[SoDu How-To] Find Secular Easter Events for Your Family

By Tricia Smar, Southpoint Access Contributor

Besides being a hallmark Christian celebration, Easter has become an indicator that Spring has sprung and invites families to come together. Through Easter, South Durham and neighboring communities offer several opportunities to participate in the age-old Easter tradition of egg hunts, as well as other Easter-themed activities. With events for kids and dogs, take advantage of these delightful community events.

Note: All these secular events are within 15 miles of the center of the 27713 zip code. This list doesn’t include Easter festivities associated with faith communities, as there are simply too many to list.

Ongoing Events

Egg Hunt with Goats at Spring Haven Farm (5306 Homer Ruffin Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27516)

April 9 to April 20: Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $5 (in addition to $14.95/person admission); Ages 3 and under are free.
Add an Easter Egg Hunt to your Spring Haven Farm admission for $5 and let your little ones look for eggs throughout your visit with the farm animals. Kiddos will hunt in a designated area alongside friendly goats and turn in up to eight eggs for candy and prizes.

Easter Eggstravaganza! at Old Mill Farm (8913 NC Hwy. 751 S, Durham, NC 27713)

April 5to April 20: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m.
Cost: $13/person; $42/family (up to 4 guests); Ages 2 and under are free.
In addition to the usual live music and farm animals, Old Mill Farm will have eggs hidden across the property, with a separate egg hunt area for kids under 5 so they can be sure to walk away winners, too. Don’t miss the crafts, Easter Bunny photos, and local beer and wine at the bar.

Dino Egg Hunt at Museum of Life & Science (433 W Murray Ave., Durham, NC 27704)

April 11to 13 and April 18 to 20: timeslots from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $8/person (in addition to museum admission; $18-23); Ages 2 and under are free with a paying adult.
Your kiddos can hunt for eggs off the Dinosaur Trail and exchange them for a dino-themed prize pack. Other activities include fossil excavation, dino selfies, and prehistoric games.

Date-Specific Events

April 5, 1 to 3 p.m.: Kids Build It Easter Bunny Project at Nailed It DIY Studio Durham (5410 NC Hwy. 55, Suite M, Durham, NC 27713)

Cost: $38.
Every first Saturday, Nailed It Durham offers a special kid-oriented project and for April, kids get to make their own Easter Bunny portrait with glasses. You can add your own project if you’d like to join in on the fun as well.

April 5, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Parent and Me Bunny and Chick Painting at Wine & Design Durham (4711 Hope Valley Rd., Ste. 5E, Durham, NC 27707)

Cost: $60 (covers two people and two canvases); $28/additional child.
Explore art with your child by making dual paintings of a bunny and chick just in time for Easter. This class is recommended for ages 5+.

April 5, 3 to 5 p.m.: Spring Egg Dive at Campus Hills Pool (2000 S. Alston Ave., Durham, NC 27707)

Cost: $6 city resident/$11 non-city resident (there is currently a waitlist).
Sign up to dive for eggs in the Campus Hills pool. All ages and swim levels are welcome and an adult is required to be in the water for children 9 and younger.

April 8, 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.: Ultimutt Dogg Egg Hunt at Apex Nature Park (2600 Evans Rd, Apex, NC 27502)

Cost: Free (Apex Annual Dog Park Pass required, starting at $30).
Leashed dogs and their people are invited to Apex Nature Park to sniff out treat-filled Easter eggs and get photos taken with the Easter Bunny. Town of Apex Annual Dog Park Pass is required to participate, which costs $30 for Apex residents with one dog up to $100 for non-residents with multiple dogs.

April 8, 8:15 p.m.: Egg-streme Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt at Apex Nature Park (2600 Evans Rd., Apex, NC 27502)

Cost: Free (there is currently a waitlist).
Tweens (ages 10-13) can bring a flashlight to this nighttime egg hunt to search along the Apex Nature Park disc golf course.

April 10, 8 p.m.: Specialized Recreation Flashlight Egg Hunt at Apex Community Park (2200 Laura Duncan Rd.)

Cost: Free.
Designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, join Apex Parks & Recreation’s flashlight egg hunt as you search for candy-filled eggs around Apex Community Park. Personal assistants are welcome.

April 11, 6 to 8 p.m.: Egg Eggstravaganza Kids Night Out at Flour Power Cary (1128 Parkside Main St., Cary, NC 27519)

Cost: $49/child.
Drop off your kids ages 5-12 for an evening of cooking egg-themed dishes, including egg frittatas, egg-in-a-hole mini buns, and egg marbleizing for science enthusiasts.

