Easter is almost here and there is so much to do in the Greater Peoria area! Families and out-of-town visitors can enjoy egg-citing Easter-themed activities in many locations leading up to Easter Sunday. From egg hunts and delicious brunches, the Greater Peoria area is hopping with family-friendly celebrations. Below, we highlight some events and spring attractions across Greater Peoria. Bring the kids (and even the family pup in some cases), grab your baskets, and get ready to make some spring memories!
Easter Egg Hunts
Many communities host public egg and scavenger hunts on the weekends leading up to and on Easter. These events are typically secular and focused on family fun, perfect for kids (and kids at heart)!
Eureka Community Egg Hunt – This egg hunt is set for Saturday, April 12 from 9:00–11:00am and is free to participate.
Hardy Hare's Egg Hunt (Peoria) – This egg hunt is at Hoerr Nursery on April 12, from 11:00-12:00pm. Families can join Hardy Hare in the garden center for a festive egg hunt, rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to bring their baskets to collect eggs filled with sweet surprises. The event is free and fun for all ages!
Havana’s Annual Egg Hunt + Bunny Lunch – On Saturday, April 12 at 10:00am at Rockwell Park, the Havana Park District and local volunteers hide eggs throughout the park’s grassy fields. Uniquely, right after the hunt, there’s an “Easter Bunny Lunch” event. This is a chance for kids to enjoy snacks or lunch with the Easter Bunny present. Tip: Be sure to check out Havana’s charming downtown shops or the nearby Illinois River vista after the event.
Lacon “Eggstravaganza” + Bunny Pictures – Hosted at the Timber Ridge Golf Club in Lacon on Saturday, April 12, from 10am–12pm. Over 2,000 eggs will be hidden and hunt kicks off promptly at 11:00am, but come at 10:30am when festivities begin. Little ones can meet the Easter Bunny and pose for photos throughout the event. Tip: This event is open to the public and draws families from across Marshall and surrounding counties – plan to arrive early for parking and to enjoy pre-hunt fun.
Peoria Zoo’s Easter Egg Scramble – Head to the Peoria Zoo for their annual “hopping good time” egg hunt event. On Saturday, April 12, from 10am–12pm, the zoo will be filled with candy-stuffed eggs and excited children. Hunts are divided by age group: ages 0–3 at 10:30am, ages 4–7 at 10:50am, and ages 8–12 at 11:10am. Thousands of eggs will be scattered, and a few golden eggs will yield extra special prizes. The Easter Bunny will be on-site for photos and hugs, so bring your camera! Tip: Bring your own basket and arrive early; this popular event draws a crowd.
Sausage/Pancake Breakfast + Egg Hunt (Chillicothe) – From 8:00-11:00am on April 12, enjoy a breakfast with a free picture with the Easter Bunny from 10:00-11:00am. The egg hunt begins at 11:15am sharp!
Wildlife Prairie Park’s Easter Scavenger Hunt (Hanna City) – Wildlife Prairie Park pulls out all the stops for Easter weekend. From April 18–20, they offer an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt throughout the park. This isn’t your typical dash-and-grab egg hunt; families explore the grounds to find large wooden eggs numbered on a form. Once you’ve found them all, return your form to the Visitor Center for a prize and entry into a grand prize drawing. The scavenger hunt is included free with park admission, so you can participate anytime during those days while enjoying the park’s trails and animal exhibits. Tip: Consider spending the whole day – pack a picnic or enjoy the on-site food truck (Grandma Nana’s Kitchen will be selling cookies, cocoa, and coffee on April 19).
Peoria Library Annual Egg Hunt – On April 19, from 2:30-3:30pm, thousands of eggs (over 6,000 in previous years) will be spread across the park for the hunt. The Easter Bunny will also make a special appearance for the festivities.
Canton Elks Lodge Annual Egg Hunt – Hop into this annual Easter Egg Hunt at Wallace Park on Saturday, April 19. The hunt begins at 10:00am and is free to the public. Wallace Park’s open fields and playground make it a great place to spend extra play time after the scramble.
