Like many beloved holiday traditions, Easter egg hunts and the Easter Bunny may seem a bit strange without their historical context. A mythical rabbit hiding colorful eggs with candy inside of them? But, if you zoom out, religious and cultural themes of rebirth, resurrection and new life emerge in the big picture of this sweet springtime custom, and it all starts to make sense. We find it especially cool that the European concept of an egg-gifting hare first arrived in the U.S. right here in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Dutch are credited with bringing the lore of the “Osterhase” aka Easter Bunny to America. This hare was said to bring eggs, a special treat following the abstinence of Lent, to well-behaved children. He tucked the eggs into “nests” that kids would create with their caps and bonnets. Easter eggs were also once boiled with flowers to give them pretty springtime hues and to bring the fresh colors of the season indoors.
While modern Easter egg hunts tend to involve children, there’s no reason the grown-ups can’t get in on the fun, too. It’s a spirited tradition that all ages can enjoy, especially when paired with some gourmet treats and grown-up drinks. We found 18 adult Easter egg hunts happening across Pennsylvania this year for the “big kids” to enjoy:
expERIEnce Children’s Museum, Erie
Roam the newly-expanded expERIEnce Children’s Museum, sipping drinks and hunting for eggs in this grown-up event on March 27, 6-9 p.m. Find your six-pack of eggs and swap them for fabulous prizes like gift cards and goodies from local businesses. There will be tasty bites from Ippa Pizza, KB Sweets, Pulakos Chocolates and PopLuck Gourmet Popcorn, beer and wine from Mazza Wines plus an Easter egg rocket challenge, up-cycled coaster craft and free mini golf, following the event. Register ahead of time for the adult egg hunt, which costs $50 (10% off for museum members). 420 French St., Erie; (814) 453-3743.
VentiSei Winery, New Castle
Pull up to VentiSei for their better-than-ever annual adult Easter egg hunt on March 28 at 7:45 p.m. Bring your own basket to this free event, with doors opening at 4 p.m. for sipping and socializing at the winery through the evening. There will be music by DJ Jeff Feola, food and wine options and Gorant Chocolates. 1409 Wilson Ave., New Castle; (724) 202-7152.
North Park Lodge, Pine Township
Support two wonderful organizations with one ticket to this grown-up Easter egg hunt fundraiser benefitting North Allegheny Women’s Association and North Hills Cares. Local news celebrity Mary Ours will MC the hunt on March 27 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. for hundreds of eggs filled with raffle prizes. Tickets are $44.52 and include five bonus raffle tickets, a drink ticket and dinner after the hunt. Bring your own basket and boost your odds of winning prizes by donating a $10 gift card to places like Giant Eagle and Aldi (full list of qualifying locations here). North Park Lodge, North Ridge Dr., Pine Township.
Greenhouse Winery, Irwin
Beautiful mountaintop winery, Greenhouse Winery invites grown-ups to get in on the egg-hunting fun at on April 4 from 5 – 7 p.m. Its adult Easter egg hunt gives guests the chance at winning over $2,000 worth of prizes, including Pirates tickets, cabana rentals, a 55-inch television and more. The Lunch Lady on Wheels food truck will be on hand with tasty comfort fare to pair with wine and festive cocktails, and live music follows the event promptly at 7 p.m. for an all-evening fête. Grab your $35 tickets before they sell out! 2155 Gracin Lane, Irwin (GPS Address: 1048 Pinewood Road); (724) 446-5000.
Red Barn Winery, Delmont
If you missed out on the first round of tickets to Red Barn Winery‘s ever-popular adult egg hunt, you’re in luck. A second hunt has been added – but tickets ($41.44) are sure to sell-out again, so grab yours asap! The event happens on April 4 at 4:30 p.m.and features eggs full of treats and prizes big and small. Dress for the weather and some serious fun. 275 Manor Road, Delmont; (724) 461-4331.
Bella Terra Vineyards, Hunker
Southwestern PA gem Bella Terra Vineyards is hosting a special 21+ adult easter egg hunt at its Hunker location on March 28 from 4 – 6 p.m., with registration beginning at 3 p.m. Pre-registered attendees receive a glass of wine and bag for their eggs, which will be hidden throughout the beautiful property grounds and filled with grown-up prizes. Find the single golden egg, and redeem a basket full of prizes. The hunt starts promptly at 4 p.m., so get there early! 121 Sunny Lane, Hunker; (724) 635-3658.
Black Dog Wine Company, Oakdale
There’s plenty of opportunity to embrace your inner child at Black Dog Wine Company, which hosts multiple Adult Easter Egg Hunts on March 28 and 29th. Gallop across the hillside to find eggs stuffed with candy and discount coupons. Following the mad dash, sit back and sip some wine, grab a bite and unwind. Register here for this age 21+ event, which costs $28.52. 7425 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale; (724) 485-WINE.
Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Mifflinburg
Rusty Rail Brewing Company takes fun very seriously with its adult Easter egg hunt, happening this year on April 4 from 9 – 11 a.m. Guests are divided into four groups, spaced around the building and released simultaneously to race to two different hunt zones. Eggs are loaded with drink specials, merch, gift cards and even cash! You’ll also find four-packs of beer and special envelopes with prizes tucked away for you to discover. Tickets are $17.85. 5 N. 8th St., Suite #1, Mifflinburg; (570) 966-7878.
