Bonnets, baskets, eggs and chocolate will be found at any one of these Easter events

Events celebrating Easter have begun. "Hop" over to an egg hunt at a local church, park or on a train and enjoy the smiles that will be brought to your children's faces. Attend an Easter Vigil or Passion Play this year. Some events require pre-registration. Activity is free of charge unless stated otherwise.

BARODA

Easter Egg Hunt — Lincoln Township Public Library will host an egg-citing Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m. March 24 for children up to 12 years old. Bring a basket and hunt for eggs with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt will be held at Baroda Township Park (Hess Lake), 600 W. Lemon Creek Road.

BENTON HARBOR

Easter Bunny Workshop — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 26, Fab Lab, Hanson Technology Center, Lake Michigan College, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Purchase a ticket for $25 to create and decorate one laser-cut rabbit. Technicians will guide you through the process. Register at: www.lakemichigancollege.edu/fablab/calendar.

Personalized Easter Eggs Workshop — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 28, Fab Lab, Hanson Technology Center, Lake Michigan College, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Start with pre-lasered wooden eggs that you can engrave and decorate. You will be given 10 egg templates. Each ticket represents 10 eggs and can be done by your family. Technicians will guide you through the process. Cost: $25. Register at www.lakemichigancollege.edu/fablab/calendar.

BERRIEN SPRINGS        

The Great BCHA Bunny Hunt — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 30, History Center at Courthouse Square, 313 N. Cass St. Families will search for 24 rabbits (one rabbit per family). Registration is required by calling 269-471-1202 or visiting the museum during regular business hours by March 28. There is no cost for this event, but donations are welcome.

BRISTOL

April Fools’ Easter Petting Zoo — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30, Bristol Public Library, 505 W. Vistula St. The free petting zoo will consist of 10 different animals from Mark’s Ark. An Easter backdrop will be set up for photo shoots and selfies, and the Easter Bunny will hand out candy to children as they leave the library. No food or drinks will be permitted around the animals.

DOWAGIAC

Easter Eggstravaganza — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 23, City Hall Park, 245 S. Front St. and the Snow Building Community Room, 302 S. Front. The egg hunt will begin at noon. While waiting, visit with the Easter Bunny, participate in lawn games, decorate the sidewalk with chalk and enter the Be a Bunny Costume Contest. Children are encouraged to dress festively and creatively to win a prize as best overall, most colorful or most original.

Family Easter Event — 1 to 4 p.m. March 30, The Strand Brewery & Kitchen, 93415 County Road 690. Bring the family and let the kids visit with the Easter Bunny, take part in the annual egg hunt, eat some cotton candy and enjoy live music. There will also be food and drink specials.

EDWARDSBURG

Easter Egg Hunt — Edwardsburg Conservation Club, 26524 Pine Lake St., from 3:30 to 5 p.m. March 16. Open for children 10 years of age and under. Visit with the Easter Bunny and hunt for candy-filled eggs. Bring a basket or bag and dress for the weather. Children will be placed in age appropriate groups when hunting for eggs.

ELKHART

Easter Egg Hunt — Be a part of March’s month-long Easter Egg hunt at the Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave. Look for painted wooden eggs hidden around the EEC trails, return the egg to the Visitor’s Cabin for a prize (limit one egg per family). Twelve eggs will be hidden throughout the month. All eggs are within reach. Prizes are geared towards younger children.

The Bunny Express — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 16, National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St. There will be an Easter scavenger hunt, games, activities, photos with the Easter Bunny and treat bags for all children. The cost is: adults, $6; seniors (age 61+), $5; children (ages 4 to 12), $5; children (ages 3 and under) and members, free.

