What better way to burn off the sugar contained in a chickadee-shaped marshmallow than with a mad dash for Easter eggs?
Easter Sunday might be slightly early this year (the holiday falls on March 27), but there are still plenty of North Fork venues hosting outdoor egg hunts this March, with some also hosting their hunts indoors.
Here are nine egg hunts scheduled locally this season. If we missed any of your favorite Easter egg hunts, please tell us in the comments section below.
The Riverhead Town Recreation Department will host its annual egg hunt in Stotzky Memorial Park on Friday, March 18, at 6 p.m.
The event is broken down by age group, with children under 3 hunting at 6 p.m., children 4 to 5 participating at 6:15 p.m., children 6 to 7 taking their turn at 6:30 p.m., 8 and 9-year-olds starting at 6:45 p.m. and kids 10 through 14 hunting at 7 p.m.
Parents are permitted to help children age 5 and under, but older siblings are not. Parents are not permitted to help children age 6 and older.
Participants are asked to meet at the picnic tables between baseball fields 1 and 2, located near the parking lot. They are also asked to bring their own baskets.
In case of inclement weather, call (631) 727-5744 ex. 30, the day of the event.
Stotzky Park is located at Columbus Avenue and Pulaski Street in Riverhead.
Orient Beach State Park will host its 27th annual Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m. The rain date is Sunday, March 20, at 1 p.m.
There will be prizes for the kids and hot dogs and hot chocolate for all.
“We fill the little plastic eggs with either candy or prize tickets,” said park manager Sue Wheeler. “The kids can claim the tickets for a prize, maybe a small toy or a chocolate bunny.”
For more information, call (631) 323-2440. Orient Beach State Park is located at 40000 Route 25 in Orient.
The Mattituck Park District will host its annual egg hunt at Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, March 20, at 1:30 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce, Mattituck Lion’s Club and Country Time Cycle in Mattituck.
Veterans Memorial Park is located at 11020 Peconic Bay Blvd. in Mattituck.
With the price of regular admission at Safari Adventure in Riverhead, kids can hunt eggs indoors and make a craft to take home at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26.
However, parents must RSVP for the event as space is limited.
Children will be searching for eggs with other kids in their age group (under 3, 3 to 4 and 5 to 7). The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance.
Call (631) 727-4386 or email [email protected].
Safari Adventure is located at 1074 Pulaski St. in Riverhead. Visit thesafariadventure.com.
The Southold Town PBA hosts an egg hunt on Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at Southold High School
Southold High School is located at 420 Oaklawn Ave. in Southold.
The Old Field Vineyards in Southold will host a children’s Easter egg hunt around the vineyard’s pond at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26.
There will be 12 golden eggs, which each hold a “special treasure” for adults, with a bottle of wine giveaway.
The event is free for wine club members or $5 per child for the general public. Parents must RSVP by Wednesday, March 23.
For more information call (631) 765-0004 or email [email protected].
The Old Field Vineyards is located at 59600 Main Road in Southold. Visit theoldfield.com.
San Simeon by the Sound will host its first egg hunt Saturday, March 26, at 2:30 p.m.
Children can enjoy the hunt, games and a visit from the Easter Bunny. All little ones must be accompanied by an adult.
San Simeon by the Sound is located at 61700 Route 48 in Greenport.
There will be a community Easter egg hunt in Greenport’s Stirling Square on Easter Sunday, March 27, at 11 a.m.
Local businesses 1943 Pizza Bar, American Beech and Basso will participate.
“We will have the egg hunt with lots of candy, but also prizes for the best Easter bonnets and pet costumes,” said Stirling Square owner Brent Pelton. ” I’m really excited for it and am hoping that we have strong participation with the community.”
Stirling Square is located on Greenport’s Main Street.
The Long Island Aquarium will host its annual “Penguin Egg Hunt” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, and Easter Sunday, March 27.
The event is free with the price of general admission.
Children may take up to five eggs filled with candy and tickets for fun aquarium adventures. One child will win a free birthday party at the aquarium.
The aquarium will also host its annual Easter brunch with the Easter Bunny and crafts in the adjacent Sea Star Ballroom in March. There will be seatings at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Children ages 3 to 12 are $26.95 (members, $22.95) and adults are $42.95 (members, $36.95).
All-day admission to the aquarium is included with the price of brunch.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling (631) 208-9200, ext. 426, or by booking online at LongIslandAquarium.com.
The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center is located at 431 E. Main St. in Riverhead.
