Hop into Easter and explore the Near West Suburbs! With the holiday approaching, it's time to start planning egg-citing activities to entertain you and your loved ones. We have plenty of options, whether you want to indulge in delicious treats or embark on an adventure. From brunch spots to family-friendly events, this guide will help you plan the ultimate Easter extravaganza. So put on your bunny ears, and let's hop to it!
If you're looking for fun Easter events with your family in the Near Western Suburbs, you're in luck! Take a look at these great options.
Oak Park
Bunny Bingo
Head to beautiful Pleasant Home and bring your appetite for lunch and an entertaining game of Bunny Bingo. There will be prizes and an opportunity to visit and take photos with the Easter Bunny. Registration includes one caregiver and one child.
For more information or to register for this event, visit: https://pdop.org/event/bunny-bingo-pair-registration/.
Where: 217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302
When: March 24 | 12 pm to 2 pm
Carnival Grocery's Easter Egg Hunt
Carnival Grocery Store in Oak Park hosts an Easter Egg Hunt that promises fun for the whole family. Arrive at 11 am for snacks, arts and crafts, and an exciting egg hunt! This event is open to all ages and is a great way to celebrate Easter by creating memories with loved ones. Be sure to join the fun at Carnival Grocery Store in Oak Park.
Where: 824 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
When: March 30 | 11:00 am
Egg Dash and Scramble
Maple Park in Oak Park is the place to be for the Egg Dash & Scramble! This exciting event is perfect for children between 3-10 years old. With baskets in hand and bunny ears on, kids can join the annual egg hunt and scramble to collect as many eggs as possible. To add to the fun, there will be themed games before and after each dash, and the Bunny will be available for pictures with the whole family. This is a free event, but participants must have an admission ticket. Tickets are available at:
Candycopia (717 Lake Street)
Community Recreation Center (225 Madison Street)
Gymnastics Recreation Center (21 Lake Street)
Ridgeland Common (415 Lake Street)
Where: 1105 S Maple Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
When: March 30 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Additionally, pet owners can bring their furry friends to the Doggy Egg Scramble, which takes place at 10:30 a.m. on the same day. Dogs and their owners can hunt for doggy treats and prize-filled eggs and take photos with a special visitor afterward. The Scramble is an on-leash event for friendly dogs and their families; an adult must accompany children. No ticket is required for this event.
Where: 1105 S Maple Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
When: March 30 | 10:30 am
Click here to learn more.
Brookfield
Easter at the Zoo
Although bunnies are usually the star of the Easter show, we're sure the rest of the animals would love some attention, too. So why not check out the Brookfield Zoo?
Brookfield's world-renowned zoo is home to over 450 different species of animals and has gained attention for its innovative use of moats and ditches instead of traditional cages. Visitors can see a range of animals, including giant pandas, and experience the nation's first fully indoor rainforest simulation and full indoor dolphin exhibit. While anyone can plan a day trip to the zoo, families and individuals who plan to visit regularly can benefit from becoming zoo members. With various membership packages available, the Brookfield Zoo is a perfect destination for an Easter outing.
So join in for one of their special events or just plan a visit. The zoo is open all Easter weekend.
Bunny Hop at the Brookfield Zoo
Hop over with the kids to visit the Bunny and celebrate spring. The day’s festivities include:
Photo opportunity with the Bunny at the Swam Pavilion from 1 pm-4 pm
All-day scavenger hunt throughout the Zoo
Educational spring activities
Bunny Hop dance party at Nature Plaza from 12 pm-3 pm
Where: Brookfield Zoo (Zoowide)
When: March 23 | 10 am - 5 pm
Brunch with the Bunny
Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet, visits with the Bunny, an interactive DJ with games, and much more! For younger guests, tables will be transformed into giant coloring books. The Zoo will provide stickers, crayons, stamps, and more to create an interactive dining experience that will keep kids engaged. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/BrunchWithTheBunny.
Where: Brookfield Zoo | Discovery Center
When: March 23, 30 and 31 | Seatings at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, and 12:30 pm
Melrose Park
Bunny Brunch Egg-Stravaganza
Here’s a fun and festive way to celebrate Easter with your little ones. Bring the kids to the Bunny Brunch EGG-Stravaganza in Melrose Park. This event is perfect for families with kids of all ages, with age-specific egg hunts starting at different times throughout the morning.
In addition to the egg hunt, there will be games, a bouncy house, food and drinks, and pictures with the Bunny. The event will take place at Westdale Park. Kids aged three and under will start the egg hunt at 11:15 am, followed by kids aged 4-5 at 11:45 am, 6-9 at 12:15 pm, and 10 - 12 at 12:45 pm. This event will surely be an EGG-citing and memorable Easter experience for the whole family.
Where: Westdale Park | 3045 Sandra Ave, Melrose Park, IL, 60164
When: March 23 | 11 am to 2 pm
Click here to learn more.
