Like many beloved holiday traditions, Easter egg hunts and the Easter Bunny may seem a bit strange without their historical context. A mythical rabbit hiding colorful eggs with candy inside of them? But, if you zoom out, religious and cultural themes of rebirth, resurrection and new life emerge in the big picture of this sweet springtime custom, and it all starts to make sense. We find it especially cool that the European concept of an egg-gifting hare first arrived in the U.S. right here in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Dutch are credited with bringing the lore of the “Osterhase” aka Easter Bunny to America. This hare was said to bring eggs, a special treat following the abstinence of Lent, to well-behaved children. He tucked the eggs into “nests” that kids would create with their caps and bonnets. Easter eggs were also once boiled with flowers to give them pretty springtime hues and to bring the fresh colors of the season indoors.
While modern Easter egg hunts tend to involve children, there’s no reason the grown-ups can’t get in on the fun, too. It’s a spirited tradition that all ages can enjoy, especially when paired with some gourmet treats and grown-up drinks. We found 14 adult Easter egg hunts happening across Pennsylvania this year for the “big kids” to enjoy:
expERIEnce Children’s Museum, Erie
Roam the newly-expanded expERIEnce Children’s Museum, sipping drinks and hunting for eggs in this grown-up event on April 4, 6-8 p.m. Find your six-pack of eggs and swap them for fabulous prizes like gift cards and goodies from local businesses. There will be tasty bites and half-off Tap House pizza, plus a hands-on science experiment with Peeps marshmallows and Pysanky egg decorating. Register ahead of time for the Adult Egg Hunt, which costs $40 (10% off for museum members). 420 French St., Erie; (814) 453-3743.
Bella Terra Vineyards, Hunker
Southwestern PA gem Bella Terra Vineyards is hosting a special 21+ adult easter egg hunt at its Hunker location on April 5 from 4 – 6 p.m., with registration beginning at 3 p.m. Pre-registered attendees receive a glass of wine and bag for their eggs, which will be hidden throughout the beautiful property grounds and filled with grown-up prizes. Find the single golden egg, and redeem a basket full of prizes. The hunt starts promptly at 4 p.m., so get there early! 121 Sunny Lane, Hunker; (724) 635-3658.
Deer Creek Winery at Watson Estate Bed & Breakfast and Brooks Estate, Uniontown & Shippenville
Tons of tasty fun awaits at Deer Creek Winery‘s two adult Bunny Brunches at Watson Estate and Brooks Estate B&Bs on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy mimosas, a filling brunch buffet and, of course, an egg hunt. The eggs are stuffed with treats like a bottle of wine, slushee mix, candy and a bottle opener. There’s one golden egg holding a free night stay at either of the B&B locations. Pose with the Easter Bunny, himself, and while the afternoon away with friends. The events are $30 and for those 21 and older. Register here or call to get your tickets. Watson Estate & Deer Creek Winery, 234 Balsinger Rd., Uniontown; (724) 437-4999 and Brooks Estate at Deer Creek Winery, 3333 Soap Fat Rd., Shippenville; (814) 354-7392.
Black Dog Wine Company, Oakdale
There’s plenty of opportunity to embrace your inner child at Black Dog Wine Company, which hosts numerous Adult Easter Egg Hunts on April 12, 13, 18 and 19. Gallop across the hillside to find eggs stuffed with candy and discount coupons. Following the mad dash, sit back and sip some wine, grab a bite and unwind. Register here for this age 21+ event, which costs $25. 7425 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale; (724) 485-WINE.
Hopewell Area Recreation & Parks with Aviator Brew Pub, Stewartstown
Aviator Brew Pub and HARP have teamed up to offer a day full of springtime fun on April 19. Everyone is welcome to enjoy live music at Aviator Brew Hub from 2-5 p.m. with food and beer available for purchase. Those who wish to egg hunt at 3 p.m. can pre-register online for $10 or day-of for $15. The rain or shine egg hunt is held in nearby Stewartstown Fairgrounds, with cash prizes and candy. Head back to Aviator for live music by Mike & Bryar & Jo with food truck BubbleWow Waffles from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
The Inn at Birch Wilds, Lehighton
Don your bunny ears and cross-trainers and set out for The Wilds of Lehighton, where an exhilarating afternoon of grown-up Easter fun awaits on April 5 from 1-4 p.m. This adult Easter egg hunt, starts with check-in at 1 p.m., followed by a cookies and cocktails sampling, live music and food trucks at 2 p.m. and the big hunt at 3:30 p.m. in the splendor of the great outdoors. BYO basket (or bag) and be ready for a challenging hunt. Tickets are $35, for big kids aged 21 and up. 3236 W. Lizard Creek Rd., Lehighton; (570) 818-4433.
