Easter fun for all

Whether or not you were raised with religion, there’s a good chance you coveted chocolate eggs and neon pink marshmallows every Easter as a kid. And maybe you maintain a habit of hitting up the post-Easter candy sales as an adult. It’s OK. We won’t tell.

There’s no denying that it’s a fun, sugary day for young families, and there are loads of affordable—and even free—Easter events to choose from in Sacramento this weekend. Consider the following:

Start your Easter with a hearty meal at the Fulton-El Camino Recreation & Park District’s annual Egg-O-Rama & Pancake Breakfast at Howe Park (2201 Cottage Way). The flapjacks start at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 15, followed by a full morning of games, pictures with the Easter Bunny and egg hunts divided by age group. Breakfast costs $3 and entrance to the carnival full of activities costs $5. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/FECRECPARK.

A good free alternative is the Easter Carnival at Rutter Park (7340 Palmer House Drive), which starts at 10 a.m. In addition to an egg hunt, games and food, there will be live music courtesy of cover band Cover Me Badd. If you’re seeking an entirely secular experience, note that this event is organized by Elevate Life Church. More at www.elevatelifechurch.com.

There’s also the Easter Eggstravaganza presented by Dre Day Entertainment, which begins at 1 p.m. While it costs no money to attend, adults and older kids should bring a dish to contribute to the potluck-style barbecue. Younger kids will be fed for free, and they can enjoy a jump house, face painting, crafts, bubbles and the playgrounds at Shasta Community Park (7407 Shasta Avenue). More at www.facebook.com/DDE916.

And for something a little different, check out the Underwater Egg Hunt at Fruitridge Community & Aquatic Center (4000 Fruitridge Road). Hosted by Southgate Recreation & Park District, children 12 and under are welcome to dive and swim for eggs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It costs $3 per kid. Learn more at www.facebook.com/
SouthgateRecAndPark.