Easter is all about Easter egg hunts, egg decorating, the Easter Bunny, parades and dressing up. Below is our guide to 2012 Easter-related activities in San Francisco and the Bay Area, which run from the traditional to the riotous. We've listed Easter brunches and other eating options in a separate article.
Big Bunny's Spring Fling
April 7 & 8, at 10 am-4 pm
A weekend of bunny-dom, including puppet shows, sing-a-longs and stories with a Bunny Princess, and close-up encounters with real rabbits. Photo opps with Nestlé’s Nesquik Bunny.
At San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway. San Francisco 94132. Free with zoo admission.
El Cerrito's Annual Egg Hunt
April 7, at 10-11 am
A long-running spring tradition that’s very short. Be ready to scramble for eggs at 10 am sharp, because it’s all over in minutes. For toddlers to 12-year-olds.
At Arlington Park, 1120 Arlington Blvd., El Cerrito. Free.
Noe Valley Easter Egg Hunt
April 7, at 10 am-12 pm
Egg hunting, decorating, and a raffle.
At Douglass Park, Douglass and 26th streets, San Francisco. Free.
Easter Parade & Derby Decorating Contest
April 7, at 10 am-1:30 pm
Buy a $2 derby (hat) from a Lakeshore merchant and have your kid (toddler up to age 12) decorate it with whatever’s around at home (or come at 10 am to do last-minute artistry). On Saturday at 11 am, parade with other derby-donning kids, led by the Easter Bunny. The best derbies win prizes, followed by a festival with egg decorating, other kids’ activities and snacks. Sponsored by Lakeshore Business Improvement District and Lakeshore Baptist Church.
Parade starting point and festival are at Lakeshore Baptist Church, 3534 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland 94601. Free.
Spring Eggstravaganza
April 7, at 11 am–3 pm
Egg hunting, carnival rides, bouncy houses, arts and crafts, food for sale and entertainment. Try the results of a rib cook-off among the city’s rec and park, police and fire departments (I’m betting on the firefighters).
At Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park. Admission $8. No pets allowed.
The Great Easter Egg Hunt
April 7, at 12-3 pm
The city of Oakland sponsors Easter fun on a gorgeous lawn. Three separate egg hunts (divided according to age), games, entertainment, tours of the historic Dunsmuir mansion, a petting zoo, pony rides, pet adoptions, photos with Easter Bunny. Bring your own picnic and a basket for eggs.
At Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland 94605. Admission: Free; $2; $5.
Naturally Dyed Eggs
April 7, at 1-2:30 pm
Adults and kids can learn about natural, plant-based dyes and use them to decorate eggs.
At the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley 94720. Pre-registration required; contact (510) 643-2755 or garden@berkeley.edu. Registration $8, 12.
Big Bunny's Spring Fling
April 7 & 8, at 10 am-4 pm
A weekend of bunny-dom, including puppet shows, sing-a-longs and stories with a Bunny Princess, and close-up encounters with real rabbits. Photo opps with Nestlé’s Nesquik Bunny.
At San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway. San Francisco 94132. Free with zoo admission.
Union Street Spring Celebration & Easter Parade
April 8, at 10 am-5 pm
Wacky meets elegant at Union Street’s annual Easter bash, featuring classic cars, kids’ games, a petting zoo and pony rides, live music, garden displays and an Easter bonnet contest. A parade starts at 2 pm.
On Union between Gough and Fillmore streets. Free.
Pumps & Circumstance
April 8, at 11 am–4 pm
The annual Easter bash by the spirited, cross-dressing Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. A blessing and children’s Easter egg hunt and games kick off at 11 am. At noon it’s the adults’ turn, with entertainment by Whoa Nellies, Thrillpeddlers and others, the Easter Bonnet Contest and the Hunky Jesus Contest.
At Dolores Park. Free.
Bring Your Own Big Wheel
April 8, at 4-6 pm
Dozens of drivers careen their Big Wheels (those giant yellow-and-red plastic tricycles for kiddies) on Potrero Hill. There’s a lap for ages 12 and under, and then the thrills-and-spills-filled race for older ages. Yes, you must sign a waiver.
Starts at Vermont and 20th streets, San Francisco. Free, but suggested fee for racers and spectators is $5.
