Spring is (slowly) starting to peek around the corner, and Easter weekend always seems to bring about a new freshness to the District. If you aren’t interested in waiting in line to attend the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House, there are so many other options out there. These events will get you up early, take you outside, feed you good food, and generally help you feel like Spring is finally here. Freshen up, D.C. — It’s getting nice out there.

Easter Monday at the National Zoo - Cleveland Park 

Photo courtesy of National Zoo

This family-focused event in Cleveland Park is a D.C. tradition. Enjoy an egg hunt, music, games, and the zoo’s own Easter Panda. The day is also jam-packed with educational booths and animal demonstrations. Kids can attend a “Meet-a-Keeper” event for a range of animals, including cheetahs and apes. They can also meet a huge collection of animals, like red river hogs, vultures, and naked mole rats. Feedings also happen throughout the day, with kids welcome to join in on a selection of them.

Capitol Church Easter Sunrise Service - Downtown

Lincoln Memorial photo by Shutterstock

One of the more unique Sunday services in D.C., the Capitol Church Downtown will be up bright and early for a 6:30 a.m. worship at the Lincoln Memorial. Service is about an hour long, and 1700 chairs will be available for attendees, including space for handicapped seating. Those 1700 go fast, so you may want to sit on the steps of the Memorial, or bring a blanket and snag a spot on the grass. Metro doesn’t open until 7, so be sure to get up early to snag an Uber. Walking and biking is the easiest way to get there, if that’s an option for you.

Egg Hunts

Photo courtesy of Eggstravaganza DC

Eggstravaganza - Capitol Hill

The annual Eggstravaganza happens in neighborhoods across the District. Most have already happened, but Capitol Hill will have its event this Saturday. This includes a massive egg hunt, snacks, a photo booth, pictures with the Easter Bunny, games, a DJ, and more. This event is perfect for families, and there’s no pre registration needed. Kids can join hunts on a first come, first served basis. 

Tregaron Conservancy - Cleveland Park

 The Eggstravaganza isn’t your only chance to find some treat-filled goodies this Easter. There are hunts happening all over D.C. and its suburbs this coming weekend. For those in the District, check out the hunt at Tregaron Conservancy in Cleveland Park.

Egg Hunts in Virginia and Maryland

Folks in Virginia can stop by Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church or the Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden in Alexandria. 

For those in Maryland, stop by Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, or have some fun at Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard in Germantown.

Brunch

Photo courtesy of Westend Bistro Ritz Carlton

Sunday brunch is just as popular on Easter as it is any other Sunday, so grab your group and arrive early. However, there are two spots that are serving up particularly indulgent menus this Easter, if you’re looking to make the day all the more special.

Westend Bistro Ritz Carlton - Foggy Bottom

Westend Bistro at the Ritz Carlton in Foggy Bottom will serve up an Easter buffet you won’t soon forget. Costing a hefty $105 per adult ($125 if you want to add in unlimited mimosas and bloody marys), guests will enjoy salad, cheese, and bread stations to get their meal started. Next, you can move on to the raw bar, which includes shrimp, crab, oysters, and mussels. You can also snag smoked salmon, trout, and mackerel while you’re up there. Breakfast classics like eggs benedict, local sausages, and breakfast potatoes will also be on the menu, as well as an omelette and egg station. And don’t even get me started on the sweets they’re offering. I could go on all day, but I recommend taking a look at the extensive menu yourself.

1789 Restaurant - Georgetown

1789 Restaurant isn’t your standard brunch spot, and that’s because it only serves the meal twice a year — Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day. The Georgetown stalwart will serve up a limited menu of quiche, yellowfin tuna nicoise, rack of lamb, and more. Again, I highly recommend checking out the menu. Once you’ve done that, hurry and reserve a table in one of its many antique-decorated dining rooms, and get ready for an unforgettable meal.