Easter is almost here, and this year there are plenty of festive events throughout Santa Cruz County.
From Easter brunches to Easter egg hunts, to photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, there is something for everyone. Some festivities start as early as the weekend before Easter so be sure to note specific event dates.
Here is a full list of the top Easter events in and around Santa Cruz this year.
Santa Cruz Easter Brunch Restaurants
- Chaminade Resort & Spa (see Egg Hunt section below)
- Gayle’s Bakery
- Paradise Beach Grille
- Sanderling’s Restaurant
- Saturn Cafe
- Severino’s Bar and Grill
- Shadowbrook Restaurant
- Sotola Bar & Grill
- Zelda’s on the Beach
Santa Cruz Easter Egg Hunts
Easter on the Farm
When: Saturday, April 8 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 Mall Bunny Bash
When: Saturday, April 8 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Capitola Mall
Cost: Free
Hop on over to the mall for a fun-for-the-whole-family celebration. Activities include face painting, balloon twisters, a marionette show, crafts, games, and more. Free Easter buckets while supplies last so be sure to get there early.
Chaminade Easter Sunday Brunch
When: Sunday, April 16 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa
Cost: $62.95 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. Families will enjoy special Easter activities, including Easter egg hunts, a guessing game, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny.
Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, April 15 at 11:00 am – sharp!
Where: Capitola Beach – on the sand, in front of the Venetian Hotel
Cost: Free
The annual Capitola Village Easter egg hunt takes place on Saturday on the beach. 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: April 15 & 16 at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm
Where: Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton, Ca
Cost: $29 for adults, $22 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.
11th Annual Kennolyn Easter Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, April 15 from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Kennolyn Camps
Cost: Free
Hundreds of families will descend on Kennolyn Camps’ property to take part in one of the area’s largest hunts. Due to large crowds, there are now two hunts: 10:00-11:30am and 1:00-2:30pm. After your kids have found all the eggs they can carry, stick around for a complementary tour of the campgrounds.
Boulder Creek Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, April 15 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, and bunny photo opps!
Gateway Bible Church Easter Celebration
When: Sunday, April 16 following the 9:30 am and 11:00 am gatherings
Where: Gateway Bible Church
Cost: Free
This Easter celebration features egg hunts, bounce houses, and a photo booth. There will also be ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls and specialty coffee from Aunt Lali’s Mobile Cafe.
Easter Carnival and Egg Hunt
When: Sunday, April 16 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Garfield Park Community Church
Cost: Free admission
Following the 11AM Easter Service, this Easter carnival will feature food trucks, games, bounce houses, a petting zoo, live music and, of course, an Easter egg hunt—bring your own basket! Proceeds will go toward Project:Pollinate, and all families are welcome.
Just for Fun…
- Paint at Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge on Easter Sunday and receive a complimentary Easter egg to paint (while supplies last). Easter Sunday hours: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Bunny Photos
Capitola Mall
When: March 31 through Saturday, April 15
Where: Capitola Mall
Photos with the Easter Bunny are available through Saturday, April 15. Head to the promo court near Macy’s.