Sunset Hills Golf Course Egg Hunt (Pekin) – The Sunset Hills Golf Course will host a free community egg hunt on Saturday, April 19, at 10:00am. Hundreds of brightly colored eggs will be hidden across the greens for kids of all ages to find – some containing golden tickets redeemable for big prize baskets! The Easter Bunny is scheduled to make a special appearance, and there will be fun games and giveaways before and after the hunt. Just show up with your basket; no registration required. Tip: After the hunt, consider grabbing lunch at a Sunset Hills Eatery or taking a stroll through nearby Mineral Springs Park.
Easter-Themed Events
Hunting for eggs is just one way to celebrate. Greater Peoria offers a basket full of springtime events that capture the Easter vibe without being actual hunts. Think spring festivals with the Easter Bunny, petting zoos, craft activities, and more. These events are perfect for families looking for interactive fun and seasonal charm in the weeks before and after Easter Sunday:
“Spring Hop” at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie (Peoria) – One of the biggest post-Easter celebrations, this free family event is on Saturday, April 12, from 12:00–4:00pm. Meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy balloon art, face painting, and a goodie bag (the first 600 kids get treat bags!).
Bunny Photos at Northwoods Mall (Peoria) – Northwoods Mall hosts the Easter Bunny until April 19th. You can bring the kids to visit the Easter Bunny in the mall’s center court and have professional photos taken. Reservations are often strongly encouraged to avoid long waits.
Where to Eat: Easter Brunches + Spring Sweets
All that egg hunting is bound to build up an appetite! Luckily, the Peoria region has you covered with special Easter brunches and plenty of kid-friendly dining options. Below, we spotlight a few notable choices for a delicious meal. Be sure to call ahead or reserve online, as these brunches are popular. We’ll also mention some sweet treat stops to satisfy your post-Easter candy cravings.
Brunch at Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City) – Guests can enjoy a catered brunch on April 19, 2025, with two seating times: 10:00am-noon for early brunch and 12:30-2:30pm for late brunch. The ticket includes the meal, admission to the park, and access to the Easter Egg Hunt (registration required).
Par-A-Dice Hotel Easter Brunch (East Peoria) – If you’re looking for a grand holiday feast, the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino in East Peoria throws one of the area’s most popular Easter Brunch Buffets on Sunday, April 20. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around the ballroom to greet families and take photos, adding fun for the kids while parents sip mimosas or coffee.
Barrack’s Cater Inn Easter Champagne Brunch (Peoria) – This buffet is known for its incredible variety: prime rib, honey-baked ham, fried chicken, shrimp, a made-to-order omelet bar, a Belgian waffle station, assorted salads and vegetables, and a lavish dessert table with a flowing chocolate fountain. Did we mention unlimited champagne for the grown-ups?
The Table Brunch Buffet (Peoria) – If you’re a foodie family, The Table’s spread will impress. Their Easter brunch, on April 20, includes a truly gourmet selection of sweet and savory items.
You don’t have to do a big buffet to enjoy the flavors of the season. Maybe you’re looking for a casual lunch spot or a place to grab a treat with the kids. Here are a few ideas:
Trefzger’s Bakery (Peoria Heights) – This historic bakery is the place for Easter sweets. Even after Easter, they offer adorable seasonal goodies. You’ll find iced Easter egg sugar cookies and bunny-shaped cookies in vibrant spring colors, bunny cakes, and carrot cakes.
Yeni's Palarte (Peoria Heights) – This beloved local spot is serving up festive Easter-themed ice cream flavors! Don’t miss their creative, handcrafted scoops that are as colorful as they are delicious!
Local Wineries / Breweries – Some area wineries and breweries host low-key Easter events after the holiday. Many of these are family-friendly environments with live music and outdoor seating.
In short, when it comes to dining, Peoria has something for everyone during the Easter season – whether you aim to don your Sunday best and feast at a grand buffet with the Easter Bunny, or just pick up some colorful cookies for the kids. Be sure to make reservations where needed.
