By Aubrey Schield

With Easter just around the corner (Sunday, April 16th to be exact), it’s time to start planning your holiday celebrations. And for any family with young ones in tow, Easter egg hunts are the perfect way to celebrate. Hunts throughout the Twin Cities are happening this weekend and next, and there are even indoor events in case the weather doesn’t cooperate with outdoor fun. Check out our roundup of egg hunts, including some free options!

Flashlight Egg Hunt, April 7
Free
Grab your flashlight for this evening egg hunt at Creekview Park in Minneapolis. You can register online, but it is not required. Just be sure to show up by 8:30 p.m. to ensure placement in the festivities!

Easter Egg Hunt, April 8
Free
Vadnais Heights hosts this community Easter egg hunt with staggered start times for five different age groups. Bring non-perishables to donate to the Vadnais Heights Food Shelf, and watch the kids enjoy scavenging for colorful eggs. They will be especially excited about meeting the Easter Bunny, who is known to make an appearance at the event.

Egg Hunt at the Ice Arena, April 8
$6.50
This indoor egg hunt is held on the turf in the Cottage Grove Ice Arena, so no matter what the weather, it’s sure to be a good time! Each ticket includes 10 eggs, pictures with the Easter Bunny, games, crafts and snacks with refreshments.

Easter Egg Hunt & Candy Grab, April 8
Free
This egg hunt has an added bonus…candy! The city of Shakopee hosts this free event that features activities for kids, crafts, prizes and more. If the weather turns sour, the event will be held indoors.

EggStravaganza Helicopter Egg Drop, April 8
Free
You read that right…On April 8 at 1 p.m., thousands of colorful Easter eggs will drop from a helicopter hovering over North Commons Park in Minneapolis. This is a sight you won’t want to miss. In case of rain, the event will be held on April 9 at the same time.

Easter Egg Hunt at James J. Hill House, April 9 & 15
$8, $6 for MNHS members
Celebrate this springtime holiday at this historic home on Summit Avenue in St. Paul. Children ages 2 to 7 will hunt for eggs on the lawn of the James J. Hill House, and then venture inside for stories about the iconic, Gilded Age home and its history. Attend the egg hunt on April 8 or April 15.

Bunny Party and Egg Hunt, April 15
Free
Bouncy houses, games and eggs containing prizes. It’s all happening at Windom and Audubon parks in Northeast Minneapolis at this event.

Easter at the Castle, April 15
$13, $10 for ASI members
The American Swedish Institute is pulling out all the stops for this Easter egg hunt and celebration. The Twin Cities’ only egg hunt that takes place in a castle, this is certainly an Easter tradition you’ll want to recreate year after year!

Bloomington Egg Hunt, April 15
Free
Kids ages 8 and under will have fun hunting for over 9,000 Easter eggs hidden around the Normandale Lake Bandshell in Bloomington. The hunt starts at 11 a.m., but you’ll want to get there early for the Family Fun event, which features music, activities and prize drawings from 10 to 11 a.m.

Easter Egg Hunt + More, April 15
Free
Albertville Premium Outlets is hosting its 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt + More, this year with even more fun things to do. Hunt for eggs and take photos with the Easter Bunny at 9:45 a.m. in the Promenade, located on the east side of the shopping complex. And then stick around for live entertainment, a petting zoo, face painting and more in Plaza B (right in front of Claire’s). Grab a pair of bunny ears and wear them between noon and 2 p.m. to receive random prizes and gift cards!