Spring Has Sprung (and So Has the Easter Bunny)
Easter egg hunts, free maple sugar demos, a glow-skating night, and an underwater egg dive — this week is packed with spring fun across the northwest suburbs.
Spring Has Sprung (and So Has the Easter Bunny)
Issue #3 — Week of March 23, 2026
Hey, neighbor! Spring is here — at least on the calendar — and the northwest suburbs are absolutely full of things to do this week and next. Whether you want to hunt for eggs at the pool, skate under glow lights, or watch maple sap turn into sugar, we've got you covered. Let's get into it.
🎉 This Week (And Beyond)
Glow-N-Skate
Date: Wednesday, March 25 | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM Location: TruStone Center Ice Arena (Rogers Activity Center), 21080 141st Ave N, Rogers Cost: $6/skater (includes glow necklace); $2 skate rental
Lights down, music up. The last Glow-N-Skate of the season is this Wednesday at the Rogers ice rink. It's a fun vibe — no hockey gear required, just show up and skate. Great for kids and parents who don't mind looking a little silly on the ice. This one only runs one Wednesday a month, so catch it before it wraps for the spring.
More info → City of Rogers Events
Eastman Free Funday Sunday: Making Maple Sugar
Date: Sunday, March 29 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Location: Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Dayton Cost: Free
Two weeks ago it was all about collecting sap — this Sunday, it's time to cook it down! Drop in anytime between 1–3 PM to learn how maple sap becomes maple sugar. This is a hands-on, outdoors-friendly program for kids ages 5 and up, and it's totally free. Dress for the weather because you'll be spending time outside near the sugarbush.
More info → Three Rivers Parks / Eastman Nature Center
FYCC BunnyFest
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Location: FYCC Building, 5975 Main Ave NE, Albertville Cost: Free
This is one of the biggest free spring events in the STMA area. The Albertville Lions Club, STMA Rotary Club, Discover STMA, and St. Michael American Legion are all in on this one. Expect photos with the Easter Bunny, egg-themed games, giveaways, and a whole lot of community fun. Pre-registration is encouraged at myfycc.com.
More info → City of Albertville Calendar
Bunny Trail at St. Michael Cinema
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Location: St. Michael Cinema, 4300 O'Day Ave NE, St. Michael Cost: Free
This is the kind of morning that makes kids feel like they're in a movie. Follow a trail of Egg Stops through the theater, collect treats, snap a photo with the Easter Bunny, and stay for a FREE movie on the big screen. Multiple showtimes between 9:25–10:35 AM. Movie title TBD, but the bunny is confirmed. No tickets needed — just show up!
More info → St. Michael Cinema Facebook
Elk River Lions Club Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Date: Saturday, March 28 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: Elk River YMCA, 13337 Business Center Dr NW, Elk River Cost: Low cost (community fundraiser pricing)
Stack up those pancakes and say hi to the big bunny! The Elk River Lions Club is serving up pancakes, sausage, milk, and juice all morning long. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around for photos, and YMCA tours and guest passes are available too. It's a friendly community breakfast — the kind where you'll probably run into someone you know.
More info → Elk River Lions / Event Facebook Page
Spring Egg Dive at Monticello Community Center
Date: Friday, March 27 | Sessions: 10–11:30 AM, 4–5:30 PM, 6–7:30 PM Location: Monticello Community Center Pool, 505 Walnut St, Monticello Cost: $10 MCC members / $18 nonmembers
Okay, this one is truly one-of-a-kind. They drop plastic eggs into the community pool and kids swim out to collect them, then use the eggs to "buy" prizes. Yes, it's an egg hunt — in a pool. Ages 6 months to 12 years. Registration is required and space is very limited, so jump on this now if you haven't already. Kids 7 and under need a parent in the water.
More info → Monticello MN Spring Egg Dive
Otsego Open Playtime (Recurring)
Date: Mondays & Thursdays through April 30 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Location: Prairie Center Activity Room, Otsego Cost: $3/child at the door (under 1 free)
Need to get the little one out of the house on a weekday? Otsego's Open Playtime is a steady favorite — toys, crafts, active equipment, and room to roam. Drop in for the full hour or just part of it. Parent supervision required. Check their Facebook page for any closures.