North Riverside
Photos With the Bunny
The Easter Bunny has arrived and is ready to welcome visitors to his spring wonderland! Capture a snapshot of your family at Photos with the Bunny at North Riverside Mall. Guests can celebrate the season with memorable photos with or without the Bunny. Take advantage of the chance to capture some precious moments at North Riverside Mall.
Click here to learn more.
River Forest
Extravaganza VIP Bunny Experience
Are you looking for a VIP Easter experience for your little ones? Look no further than the Eggstravaganza VIP Bunny Experience! This premium event offers a range of exciting activities, including a private egg hunt, face painting, balloon twisting, and delicious donuts. But the real highlight is the chance to take professional photos with the Easter Bunny, creating lasting memories for your family. As an extra special treat, each child will receive a goodie bag to take home—pre-registration for this unforgettable Easter experience at https://rfparks.com/eggstravaganza-events.
Where: The Depot | 401 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL
When: March 30, with timeslots available at 9 am, 9:30 am, and 10 am
Egg Hunt
Join the River Forest Park District and the Bunny for springtime fun at their annual Egg Hunt! The event, for children ages 2-10, will take place in designated areas of Keystone Park West. Kids will be divided into age groups and hunt for hundreds of candy and sticker eggs. Be sure to keep an eye out for special golden eggs that are redeemable for prizes. No registration is required, but remember to bring your basket!
Where: Keystone Park West | Keystone Avenue at Lake Street, River Forest, IL, 60305
When: March 30 at 11:00 am
Click here to learn more.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy Easter brunch, we have plenty of options. From classic American diners to upscale bistros, there is a wide range of places to satisfy your taste buds. Check out a few fan favorites below, or take a look at our blog post of some of the best brunch options in the Near West Suburbs.
Click here to read the blog.
Oak Park
Citrine
This Easter, take a break from the traditional brunch and try something different at Citrine Cafe. This charming cafe offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a twist of American flair. Their specialty is braised and brined meats and vegetables cooked in clay pots in a brick oven. The brainchild of owner Branko Palikuca, Citrine Cafe draws on Branko's Serbian childhood flavors to deliver a unique dining experience.
With a gorgeous space, incredible kitchen aromas, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff, Citrine Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy Easter brunch with friends and family. Their menu features mouth-watering dishes such as Texas French toast with caramelized bananas, roasted pecans, fresh strawberries, and maple syrup. And if that's not enough, Chon's beignets with Nutella sauce and apple caramel will surely satisfy.
Click here to reserve a table.
Cucina Paradiso
This Oak Park staple, a family-owned fixture since 1995, has long been a favorite for Easter Brunch. Known for its old-school Italian dishes and Mediterranean influence, Cucina Paradiso serves a standout Easter brunch buffet. This buffet has something for everyone, from bacon-wrapped dates and deviled eggs to cinnamon French toast and beef tenderloin marsala. And the best part, kids under 5 are free! There are five seating times available between 10:30 am and 2 pm.
Click here to learn more.
Maya Del Sol
Located in Oak Park, Maya Del Sol is a beloved eatery renowned for its vibrant Latin American cuisine and inviting atmosphere. This Easter, they're pulling out all the stops with a special Easter brunch buffet on Sunday, March 31st, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Indulge in an array of delicious dishes from their regular brunch menu, along with incredible additions exclusive to the buffet. With the last stocking at 2:30 pm, guests can savor the flavors of the season at their own pace. For $47, indulge in the buffet complete with bottomless coffee, while children aged eight to sixteen can join in for $24. And to make it a family affair, children aged seven and under dine for free. Join Maya Del Sol this Easter for a culinary celebration.
Click here to learn more.
La Grange
Barrel House Social
Celebrate Easter with a delicious meal at Barrel House Social in La Grange. Offering its regular and brunch menu, a wide selection of American Comfort Food dishes, and an extensive cocktail list, Barrel House Social is the perfect spot for Easter brunch. Don’t miss our favorites, the chicken and biscuit sliders and baked brie French toast!
Click here to make a reservation.
Blackberry Market
If you want to impress your guests this year's Easter celebration, consider the Easter to Go menu at Blackberry Market in La Grange. This delicious menu features a great selection of tried-and-true favorites and fresh new additions. Indulge in their famous deviled eggs, savory bacon asiago quiche, and delectable cinnamon rolls that are always crowd-pleasers. With Blackberry Market's Easter-at-Home menu, you can host a stress-free Easter celebration with your loved ones while enjoying this beloved eatery's delicious and mouth-watering dishes.
Orders must be placed by Thursday, March 28.
Click here to learn more.
Riverside
La Barra
Easter brunch at La Barra Riverside is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones. With seating at 11 am and 1:30 pm, the restaurant offers an expansive brunch buffet featuring salads, seafood, breakfast foods, a carving station, and desserts. Italian favorites like pasta and pizza will also be available. But that's not all—for just $20 more, you can also enjoy all-you-can-drink mimosas, making them the perfect pairing for brunch time.
Click here to learn more.