6 Fun Easter Activities in NYC

funny facial expressions on colorful easter eggs

Easter in NYC is welcomed in a myriad of ways: Some of us attend church gatherings for familiar faces coupled with relaxing spiritual music, some participate in big egg hunts around the city to ignite their adventurous side, and the rest stock up on chocolate eggs as well as festive bonnets and/or flower bouquets. We’ve been seeing warm weather and sunnier skies this week, meaning Spring and Easter will coincide once again. After all, it’s simply blasphemous to welcome a colorful holiday with a gloomy winter! Regardless of the weather and your traditions, take a look at 6 Easter activities in NYC you and your family/friends can enjoy.

little girl in a colorful bonnet at Easter Parade in NYCPhoto: “Easter Kid” by Antonin Rémond is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival – Sunday, March 27th

Starting 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., watch people parade along 5th avenue from 49th to 57th Street in creative Easter bonnets (some as big as the New York Skyline), matched with outfits ranging from elegant to outrageous. The famous festival began in the mid-1800s, when upper-class ladies would stroll in their extravagant Easter outfits after church service. Since then, it’s become less of a parade and more of a vibrant neighborhood party.

Prepare to be overwhelmed with creativity, as several people will ‘push the envelope’ with their fashion styles. Bring your bonnet and march along; you’ll realize afterwards why Easter Sunday is truly Sunday Best. If you’re just an observer, you’ll have the best view from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

grey statues on walls of St. Patrick's Cathedral

Easter Services at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

If you’re attending the parade and enjoy church services, stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral. After all, it’s the church with the biggest audience and numerous Easter Masses and Holy Week Services, including 8 on Easter Sunday. Only the 10:15 a.m. Mass requires tickets, but everyone is welcome to the others. A lot of history and beauty lies in this holy sanctuary, so don’t miss out on it.

child on an easter egg hunt in a park

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunts

You’re never too old to embrace your inner detective and embark on a scavenger hunt. The high number of ‘hunters’ in NYC makes the challenge even more exciting. We definitely recommend any of the following egg hunts if you like solving clues and know your way around Manhattan (or Google Maps).

POGO Events’ Amazing Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt will be held on Sunday, March 27 at Slattery’s Midtown Pub from 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. Assemble your team and book your tickets quickly for a mere $25. You can choose between 2 options: Adults-only and Family-friendly. Winners will receive tickets to Quiet Clubbing, Shake Rattle & Roll and other local activities. Don’t be discouraged if your peers or family members aren’t interested, since individual participants will be assigned a team.

Searching for something more suitable for children? The 9th Annual Egg Hunt at Carl Schurz Park is a top choice. Enter the park at East 87th and East End Avenue to prepare for a continuous wave of egg hunts running 1:10 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 19th. Your kids will meet the Carl Schurz Bunny in the Upper East Side, and be entertained by the tunes of East Side West Side Music Together while waiting in line. Goodies include an egg collection bag and glitter cheek, or hand stamp.

Another child-friendly activity would be the Annual Egg Hunt by Think ‘N’ Fun (TNF), which is happening on Saturday, March 26th (the day before Easter Sunday) at Riverside Park. Choose one of the four Hunt Waves, and take advantage of the $21 ticket price before it increases to $25 after March 12th. Every participant will receive a special TNF basket for egg collecting, a photo session with the Easter bunny, snacks and beverages, and a hand/cheek painting stamp with a cute accessory. Happy hunting! May the odds forever be in your favor.

decorated easter eggs in a hay nest

Easter Eggstravaganza Children’s Workshop

For children between 4 to 8 years old, The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine will be hosting its popular annual children’s workshop on egg decorating on March 19th! Kids can create vibrant patterns on eggs and build a nest for them on the 10 A.M. or 2 P.M. session. This is an amusing learning opportunity and allows for some one-on-one bonding. Remember to bring two hard-boiled eggs per child. 1 ticket costs only $10, but we highly recommend you purchase in advance online or by calling (866) 811-4111.

Which activity suits you best? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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