Easter just wouldn’t be Easter without the sight of dozens of children running pell-mell to scoop up plastic eggs filled with goodies. It’s fun for the kids and fun for the parents too, especially when the egg hunts include family-friendly side activities. Here’s what going on in the Greater Portland area (and elsewhere in Maine) this weekend:

 

BIDDEFORD – Rotary Park, 550 Main St., 10 a.m. Saturday: Easter egg hunt with food, prizes, a balloon artist and more. For ages 1 to 10. Cost: $2 per child. 283-0841.

 

FALMOUTH – Falmouth Congregational Church, 269 Falmouth Road, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday: One of the largest annual Easter egg hunts in southern Maine includes games, bouncy houses, a cake walk, music and more for children ages 12 and younger. Bring your own basket. Rain or shine. Free. 781-3413.

 

FREEPORT – Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, 174 Lower Main St., 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday: Hunt through mounds of hay for treat-filled eggs. Free for children of all ages. Weather permitting. 865-4071.

 

NEWRY – Easter weekend at Sunday River, 15 South Ridge Lodge, Saturday and Sunday: Join an Easter egg hunt, play games, watch movies and more. It’s an Easter celebration full of fun activities for the entire family, including appearances by the Easter bunny. A sunrise service takes place on Sunday on the top of North Peak. The Chondola will start to transport people to the top at 6:30 a.m. For prices and event schedules, call 824-5104 or visit www.sundayriver.com.

 

NORWAY – Norway Memorial Library, 151 Main St., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday: Join in a Raising Maine scavenger hunt along Main Street, meet the Easter bunny and other characters, and enjoy snacks and crafts. For children of all ages. Free. 743-6651.

 

PORTLAND – Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., 11 a.m. Saturday: The museum has hidden eggs all over the facility for children to find. Stay for Cool Science at 11:30 a.m. to dye the eggs you’ve found. Free with museum admission of $8 per person (free for children under age 1). 828-1234; www.childrensmuseumofme.org.

• Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. (behind Catherine McAuley High School), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday: Activities will include egg decorating, lunch for children, face painting and a visit from the Easter bunny. Ages 1 to 11. RSVP at: easter_bunny2010@yahoo.com.

 

RANGELEY – Saddleback, 976 Saddleback Mountain Road, Sunday: Easter egg hunt for ages 11 and younger starts at 11:30 a.m. Find the golden egg somewhere on the mountain to win a 2010-11 season pass. The Kids Costume Parade through the lodge led by the Easter bunny begins at 1 p.m. 864-5671; www.saddlebackmaine.com.

 

ROCKPORT – Farmers Fare, Route 90 and Cross Street, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday: First Farmers Fare Golden Egg-stravaganza features three separate Easter egg hunts for different age ranges: ages 2 to 4 at 10:30 a.m.; ages 5 to 7 at 11:15 a.m., and ages 8 to 10 at 11:45 a.m. Each age category will be looking for a gold-leafed egg, and the child who finds it in each group will receive a Farmers Fare treat.

The Easter bunny will greet the children as they arrive and will be available for photos. A table will be set up for children to decorate Farmers Fare Easter cookies, and will have a “pay it forward” bunny for donations toward the baking costs. Children can also enjoy a free ice cream. The egg hunt will be dependent on the weather, but the cookie decorating will happen rain or shine. Free. 236-3273; www.farmersfare.com.

 

SACO – Saco Grange, 168 North St. (Route 112), 10 a.m. Saturday: Easter egg hunt and a raffle for an afghan. All ages. Free; donations accepted.

 

SANFORD – Springvale Rec Area (Holdsworth Park), along Main Street and Route 109, Springvale, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Sanford Parks & Recreations Eggstravaganza 2010 will include an Easter egg hunt, egg games and magician Philip Smith of Abracadabra Productions. For children up to grade 6. Free. 324-9130; www.sanfordmaine.org.

• Curtis Lake Church, 38 Westview Drive (behind old Wal-Mart), 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday: Spring Fling will feature Easter egg scrambles (one for preschool-aged children and one for elementary-aged children), bounce houses, arcade games, cotton candy, hot dogs and other refreshments, and prizes. Free drop-in event open to the community. No registration required. 324-0652.

 

SOUTH PORTLAND – Peoples United Methodist Church, 310 Broadway, 10:30 a.m. Sunday: Children ages 3 to 11 leave from worship for an Easter egg hunt and other fun Easter activities and crafts. Children will be grouped by age, and multiple hunts will be set up to allow for the most fun. All children are welcome to attend. 619-1509; www.peoplesumc.com.

 

TOPSHAM – Foreside Recreation Area (meet at the pavilion), Foreside Field, 8 p.m. Friday: Flashlight Egg Hunt for ages 8 to 10. Search for Easter eggs by flashlight. Dress warmly, wear boots and bring a basket. A daytime Easter egg hunt will be held at the same location on Saturday, at 10 a.m. for ages 2 to 4 (may bring baskets) and at 10:15 a.m. for ages 5 to 7 (no baskets please). Free. 725-5821; www.topshammaine.com.

 

WELLS – Wells Corner Shopping Center, 1517 Post Road, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday: The Easter bunny will be hopping around the shopping center. Bring your basket as you look for eggs, which will be hidden throughout the stores at the center. Golden eggs will hold gift certificates to area businesses. Free. (301) 807-2523.

 

YARMOUTH – Royal River Park, East Elm St., 10 a.m. Saturday: The Easter bunny will officiate at the 23rd annual Easter egg hunt, for children ages 5 to 7. Bring your own basket. Free. 846-2406.