Easter has come early at a number of local farms near Newmarket with special themed activities taking place this weekend.
At Brooks Farms, located at 122 Ashworth Rd. in Mount Albert, Easterfest is taking place on April 9 to 10 and April 15 to 18.
The activities include an Easter story wagon ride, photos with the Easter bunny and friends, play time in the barnyard playground, a goodie bag for the kids, hot chocolate, and of course an Easter egg hunt that's BYOB - bring your own basket.
Visitors have to book their visit online and tickets cost $18 for anyone aged 2 and up. There are not pets or outside food allowed and guests are advised to dress for the weather and be warned that the farm is often muddy at this time of year.
Round The Bend Farm, at 16225 Jane St. in Kettleby, is hosting its Easter Eggs-perience on April 9 and then on April 14 to 16, again on April 18, and April 22 to 23.
The Easter themed event will feature visits to the barn to see the baby animals, an egg hunt, and a wide variety of photo opportunities through the farm. Guests can also play in the straw maze, go down the tube slide, and shop for fresh produce in the market.
Tickets are available online and cost $10 per person, age 2 and older.
At Downey's Farm in Caledon, there are a number of Easter activities spread over five days. From April 9 to 10 and then April 15 to 17, guests can enjoy an egg hunt, an Easter story wagon ride, a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, easter crafts, and visits with the farm animals.
There will also be a magic show at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. each day, as well as a themed puppet show at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. each day.
Visitors must purchase tickets online in advance and they cost $18 per person.
On the other side of the GTA, Pingle's Farm just outside of Oshawa is also holding a number of Easter themed activities this weekend and next weekend.
The first celebration is the Easter and mini-egg themed items available in their bakery. Guests can pre-order treats like hot cross buns, mini egg cookies, carrot cake, and a whole Easter themed box. Orders can be placed online and picked up this weekend or next.
The second activity is the "Easter-ific Egg Hunt." Guests can decorate a basket and then hop on a short wagon ride to the hunt location. You can trade in what you found for a treat bag at the end and also visit the Easter Bunny and other farm animals while there. Tickets for this cost $12 per person.
The final activity is the Easter bunny brunch in the Pingles greenhouse. Guests can book at one hour sitting for up to six people at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon on April 9, 10, 15, 16, or 17. The menu includes eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, bottomless coffee and juice, and a tasty bakery box.
Brunch tickets must be booked in advance and cost $165 per table. Your brunch ticket also includes admission to the egg hunt activities.
You can find more information and book tickets for any of the activities online.
