Easter is fast approaching and there are a number of fun things to do in Carlsbad and nearby areas.

Easter Egg Hunts are always popular and here are several to choose from.

EGGstravaganza will be held on March 22 at Poinsettia Park, one of the nicest Carlsbad Parks (and the site of several of the TGIF Jazz in the Park Concert Series in the summertime). Hours are 10 – 1 at this event at 6600 Hidden Valley Road. Activities include a magic show, music, a huge slide, arts and crafts and much more. The Egg Scramble will run from 10:20 – 12:30 for 2 groups of kids (ages 1 – 5 and 6 – 10).

The Easter Egg Hunt Festival will be held in Encinitas on March 22 from 10 to 1 in the Ecke Sports Park (278 Saxony Road). There will be free kid crafts, entertainments, party jumps, picture-taking with the Bunny and the Egg Hunt (there are separate hunts for different age groups at varying times throughout the event).

Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas is also sponsoring an egg hunt, along with basket making for the kids, potting a spring flower, a bunny parade, and more. You must register in advance since space is limited by calling (760) 436-3036 ext. 222. The fee is $10 plus regular admission to the gardens (which are well worth a visit by themselves).

The San Marcos event is Holiday Egg-Citement, also on March 22 at The Williams Barn in Walnut Grove Park. Starting with breakfast for the whole family, there will be on-going prize drawings and the Holiday Egg Hunt, carnival games and party jumps. Tickets for the breakfast (at the door) are $4 for adults, $2.50 for kids 10 and under.

Interested in an Easter Bonnet Parade?

The Annual Easter Bonnet Parade and Hat Contest will be held in San Diego at Petco Park on March 22 from 11 – 3. This event will benefit Pediatrics Research at the UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest. The egg hunt will feature more than 6000 M and M-filled eggs to find. There will be hat making (all supplies provided), and a variety of fun and educational activities. Advance tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults ($6 and $12 on the day of the event). Call McFarlane Promotions at (619) 233-5008 or visit the Gaslamp website.

And what about brunch on Easter Sunday?

There are lots of Carlsbad restaurants that will be offering brunch, but if you REALLY want to do up the town, try out brunch at either the famed La Costa Resort and Spa in La Costa (South Carlsbad) OR at The Four Seasons. Expect to pay a boodle but you will be rewarded with a fabulous meal (here’s the menu for La Costa’s brunch).