April 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m.: The Great Eggstravaganza at Brier Creek Community Center (10810 Globe Rd., Raleigh, NC 27617)

Cost: Free.
Brier Creek Community Center hosts The Great Eggstravaganza, where your little ones can enjoy arts, crafts, games, and snacks, plus photos with the Big Bunny himself. Hop by each station and your kiddo can earn a goodie bag at the end.

April 12, 10 to 11 a.m.: Egg Hunt at Campus Hills Park (2000 S Alston Ave., Durham, NC 27707)

Cost: Free.
No need to pre-register for this community egg hunt through Durham Parks & Rec. Egg hunters up to age 13 will be divided by age for different egg hunts, with the golden egg holding a special prize.

April 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Egg Hunt at West Point on the Eno (5101 N. Roxboro St., Durham, NC 27704)

Cost: Free.
Hop over to North Durham for DPR’s 38^th Annual Egg Hunt at West Point on the Eno. Age-specific age groups will start at 10:15 a.m. and there will be games and crafts afterwards. No pre-registration required.

April 12, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Bluey’s Egg Hunt at Town of Fun (1000 Lower Shiloh Way, Suite 100, Morrisville, NC 27560)

Cost: $35/child (non-members) or $28/child (members).
Kids ages 0-7 can hunt Easter eggs with Bluey herself, dance, decorate cookies, take pictures, and play at Town of Fun’s indoor playground. Each $35 admission allows for one child and one accompanying adult.

April 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Easter Egg Hunt at Parkside Town Commons (7129 O’Kelly Chapel Rd., Cary, NC 27519)

Cost: Free.
Come visit the Easter Bunny at this shopping center just south of SoDu. Kids 10 and under can hunt from more than 24,000 eggs, ride the Trackless Trains, enjoy a magic show, do crafts, or play games.

April 12, 12 to 2 p.m.: Carrboro Community Egg Hunt Celebration at Hank Anderson Park (302 NC Hwy 54 West, Carrboro, NC 27510)

Cost: Free.
Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department hosts a Giant Egg Hunt for children ages 2 to 10, divided into three age groups.

April 12, 1 to 4 p.m.: Dog-Gone Egg Hunt at Rock Quarry Park (701 Stadium Dr., Durham, NC 27704)

Cost: Free.
DPR hosts a canine version of the classic egg hunt at Rock Quarry Park. Stick around after the hunt for a vendor fair with dog-related products.

April 12, 3 to 5 p.m.: Easter EGGstravaganza at Chapel Hill Community Center (120 S Estes Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514)

Cost: $10 residents/$12 non-residents.
Swim for your Easter eggs and trade them in for sweets at this pool-bound hunt led by Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation. Don’t forget to register and wear your swimsuit.

April 12, 8 p.m.: Flashlight Egg Hunt at Wilson Park (101 Williams St., Carrboro, NC 27510)

Cost: Free.
Calling all tweens (youth ages 11-14)! Bring your flashlight to Wilson Park to hunt for eggs in the dark. Be on the lookout for special golden eggs. No pre-registration required.

April 12, 8 to 9 p.m.: EGG-STREME Egg Hunt at Chapel Hill Community Center (120 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514)

Cost: $12 for residents/$15 for non-residents.
Hunt for glowing eggs in Chapel Hill Community Park. Bring your own flashlight and basket and be sure to look extra hard for the 3 special eggs with prizes inside. Every participant can turn in their eggs for a candy bag.

April 13, 2 p.m.: Easter Flower Arranging Class at Nailed It DIY Studio Durham (5410 NC Hwy. 55, #M, Durham, NC 27713)

Cost: $49.87.
Sweet Serendipity Flowers will guide you in floral design as you craft your own Easter-themed arrangement. Ticket price includes all the floral supplies needed, including the vase.

Image: Il Laboratorio – The Cooking Lab.

April 13, 2 p.m.: Easter Cookie Making & Decorating Workshop at Il Laboratorio by Melina’s Fresh Pasta (3101 Guess Rd., Unit E, Durham, NC 27705)

Cost: $60.54.
Grab your family, partner, or just your appetite as you make cookies from scratch with Daniela, a first-generation Italian American who owns Baked by D. Then Daniela will teach you how to glaze and decorate your cookies.

