Among all the Easter traditions, egg hunts are at or near the top of that list, but egg scrambles with massive crowds can oftentimes be too loud or overwhelming for kids with special needs or sensory, physical or other developmental disabilities.
So we’ve put together an updated list of Easter events around Dallas-Fort Worth that are offered by organizations and nonprofits that serve the special needs community, as well as more events that are open to the wider public but offer additional, exclusive egg hunts for those special needs. Best of all, admission is free to all these events, though some require prior registration to attend.
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Eggs Hunts for Special Needs
SNAP Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Yellow Jacket Park, West Yellow Jacket Lane, Rockwall
When: Saturday, March 25, 2023; 11am–1pm
What to know: The City of Rockwall’s Special Needs & Adaptive Programming (SNAP) welcomes the community to this egg hunt and festival with food trucks, games and potential surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. Sign up here.
Contact: dweaver@rockwall.com
Easter at the Ranch for Families with Special Needs
Where: Paws for Reflection Ranch, 5431 Montgomery Road, Midlothian
When: Saturday, March 25, 2023; 2–4pm
What to know: Bring your basket to this therapeutic riding center, about 20 miles south of Dallas, for an Easter egg hunt, games and a chance to interact with its resident horses and other ranch animals. No registration needed, but online donations are encouraged to support the nonprofit’s mission.
Contact: 972/775-8966; pawsforreflection@att.net
Adaptive Egg Hunt
Where: Central Park, 700 Mary Drive, Hurst
When: Friday, March 31, 2023; 5:30–7pm
What to know: This event is for children under 16 with special needs and their families. In addition to the egg hunts by age group and mobility, free activities include crafts, face painting, a petting zoo. You’re welcome to snap photos with Mr. Bunny as well.
Contact: 817/788-7320; kweaver@hursttx.gov
The Helm Easter Festival
Where: The Helm ABA, 1108 Dallas Drive, Suite 300, Denton
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023; 9–11am
What to know: The Helm’s Denton location hosts its second annual Easter Festival for local kids on the autism spectrum and their families. Admission is free but space is limited, so families are asked to RSVP here via eventbrite.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Contact: 469/663-2238; info@thehelmaba.com
Keller Parks & Rec’s Sensory Egg Hunt
Where: Bear Creek Park, 400 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023; 9am
What to know: Before everyone else, those with special needs are welcome to join in the first egg hunt of the day at 9am and scoop up some of Keller’s 20,000 eggs slated for its 2023 Egg Scramble. Families are allowed to join them on the field to assist. More egg hunts are to follow through for kids up to age 11. See the full age schedule at the Facebook event page. Pictures with the Easter Bunny begin at 10:20am.
Contact: 817/743-4050; parksandrec@cityofkeller.com
Roanoke’s EggAPalooza
Where: Roanoke Soccer Complex, 505 Roanoke Road
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023; noon–3pm
What to know: There’s no helicopter drop, but this year’s event means even more eggs—15,000 in total—as well as several Sensory Sensitive Egg Hunts for different ages groups, hosted along with Autism Treatment Center Fort Worth. Stay through the afternoon to enjoy the petting zoo, Easter Bunny photos and, best of all, a tractor pulling competition.
Contact: 817/491-2411; cknight@roanoketexas.com
Especially Needed’s Eggstravaganza
Where: Miracle League Field at Harold Bacchus Community Park, 13995 Main Street, Frisco
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; noon–3pm
What to know: Nonprofit Especially Needed hosts its annual egg hunt, with bounce houses and Easter Bunny photos for local kids with special needs, as well as a resource fair for family members. Admission is free but families must register online to attend.
Contact: 214/499-3439; heather@especiallyneeded.org
FEAT-NT Easter Family Fun Day
Where: The Shed building at Northwood Church, 1870 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 2–4pm
What to know: Nonprofit Families for Effective Autism Treatment North Texas hosts this afternoon party of mini train rides, face painting, balloon artist, crafts, selfies with the Easter Bunny, and of course an egg hunt. RSVP online here. Gluten-free and dairy-free snacks are provided.
Contact: 682/626-5000; featnorthtexas@gmail.com
Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Scottish Rite for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 1–3pm
What to know: Bring your baskets to the colorful, accessible playground at Scottish Rite’s Allan Shivers Park for this egg hunt with crafts and Easter Bunny photo ops. Open to families and kids of all ages. RSVP here no later than the April 5, Wednesday before the event.
Contact: 214/728-9294 (call or text); rlee@spinabifidant.org
Sensory-Friendly Easter Bunny Photos
In partnership with Autism Speaks, eight area shopping centers offer meet and greets and a photo opportunity with a costumed Easter Bunny in calm, inclusive environment. That means reduced lighting inside the shopping center, a reduced volume over the sound system, and trained staff members to assist.
Reservations are encouraged online to guarantee your visit, but walk-ups are welcome as time allows. Find them all listed here at bunnycares.whereisbunny.com or you can sign up at the individual links below. You’ll notice they’re all called a variation of Sensory Bunny, Caring Bunny, or Bunny Cares Day, but they’re all in cooperation with Autism Speaks.
Admission is free, and event organizers will snap professional photos you’re welcome to purchase if you choose. For any questions, contact Autism Speaks Dallas/Fort Worth at 469/810-1158.
Firewheel Town Center, 245 Cedar Sage Drive, Garland
Sunday, March 26, 2023; 10–11:30am. Register here
North East Mall, 1101 Melbourne Road, Hurst
Sunday, March 26, 2023; 10–11:30am. Register here
Irving Mall, 3880 Irving Mall, Irving
Sunday, March 26, 2023; 10–11:30am. Register here
The Shops at Willow Bend, 6121 W. Park Blvd. Plano
Sunday, March 26, 2023; 10–11am. Register here
The Parks Mall, 3811 South Cooper Street, Arlington
Sunday, March 26, 2023; 10:30–11:30am. Register here
Hulen Mall, 4800 S Hulen Street, Fort Worth
Sunday, March 26, 2023; 10:30–11:30am. Register here
Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Frisco
Sunday, March 26, 2023, 10:30–11:30am. Register here
Town East Mall, 2063 Town East Mall, Mesquite
Sunday, March 26, 2023; 10:30–11:30am. Register here
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Top image courtesy of Paws for Reflection Ranch
