Tips for Easter Eggstravaganza 2015 @IrvineParkRR! | #IrvineParkRailroad

Disclosure: We attended as media.  

Easter season has officially begun! One of our favorite Easter tradition is taking the kids Easter Egg Hunting and getting their photos taken with the Easter Bunny. It's fun to see the children searching for eggs as fast as they can, and they're anxious to open them too. I love seeing the joy in their faces. We take photos with the Easter Bunny every year, because they make great keepsakes, and their grandparents love them.

Last weekend, we attended a media preview of the Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Park Railroad located in Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California. It's one of our favorite places to celebrate the season, because there's always plenty of eggs for everyone (more details on this below), but it gets really busy as it gets closer to the holiday. The area is large and activities are spaced out, and you'll want to avoid losing precious time going back and forth. I've highlight important tips below! (Also, save time and plan ahead like take everyone to the restroom before all the fun.)

TIP #1: Get activity tickets!

As soon as you get there, you'll need activity tickets. Look for a YELLOW SHACK at the Train Crossing near the Train Station. I counted 8 activities that require tickets (one which requires 2). If you plan to do a whole day there and want to do all the activities at least one time, that's 9 tickets per child not including adults.

HINT:  Tickets are $5 each. Book of 15 tickets are $60 (save $15).

TIP #2: Get a timed ticket for Egg Hunting. 

You'll need to exchange 1 ticket ($5) for each child egg hunting for a wristband. There are different times for different age groups so you'll want to secure a time that works for your group. Note: One of the time slots includes all kids up to age 12. If you have a small child and don't want your child to compete with the big kids, pick a different time slot. I like that they always have enough eggs for everyone, however, there is an 8 eggs per child limit, and they can grab as much candy they can find. Eggs are filled with either candy, stickers, or prizes. (We won a free Hayride. Last year we won a free pony ride). We like to recycle the eggs after the hunt, and they have a recycling barrel.

Easter Egg Hunt Times (Daily):

• 2 – 4 years 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00
• 2 – 7 years 10:30, 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30
• 2 – 12 years 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 ALL AGES

TIP #3: Get in line to meet the Easter Bunny. 
If your children are dressed up to meet the Easter Bunny, get their photos done early so they don't get their Easter outfits dirty! A print out of your first photo is $10, and $6 for additional copies.

TIP #4: Get in line for the Train Ride.

This is always a favorite. The Train takes us around the Irvine Regional Park, and it's also a great resting activity for the whole family. Train rides are 1 ticket ($5). Children 12 months and younger are Free. The Hay Ride is also a great option because it takes you around the park as well. Hay Rides are 1 ticket.

TIP #5: Everyone wins a prize at Carnival Games. There are two games: a ring toss and a bean bag toss. To play, it requires 1 ticket per child. The kids have fun trying and they get a prize no matter what.

TIP #6: Pack snacks and bring water! It was warm on the day we went. The kids were bouncing, egg hunting, and having fun visiting almost all the activity stations. We got thirsty. If you forget, there's a snack bar centrally located and a restaurant at the Train Station. It's hard to miss.


TIP #7: Go on a Weekday! This is a very popular event at Irvine Park Railroad! There are daily egg hunts so if you go on a weekday, it's less crowded, and the lines are not as long. Early weekday mornings are also the preferred time for play dates so if you're looking for other play date groups, you might get a chance to meet them there.


TIP #8: Bring a Basket for egg hunting. Plan ahead and bring a basket, bucket or bag for egg hunting. If you forget, they have some for purchase at the yellow shack.

Other activities include:  Hay Rides, Cookie Decorating, Moon Bounce, Face Painting, a coloring corner (free), and fun picture stands (free).

 We always have fun at Irvine Park Railroad. Thanks for the memories!

Easter Eggstravaganza is now through April 4, 2015!
Irvine Park Railroad is located inside Irvine Regional Park on 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, California. The Egg Hunts start daily at 10:00 am and are arranged by age groups. Parking is $3 per vehicle weekdays and $5 on the weekends. Train tickets are $5 per person. Children younger than 12 months ride free. For more information, please visit their website at www.irvineparkrailroad.com.



What's your favorite Easter Tradition?