Spring is here and Easter is just around the corner. Hop into the season and enjoy an event at a state historic site, state park, aquarium or the zoo. These destinations within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources have something for everyone, from train rides or breakfast with the Easter Bunny to hunting sea turtle eggs, fun times await the family.
East
March 24. Tryon Palace, New Bern. Easter Egg Hunt. Three egg hunts, divided by age, on the South Lawn of the palace where thousands of eggs wait to be found. 10 a.m. $10 for adults, $4 ages 13-17, 12 and under free.
March 31. N.C. Aquarium at Roanoke Island. Sea Turtle Egg Hunt. Children will enjoy an educational sea turtle program, make a craft and search for treat-filled eggs on the grounds, rain or shine. $15 per child plus regular admission.
March 31. Historic Edenton. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny/Easter Egg Drop. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, milk and juice at the Masonic Lodge from 8-9 a.m. Following breakfast, the Easter egg hunt at the Chowan County Courthouse Green begins in age-designated sections with crafts, games, and a hay ride to follow. $2 for each activity, $5 for all activities.
March 31. Somerset Place, Creswell. Easter Egg-Stravaganza. Egg hunt in areas for age five and under, or six to 10, and craft activities for age 10 and older. Meet the Easter Bunny. Find the golden egg and win a prize. 1 p.m. $2 fee for egg hunt or activity.
March 31. Jones Lake State Park. Elizabethtown. Easter Egg Hunt. Preregistration required for the free event. Stop by the office or call (910) 588-4550 to register. 11 a.m.
Piedmont
March 24-25, 30- 31. N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer. Easter Bunny Express. Enjoy a train ride with Easter Bunny, who will pass out candy and pose for pictures. Get a temporary tattoo in the gift station, enjoy inflatables, coloring stations and more. Upgrade your event to breakfast, lunch or snacks with the Easter Bunny. Egg hunts on March 30 and 31. Prices vary by package.
March 29. N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. What’s Happening at the Museum? Rare Dinosaur Eggs Revealed. Come learn about the discovery of the rarest of dinosaur fossils, eggs and nests, from Lindsay Zanno, head of paleontology at the Museum of Natural Sciences. The 97 million-year-old football-sized eggs were discovered buried next to an ancient bank laden with trees. See the eggs unveiled from their plaster jacket for the first time and hear of their discovery in Utah. 1:30 p.m.
March 31, April 1. N.C. Zoo, Asheboro. Eggstravaganza: E is for Egg, Easter and Enrichment! Celebrate spring and watch zoo animals hunt for treats inside colorful eggs. Discover why enrichment is so important for the animals. Free with regular admission. For more information visit nczoo.org.
March 31. Falls Lake Recreation Area, Apex. Eggstravangaza. In addition to searching for eggs, learn about the vast number of egg laying creatures in our area. Enjoy hands-on activities and great family fun. 2 p.m.
April 1. Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Southern Pines. Easter Egg-Venture. Come to the Boyd tract for an Easter themed adventure. There will be activities across the meadow and prizes at the end. The event is for four to 10-year-olds accompanied by a parent. 3 p.m.
April 7. Haw River State Park, Browns Summit. Springfest. Enjoy spring’s arrival at the parks Iron Ore Belt Access in the field next to the parking lot. There will be two Easter egg hunts (bring baskets) for ages one to 12 years, nature crafts, face painting and tree climbing. 1 p.m.
West
April 1. Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock. 63rd Annual Easter Sunrise Service. Celebrate Easter with song, scripture, music and a spectacular sunrise over Lake Lure.