April 13, 4 to 5:30 p.m.: Hippity Hoppity Easter Egg Hunt at USA Baseball National Training Complex (200 Brooks Park Ln., Cary, NC 27519)

Cost: Free.
Grab a picture with the Easter bunny before you participate in one of three simultaneous egg hunts by age (3-5, 6-9, and 10-12). Bring your own basket and be sure to enjoy the magician, juggler, and other festivities before and after the hunt. Pre-registration is required.

April 17, 6 to 8 p.m.: Peeps in the Park at Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Pkwy., Morrisville, NC 27560)

Cost: Free.
Celebrate Easter with a Peep-themed scavenger hunt, lawn games, music, food trucks, and a petting zoo. Also, follow the event on Facebook for a golden egg hunt in the three weeks leading up to the event.

April 19, 9:30 to 11 a.m.: Egg Hunt at the Hope Valley Farms YMCA (4818 S Roxboro St., Durham, NC 27713)

Cost: Free.
Swing by the Hope Valley Farms YMCA to take family photos with the Easter Bunny, participate in a preschool (9:30 a.m.) or elementary-aged (10 a.m.) egg hunt, and build crafts for the holiday.

April 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Spring Egg Hunt at Duke Homestead (2828 Duke Homestead Rd., Durham, NC 27705)

Cost: Free
Experience traditional historic games and a puppet show in addition to an age-specific egg hunt. Bring your own basket and arrive on time since the starting line for the egg hunt is a short walk from the parking lot.

April 19, 10 to 10:45 a.m.: Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt at Oakwood Park (2 Berkley Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27517)

Cost: $10/residents, $12/nonresidents.
Check out this egg hunt just for kids with different abilities and their siblings. Limited to only 10 participants per session, the eggs will be hidden in raised beds in an enclosed area at the park. Be sure to bring your own basket.

April 19, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Easter Bunny Roller Skate at Wheels Durham (715 N. Hoover Rd., Durham, NC 27703)

Cost: $17 (includes skate rental, 1 slice of cheese pizza, and a small drink).
Meet the Easter Bunny while you skate around the newly renovated Wheels Durham and hunt for Easter eggs. The person who finds the golden egg wins a 25 credit game card.

April 19, 12 to 1:30 p.m.: Easter Egg Hunt & Craft at Bumble Brews (2464 SW Cary Pkwy., Cary, NC 27513)

Cost: $20/child (under 6 months and adults are free).
Get those wiggles out at Bumble Brews with a make-and-take Easter craft, egg hunt, and open play at this indoor play cafe. Adults are free and can enjoy coffee, snacks, or an array of local beers at the bar.

April 19, 1 to 4 p.m.: Mr. Pickle-Man’s Easter Egg Hunt at 1870 Farm (1224 Old Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27517)

Cost: $20/person or $85/family ticket up to six people.
Visit 1870 Farm age-specific kid egg hunts followed by an all-ages scavenger hunt. You’ll get to explore the farm, visit the animals, take a ride on the kid-friendly electric tractor, and try gemstone mining (additional $10/bag).

April 20, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Easter Brunch at The Durham Hotel (315 E Chapel Hill St., Durham, NC 27701)

Cost: $55/adult, $30/child.
Reservations are recommended for this family-style Easter Brunch. From deviled egg starters to prime rib, ham, and quiche entrees, to challah French toast and brussels sprouts, to berry poundcake and mini danishes, no one will leave hungry.

April 20, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Church Window Painting Class at Wine & Design Durham (4711 Hope Valley Rd., Ste. 5E, Durham, NC 27707)

Cost: $39.
Work with local artist Emma Stollwerk to paint a beautiful church window with the three crosses on Calvary. Bring your own snacks and/or beverage (wine/beer allowed) for this 2-hour guided session. No artistic talent required.

April 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Easter Bird Nest Painting Class at Wine & Design Durham (4711 Hope Valley Rd., Ste. 5E, Durham, NC 27707)

Cost: $39.
Local artist Kanice Granson-Holloway will walk you through painting a lovely bird nest on a branch with several colorful Easter eggs inside. BYO snacks and beverages (wine/beer allowed), but no artistic talent is needed for this beginner-friendly class.

Spread the word by sharing this Southpoint Access newsletter with friends and neighbors. Got a tip for your neighborhood news guy? Send email to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news. Call 919-695-9813, ext. 800.

Get Connected

Send email to ⁠⁠⁠wes.platt@southpointaccess.news
Follow on ⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠
Join ⁠⁠⁠our Discord community⁠⁠⁠
Join the Southpoint Access subreddit!