The Easter bunny will be making the rounds from the mountains to the beach and in between, hopping from egg hunts to brunches to photo opportunities with little ones.
So hop to it and make those brunch reservations, grab those baskets, and maybe plan a prank or two because this year Easter happens to fall on April Fool’s Day. Some festivities start as early as the weekend before Easter so be sure to note specific event dates.
Here’s our roundup of the top Easter events in and around Santa Cruz this year.
Santa Cruz Easter Sunday Brunch Restaurants
- Chaminade Resort & Spa (see Egg Hunt section below)
- Ella’s at the Airport
- Gayle’s Bakery
- Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
- The Hollins House
- Paradise Beach Grille
- Sanderling’s Restaurant
- Severino’s Bar and Grill
- Shadowbrook Restaurant
- Zelda’s on the Beach
Santa Cruz Easter Egg Hunts
Aptos Egg-Stravaganza
When: Sunday, March 25 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Aptos Village Park
Admission Per Person: Spare Change for LEO’s Haven or Book for Live Like Coco; Please RSVP.
This springtime celebration will feature food trucks, a bounce house, face painting, a petting zoo, photo opps with the Easter bunny, and of course, an egg hunt—actually 3 hunts organized by age. Come on out and support this community event that benefits two wonderful organizations, Leo’s Haven and Live Like Coco.
Capitola Mall Bunny Hop
When: Sunday, March 25 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Capitola Mall
Cost: $5 Donation per family
Hop on over to the mall for a fun-for-the-whole-family celebration. Meet the Easter Bunny and the Easter Fairies, and enjoy an afternoon of fun activities including face painting, balloon twisters, crafts, and more. This event benefits Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services.
Easter on the Farm
When: Saturday, March 31 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Agricultural History Project Center and Museum
Cost: Free
Celebrate the beginning of spring on the farm! Age-based egg hunts will be held every hour starting at 11:15 am and that is just the beginning. Enjoy hat and basket making, hayrides, a puppet show in the new puppet theater, tractor driving, mural painting, and more!
Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, March 31 at 11:00 am
Where: Capitola Beach – on the sand, in front of the Venetian Hotel
Cost: Free
Kids 12 and under are invited to join in the hunt for candy-filled eggs on the sand in front of the Venetian Hotel. Parents are asked to make sure their children adhere to the 3 egg per child limit. The Easter Bunny will also be in attendance so don’t forget your camera.
Roaring Camp’s Eggstraordinar Easter Egg Hunt
When: March 31 – April 1 at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm
Where: Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton, Ca
Cost: $29 for adults, $23 for children
Take the Eggspress steam train through the redwoods up to the top of Bear Mountain. Once at the top of Bear Mountain the kids will enjoy searching for chocolate eggs at the Eggstraordinary Easter egg hunt. Kids should bring their own Easter egg baskets.
Kennolyn Camp’s 12th Annual Easter Event
When: Saturday, March 31 from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Kennolyn Camps
Cost: Free but RSVP
Hundreds of families will descend on Kennolyn Camps’ property to take part in one of the area’s largest hunts. Families can choose from two hunts at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. After your kids have found all the eggs they can carry, stick around for a complementary tour of the campgrounds. RSVP for your free ticket and a chance to win a week of summer day camp.
Boulder Creek Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, March 31 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Redwood Elementary School
Cost: Free
Bring your little egg hunters for an age-based hunt as well as a field hunt free for all. Enjoy food, games, crafts, a jump house, petting zoo, and bunny photo opps!
Chaminade Easter Sunday Brunch
When: Sunday, April 1 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa
Cost: $64.95 Adults, $18.95 Children 6-12, Under 6 dine free
Chaminade’s Easter Sunday Brunch Menu will include a variety of signature brunch and buffet specials, along with a children’s menu just for your little ones. Choose from special entrees or visit the omelet, seafood or carving stations.
The fun doesn’t end at brunch. Guests will enjoy special Easter activities, including Easter egg hunts and an appearance by the Easter Bunny.
Easter Sunday Tea Time
When: Sunday, April 1 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Buttercup Cakes
If Easter brunch isn’t your thing, a spot of tea at the delightful Buttercup Cakes might be what you’re looking for. Enjoy afternoon tea service complete with petite sandwiches and plated desserts.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
When: Sunday, April 1 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Westside Film and Cultural Center/Westside Video – 111 Errett Circle
Come check out Westside Video’s new location (at the circle church) and take part in an egg hunt with a twist! All ages are welcome to participate in both a physical egg hunt as well as a contest to find hidden Easter eggs in movies.
Free Easter Event at Bhody
When: April 1 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Bhody, Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: Free, RSVP by calling 831-800-1626 or emailing store@bhody.com
Bring your littles down to Bhody to paint organic eggs with eco-friendly paints, go on an egg hunt around the store, and enjoy refreshments. Be sure to RSVP.
Bunny Photos
Capitola Mall
When: March 15 through March 31
Where: Capitola Mall in the Macy’s Wing
Photos and visits with the Easter Bunny are available through Saturday, March 31st. Head to the promo court near Macy’s.
