The Valley is positively hopping with Easter-themed events this weekend, from over-the-top egg hunts to elegant tea parties. Read on for a complete list of our favorites – we guarantee you’ll find something the whole family will enjoy.
Hotel & Resort Events
Arizona Biltmore Easter Weekend
If you’re looking for extravagance this Easter, look no further than the Arizona Biltmore. In addition to appearances from the Easter Bunny and an epic egg hunt, the fun-filled weekend will feature a petting zoo, photo booth, face paint, arts and crafts, inflatable obstacle course, rock-climbing wall and Easter-themed competitions. For much needed sustenance, kids can munch on infinite cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones. Access to the festivities is free for resort guests and brunch-goers. If you’re feeling particularly energized the morning of, consider registering for the Beat the Bunny 5K. They say it’s all fun and games, but the top three male and female finishers will be awarded medals. For more information, please visit www.arizonabiltmore.com
Bunnyland at Scottsdale Fairmont Princess
On Sunday, April 5, resort and brunch guests of the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess are invited to enjoy a whimsical, Easter-themed playground. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Lagoon Lawn will be overflowing with exciting activities, including a petting zoo, jumper rooms, pony rides, wooden turtle races, potato sack races, jelly bean bingo and giant bubble making. A mind-bending magic show and not-to-be-missed performance by professional hula hoopers from the Heady Hoop Tribe will take place on the Bunnyland stage, while sick beats from DJ Splash keep things bumpin’. Not one but three Easter egg hunts will take place throughout the day on Canyon Lawn (start times are at 11 a.m., and 1 and 2 p.m.). The Easter Bunny will make an appearance at the brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for complimentary photos, if you can stand to pull yourself away from the elaborate outdoor feast, prepared by the Fairmont’s top chefs. For more information, please visit fairmont.com/scottsdale
Easter at The Wigwam
Enjoy pregame Sunday brunch with a scrumptious breakfast in The Wigwam Ballroom on Saturday April 4 from 8 to 11 a.m. In between bites of mini waffles and M&M-filled pancakes, the Easter Bunny will present each child with their very own egg. Once everyone is good and fed, the festivities continue on the Front Lawn, where Paul Horton of CBS 5 will host The Wigwam’s 5th Annual Egg Roll & Easter Festival. From 8:30 a.m. to noon, families can bond over a variety of activities, including an Easter egg roll, chic-lit reading corner, egg decorating & crafts, Easter outfit competition and more. Diehard Easter peeps might consider postponing breakfast an hour or two – the Easter Bunny will arrive via helicopter at 8:30 a.m. sharp. For more information, please visit wigwamarizona.com
Westin Kierland’s 10th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza
As per usual, the Westin Kierland is bringing its A-game. Starting at 9 a.m. on Easter Sunday, resort guests and brunch patrons will be granted access to a plethora of activities, including bounce houses, a petting zoo, arts and crafts and a 25,000-egg Easter egg hunt. It’s certainly worth the price of admission – the renowned Easter Champagne Brunch, held in the Trailblazer Ballroom, will feature some of the most exquisite cuisine in the Valley. For more information, please visit kierlandresort.com
Easter Egg Hunts
Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at ZuZu
If you’re game for an early morning, ZuZu at the iconic Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale is serving an exquisite brunch from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can opt to dine inside or on the shaded patio, where the annual Easter egg hunt is slated to begin at 9 a.m. Kiddos will delight in the chance to win exciting prizes and the highly coveted golden egg. For more information, please visit HotelValleyHo.com
Easter Egg-Citement at Schnepf Farms
The people at Schnepf Farms have Easter down to a science – after all, they’ve been helping the Phoenix community celebrate for over 20 years. On Saturday April 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the annual Easter Egg-Citement returns, complete with hay, train and carousel rides, a petting zoo, cookie decorating, a hot dog lunch and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Egg hunts will begin at 11 a.m. sharp, separated by age group. Reservations are recommended, but if you miss the April 1 deadline, arrive by 10 a.m. on Saturday morning at the absolute latest to secure a spot for your child. Space is limited and everyone is eager to get in on the fun. $25 per child (includes lunch). Parents are welcome to pay as they go. For more information, please visit schnepffarms.com
Enchanted Island’s Easter Egg Hunt
As if Enchanted Island Amusement Park wasn’t already exciting enough, the venue is hosting a free Easter egg hunt on April 4 and 5 for 10-and-unders. Beginning at 10 a.m., kids will be divvied up according to age and set loose in 15-minute intervals to collect hundreds of prize-filled eggs. Make sure to bring baskets from home, as the park will not be providing them. The hunt should wrap up around 12:30 p.m., but plan on sticking around for the afternoon. Once the kids get a good look at the bumper boats, dragon wagon, and historic Encanto Carousel, it will be nearly impossible to herd them back to the car. For more information, please visit enchantedisland.com
Tea Parties
Peter Cottontail Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix
For that extra touch of elegance, there’s no place like The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix. On Friday, April 3 and Saturday April 4, families are invited to attend Cottontail Tea for $43 per person, complete with classic finger sandwiches, a lavish spread of freshly baked pastries and story time with Tea Maitre d’ Jeffery Hattrick. In between sips of hot cocoa, kids can join Peter Cottontail as he hops around the lobby, doling out Easter baskets overflowing with goodies. Seating is available at noon and 3 p.m. For reservations, please call The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix at 602-522-6632.
Phoe-Phoe’s Afternoon Tea Party at The Phoenician
On April 4, the Phoenician will put an Easter-themed spin on its traditional afternoon tea. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., children and their families are invited to stop by the Orchid Lawn for finger sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and endless pots of piping hot tea. Every child will receive a complimentary Phoe-Phoe plushie and a copy of Fun at the Phoenician with Phoe-Phoe & Friends, which will be read aloud by author Emily Randolph and illustrator Dan Merchant. Phoe-Phoe’s furry friend Lady, a Cavilier King Charles Spaniel, will also be in attendance. The cost is $45 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult, but we doubt you’d pass up the opportunity to watch your tot sip from fancy china. For more information thephoenician.com
Easter Bunny Appearances
Easter Bunny at Scramble
In addition to fresh ingredients, quick service and affordable prices, Scramble—A Breakfast Joint, will boast the Easter Bunny on Sunday, April 5. Both the Scottsdale and Phoenix locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will document the festivities on their respective Facebook pages, so be sure to wear your Sunday best. For more information, please visit www.azscramble.com
Easter Bunny at Scottsdale Fashion Square
Hop to it! This is the Easter Bunny’s final week at Scottsdale Fashion Square. You have until April 4 to snap a photo with the famous hare, who will be stationed on the Upper Level, Nordstrom Wing near Crocs and The Children’s place Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Afterwards, peruse the shops for Sunday brunch outfits for the little ones – they’ll be breaking hearts left and right. For easy mall access, park in the Green parking garage at the corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Goldwater Blvd. For more information, please visit fashionsquare.com
Easter Bunny Express
All aboard! It’s not every day you get a send-off from the Easter Bunny, but on Sunday April 5, guests of the Verde Canyon Railroad will get just that. Before departing at 1 p.m. from the historic depot, located just outside Sedona, passengers will be treated to Easter-themed face-paint, yummy treats and photo-ops with everyone’s favorite rabbit. Onboard, adults are encouraged to enjoy Bloody Marys, while the little ones participate in a winner-take-all jellybean counting contest (as if they really need any more sugar). For a more traditional experience, book seats in coach. If you feel like splurging, choose from one of eight first-class cars, complete with panoramic views and champagne upon departure. For more information, please visit verdecanyonrr.com