Lehighton Downtown Initiative, Lehighton
Join the thrill of the hunt at this night time adult egg hunt on April 12 for those aged 21 and up. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $10 and benefit revitalization projects within Lehighton. The event goes from 8-8:30 p.m., so be prompt! Lehighton Outdoor Center, 123 Lehigh Drive, Lehighton; (610) 509-6465.
York School of Technology, York
Easter Eggscape is a springtime bonanza put on by Sweet Cs Events on April 5 that includes a craft fair starting at 9 a.m. with food trucks, and then egg hunts for ages 13-20 and 21+ from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $15 and include a tote bag to fill with eggs that contain lottery tickets, gift tickets and other cool prizes. Make it a family affair if you wish, as kids under 13 are free. 2179 S. Queen St., York; (717) 819-0297.
Armstrong Valley Winery, Halifax
Decorate a basket and head to Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery for an adult Easter egg hunt in the vineyard on April 12 at 10:30 a.m. (and keep your eyes peeled for a potential second hunt to be added). The cost is $15 and includes eggs stuffed with candy and gift card prizes. You can opt into the basket decoration contest at 11 a.m., just before the hunt takes off. Afterwards, unwind with a glass of wine or two on the picturesque property. 212 Rutter Rd., Halifax; (717) 896-7700.
Setter Ridge Vineyards, Kutztown
Join the Easter egg hunting fun at Setter Ridge Vineyards on April 12 and 13. Both days have two afternoon egg hunts for $25, which includes a glass of wine or slushie and five designated eggs with all kinds of prizes inside like complimentary wine tastings and Setter Ridge Vineyards swag. Enjoy live music from AGirl & AGuy Band, starting at 1 p.m., and grab a bite at the food truck. The egg hunts tend to sell out, so grab your ticket soon. 99 Dietrich Valley Rd., Kutztown; (610) 683-8463.
Ridgewood Winery, Birdsboro
If you really want to test your skills, try egg hunting while blindfolded at Ridgewood Winery‘s adult Easter egg hunt at its Birdsboro location. This event, held on April 13 from 1-4 p.m., includes pizza dinner at 1 p.m. with the egg hunt to follow. There will be 300+ eggs hidden away, with prizes like gift certificates, lottery tickets and candy bars inside. The special few golden eggs contain gift certificates to the winery. There’s also a “Best Decorated Easter Basket” contest, so get creative and come prepared! This annual event tends to sell out, so get your $35 tickets in advance for teams of two. 2039 Philadelphia Ave., Birdsboro; (484) 509-0100.
Red Hill Fire Company Social Club, Red Hill
For $10, those 21 and over can enjoy an afternoon of grow-up Easter fun at the adult egg hunt at Red Hill Fire Company Social Club hall. The ticket includes a sandwich, egg hunting and opportunity to participate in a raffle on April 19 from 2-4 p.m. Find more info and sign up here. 82 East 5th St., Red Hill; (215) 679-9840.
Angel’s Retreat at Northbrook Marketplace, West Chester
This special adult easter egg hunt on April 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Northbrook MarketPlace benefits the rescued pups at Angel’s Retreat and includes dinner, open bar, flashlight egg hunt, silent auction, puppy cuddles and more. The hunt itself offers prizes like gift cards, mini liquor bottles and bath and beauty products and everyone is guaranteed at least four eggs.. Dinner is buffet style with vegan and includes vegetarian options. There are limited tickets available, which are $48 in advance and $60 at the door. 1805 Unionville Wawaset Rd., West Chester; (302) 598-9023.
Downtown West Chester, West Chester
As part of its first Fridays series, Downtown West Chester invites grow-ups to run around town hunting for eggs on April 4 from 5-7 p.m. The eggs, hidden within participating shops and in designated downtown search zones, contain prizes like gift cards and discounts to local businesses and restaurants. There’s also a yard game station with prizes at the Chester County Historic Courthouse on High Street. This event is totally free (including parking throughout downtown), so head to Dub C and enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun. Downtown West Chester; (610) 738-3350.
- Feature, wine bottle and dog photos: Bigstock
- All other photos: courtesy of the respective businesses
