April is Earth Month, culminating with Earth Day on April 22nd. If you're looking for a way to celebrate our beautiful planet, book a trip to one of the awe-inspiring destinations below.Stargaze in southern OregonThe Milky Way shines over the "Oregon Outback" - courtesy of Joey Hamilton/Travel Southern Oregon If you're looking for an amazing stargazing experience, head west to Oregon. A 2.5-million-acre area of southeastern Oregon was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary recently by DarkSky International, making it the world's largest Dark Sky Sanctuary to date. The Sanctuary, which is approximately one-half the size of New Jersey and is located within an area commonly referred to as the Oregon Outback, has committed to protect its starry night skies for the benefit of visitors, residents, and wildlife. A Dark Sky Sanctuary is a certification given by the DarkSky International to public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. To qualify as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, the area must meet strict criteria for sky quality, commit to protecting the night sky through responsible lighting practices, and provide public outreach. These sanctuaries provide opportunities for stargazing, astrophotography, and other nighttime activities that benefit from minimal light pollution. The Outback is located within the largest, contiguous, pristine dark sky zone in the lower 48 states, and this certification helps to protect a large portion of the designated zone. Within the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary (OOIDSS) are the unincorporated communities of Adel, Plush, and Summer Lake, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, a portion of the Fremont-Winema National Forest, nearly 1.7 million acres of land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Summer Lake Wildlife Area, nearly 80,000 acres of state-owned rangeland, and the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway. The intentions behind pursuing a large-scale sanctuary are to protect much of the unique, pristine, dark sky zone, to keep any additional dark sky recreation dispersed (as it is now), to allow a number of incorporated gateway communities to economically benefit from the same project, and to more effectively and efficiently manage a certification within a remote area. “As the population of Oregon and the trend of light pollution continue to rise, the unparalleled scale and quality of the Outback's dark skies will long serve as a starry refuge to people and wildlife alike,” said DarkSky Delegate Dawn Nilson, the environmental consultant who managed and authored the application. “This four-year collaboration brings together so many of the elements we try to achieve in regenerative tourism,” said Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon. “It not only elevates the destination experience for visitors to Lake County and opens up opportunities for local businesses, but it also helps agencies and residents steward their lands in ways that celebrate a legacy of starry night skies for generations to come.” The OOIDSS is situated in the northern extent of the Basin and Range Province of the Western United States. It's sparsely populated, very remote, and primarily comprised of public lands. It's a high desert area characterized by sage scrub and abrupt changes in topography that alternates between narrow faulted mountain chains and flat, arid valleys and basins. Within this unique geography of geological wonders is priority habitat for an array of wildlife, including American pronghorn, bighorn sheep, sage grouse, white-tailed jack rabbit, and migratory birds navigating the Pacific Flyway. The region is also culturally significant and is home to a 13,000-year-old human occupation site. Dispersed within the OOIDSS are hot springs, wild horses, private rangelands, ranches, and cattle. Celebrate Earth Day in Sonoma, California Wildflowers in Sonoma County, California - courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism Celebrate Earth Day with Safari West as they proudly host 35 conservation organizations. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive activities, informative displays, and captivating live animal presentations. Earth Day holds special significance at Safari West. Through initiatives like our Earth Day celebrations, Safari West strives to engage the community in meaningful discussions about sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity. This event is April 20th at 10:00 am. Chanslor Ranch, a historic dairy ranch on coastal route Highway 1 in Bodega Bay, was recently acquired by Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District for use as county regional park, and is now open to the public. Long a privately owned getaway known primarily for horseback trail rides, the 378-acre ranch across Highway 1 from Bodega Dunes and Salmon Creek state beaches is now in county hands and open to the public. Visitors can hike 4.5 miles of trail leading up coastal hills, down to Salmon Creek and around the rugged landscape, which is bounded in part by the creek. Horseback riding is available through Five Brooks Bodega Bay. The land is known for a diversity of habitats, from wetlands to coastal prairie, as well as many plants and animals. The wetlands are a stopover for migrating birds, as well. Hike, bike, and explore Williamsburg, Virginia A creek winds through the woods in Williamsburg, Virginia by Mayer Tawfik - Unsplash Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown offer adventure seekers plenty of reasons to get outdoors. Whether hiking scenic trails, biking unexpected paths, or exploring its waterways, Williamsburg has no shortage of outdoor activities. Walkers and more experienced hikers can find ample trails to enjoy. At Waller Mill Park, walkers explore a 3.7-mile paved trail with lake views and a 2.5-mile wooded path. There is also plenty to discover while walking through Freedom Park, where multiple trails wind around historic relics and Williamsburg Botanical Garden offers 18 different habitats along the pathways. Hikers can head to Lookout Tower and take in its panoramic views of the woods and lake or trek the Powhatan Creek Trail on a 696-foot-long timber bridge and take in some of Virginia’s most scenic vistas filled with ponds, wetlands, forests, and wildlife. For bikers, the Colonial Parkway links the three destinations with a beautiful 23-mile ride. In Williamsburg, cyclists on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail pedal its 3.5-mile loop, with markers along the way pinpointing environmental, historical, and area wildlife points of interest. For more adventurous mountain bikers, Williamsburg’s New Quarter Park is a six mile, single-loop trail that shouldn’t be missed. It follows the contours of a natural ravine before sliding into tight turns and climbing with elevated platforms and ramps. Multiple trails, ranging in distance and skill level, are also available at York River State Park. Black Bear Run is excellent for beginners, with only slight elevations and obstacles. For the advanced rider, the Marl Ravine Trail twists and turns as it follows steep ravines cut into ancient shell deposits. Bikers on the The Historic Jamestowne Bike Trail take in views of Jamestown island, James River, the marshlands, and