tickets in advance on eventbrite.com
More info eventbrite.com, 516-643-4008
Easter Market Extravaganza at Samanea Mall
1500 Old Country Rd., Westbury
The Easter Bunny will be hopping around for a meet and greet and pictures with children from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 23 and March 30. The event will also feature an egg hunt with princesses and inflatable bounce houses.
Cost Free admission; fees apply for certain activities; Get tickets in advance on eventbrite.com
More info 516-643-4008, eventbrite.com
Mashashimuet Park in Sag Harbor
395 Main St.
The Sag Harbor Lions Club holds an Easter egg hunt at noon March 31. The park is located at the intersection of Main Street and Jermain Avenue, on the south side of the village.
Cost Free
More info mashashimuetpark.org
Garden City Easter Vintage Car Parade
Franklin Avenue, west on Seventh Street
Watch as collectible, classic and antique cars and trucks parade down Franklin Avenue, west on Seventh Street, 1 to 3 p.m. March 31. Before the parade, classic car participants gather in parking lot Field 9E east side of Franklin Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets at 9 a.m.
Cost Free to watch; To enter classic car: $20 early registration, $25 day of
More info gardencitychamber.org, 516-746-7724
Mitchell Park
115 Front St., Greenport
The family-friendly event includes activities and an egg hunt at 10:30 a.m. (for ages 2-5); 11:30 a.m. (for ages 6-7) March 30.
Cost Free
More info greenportvillage.com, 631-477-0248
Brunch, lunch or dinner with the Easter Bunny
Brunch, lunch or dinner with the Easter Bunny
Breakfast at Constantino Brumidi Lodge
2075 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park
The lodge is hosting Easter breakfast featuring scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, muffins, coffee, tea and juice from 9 to 11 a.m. March 16 complete with crafts, raffles, a toy auction and pictures with the Easter Bunny.
Cost $18, $12 ages 4-12; Call for reservations
More info sonsofitalyli.com, 631-943-3622
Breakfast at Applebee's
1935 North Ocean Ave., Farmingville
Hop on down for pancakes and scrambled eggs and pictures with the Easter Bunny, 8 to 10 a.m. March 9. This event is hosted by Cub Scout pack 48.
Cost $10 per person; call for tickets
More info restaurants.applebees.com, 631-561-8784
Breakfast at United Skates of America
1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford
Meet the Easter Bunny while enjoying a buffet breakfast featuring scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, muffins, coffee and juice 9:30 to 11 a.m., March 16. This is a non-skating event. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Cost $23 per person ages 2 and older
More info unitedskates.com, 516-795-5474
Breakfast at Local Burger Co.
62 E. Main St., Bay Shore
The burger joint is hosting breakfast with the Easter Bunny featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast sticks, pancakes, coffee and juice, 10 a.m. to noon March 23. Kids will receive coloring sheets, goody bags and can take pictures with the Easter Bunny.
Cost $18.99 per person. Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Irish coffees are an additional cost
More info localburgerco.com, 631-647-8300
Breakfast at Stew Leonard's
261 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale; 1897 Front St., East Meadow
Join the Easter Bunny and friends, 9 to 10 a.m., March 23-24 for a buffet breakfast and pictures.
Cost $16.99 ages 12 and older; $14.99 ages 3-11
More info stewleonards.com, East Meadow: 516-394-9001; Farmingdale: 516-962-8210
Brunch at Dee's Nursery
69 Atlantic Ave., Oceanside
Celebrate Easter with Mother Goose and the Easter Bunny at Dee’s Nursery at 9 a.m., March 23, 24 and 30. Children can feast on mini bagels, fruit bowls and mini muffins. Activities include spring crafts, an egg hunt and a story read by Mother Goose.
Cost $129.99 per table, maximum four children per table; adults free. Reservations required
More info deesnursery.com, 516-678-3535
Breakfast and dinner at Milleridge Inn
585 North Broadway, Jericho
Breakfast: Bring the kids for an Easter breakfast buffet, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23, 24, and 30. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance for pictures. Face painting and balloon twisting also available.
Cost $52.95, $32.95 ages 3-12; reservations required
Dinner: Enjoy a prix fixe menu or buffet, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 31. Menu items include brunch favorites (11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), pan-roasted Atlantic salmon, oven-roasted turkey, a chilled seafood bar, penne alla vodka, and more. Children’s menu includes hot dogs, chicken tenders, French fries and macaroni and cheese. Activities include an egg hunt, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and balloon twisting.
Cost Prix fixe menu is $69.95, $39.05 ages 2-12, buffet is $75.95, $42.95 ages 2-12; Reservations required.
More info milleridgeinn.com, 516-931-2201
Lunch at Bayville Adventure Park
8 Bayville Ave, Bayville
Hop on over for lunch with the Easter Bunny, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 30-31. Menu items include chicken fingers, pasta, a grilled cheese sandwich, an ice cream sundae and more. Arts and crafts, an Easter Egg Hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny will be available.
Cost $36.75, $24.75 children under 10. Rides not included in price
More info bayvilleadventurepark.com, 516-624-7433
Brunch at Long Island Aquarium
431 E. Main St., Riverhead
Enjoy Easter brunch at the aquarium, 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. March 31 in the waterfront Sea Star Ballroom featuring traditional brunch fare, a craft station for the kids and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Visit the aquarium before or after brunch and participate in the Penguin Scavenger Egg Hunt.
Cost $77.58 ages 13 and older, $41.35 ages 3-12, $10.35 ages 2 and younger. Admission to the aquarium is included in the brunch fee.
More info longislandaquarium.com, 631-208-9200
Brunch at East Wind
5720 NY-25A, Wading River
Celebrate Easter from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 31 with a gourmet brunch buffet complete with a kids’ station in the Grand Ballroom. The Easter Bunny will be present for pictures.
Cost $74.95, $34.95 ages 3-10
More info eastwindlongisland.com, 631-929-3500
Buffet at Fox Hollow
7725 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury
Kids can take pictures with the Easter Bunny and enjoy a buffet at 11 a.m. March 31. The buffet features chicken fingers, cheese pizza, pulled pork and sliders.
Cost $84.95, $33.95 ages 2 to 11 Advanced purchase required. Price doesn’t include taxes and service fee. Call for reservations.
More info thefoxhollow.com, 516-921-1415
Buffet at The Mansion
200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove
Dine with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 31. The buffet feast includes seven stations: continental, breakfast, salad bar, carving, fish, pasta, dessert and a kids’ station. There will also be an egg hunt from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost $59, $32 ages 3-10
More info themansionatglencove.com, 516-751-5623
Dinner at Desmond's Restaurant
5720 NY-25A, Wading River
The three-course dinner from 1 to 6 p.m. March 31 features jumbo shrimp cocktail, lamb shank, brownie Sunday and more.
Cost $69.95 per person; $50 deposit required
More info eastwindlongisland.com, 631-846-2335
Breakfast at Texas Roadhouse
289 Middle County Rd., Selden
Enjoy breakfast with Buster the Easter Bunny, 9 to 11 a.m., last seating 10:39 a.m., March 23 hosted by EJ's PJs and the Kortright Kares 7 Foundation. Menu includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, bagels, coffee and juice. Pictures with the Easter bunny, giveaways and raffles will be available.
Cost $15, $5 ages 10 and under; Registration required. Tickets available at the door. Cash only.
More info ejspjspajamadrive.com, 631-525-1556
Compiled By Nyasia Spencer and Lynn Petry