Easter Egg-Straordinaire — Daily from March 23-30, Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, 315 County Road 17. Enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt aboard the Easter Eggspress train from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at a cost of $6.99 per person. See the duck waterslide and visit baby chicks and ducks, lambs, a calf, and goats, along with other animals in the free petting zoo. Decorate two Easter cookies for $1.99. Free photos with the Easter Bunny can be taken from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 23, 24, 29, and 30; 3 to 6 p.m. March 25-28. Bring your own camera and a non-perishable food item to donate for each person. Donations will go to Church Community Services Food Pantry. Linton’s hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Spring/Easter Craft Bazaar — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23 at the Moose Family Center, 1500 County Road 6. Over 80 vendors, raffle and bake sale. Lunch is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a donation of a non-perishable food item (no glass containers), and you will receive one free raffle ticket. Presented by: Charity Networkers and Shine.

Floating Easter Egg Hunt — 2:30 p.m. March 23, Shepard Swim School, 1001 Parkway Ave. This event is for children 0-10. Space is limited so registration is required. Participants need to be dressed in swimsuit before coming. Bring a towel, goggles and non-air-filled flotation device for your child. No blow-up rings or arm floaties. The cost is $30 per participant. For more information and to register, call 574-296-7946 or in person at the school.

Natural Egg Dyeing Workshop — Noon to 2 p.m. March 24, Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave. Learn to color eggs with materials from nature. Stop by the Visitor’s Cabin anytime during the two hours and try a few different dye baths made from beets, cabbage, spices and more. All ages welcome. Participants will leave with a few of their own egg-dyeing projects and recipes to create more at home. Registration is required by March 20 at Elkhart-environmental-center.ticketleap.com and the cost is $4 per person.

Easter Egg Hunt for Littles — 10 to 11 a.m. March 26, Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. Second St. Games, stories, music, followed by a shared egg hunt with something for everyone to take home (regardless of how many eggs you find). This event is for pre-schoolers.

Easter Egg Hunt — 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 28, Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. Second St. Bring your basket to collect the eggs hidden throughout the library, but everyone will take home a treat bag, whether you find eggs or not. Plus enjoy games, stories and more.

Easter Week Celebration — First Presbyterian Elkhart, 200 E. Beardsley Ave. 7 p.m. March 28 enjoy the short play “Maundy Thursday from the Kitchen” where you get to listen in to the conversation of the women disciples preparing the Passover meal for Jesus. 7 p.m. March 29 gather to read the story of Christ's passion with music and candlelight in a Tenebrae service. On Easter Sunday, worship in song, hear the Easter story and take communion at the 9 a.m. traditional service in the sanctuary or at 11 a.m. contemporary worship service in the lower-level Coffee House. There will be a children’s Easter Egg Hunt after the morning service inside the sanctuary. Bring your own basket. www.presby.net/easterjourney2024/.

Easter Passion Play — Live through the last days of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection through song and biblical dialogue in “What Is Truth?” Northside Baptist Church, 53198 County Road 9, 574-264-6713, www.nbcelkhart.com. The play will be presented at 7 p.m. March 28, 29 and 30; doors open at 6:45 p.m. Admission is free, no tickets necessary. Parental discretion advised.

GOSHEN

Egg Hunt for our Peeps — Following the second service on March 24 at Faith United Methodist Church there will be an egg hunt, starting at noon. All children are invited to also be a part of the palm processional at the start of the service for Palm Sunday. The church is located at 22045 County Road 18 and the service begins at 10:45 a.m.

Easter EGGSTRAVAGANZA — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23, Crossroads Goshen, 57415 Alpha Drive. This is a free community event for families with kids 2 to 12 years old. Egg hunts at 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Enjoy hunting for 100,000 eggs and candy, a free magic show, petting zoo, face painting and food available for purchase at food trucks. Grab a basket and your friends for some Easter fun.

Easter Carnival — Games, goodies, and more beginning at 6 p.m. March 27 at Beulah Missionary Church, 57595 Old County Road 17. The evening will end with a magic show.

