As a kid, Easter egg hunts were the pinnacle of competition. My entire family would get involved, snatching the colorful eggs and counting their coveted prizes. It was an annual event not to be missed. Now that I have my own child, the tradition continues. But this year, we aren’t limiting ourselves to our own backyard. 
Instead, we are taking on multiple opportunities to practice our egg snatching skills all across Thurston County.
Saturday, April 8
First stop, the toy store. That’s right, Captain Little presents their annual Egg Extravaganza event on Saturday morning. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., hunters can start spotting more than 400 eggs hidden around the shop. All the eggs have treats inside along with a handful of grand prize eggs containing gift cards to nearby businesses. Make sure to get there early as the search ends once the final egg is found.
Egg hunters of all ages and breeds (yes, I said breeds) are welcome to the 10th Annual Dog Gone Easter Egg Hunt at the Lacey Regional Athletic Complex (The RAC). This dog-centered event includes a two egg hunts, a puppy fashion show and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Children can also enjoy a hunt of their own, pony rides and vendors from all over the community. The fun begins at 10:00 a.m. and is bound to be “off-the-leash.”
Look to the skies! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s an egg! Lacey’s Restoration Church plans to try something different and drop their eggs at 1:00 p.m. from their ceiling. Eggs will glide from the sky using an attached parachute to land in the hands of clambering children below. To avoid a mosh pit of kids, drops will be divided into age divisions giving every child a chance to catch a gliding prize.
Friday, April 14
How about a little fun for the adults? That’s right, you don’t have to sneak your kid’s candy this year, you can get some of your own. For the low price of $10, kids-at-heart take to the night during South Sound Church’s Annual Xtreme Adult Egg Hunt. Trudge through the woods and swamp to win some serious prizes including cash, lottery tickets, gift cards and a 55″ 4k television. The mission begins at 6:00 p.m. and participants must show ID.
Saturday, April 15
It’s the day before Easter and the perfect opportunity for egg hunting galore. Candy and prizes will be scattered across the RAC for O Bee Credit Union’s Egg Dash. 17,000 eggs hit the field and the fun begins at 11:00 a.m. The search is divided into different age groups beginning with children ages 2- and 3-years-old and one egg for each group includes a slip for a new bike from Falcone’s Bicycle Center. Head out to this hunt early to allow for parking.
Tumwater’s 21st Annual Easter Egg Dash is sure to send kids of all ages into a frenzy. More than 20,000 eggs filled with prizes will await their destiny. Once kids have filled their baskets, they can stop by to meet and greet the man of the hour, the Easter Bunny. This event is completely free and open to residents from all over Thurston County. The fun kicks off at 11:00 a.m. behind the stadium at Tumwater High School.
One of my family’s favorite hunting grounds has to be South Sound Church‘s Annual Eggstravaganza. It’s not just about the hunt here. Along with their 10,000 eggs, the volunteers here have egg dyeing, face painting and egg related crafts.
The Easter Bunny even stops by to wave to all the children. When your children have a full bucket, let them eat a few pieces of the candy inside so they can burn that energy off on the inflatables set up nearby. The event begins at noon and fills up quickly.
Sunday, April 16
Year after year, families flock to Priest Point Park for the Olympia Eagle’s annual hunt on Easter Sunday. This year won’t be any different with over 21,000 eggs hidden throughout the park. Hunts for those 12 and under, separated by age, will begin at 2:00 p.m. sharp. A special needs hunt will begin at noon and is sponsored by South Sound Parent to Parent. Read a history of this nearly 50-year-old event here.
New this year is a free community Easter Egg Hunt at Burfoot Park in Olympia. Over 6,000 eggs will be hidden, the Easter Bunny will be onsite and snacks will be available. All donations will go to The Safe House. Lawn games including giant chess and horseshoes will be onsite.
Hop across Thurston County to enjoy some of these hunts with children of all ages and have an egg-cellent time!
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding area, visit our complete event calendar.