More info → City of Otsego Program Registration
Rogers Fieldhouse Tot Time (Recurring)
Date: Mondays & Wednesdays | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (ongoing) Location: HealthPartners Fieldhouse, 14160 James Rd, Rogers Cost: $5 residents / $7 non-residents
Rogers' brand-new indoor facility has a 3-story climbing structure that would make any kid's jaw drop. Tot Time on Monday and Wednesday mornings is geared toward ages 2–5. There's also a walking track if you want to get your steps in while the kids play. Season passes are available if you plan to come regularly.
More info → City of Rogers HealthPartners Fieldhouse
Buffalo TotSpot Tuesdays (Recurring)
Date: Tuesdays (recurring) | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Location: Buffalo Community Center Kitchen & Dining Room, Buffalo Cost: See city registration page
TotSpot is a low-key playgroup hosted at the Buffalo Community Center on Tuesday mornings. It's structured, themed, and a nice change of pace from open play. Check the city's rec catalog for upcoming themes and any registration details.
More info → City of Buffalo Recreation Calendar
Anoka County Library: Toddler Storytime (Rum River Branch)
Date: Wednesdays (recurring through spring) | 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Location: Rum River Library, Anoka County (Rum River Meeting Room A & B) Cost: Free
Songs, rhymes, books — the classics. This half-hour storytime is built for active 2 and 3 year olds and their caregivers. No registration required. Siblings are welcome. It's a quick, cheerful morning outing that's hard to beat for free.
More info → Anoka County Library LibCal
Anoka County Library: Baby Storytime (Rum River Branch)
Date: Tuesdays (recurring through April 21) | 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM Location: Rum River Library, Anoka County Cost: Free
For your newest family members! This storytime is specially designed for babies ages 0–24 months, with books, songs, and gentle playtime. Registration is for the full season. Caregivers don't need to register — just the baby.
More info → Anoka County Library LibCal
📅 Next Week
Eastman Free Funday Sunday: Rabbits by the Fire
Date: Sunday, April 5 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Location: Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Dayton Cost: Free
Gather around the fire pit and get up close with cottontail rabbit furs, skulls, and other hands-on artifacts. Learn how these little guys survive a Minnesota winter in the park. Drop in anytime — no reservation needed. This is part of Three Rivers' ongoing Free Funday Sunday series.
More info → Three Rivers Parks / Eastman Nature Center
Champlin Easter Egg Hunt
Date: Friday, April 3 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Hunt starts 11 AM) Location: Andrews Park, 7200 117th Ave N, Champlin Cost: Free
Two hunts, one morning! The Tiny Tot Hunt (ages 4 & under) starts at 11:00 AM and the main Family Hunt (ages 5–9) starts at 11:45 AM. No pre-registration required — just bring a basket and dress for the weather. The City of Champlin is partnering with Riverway Church to make this one happen.
More info → City of Champlin Newsflash
Egg-Paw-Looza at Alpine Dog Park
Date: Saturday, April 4 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: Alpine Dog Park, Ramsey Cost: Free (registration encouraged)
Okay, hear us out: it's an Easter egg hunt — but for DOGS. Tennis balls are scattered all over the dog park for your pup to sniff out and collect. Vendors on site including Chuck and Don's (Elk River), dog toy crafts, nail trimming, and a golden egg with a prize basket. Well-behaved dogs only. Register at the Ramsey Parks link to help with headcount.
More info → Ramsey Parks & Recreation via REC1
Otsego Open Playtime (Continues)
Date: Thursday, April 2 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (also Mon April 6) Location: Prairie Center Activity Room, Otsego Cost: $3/child
The Open Playtime continues right through spring break week and beyond. It's a reliable Tuesday option if you need a low-cost activity for little ones during the school week.