GRANGER

Cookies and Canvas: Easter Egg Bunny —This event is for all ages and will be held at Wine and Canvas, 14678 Indiana 23, Suite G, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 23. A local artist will provide step by step instructions to help you create your own masterpiece. No experience necessary. Tickets are $28 and include everything needed to create the painting and other fees. Cookies will be provided during the event, additional food and beverages available for purchase with credit/debit card only. Purchase tickets online at wineandcanvas.com/south-bend/events.

LAKEVILLE

Easter in the Park — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30, Newton Park, 801 N. Michigan St. Kids will hunt eggs in the park starting at 10 a.m. sharp. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. After the egg hunt enjoy visits with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games, prizes, cookie decorating, face painting, popcorn and prizes.

MISHAWAKA

Easter EGGSTRAVAGANZA — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 23, Sponsored by Crossroads Community Church in partnership with the Mishawaka Parks & Recreation Department in Central Park, 295 E. Mishawaka Ave. This is a free community event for children in Pre-K to 5th grade. Egg hunts at 11:30 a.m. for 1st-5th grade at Central Park Stage field and 12:15 p.m. for Pre-K and K at the Pickleball Court. Enjoy hunting for 100,000 eggs and candy, balloon art, face painting, and food available for purchase at food trucks. Grab a basket and your friends for some Easter fun.

EASTER Eggstravaganza — Enjoy breakfast, crafts, a petting zoo, and egg hunt from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 23 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road. The egg hunt is divided into the following times: 11:15 a.m., ages 0-3; 11:30 a.m., ages 4-6; 11:25 a.m., ages 7-10; 11:30 a.m., ages 11+. The event is sponsored by the Evangelization Committee.

Community Easter Party and Egg Hunt — Come join the fun at 9:30 a.m. March 30 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 437 E. Dragoon Trail. The party begins with a dance performance and singalong. Kids will rotate through stations in groups by age: egg hunt, snacks, craft, bingo with prizes and the Easter Bunny. Indoor egg hunt if too cold. Save time at the door with fast-track pre-registration at splcm.org/eparty. Easter Sunday service will be March 31 at 8 a.m. with a breakfast following.

NAPPANEE

Bunny Trail Hop — All children ages 12 and under are invited to bring a basket and hop on over to participating Nappanee businesses to pick up free Easter eggs filled with sweet surprises during regular business hours. While the little ones are on the hunt, parents can take advantage of egg-stra special in-store offers. This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 30 in Downtown Nappanee.

NILES

Easter Pancake Breakfast — The Michigan State Police Niles Post will host a free Easter pancake breakfast at Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 E. Main St., on March 23. The MSP will be serving the community pancakes and sausage from 9 to 11 a.m. This is a chance to get to know your state troopers, and children will get to pick out a gift for an Easter basket.

Easter Egg Hunt — ZSmart Furniture, 1707 Oak St., will host pictures with the Easter Bunny at 1 p.m. and an Easter Egg Hunt for kids and one lucky adult at 2 p.m. Don’t miss the fun on March 23.

NORTH JUDSON

Easter Trains — 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. CDT March 23 and 30, Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, 507 Mulberry St. Enjoy the sights and smells of springtime as you take a 10-mile round-trip ride through the rural countryside. Riders, ages 2 to 12, need to bring a basket or bag to collect eggs during the egg hunt. Everyone can visit and take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Dress for the weather. Tickets are $14 and up. Reservations required at www.hoosiervalley.org.

NORTH LIBERTY

Easter Egg Hunt — 10:30 a.m. to noon on March 30 at Potato Creek State Park, 25601 Indiana 4. Search for Easter eggs on Darcey's Beach. Get candy bags, win prizes, make a craft, pet newborn farm animals and meet the Easter Bunny. Event is for children ages 12 and under, $2 per person (plus park gate fees). Arrive 30 minutes early for registration.

