Can we talk about Easter Egg hunts, people?

As someone who has worked in radio for decades, I see what happens to people when the word FREE gets tossed around. They turn into maniacs because STUFF! It happens for lame tshirts, it happens for cool contests, and it happens at family Easter Egg hunts.

Kids, tweens, adults, everyone goes nuts at these things. We really need the adults to be the cooler heads and dial everyone down, don’t you think?  I’m going to share with you a great big list of free family Easter Egg hunts in Calgary, but I need you to promise me something: you’ll keep it about the kids, you won’t be greedy, and you’ll be polite.

I know most of these are FREE but it’s just chocolate, let the kids have the fun .. mmmkay?

Before you check out the a list of Easter Egg Hunts In Calgary For Kids And Families, I’d suggest you click over to these easy Easter hacks and then get the season started properly with a deep fried Cadbury Easter Creme Egg.  Ahem.

Here’s a complete list of Calgary Easter Egg Hunts for the kids to have fun with:

XL 103’s 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Where: Rosemont Community/Confederation Park (2807 10th St NW)
When: Hunt starts at 1p on March 27, fun events from noon – 3
What: Over 75 lbs of chocolate and hundreds of prizes including cash & concerts tickets to be won. Prize limits will be in effect and there will be separate adult and child hunting areas.

1st Annual Free Family Easter Scavenger Hunt at Mount Engadine Lodge

Where: Mount Engadine Lodge in K-Country
When: Sunday March 27 from 1p – 5p
What: When you’re done finding all the eggs, wander down our picturesque paths on an exciting scavenger hunt! Get into character and have your face painted like your favorite wilderness animal and roast marshmallows over the campfire. Enjoy a BBQ of Homemade Pulled Pork and Portobello Mushroom Burgers with a cash donation to the Bow Valley Food Bank.

Calgary Zoo Easter Eggstravaganza

Where: Calgary Zoo at 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary AB
When: From 9 am – 3 pm on both March 25-26, 2016
What: In addition to egg hunting around the zoo, there will be Easter crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, mini maxes, and more.  A Get Cracking Scavenger Hunt will have your animal fans learning all about Whooping Cranes and why they’re important to the zoo. All activities are free with regular zoo admission.

Easter at Symons Valley Ranch

Where: Symons Valley Ranch, 14555 Symons Valley Road NW
When: Saturday March 26 from 1130a – 130p
What: There will be an Easter Egg Hunt with Easter Bunny along with egg decorating, coloring, and face painting.

NSD Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs at Calaway Park

Where: Calaway Park, 245033 Range Rd 33
When: Friday March 25, Registration at 9, hunt at 10a.
What: National Service Dogs’ Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs (and some treats for kids too) is a family event that includes “man’s best friend”. All monies raised (family registration fee is $25) support NSD’s award-winning Certified Service Dogs for Autism, Certified Service Dogs for PTSD and Canine Assisted Intervention programs.

Butterfield Acres Easter Hunts

Where: Butterfield Acres, 254077 Rocky Ridge Road NW
When: Various scheduled times between 10a – 3p on March 19-20 and 25-26
What: Starting in one of the barns, the kids listen to the Legend of the Easter Bunny! Then it’s off with their baskets to do his bidding with a special hunt. When the children find the items the Easter Bunny needs, they’ll send them down the tunnels to the Easter Bunny’s Secret Workshop where he’ll magically turn them into Easter Eggs. Advance tickets required.

Marda Egg Fest

Where: Marda Loop, 33rd Ave SW
When: 10a – 5p on Saturday, March 19
What: 25 businesses from across the neighbourhood will each be hiding 20 Easter eggs. If you’re a lucky winner who finds an egg, you’ll win a chocolate treat and be entered in to a prize draw to win a Marda Loop gift basket!

TELUS Spark Spring Sparktacular

Where: TELUS Spark, 220 St. George’s Drive NE
When: 9a – 5p, March 25 – 26
What: From an epic atrium Chicken Dance to the giant Easter egg art canvas, TELUS Spark goes beyond to celebrate all of spring. There will be egg drop challenges and a special visit from the Science Bunny – all included with admission.

Easter Bunny Visits Lake Louise Ski Resort

Where: Lake Louise Ski Resort, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
When: March 25-27, Sunday 12:30 pm – Easter Egg Hunt (12 and under) at learning area
What: The Easter Bunny will make his annual appearance at Lake Louise over the Easter long weekend. He never fails to have a basket full of chocolate eggs, and will hand them out on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, kids 12 and under are invited to scamper through the snow to find what he’s hidden!

Easter Activities at Bass Pro Shops

Where: Bass Pro Shop, CrossIron Mills
When: March 19 – 27
What: A multi weekend event that sees free pictures with the Easter Bunny during the week as well as weekend Easter Egg hunts for kids 2-10. There’s a lot going on, full details and schedules here.

Easter Fun at the Calgary Farmers’ Market

Where: Calgary Farmers’ Market, 510 77 Ave SE
When: March 25-26, 10a – 2p
What: Hop on over to the main stage and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and decorate an Easter cookie too. Cash or food donations to the Calgary Food Bank are welcome.

Easter Petting Zoo at Westbrook Mall

Where: Westbrook Mall, 1200 – 37th Street SW
When: March 23 – 25, 2015
What: Stop by and visit with the cute animals from Butterfield Acres on Friday and Saturday, on Sunday you’ll also be able to get a photo with the Easter Bunny.

Easter Eggstravaganza Party at Trico Centre

Where: Trico Centre for Family Wellness at 11150 Bonaventure Dr SE
When: Thursday March 24, from 1p-3p
What: An eggstravagant afternoon of fun for members and non-members alike with face painting, crafts, games, and more. Fees apply.