This weekend, masses of children will scour lawns, parks and church gardens for colorful, goodie-filled eggs, courtesy of the Easter Bunny.
The Easter egg hunt is an annual tradition and there will be ample opportunities to participate, from church gatherings to early morning backyard searches.
For those who want to get outside their own neighborhoods, Arkansas State Parks will offer a variety of free Easter-related activities for youngsters -- and maybe even some fun for older folks too. And, of course, people are welcome to explore the parks' trails and treasures before and after egg hunting.
Here's a bit of what's available. All are free, and all recommend getting there early with a basket ready to collect eggs:
Daisy State Park: Located on Lake Greeson near Kirby, Daisy is hosting its 30th annual Easter Event Weekend. That includes the big egg hunt for ages 12 and under starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by the family raw egg toss game. Throughout the weekend, visitors can participate in the Golden Egg Challenge, a hunt for a prize-filled egg with clues starting at noon Friday and continuing until the egg is found. Call (870) 398-4487.
Petit Jean State Park: Nature programs, tours and hikes are on the schedule for the Great Escape Weekend, Friday-Sunday at Petit Jean near Morrilton. It all leads up to the Easter Egg Scramble, 2 p.m. Sunday at the CCC Ball Field. Children up through sixth grade are invited to search the area for about 2,000 Easter eggs. Call (501) 727-5441.
White Oak Lake State Park: Easter eggs will be hidden throughout the park, 563 Arkansas 387 at Bluff City, for children ages 12 and under, 1 p.m. Saturday. The Easter Bunny is also expected to be there so cameras are recommended. Call (870) 685-2748.
Logoly State Park: Children ages 4-12 will hunt for candy- and prize-filled eggs starting at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the park, located in McNeil. The park's Easter Celebration also includes crafts and activities like making paper flowers and decorating Easter eggs, 2-3:30 p.m. Call (870) 695-3561.
Mammoth Spring State Park: The baseball field at the park in Mammoth Spring will become a hunt area for children 10 and under at the Easter Egg Scramble, 2 p.m. Saturday. Call (870) 625-7364.
Delta Heritage Trail State Park: The park, at 5539 U.S. 49 at Helena-West Helena, hosts an egg hunt for children ages 12 and under starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. Call (870) 572-2352.
Lake Catherine State Park: Picnic Hill is the site for Lake Catherine's big Easter Egg hunt, beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday at the park, 1200 Catherine Park Road, Hot Springs. Call (501) 844-4176.
Lake Chicot State Park: The park, on Arkansas 257 near Lake Village, hosts an Easter Egg Hunt with candy-filled eggs and a prize egg per age group for children 10 and under, 3 p.m. Sunday. Call (870) 265-5480.
For more information, call (888) 287-2757 or visit arkansasstateparks.com.
Weekend on 03/29/2018