| Thankfully, the frigid days of winter are behind us | | | | The White House, attracting approximately 40,000 |
| and spring has almost sprung. There's nothing like the | | | | visitors annually. This year's theme - "Ready, Set, Go!" |
| sound of chirping birds and the smell of blooming | | | | - is intended to promote health and wellness. Children |
| flowers to remind us that sleet and snow will give | | | | aged 12 years and younger and their families can |
| way to much-longed-for sunshine, setting the stage | | | | enjoy live musical performances, cooking classes and |
| for the perfect Easter egg hunt or parade. These | | | | other activities at the South Lawn of the White |
| events, some of which are expected to draw | | | | House for free. |
| thousands, will take center stage in some of the | | | | Miami |
| country's hottest spring break destinations, from | | | | Miami's tropical climate makes it a great place for a |
| vibrant New York City to historic New Orleans. No | | | | family vacation year round. If you're not planning on |
| matter the occasion, people of all ages will be basking | | | | catching some rays on Miami Beach or strolling by the |
| in spring fun. Read on for a smattering of parades | | | | unique shops of Ocean Drive this Easter, take the |
| and egg hunts scheduled to hit major cities in April or | | | | kids to Miami Metrozoo for its annual Miami Metrozoo |
| sooner. | | | | Egg Safari. The event is free with regular admission |
| New York City | | | | and runs April 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. |
| If you plan to be in New York City on Easter Sunday | | | | Youngsters 12 and under can take a photo with the |
| (April 4), join hundreds as they stroll along Fifth | | | | Easter Bunny, cavort in fun bounce houses and enjoy |
| Avenue from 49th to 57th streets for the Easter | | | | great music. Fun for the whole family also awaits at |
| Parade & Easter Bonnet Festival, an annual tradition | | | | Miami Seaquarium's Egg Hunt Celebration, which takes |
| that dates back to Civil War days. Unlike most | | | | place Friday, April 2 through Sunday, April 4. In |
| parades, this one does not feature marching bands or | | | | addition to the park's regular shows and exhibits, kids |
| floats. Instead, people come from all corners of the | | | | will delight in "Bunny-palo za" which boasts five acres |
| world to sport some of the fanciest Easter bonnets | | | | of rides, slides, bounce houses and other fun |
| imaginable. From Civil War period costumes to | | | | activities. |
| animal-patterned attire, outfits range from elegant to | | | | New Orleans |
| outlandish, and you're just as likely to find them | | | | The 6th annual Easter On The Avenue Parade, also |
| donned by pets as you are their owners. The Easter | | | | known as the St. Charles Easter Parade, will roll up |
| Parade & Easter Bonnet Festival runs from 10 a.m. to | | | | and then down gorgeous St. Charles Avenue at 12:15 |
| 4 p.m. What's more, free admission makes the event | | | | p.m. on Easter Sunday. The Parade will start at |
| both fun and easy on the pocket. | | | | Emeril's Delmonico Restaurant and make its way |
| San Francisco | | | | around Lee Circle and up Cadiz Street before |
| Travelers in or near the Bay Area can take part in | | | | eventually turning back and returning to the |
| the 19th annual Union Street Spring Celebration and | | | | restaurant. Feel free to showcase your Easter finery |
| Easter Parade on Easter Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 | | | | as you ride in a supplied carriage or convertible. Best |
| p.m. Expected to attract 30,000 attendees, the | | | | of all, there will be throws and surprises for |
| parade will feature live music, inflatable bounces, a | | | | onlookers, so be on the alert! Dino lovers should not |
| climbing wall, vintage cars, stilt walkers, kids' rides, | | | | miss the Audobon Zoo Dinosaur Egg Hunt on |
| and a hands-on activities area. Those on hand can | | | | Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28. Kids can |
| enjoy al fresco dining while watching the parade wind | | | | make dino crafts, enjoy snacks and hunt for their |
| its way between Gough and Filmore Streets. Families | | | | very own dinosaur eggs. Alternatively, if you're an |
| have been known to call this the biggest little parade | | | | avid runner, you can take part in the Crescent City |
| in San Francisco. | | | | Classic, held on the Saturday of Easter weekend |
| Washington D.C. | | | | each year. This 10k road race takes runners down |
| If the kids enjoy Easter egg rolling, they'll love rolling | | | | Esplanade Avenue, a beautiful tree lined boulevard at |
| hard-boiled colored eggs down the lawns at the | | | | the edge of the French Quarter, and ends in |
| White House this year. The White House Easter Egg | | | | picturesque City Park. A post-race party, costume |
| Roll is set to take place at our nation's capital April 5 | | | | contest and other events follow. Indeed, there's |
| from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tradition stretches back to | | | | much more to New Orleans than Mardi Gras! |
| 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes declared | | | | Easter only comes once a year, as do these |
| that neighborhood children were allowed convene on | | | | fun-packed egg hunts and parades. Whether you plan |
| the White House lawn to play Easter games after | | | | to go in search of Easter goodies this year or join |
| Congress had banned them from the Capitol grounds. | | | | thousands as they stroll down a busy street, it's time |
| The Egg Roll is currently the largest public event at | | | | to spring forward and have some fun. |