PLYMOUTH

Easter Egg Hunt at the Center — Meet at the front of the main building on the horseshoe drive for a celebration of spring from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 23. Seek out the Golden Egg for a chance to win a prize. Compete to gather the most eggs, take advantage of photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, face painting and complimentary snacks. Admission is free. Bring your own basket. There will be three egg hunt divisions based on age. The Center at Donaldson is located at 9601 Union Road.

Easter in the Park — The Plymouth Park & Recreation Department will host Easter in the Park on March 23. The day will start with Breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 110 Webster Ave. Breakfast made and served by Kiwanis Club of Plymouth. Cost is adults, $4 and children, $3. Then head over to Centennial Park, 1660 N. Michigan St., for an Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30 a.m. sharp. Bring your own basket and gather near the skate park and wooden playground.

SHIPSHEWANA

Easter Passion Play — “On a Hill Too Far Away” will be presented by Christ’s Warriors on March 22 and 23 at the Michiana Event Center, 455 E. Farver St. The life of Jesus Christ comes to life with the help of 70+ cast members and technical crew. The play will be presented at 7 p.m. on March 22 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 23. Doors open two hours before the presentation. Concessions available. Artisan vendors. Free admission with donations accepted and appreciated at the door.

SOUTH BEND

Pictures with the Bunny — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23, at 12 Martin’s locations in Indiana and Michigan. The event is free for attendees, but please consider donating to the store’s chosen charity. Participating stores — Mishawaka: 314 N. Ironwood, 306 N. Bittersweet; South Bend: 525 S. Mayflower Road, 2081 South Bend Ave.; Elkhart: 3800 Mishawaka Road E., 575 E. Jackson Blvd.; 7355 Heritage Square Drive, Granger; 720 S. Eleventh St., Niles; 242 N. Oakland Ave., Nappanee; 865 E. Jefferson St., Plymouth; 5637 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville; and 1150 Husky Trail, Warsaw.

Easter Vigil — Join the Liturgical Choir in celebrating the Easter Vigil at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, located at 101 Basilica Drive on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, from 9 p.m. to midnight on March 30.

Easter Egg Hike — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30, Brown Barn, St. Patrick’s County Park, 50651 Laurel Road. Hop over for this fun hike!  Hunt for Easter eggs along a 1-mile trail, then trade them in for candy. Bring a basket. Registration and payment of $5 per person required by March 22. Email for registration at bendixwoods@sjcparks.org or call 574-654-3155.

Easter Vigil — Christ the King Lutheran Church will offer a traditional service remembering Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection from 7 to 8 p.m. March 30 at 17195 Cleveland Road.

VANDALIA

Spring Egg-stravaganza — Noon to 2 p.m. March 23, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, 15122 Monkey Run St. Fun for you and your entire family as you hop over to the park to help find thousands of eggs. The hunt will be divided into two groups: ages 2 to 4 will be held at 12:30 p.m. and ages 5 to 10 will be held at 1:30 p.m. In addition to the egg hunt, try games, a solar telescope demonstration, Whitney’s Magic Minis & More, inflatable slide, face painting, crafts, Bunny’s Barrel Car Ride, wagon rides, a bonfire and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Admission is $2 per person, or one canned food item per person. All canned goods will be donated to a local food pantry.

Easter Egg Hunt — 3 p.m. March 30, Rainbow Farms, 59934 Pemberton Road. Bring the kids out for an egg hunt, to see Elsa on stage, enjoy some food and games. Free entry. Gates open at 2 p.m. and event starts at 3 p.m.

WINAMAC

Easter Egg Hunt — The Peaceable Primate Sanctuary invites children, 10 years and under, to an egg hunt on March 23. The event will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. CDT and the egg hunt will begin promptly at 1 p.m. CDT followed by a special primate egg hunt. Bring your own basket and a box of Cheerios for the primate pantry. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please park in the field on the right side of the driveway. The Peaceable Primate Sanctuary is located at 6415 N. 800 W.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: 2024 Easter events across Michiana will keep you hopping