Tampa Bay Easter Events & Egg Hunts 2026
Looking for Easter egg hunts in Tampa and fun Easter activities for kids? Tampa Bay comes alive in spring with dozens of family-friendly Easter events, from massive community egg hunts to special attraction experiences. Here's your complete guide to the best Easter activities in Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater for 2026!
Easter 2026 Date: Sunday, April 5, 2026
Top Easter Events in Tampa Bay 2026
ZooTampa Safari of Eggs
When: Easter Weekend (check ZooTampa Events for 2026 dates)
Where: ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa
Cost: Included with admission or membership
ZooTampa's annual Easter celebration features egg hunts throughout the zoo, animal encounters, spring-themed activities, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. The event spreads across different zones, making it feel like a safari adventure!
Pro Tip: Arrive early - this is one of Tampa's most popular Easter events and fills up quickly.
Busch Gardens Easter Eggstravaganza
When: Easter Weekend Saturday & Sunday (check Busch Gardens Events for 2026 dates)
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa
Cost: Included with admission
Join the Easter Eggstravaganza with a Golden Egg Hunt throughout the park! Busch Gardens transforms for spring with seasonal entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and special Easter activities. The festive atmosphere and springtime shows make it a memorable family outing.
Downtown Tampa Eggsploration at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
When: Saturday before Easter (date TBA)
Where: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Downtown Tampa
Cost: Check event website for details
Downtown Tampa's LARGEST egg hunt features thousands of Easter eggs scattered across Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, plus visits with the Easter Bunny. This downtown location makes it easy to combine with a Tampa Riverwalk stroll.
Note: Previously held at various downtown locations. Check Tampa Downtown Partnership for 2026 event details.
Free Easter Egg Hunts in Tampa Bay
Community Parks
Many Hillsborough County parks host free or low-cost egg hunts. Check local event calendars for 2026 dates:
- Al Lopez Park (4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa) - Large fields perfect for spreading out
- Rowlett Park (2500 E Chelsea St, Tampa) - Popular East Tampa location
- Lettuce Lake Park (6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa) - Beautiful nature setting
- Philippe Park (2525 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor) - Scenic waterfront location
Church & Community Events
Local churches often host the largest free egg hunts. Check with:
- Local churches (many welcome all families regardless of membership)
- Community recreation centers
- Neighborhood associations
- Local Facebook community groups for last-minute announcements
Library Easter Events
Hillsborough County and Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries often host free Easter craft programs and egg hunts. Check their event calendars starting in March.
Easter Bunny Photo Opportunities
Shopping Malls
- International Plaza - Professional photos with the Easter Bunny
- Westshore Plaza - Bunny visits and photo packages
- Westfield Brandon - Easter Bunny arrival and photos
- Citrus Park Town Center - Family photo opportunities
Attractions & Farms
- ZooTampa - Easter Bunny visits during Safari of Eggs
- Raprager Family Farms (Dade City) - Farm Easter celebration
- Sweetfields Farm - Strawberry picking + Easter events
Easter Brunch with Kids in Tampa
Looking for a special Easter brunch? These Tampa restaurants welcome families:
Upscale Options
- Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City) - Classic Tampa tradition
- Bern's Steak House - Special Easter brunch
- Ocean Prime - Elegant waterfront dining
Family-Friendly Buffets
- Bahama Breeze - Casual Caribbean atmosphere
- Chart House - Waterfront views
- Local hotel brunches - Many offer special Easter menus
Pro Tip: Make reservations early - Easter brunch fills up 2-3 weeks in advance at popular spots.
DIY Easter Activities at Home
If you prefer celebrating at home, here are Tampa-parent-tested ideas:
Backyard Egg Hunt Tips
- Vary hiding spots by age (low for toddlers, higher for older kids)
- Use plastic eggs filled with small toys, stickers, or candy
- Color-code eggs by age group for fair hunting
- Hide golden eggs with special prizes
Easter Crafts
- Egg decorating (natural dyes from fruits/veggies)
- Bunny ear headbands
- Easter basket decorating
- Spring flower planting
St. Petersburg & Clearwater Easter Events
Downtown St. Pete
Check North Straub Park and other downtown locations for community egg hunts.
Clearwater Beach
Some beachfront hotels host Easter egg hunts on the sand - a uniquely Florida experience!
Pinellas County Parks
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Sawgrass Lake Park, and Fort De Soto sometimes host nature-themed spring events.
Planning Tips for Tampa Easter Events
- Arrive early - Popular egg hunts start promptly and eggs go fast
- Bring your own basket - Most events don't provide containers
- Dress for weather - Florida spring means sun protection!
- Check age divisions - Many hunts separate kids by age group
- Confirm dates - Event schedules typically finalize in March
- Book Easter brunch early - Reservations fill 2+ weeks ahead
Related Guides
- Free Things to Do in Tampa with Kids
- Tampa Parks & Playgrounds
- Tampa Family Fun Guide
- Spring Break Activities Tampa 2026
Coming Soon: 2026 Event Calendar
We'll update this guide with specific 2026 dates and new events as they're announced. Most Tampa Easter events publish their schedules in early March.
Bookmark this page and check back in March for the complete 2026 Easter event calendar!
