There are always a handful of churches and organizations that host this spring time blitz. Here are a few we’ve found in and around Des Moines, Iowa:

Saturday, April 16th

Johnston Community Education Eggstravaganza
Time: 9:30 am
Where: Johnston High School (map it)
Admission: Free
Hunt through the Johnston football field for treats and prizes! The “Egg” Stravaganza is a fun event for participants and spectators alike. Hop on over to Johnston, but don’t be late! The hunt starts at 9:30 a.m. SHARP! All participants must be eight years old or younger. Spectators are welcome.
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Valley United Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt
Time: 10 – 11:30 am
Where: 4201 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265 (map it)
Admission: Free
For all ages but especially toddlers through 4th grade! Outside on the church grounds if weather permitting/inside if inclement weather!
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Sunday, April 17th

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church / Easter Egg hunt and Fun Fest
Time: 1-3 pm
Where: 5625 Franklin Ave, Des Moines (map it)
Admission: Free
Come hunt eggs, get your face painted, play some games, have fun! Prizes, too.
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Saturday, April 23rd

The Clive Firefighter’s Association annual Easter egg hunt
Time: 9 am
Where: Linnan Park, 8500 Alice Ave., Clive (map it)
Admission: Free
The egg hunt is for children ages 1-10. The younger children will hunt for eggs on the tennis courts in a controlled area. Parents may help. The older kids will be turned loose on the park’s grass area to find as many eggs as possible. There are special eggs that can be exchanged at the fire station for a prize.
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Living History Farm Family Easter Party
Time: 9am – 1pm
Where: Living History Farm (map it)
Admission: $5.50/person or $5.00 LHF members
Fun for the entire family including: toy hunts, preschool Bunnyland, live rabbit exhibits, barnyard animal walk, horse and wagon rides, traditional games and egg decorating. Townsfolk will open their doors for spring visitors in the town of Walnut Hill. Free pop, popcorn and steak and egg wrap while quantities last.
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Waveland Park Neighborhood Association Egg hunt
Time: 10 am
Where: The grounds of Hubbell Elementary, 800 42nd St. and the Roosevelt athletic complex. (map it)
Admission: Free
Get there early – the hunt begins EXACTLY at 10. Bring your own basket. Lots of prizes and an appearance by the Easter bunny!
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Fun Friday is a weekly event at KangarooBoo in Valley Junction. Join us every Friday at 10a.m. for interactive storytelling, singing, and crafts. A fun way to foster a love for reading and develop your child’s imagination. This event is free — no registration required.

What: Fun Friday
Where: KangarooBoo, 415 5th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
When: Each Friday at 10a.m.
Who: Babies and kids, 6-months to 6 years old.

Mother’s Day is May 10th. To all the moms and moms-at-heart out there: Happy Mother’s Day!!!

According to Treehugger’s Mother’s Day Green Guide, Mother’s Day was started during the American Civil War by social activist Julia Ward Howe to unify women against war and promote nonviolence. Who knew?

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 10th. We’ve noticed that the Expecting Mother Flensted mobile has been popular recently. The leaf umbrella from Fred & Friends is also a great Mother’s Day gift.

And if that doesn’t suit your taste we suggest the Mother’s Day Guide brought to you by the cool mom’s at coolmompicks and the Treehugger’s Green Gift Guide for Mother’s Day.

Special thanks to @greenandhealthy on twitter for the tidbit about mother’s day.

We’ve put together some suggestions for your child’s Easter basket. Hop, hop, hop… check it out.

Since there will still be looks of inside-play days before any beaches are hit, check out our selection of games and art/craft items.

And don’t forget to browse our sale items. Lots of fun to be had at great mark downs!

If you’re looking for tools to inspire young presidential hopefuls, here are a couple of great ones: USA Map (the shapes are the shapes of the states, not just random like some map puzzles) and Magnetic Responsibility Chart.