Egg Hunts, Train Rides & Dinos: Easter Bunny Rules In CT This Weekend

CONNECTICUT — No matter where you roam this weekend in Connecticut, you'll be hard-pressed to avoid the Easter Bunny, who will be everywhere in the lead-up to Christianity's holiest day.

The hardest-working lapin in show biz will be holding court at the Mystic Aquarium Friday, Saturday and even Easter Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. He will be leading visitors in spring-themed crafts, and an Easter Egg scavenger hunt. Both activities are included with general admission. For an extra fee, your child (or you — we don't judge) can get a professional photo taken with the Easter Bunny on the aquarium's mezzanine.

The Bunny will also be ready for his close-up with you at the Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Farm Market on Saturday in Middlefield. Photos are free, but you'll want some scratch on hand to pick up a fresh pie, adopt a dog, or play a little golf. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around taking photos from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Like all eternal children, the Easter Bunny loves his trains. Naugatuck Railroad's Easter Bunny Express will be departing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. from the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston. Each excursion will include a stop at the Bunny Patch where children help rescue the Easter Bunny's rubber duck friends, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and a chocolate-filled egg. Make your reservations online here.

The Essex Steam Train will be running its final Bunny Breakfast & Brunch excursions on Friday and Saturday. Guests will be served a family style platter of breakfast or brunch items suitable for all ages, as the train rolls through the Connecticut River Valley. The Easter Bunny will greet all guests as he passes through the train cars along the route. Photo opportunities will be available on the platform after the train ride. Reservations may be made online here.

The Town of Milford does Easter up big, with an annual "Easter Eggstravaganza." This year it's on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Milford Green, and organizers have added Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, a special ticketed event. There'll be story-time, face-painting, vendors, music, children’s activities on the green and an Easter Egg Hunt through participating downtown shops. There will be three seatings for the breakfast, at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., and tickets are available online here.

You can hunt for Easter eggs the old-fashioned way, or you can hunt for eggs the really, really old-fashioned way, like a velociraptor.

That's the option families will have on Saturday at the 14th Annual Easter Dino Egg Hunt at Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village in Montville.

Thousands of eggs of all sizes are hidden, so there'll be no excuse for anyone hopping home empty-handed. Searchers are advised to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park, and bring their own basket or bag to collect eggs. Pre-registration is required, and that can be done online here. The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance, naturally.

When you show up depends on who've you brought along: 10 a.m. for 5-7 years old, 10:15 a.m. for 2-4 years old, 10:30 a.m. for 8+ years old and 10:45 a.m. for egg hunters under 2 years old. Rain date is April 6.