Governors Island to Hold One of NYC's Largest Egg Hunts

10,000 painted wooden eggs will be hidden throughout the historic island

By Barbara Russo March 27, 2023

The Trust for Governors Island and the Friends of Governors Island just announced the launch of an egg-ceptional event, the Governors Island Egg Hunt! The island's new springtime celebration will be held for the first time on April 8, 2023, from 10am to 4pm. Participants will scramble to find the 10,000 wooden painted eggs hidden in areas throughout the island, with island-specific prizes and giveaways for the most hard-boiled egg hunters.

The hunt is free for all participants, so there's no need to shell out big bucks for a day of egg-cellent family-friendly free-range fun.

“Since opening to the public year-round in 2021, Governors Island has cemented itself as an unmatched destination for accessible all-season outdoor fun, and we are thrilled to continue to expand our free year-round programming with the Island’s first public egg hunt,” Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, said. “Together with the Friends of Governors Island, we hope you’ll hop on the ferry and join us for a one-of-a-kind springtime celebration in the heart of New York Harbor.”

What to Expect at the Governors Island Egg Hunt

This new event includes several levels of egg hunts tailored to specific age groups. It also features an island-wide scavenger hunt that everyone can take a crack at. The day-long celebration at the Parade Ground will include performances from Wonderspark Puppets, Brooklyn Magic Shop, and more to be announced. Spring-themed arts and crafts and food will be available for purchase onsite from Governors Island vendors along with a beer garden from Governors Island Beer Co. Visitors will get to meet and take pictures with the Easter Bunny and enjoy the hijinx of Looney Tooney the Clown.

Here's the scheduled of fun:

10am-4pm: Registration and giveaways

10am-3pm: Island-wide scavenger hunt
10am-3pm: Bubbles with Looney Tooney the Clown
11am-2pm: Meet the Easter Bunny
11am-3pm: Arts & Crafts
11am & 1pm: Egg Hunt A, Parade Ground (ages 2-4)
11am & 1pm: Egg Hunt B, Parade Ground (ages 5-8)

11:30am: Wonderspark Puppets puppet show
12pm: Egg Hunt C, Colonels Row (ages 9-13)
12:15 & 1:45pm: Brooklyn Magic Shop magic show

Organizers of the event said all activities will take place on the Parade Ground unless otherwise noted. The egg hunt is while supplies last.

“The Friends of Governors Island is thrilled to be co-hosting New York City's largest egg hunt on Governors Island this spring,” Patti Davis, interim executive director of the Friends of Governors Island, said. “As our first free public program of the spring season, the Egg Hunt will feature activities for all ages throughout the Historic District and beyond, extending across our beautiful open space. The Egg Hunt is a wonderful opportunity to introduce new visitors and welcome back old friends as we kick off a wonderful spring season on Governors Island.”

What You Need to Know About Attending the Governors Island Egg Hunt

Where is Governors Island located?

Governors Island is considered part of Manhattan and located in New York Harbor. Get to the island by taking the ferry from Manhattan at 10 South St. Boats run daily. A round trip ferry ticket is $4 for adults and free for seniors and children younger than 12. Check out the ferry schedule at govisland.com/ferry.

When is the egg hunt?

The Governors Island Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 10am to 4pm.

How much are tickets to the hunt?

The event is free to attend.

For more information, visit govisland.com or follow Governors Island on Facebook or Instagram.

Main photo courtesy the Trust for Governors Island

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Governors Island to Hold One of NYC's Largest Egg Hunts

What to Expect at the Governors Island Egg Hunt