More info → City of Otsego Program Registration
Legacy Bunny Hop Trail at The Legacy of St. Michael
Date: Wednesday, April 1 (STMA Spring Break week) Location: The Legacy of St. Michael (senior living), St. Michael Cost: Free
Kids are invited to bring their Easter baskets and "hop" along the trail, collecting candy from residents. The Easter Bunny stops by for photos and fun! Guests are also invited to bring a non-perishable food item for the STMA Food Pantry. It's a sweet way to connect generations and celebrate the season.
More info → STMA Community via FYCC
🐣 Mark Your Calendar
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Eastman Free Funday Sunday: Calling All Frogs — Sunday, April 12 | 1:00–3:00 PM | Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Dayton | Free | Drop in to learn all about spring frogs! What do they sound like? Where do they live? A great first-signs-of-spring activity for curious kids. More info → Three Rivers Parks
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Monticello Homeschool Swim & Climb — Friday, April 10 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Monticello Community Center, 505 Walnut St, Monticello | Cost TBD | Open pool and climbing wall hours set aside for homeschool families. A fun mid-week outing for homeschool groups. More info → Monticello City Calendar
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Maple Grove Arbor Day Celebration — Saturday, April 25 | Noon–3:00 PM | Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove | Free | This is a big one worth circling early. Live animal show from the U of M Raptor Center, master gardeners, DNR reps, invasive species education, free tree seedling giveaways, and tree crafts for kids. It's genuinely one of the coolest free spring events in the area. More info → City of Maple Grove Newsflash
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Hoppin' into Spring Vendor Show — Saturday, April 25 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM | Big Lake Middle School, 601 Minnesota Ave, Big Lake | Free admission | Over 70 vendors inside, food trucks in the parking lot, face painting, music, raffle drawings, and yard games. A great way to spend a spring Saturday in Big Lake and support local makers and small businesses. More info → Eventbrite
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Eastman Free Funday Sunday: Pipette Painting — Sunday, April 19 | 1:00–3:00 PM | Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Dayton | Free | Try your hand at pipette painting — a fun, nature-inspired art activity for kids. Drop-in, no registration needed. More info → Three Rivers Parks
💎 Hidden Gem of the Week: Eastman Nature Center (Dayton)
You might know Elm Creek Park Reserve, but do you know the little nature center tucked inside it? Eastman Nature Center in Dayton is a hidden gem for families who love the outdoors. It sits right in the sugar maple floodplain forest along Rush Creek, and it has miles of hiking trails, a floating boardwalk, and indoor exhibits that are free to explore. Every Sunday from 1–3 PM, they run the "Free Funday Sunday" program — a different nature theme each week, hands-on activities, and naturalist-led exploration. This time of year you might spot trumpeter swans, wild turkey, or early spring wildflowers. It's free, it's never crowded, and it genuinely feels like a secret. If you have curious kids, this place will become one of your regulars.
🌱 Wild Ideas
Looking for something out of the ordinary this week? Here are a few free (or nearly free) ways to have fun that don't require signing up for anything:
- Tap your own maple tree — if you have a silver or sugar maple in your yard, this is the perfect week to try a backyard sap tap. After visiting Eastman's maple sugar demo Sunday, your kids will know exactly what to do.
- Spring scavenger hunt at your local park — grab a free printable list online and head out to a trail near you. First robin? Muddy boots? Check. This works great at any park in the area.
- Rogers Activity Center indoor walking track — the HealthPartners Fieldhouse has a free walking track (based on availability) for residents. Perfect for a morning stretch while kids burn energy on the playground.
- Spot the swans in Monticello — every spring, trumpeter swans stop along the Mississippi River near Monticello. Head down to West Bridge Park and see how many you can count. It's totally free and genuinely magical.
- Make your own "Egg Dive" at home — fill a kiddie pool (or your bathtub) with plastic eggs and let your kids fish them out for small treats. Inspired by the Monticello tradition, and costs next to nothing.
👋 Until Next Week
Thanks for reading! If this was useful, forward it to one friend or neighbor who'd appreciate knowing what's happening around the northwest suburbs. The more families who know about this stuff, the more fun everyone has.
Have an event tip or Hidden Gem idea? We'd love to hear it.
See you next Monday! 🌿