Too often, Easter egg hunts in Maine can mean wading through snow and slush to find the colorful treats. But this year’s unseasonably warm weather means kids will be pushing aside blooming daffodils and tulips to find the hidden eggs.
The only downside is that mud could be lurking beneath the sprouting green grass, so when you grab your Easter basket and bonnet, don’t forget to pull on a pair of boots too.
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Through Saturday, the Maine Mall in South Portland offers children a chance to have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Other indoor options include egg hunts at the Peekaboo Children’s Center and the Children’s Museum.
Should you want to head outside for this traditional spring ritual, this weekend serves up plenty of opportunities to hunt eggs and hobnob with the Easter Bunny in Maine’s fresh spring air.
FRIDAY
SWEET-LESS EASTER EGG HUNT: Kids won’t get a sugar high at this event that features eggs filled with toys and trinkets rather than candy.
WHEN: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Peekaboo Children’s Center, Dana Warp Mill, 90 Bridge St., Suite 206, Westbrook
HOW MUCH: $5 per person
INFO: 854-3500
SATURDAY
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM EASTER EGG HUNT: Sharp-eyed sleuths can hunt for hundreds of eggs hidden among the exhibits. A special egg-hunt area will be devoted to children under 3.
WHEN: 9 to 10 a.m.
WHERE: Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland
HOW MUCH: $7 members; $8 nonmembers
INFO: 828-123
EASTER EGG HUNT: In its 25th year, Yarmouth Community Services presents an annual hunt for toy-filled (and candy-free) eggs for town residents. The event is for ages 2 to 7, with separate areas for ages 4 and under and ages 5 to 7.
WHEN: 10 a.m.
WHERE: Royal River Park, East Elm Street entrance
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: 846-2406
WILBUR’S OF MAINE EASTER EGG HUNT: Search for plastic eggs filled with Wilbur’s chocolates and prize tickets, then spend time with the Easter Bunny and Wilbur the Moose.
WHEN: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Wilbur’s of Maine, 174 Lower Main St., Freeport
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: 865-4071
PINELAND FARMS EASTER EGG HUNT: Head out to the farm for an egg hunt that goes on rain or shine. Children will also enjoy a selection of games and activities at this event, sponsored by the Gray Parks & Recreation Department.
WHEN: 10 a.m.
WHERE: The Market, Pineland Farms, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: 688-4539
GARDINER EASTER EGG SCAVENGER HUNT: Start at Picture Perfect Photography to pick up a scorecard, then search the downtown storefronts for eggs of all shapes and sizes. Candy prizes will be handed out to all participants. Kids can also create crafts at Sweet Love Boutique.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Water Street, Gardiner
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: 582-3100
SUNDAY
SADDLEBACK EASTER EGG HUNT:
Children ages 11 and under can comb the lower mountain trails for eggs. One lucky skier or boarder will find the golden egg, which contains a 2012-13 season pass.
WHEN: 11:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lower mountain trails, Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: saddlebackmaine.com
SUGARLOAF EASTER SUNDAY ACTIVITIES: From 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., children can color and hang a paper egg on the Easter tree and meet the Easter Bunny. At 9 a.m., groups of two to three children ages 8 to 12 can take part in a scavenger hunt throughout the base lodge. Finally, at 11:30 a.m., anyone with spring fever can join the Spring Costume Parade.
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley
COST: Free
INFO: sugarloaf.com
SUNDAY RIVER EASTER EGG HUNT: Join the Easter Bunny for a slopeside hunt for eggs with prizes and treats inside.
WHEN: 9 a.m.
WHERE: South Ridge, Sunday River, Newry
COST: Free
INFO: sundayriver.com
Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at akamila@pressherald.com
Twitter: AveryYaleKamila
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