Hippity-hoppity, Easter’s on its way! With the Bunny making his appearance soon, it’s time to celebrate with photo opportunities, breakfasts and egg hunts! Here are some events happening in our local area and nearby leading up to the big day on Sunday, April 16th.

Hop on the Easter Bunny Express and take a round-trip train ride from Flemington to Ringoes and return. Peter Cottontail will visit with each child and will pose for a photo upon request. Each child will also receive a candy treat. The train ride is about 25 minutes from Flemington to Ringoes, with a 10-15 minute layover to browse the gift shop and visit the museum car, before re-boarding for a return trip to Flemington. The train will operate on Saturday, April 8; Sunday, April 9; Friday, April 14; and Saturday, April 15 at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Tickets are $17.50 for riders ages 12+ and $10.05 for riders ages 3-11. Children under 3 are free. Registration is required. The Flemington Station is located at 80 Stangl Road, Flemington, behind the Liberty Village Premium Outlets.

Mr. Bunny Comes to Glenfield Park! Montclair Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs, in conjunction with PBA Local 53, welcomes Mr. Bunny from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Glenfield Park, 25 Maple Ave. Kids can enjoy visit with Mr. Bunny and enjoy an egg hunt, egg decorating and face painting. Egg hunt starts promptly at 11 a.m.; egg hunt bags will be provided. Have a picture taken with Mr. Bunny for $3. The event takes place rain or shine. For more information, contact the Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs at 973-509-4915.

Delaware River Railroad Excursions offers Easter Bunny Train Rides and Easter Egg Hunt for “a day of family fun with Mr. Bunny.” Trips run Saturday, April 8; Sunday, April 9; and Saturday, April 15 at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM. Tickets are $11 for children ages 2-12, and $18 for ages 12+. Lap sitting children up to 2 years old are $4. Enjoy a meet and greet with Mr. Bunny on the train, pictures at the Egg Patch, and an Easter Egg Hunt where children can forage for toy and candy filled eggs. The train ride will depart from the Historic District of Philipsburg and travel to Carpentersville at the site of the historic Lime Kilns. On the train, enjoy a banjo-playing hobo and a juggler.

Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center (240 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield) will hold its annual Brunch with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 8, at 12:00PM. Children ages 3 to 9 will participate in a craft project, have a pictures taken with the Bunny and receive a balloon and a special treat. Cost is $15 per child and $12 per adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required.

Unity of Montclair (84 Orange Road, Montclair) will hold an Easter Egg Hunt for children and families of the community immediately after Service on Sunday, April 9, from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. Please bring a bag or basket to hold the eggs. The hunt will be outside in good weather, or moved indoors otherwise.

Watchung Plaza Easter Egg Hunt by Family Chiropractors will be held on Saturday, April 15, at 11:00 AM sharp at Watchung Plaza Green (Montclair). Don’t forget to bring a basket!

Redeemer Montclair Church (19 North Willow Street, Montclair) will host an egg hunt with other fun activities on Saturday, April 15, from 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM. There will be balloons, crafts, games, food, and a magician. Children will be separated by age for egg hunts. Please register in advance as the event will be capped at 125 children.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (73 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair) will host an Easter Bunny Egg Hunt & BBQ on Saturday, April 15, at 11:00 AM. Kids of all ages are invited for crafts and dress up activities in the Assembly Hall. The Easter Bunny will visit for songs and photos, followed by the great egg hunt on the church lawn. This event is free but registration is required.

Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange) will host Zoo Storytime with the Easter Bunny on Sunday, April 16, at 10:00 AM and 12:30 AM. Each ticket includes a reading of two stories by Zoo Staff, meet & greet and takeaway photo with the Easter Bunny, meet the animals, light refreshments, and general zoo admission ticket for non-members. This event is recommended for children ages 12 and younger. Tickets are $30/non-member child, $20 per non-member adult, $18 member child, $5 member adult. Children under 2 years old are free. Space is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance.

St. John’s Episcopal Church (55 Montclair Avenue, Montclair) will host an Easter Egg Hunt and festive coffee hour at 10:00 AM on Sunday, April 16. Delicious refreshments will be served. The egg hunt follows the 9:00 AM Family Service and comes just before the 11:00 AM Festive Service.

Imagine That! (4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park) will host a Bunny Breakfast plus Egg Hunt and Parade on Sunday, April 16, at 10:00 AM. Meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs, enjoy a bagel breakfast, and receive an Easter basket! Bring your camera for great photo opportunities. Tickets are $16.99 for children and $14.99 for adults. Note that the museum will close early at 2:00 PM on Easter Sunday. Tickets are available at the door, however, seats for breakfast are not guaranteed and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.