Hopewell Area Recreation & Parks with Aviator Brew Hub, Stewartstown
Aviator Brew Hub and HARP have teamed up to offer a day full of springtime fun on April 11. Everyone is welcome to enjoy live music at Aviator Brew Hub from 2-5 p.m. with food and beer available for purchase. Those who wish to egg hunt at 3 p.m. can pre-register online for $10 or day-of for $15. The rain or shine egg hunt is held in nearby Stewartstown Fairgrounds, with cash prizes and candy. Head back to Aviator for the after party with live music and a food truck from 3:30-6:30 p.m. 18 South Main Street, Suite 150, Stewartstown; (717) 993-2255.
Lehighton Downtown Initiative, Lehighton
Join the thrill of the hunt at the second annual adult egg hunts on March 28 for those aged 21 and up. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $17.59 and benefit revitalization projects within Lehighton. There are two hunts to choose from beginning at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. sharp. BYOB(asket)! Lehighton Outdoor Center, 123 Lehigh Drive, Lehighton; (610) 509-6465.
Dover Township, Dover
Dover Township offers an adventurous evening with its adult flashlight egg hunt in Brookside Park on April 3. Gather early and tuck into some food truck nosh at 7:30 p.m. before heading into the woods for the hunt. Outdoor apparel and costumes are both encouraged, so get creative! There will be a designated area for those with mobility issues and/or 65+ to hunt on relatively flat ground. The hunt starts at 8:30 and won’t last long, so be sure to leave yourself time. The event is just $5 for township residents and $7 for non-residents. 4054 Fox Run Rd., Dover.
Armstrong Valley Winery, Halifax
Decorate a basket and head to Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery for two adult Easter egg hunts in the vineyard on March 28 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The cost is $15 and includes eggs stuffed with candy and gift card prizes. You can opt into the basket decoration contests at either events. Afterwards, unwind with a glass of wine or two on picturesque winery property. 212 Rutter Rd., Halifax; (717) 896-7700.
Setter Ridge Vineyards, Kutztown
Join the Easter egg hunting fun at Setter Ridge Vineyards on March 28 and 29 from 12 – 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 include a bottle of wine, passes for a future wine tasting and your choice of a Peep’s mimosa, wine slushy or beer. Collect give eggs and score raffle tickets and prizes like a wine barrel and a picnic for two. Enjoy live music from Second Live starting at 1 p.m., and grab a bite at the food truck. 99 Dietrich Valley Rd., Kutztown; (610) 683-8463. Note: this event is currently sold out.
The Vineyard at Hershey, Middletown
Hunt for all kinds of goodies at The Vineyard at Hershey’s adult egg hunts, taking place every half hour from 12 – 4 p.m. on March 21, 22, 28 and 29 and April 4. Tickets are $49.63 on Eventbrite and $40 (no fees) when purchased at the winery tasting room. Everyone gets a pre-hunt mimosa and a gift bag with candy, a bottle of wine and a VIP tour pass. 598 Schoolhouse Rd., Middletown; (717) 944-1569.
CrossWinds Winery at Hershey, Hummelstown
Head to CrossWinds Winery at Hershey on April 4 from 12 – 5 p.m. to feel like a kid at the adult easter egg hunt. Entry is free with the purchase of a wine tasting or a glass of wine and there are prizes in each and every egg! 621 Hershey Rd., Hummelstown; (717) 566-3050.
Columbia Kettle Works IronSpire Taphouse, Adamstown
Fortify yourself with a fabulous springtime brunch complete with eggs, pancakes, French toast and potatoes before tackling the adult egg hunt at Columbia Kettle Works’ IronsSpire Taphouse. The event takes place March 29 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and tickets ($35) include brunch, a springtime-themed mimosa and the hunt with candy and prizes. 2800 N. Reading Rd., Adamstown; (717) 620-1824.
Ridgewood Winery, Birdsboro & Bechtelsville
If you really want to test your skills, try egg hunting while blindfolded at Ridgewood Winery‘s adult Easter egg hunts at its Bechtelsville and Birdsboro locations. This Bechtelsville event, held on April 12 from 1 – 4 p.m. and the Birdsboro event, held on April 19 from 1 – 4 p.m., and includes pizza dinner at 1 p.m. with the egg hunt to follow. There will be 300+ eggs hidden away, with prizes like gift certificates, lottery tickets and candy bars inside. The special few golden eggs contain gift certificates to the winery. There’s also a “Best Decorated Easter Basket” contest, so get creative and come prepared! This annual event tends to sell out, so get your $35 tickets in advance for teams of two. 2039 Philadelphia Ave., Birdsboro; (484) 509-0100.
Bishop Estate Vineyard & Winery, Perkasie
Bishop Estate swaps eggs for corks at its grown-up springtime hunts on April 11 from 12 – 4 p.m. Hunt in the vineyard for thousands of corks, redeemable for prizes from fabulous local vendors. The first hunt kicks off at noon and the second at 3 p.m., and it’s only $5 to register (on-site only). Spend the rest of your time “sipping back” at the fire pits or in the heated barn and taste your way through the many wines and beers available. 2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie; (215) 249-3559.
Do you have a favorite grown-up egg hunt in PA? Tell us about it in the comments below, or join the conversation on the PA Eats Facebook and Instagram pages!
- Feature, wine bottle and dog photos: Bigstock
- All other photos: courtesy of the respective businesses
