9 Awesome Easter Activities for the Whole Family

With Easter just around the corner, we’ve rounded up a list of fun family adventures that every-bunny can enjoy

1. Stanley Park Easter Train – April 13 to 17

Head to Stanley Park and hop on the iconic miniature train for an eggs-tra special ride through the city’s most famous park. Once the trip is over, make sure to check out the carnival, where kids can enjoy an Easter egg hunt, mini-golf, face-painting and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself. Reserve your tickets here. 
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. 9th Annual Great A-Maze-ing Egg Hunt – April 15 and 16

Experience one of VanDusen Botanical Garden’s most enchanting features and bring your little ones to the 9th Annual Great A-Maze-ing Egg Hunt. When your quest through the Elizabethan maze finishes, enjoy a mix of fun activities, crafts and delicious treats from on-site food trucks. The popular event takes place rain or shine and is recommended for ages 1 to 10. Tickets are limited and only available online, so make sure to grab them early.
VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

3. Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Hotel – April 15 and 16

Keep your Easter classy this year, with a spot of themed Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Hotel. A treat for all ages, the menu features an assortment of fine tea blends as well as sweet and savoury delicacies from their in-house pastry shop; kid-friendly sandwiches and tasty sweets are also provided. Can you imagine a more indulgent way to spend your day? They also cater to those with specific dietary requirements, just give a heads-up when booking and they’ll be happy to accommodate.
Fairmont Hotel, West Georgia Street
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $65 adult, $32.50 children (12 & under)

4. DIY Chocolatey Goodness

It isn’t Easter without some truly to-die-for chocolate, which you’ll get with this super simple yet delicious holiday-themed bark from Taming Twins. Make some messy memories in the kitchen and include your little ones by letting them get as creative as they by adding candies and colours to the mix. They’ll enjoy making the bark nearly as much as eating it. It’s also a fun gift idea and great alternative to Easter eggs… if you don’t end up eating it all first that is.

5. Brunch at Grouse Mountain – April 16

Admire the sights of the city and indulge in a delectable buffet-style brunch at the Observatory Restaurant on Grouse Mountain. Featuring tasty treats for all ages, it’s the perfect opportunity to get the whole family together and celebrate the festivities. They’ll have face-painting and an egg hunt led by the Easter Bunny on the day, so be sure to call and reserve a table in advance. 
604-998-5045, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $50 adult, $18 child (5 to 12), $10 tots (2 to 4)

6. Fun Run and Egg Hunt at Stanley Park – April 16

Work off all those Cadbury calories with the Stanley Park fun run and egg hunt. Kick the day off with a 1k little bunny walk for the kids, and work your way up to either a 5k or 10k run through Vancouver’s most popular and picturesque park. The event is suitable for all ages and abilities, so hop to it and register online to receive a bunny race name, bunny ears and entry to the egg hunt on the day of the event. Awards are given to best costume, so make sure to dress the part.
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; $30 5k/10k, $15 1k

7. Surrey Museum Easter Fair – April 15

Celebrate new life with local rescue animals at the Surrey Museum. From rabbits and birds to cats and dogs, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some adorable critters. If that wasn’t enough to persuade you, there’s a special appearance by the Vancouver Rabbit Agility Club, who will be showing off their considerable athletic prowess. Other activities include an egg hunt, storytelling and a visit from the Easter Bunny. More information here. 
17710 56A Avenue, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., entry by donation

8. Brunch at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – April 16

Celebrate in style with a gourmet buffet brunch at Boulevard. Feast the afternoon away with a menu that features favourite brunch classics like Nutella French Toast, along with house-baked breads and pastries, a raw seafood bar, and carving station that includes Slow Roasted Prime Striploin. Plus, there’s a special chocolate Easter Bunny to take home courtesy of the kids-only menu.
845 Burrard Street, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., $75 adults, $25 kids (under 12)

9. Fine Dining at Home With Easter-to-Go – April 16

If you adore playing host to family and friends but the thought of cooking sends you into a cold sweat, make things a little less stressful with Railtown Catering’s popular Easter-to-Go packages. Available in small (4 to 6 servings) and large (10 to 12 servings), with the choice between ready-to-eat or ready-to-bake, Railtown provides delicious and hearty classics. A percentage of each package is also donated to Mission Possible, a non-profit offering street-level care and employment opportunities to the homeless and impoverished in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
$189 (small) or $299 (large), pick up at 397 Railway Street, delivery also available for additional charge