Easter egg hunts and activities in central Pennsylvania

Easter is almost here, so get your baskets out to start collecting eggs.

Eggs became associated with Easter in the Middle Ages because Christians were forbidden to eat them during the period of Lent, a Christian holiday representing the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. Eggs were considered a treat for medieval peasants after 40 days without them, creating an association with Easter and spring for centuries to come.

We’ve compiled a list of Easter egg hunts and events for all ages taking place in Center County this spring:

• Central Region Parks and Recreation is hosting an “Egg my yard” event where staff and the Easter Bunny hide eggs in your yard from 8-10 p.m. on April 14 or 15. The event is available to residents of State College Borough and the townships of College, Ferguson, Harris and Patton. There is a $35 fee for 50 hidden eggs, which varies depending on the number of hidden eggs. It is also possible to donate an “egg” to a family in need.
• The Bellefonte Community Easter Egg Huntert will take place at Parc Talleyrand on April 16. The event begins at 1 p.m., with an egg hunt for ages 12 and under starting at 2 p.m. Over 15,000 Easter eggs will be hidden, along with Easter games, prizes and tours. Rabbit. There is no fee or registration required for this event.
• Township of Gregg The fire department holds an egg hunt on the township carnival grounds. The egg hunt is free and open to the public. Beginning of activities at 11 a.m. on April 2.
• State College Evangelical Free Church and State College Alliance Church come together to hold two egg hunts at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 16. There will be over 10,000 hidden eggs, plus games and crafts.
• Penns Valley Family Life is hosting an egg hunt for kids up to grade 5 at 11 a.m. on April 16. Activities are free for all, with registration available online or in person on the day of the event.
• the Potter Township Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its egg hunt from 10 a.m. to noon on April 9. Two thousand eggs will be hidden away for children nine and under to find, with special prizes for each age group. The event will take place at Tri-Municipal Park.
• A community brunch and egg hunt at State College will take place on April 9 starting at 9:30 a.m., with a 10:30 a.m. start for the egg hunt. There will also be a local photographer and several stalls of local vendors.
• Millheim swimming pool organizes an egg hunt for children 12 and under on April 16. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance at 12:30 p.m. before the hunt begins at 1 p.m.
• Calvary Church is hosting a free pancake breakfast and egg hunt on April 9. Breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m. and children will be divided into age groups for the 10:00 a.m. egg hunt.
• Central Region Parks and Recreation will host a Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt at 8 p.m. April 13 at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. The event is open to ages 12-14 and costs $5 for residents. Registration can be found online. Be sure to bring your own flashlight.
• YMCA State College organizes an underwater egg hunt for ages 12 and under. The event will begin at 1 p.m. on April 10. Children must bring their own swimsuits and goggles and will swim in waves depending on their age. Registration is required and can be found online.
• Skills and Friends Social Club and Houserville House of Hope organize an egg hunt for children and adults with disabilities on April 9. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Houserville United Methodist Church.
• Brookmere Vineyard is hosting an Easter egg hunt for adults at 1 p.m. on April 16 in the vineyard. Tickets are $15 and participants must be at least 21 years old. More information and tickets can be found online.
• Community Bible Church of David is hosting a free egg hunt for ages 12 and under starting at 1 p.m. on April 16.
• Eagle Iron Works and Rideau Village will host a spring roll and Easter bonnet parade from 2-4 p.m. on April 9. All ages are welcome to enjoy prizes, activities and a food truck.
• The Port Matilda American Legion will host a community egg hunt starting at 1 p.m. on April 2. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. and children will receive a free meal. The hunt will be divided by age group with special prizes for each group.
• Pine Glenn Fire Co. is hosting an Egg Hunt at 2 p.m. on April 10 at the Pinn Glen Fire Station.