The best Easter events in Chicago

Give your usual Easter festivities a little twist at this nighttime egg hunt, where kids and their family are welcome to bring their flashlights, glow sticks and more to light up Wentworth (John) Park on Friday, April 18. The event will be split in two sessions, with one- to three-year olds kicking things off at 7pm and four- to eight-year-olds to follow at 7:45pm. No matter your age, there will be arts and crafts and glow-in-the-dark face painting for all. 

There's plenty to do at the Lincoln Park Zoo's annual Easter celebration, which is taking place this year on Saturday, April 19 from 7:40am to 11:45 am. Kids can participate in a series of egg hunts spread across six distinct zones of varying terrain types and locations within the zoo (and be tailored to different age groups), chat with zoo experts about their favorite animals and snag a photo with the big bunny. Also included in the experience are free carousel and train rides, outdoor games and activities, live music and more. 

Celebrate the opening day of the growing season with egg hunts, bouquet-making and more at the West Town flower farm, Grand Garden, on Saturday, April 19. "The Very Vegan Sweet Shop" will host kid's vegan egg hunts beginning at 10am, enjoy tarot readings from Space Oddities from noon to 3pm, and learn how to build your own bouquet with locally grown tulips and daffodils from noon to 4pm. The event is both family- and pet-friendly and you can commemorate the day with portrait sessions of the whole fam, your furry friends included!

Bring the little ones to Chicago Women’s Park & Garden for the annual South Loop Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19. There will be a whopping 20,000-plus eggs for kids to find (each filled with candy or a small prize inside), as well as an animal petting zoo, face painting, a balloon artist, sports games and fun prizes to be won. Of course, the Easter Bunny will also be in attendance for photos.

Visit The Forge adventure park in suburban Lemont for a day of fun Easter activities on Saturday, April 19. Kids can tumble down the rabbit hole of fun at the Alice in Wonderland-themed event, featuring the famed Egg Roll and Hunt (for kiddos ages 6 and younger), the  Nature Egg Scramble (a riddle-filled scavenger hunt for ages 7-14) and more. For the first time this year, attendees can enjoy a petting zoo with 20-plus animals—including bunnies, goats, chickens and a llama—can take a whack at croquet with the queen of hearts, and can meet up with Alice at her tea party for photos. And speaking of photos, you can swing by The Foundry to snap a photo with the Easter Bunny, too.

Bring the little ones to Time Out Market Chicago on Saturday, April 19 for a festive, Easter-themed donut decorating class. 2d Restaurant will teach young chefs how to unleash their creativity on special "Beary Easter" and "Mochi Bunny" donuts with a variety of toppings and sprinkles. All of the necessary ingredients will be provided, and kids will be able to take their delicious sweet treats home.

If you've got some last-minute shopping to do for those Easter baskets (guilty!), head to this Easter Vendor Showcase on Saturday, April 19. Taking over 4201 S Archer Ave from 11am to 4pm, the showcase will feature a variety of local vendors and businesses offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious treats, so you'll definitely find something cool and unique to gift your loved ones. Along with a full day of shopping opportunities, there will be free face painting, a craft area and a Drippy Bear workshop (you can buy tickets for that here) for the kiddies, as well as an on-site tattoo artist for the adults.

Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook is hosting an Easter Bunny Tea on Saturday, April 19, a whimsical brunch event that will bring the spirit of Eastertime to life with a variety of springy teas and bites. Along with a special appearance by the titular rabbit to help you hop into the celebratory vibe, attendees can enjoy festive brews (and bubbly for the adults), tasty treats (including  mini-donuts and fruit kebabs for the youngins) and a range of activities throughout the event, including Easter-themed crafts and entertainment.

Who says Easter egg hunts are only for kids? Unleash your inner child by heading over to Wrigleyville for an Easter-themed bar crawl. You can hop from venue to venue while sipping on drinks and hunting for eggs. Admission includes entry into all bars, a free breakfast buffet, bunny ears and gift cards to use on the crawl.

Join us for a family-friendly day at the Market celebrating everything Easter! On Sunday, April 20, head to the Market's second floor to enjoy fun-filled activities for the kids, including Easter egg hunts, festive face painting, and photos with the Easter Bunny. But don't worry parents, we've got you covered as well—there will be a for-purchase beverage bar pouring Mimosas and Bloody Marys. 

After all of the eggs have been hunted and all of the Easter Bunny photos have been snapped, head over to the world's largest rooftop for a hopping good time at Offshore's Easter Bounce Brunch and Day Party. Along with sweet views of the famous skyline and Lake Michigan from iconic Navy Pier, the all-day bash will feature high-energy tunes from a live DJ, cash bar and bites, and fun activations like a photobooth and temporary tattoo station.

Take in sweeping views of Chicago's iconic landmarks while you enjoy a festive chef-prepared buffet during this Easter Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan. On Easter Sunday, April 20, the two-hour cruise will depart Navy Pier for a fun-filled celebration for all ages across the boat's open-air decks and comfortable indoor spaces: the kiddos will love face painting and a special visit from the Easter Bunny, while grown-up revelers can enjoy bottomless mimosas, unlimited coffee and tea, and lively DJ entertainment. Make sure to book window table reservations for the best available view!