regenerating forests. Also in Jamestown, The Virginia Capital Trail is a 51.7-mile, fully paved trail running through four jurisdictions, with dozens of attractions along the way. In Yorktown, visitors bike past quaint shops, beautiful river views, and a scenic beach. Several marked paths are also available to bicyclists on Yorktown Battlefield, including the seven-mile Battlefield Tour and nine-mile Encampment Tour. Surrounded by the James, York, and Chickahominy Rivers, visitors can explore the region’s shores. The water trails around Williamsburg are ideal for canoers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. Visitors can rent rowboats, canoes, and pedal boats at Waller Mill Park, or kayaks and canoes from Chickahominy Riverfront Park’s facilities, while Bay Country Kayaking offers guided excursions. Those looking to explore by boat can enjoy sightseeing cruises with York River Charters, Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours, Yorktown Sailing Charters, and Williamsburg Charter Sails. Fishing for bass, perch, catfish, and other species is popular in the waters around Williamsburg. Little Creek Reservoir Park is a scenic spot overlooking a 996-acre reservoir. Freshwater and saltwater meet at York River State Park, a marshy preserve with three different areas for anglers. And Jamestown Beach Event Park benefits from a newly restored beachfront, paddle-craft launch, and a designated fishing area.Go birding and see nature-inspired art in FloridaA spoonbill feeds at the sunset in St. Augustine Beach, Florida by Alla Kemelmakher - Unsplash Enjoy fresh ocean air and the beautiful coastline of Florida. Sailors can mark their calendars for St. Augustine Race Week from April 6th to April 13th. If two feet on land is more your speed, there are a host of road and trail runs! Check out the Spud Run 5K and Cabbage Crawl and Race to the Taste 5K. For a two-wheeled adventure, the 12th Annual Spoonbills and Sprockets Cycling Tour on April 20th starts at Marineland and winds its way through St. Augustine, the Hammock, and Flagler Beach. Spoonbills are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the 2024 Florida's Birding & Photo Festival on April 24th through 28th. This jam-packed festival has over 100 events focused on birding and outdoor photography. For those interested in more terrestrial pursuits, the Earth Day Celebration at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park celebrates the symbiotic relationship between us and the Earth. The Plein Air Paint Out on Apr 24th to 28th is a favorite of artists, encouraging painters to venture outdoors and be inspired by the beauty of Florida's Historic Coast. Makers, artisans, and crafters offer their finest products April 13 & 14 at the Arts & Crafts Show at St. Augustine Beach.

If you're planning a trip to the theme parks in Orlando, Florida, be sure to check out what is coming to Universal Studios this year and next. New celebrations, attractions, and environments are launching, including a festive culinary season, DreamWorks-themed land, and a dragon-lovers paradise. Spring means "Butterbeer Season" at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Butterbeer season at Universal Orlando - courtesy of Universal Orlando For the first time ever, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will celebrate Butterbeer™ Season, offering fans and guests a chance to enjoy Butterbeer in all-new ways within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,™” beginning March 15 and continuing through April 30, 2024. The celebration also marks the introduction of Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream counter within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood. Opening on Friday, March 29, the all-new venue, located in Honeydukes™, will feature 10 decadent and savory soft serve ice cream flavors, including Butterbeer, Banana, Chocolate, Mint, Orange, Vanilla, Toffee Nut, Granny Smith Apple, Pistachio and Toffee Apple, served in a cup or waffle cone. With a flavor reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread, Butterbeer is a perfectly fine-tuned Wizarding World treat that includes cold, frozen, hot and non-dairy Butterbeer beverages along with Butterbeer fudge, potted cream and ice cream. Throughout Butterbeer Season, both destinations will roll out delectable treats, including an ice lolly which features the rich palate pleasing Butterbeer flavor in popsicle form, in addition to the traditional items served daily. Plus, new Butterbeer caramels will only be available at Universal Orlando Resort. For a limited time only during this festive period, cold and frozen Butterbeer will be available for purchase in a special collectible silver stein. Guests at Universal Orlando Resort can enjoy Butterbeer and celebrate the season at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade” at Universal Islands of Adventures as well as at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley™” at Universal Studios Florida. For more information about “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com, and at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com. Butterbeer Season is a new global franchise initiative to annually celebrate the flavor, scent and look of the iconic beverage fans will recognize from the magical wizarding world. Butterbeer was first introduced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and quickly became a fan favorite symbol of joy, comfort, warmth and togetherness. Fans who longed for the opportunity to enjoy the beverage have loved the varied Butterbeer offerings currently available at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Destinations & Experiences global theme parks, Warner Bros. Studio Tours in Hollywood, Tokyo and London, and many of the Harry Potter touring experiences around the world. Now, every March through early May, fans around the world will have the opportunity to experience Butterbeer in new and unexpected ways during Butterbeer Season. Look out for new treats, limited-edition products, events, and activations to celebrate the joy of Butterbeer. Favorite animated characters from DreamWorks come alive this summer Shrek's Swamp Meet - courtesy of Universal Orlando This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will debut DreamWorks Land – a vibrant new themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. Located in the Universal Studios Florida theme park, the expansive area will feature tons of fun for the entire family and include a family-friendly coaster, multiple interactive play areas, live entertainment, character meet and greets and more. As soon as guests step into the spectacular new land, the vivid world and imagination of DreamWorks Animation will surround them as they embark on exciting adventures like exploring Shrek’s Swamp just outside of his 35-foot-tall cottage, taking a ride on a dazzling Trollercoaster, interacting with Po in the Panda Village and meeting favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse. Guests will also discover unique treats, photo-op-worthy murals, interactive play areas, splash pads and entertainment offerings themed to popular DreamWorks stories and characters. Here are more details about the enchanting and playful new experiences coming to DreamWorks Land: For Shrek fans: Like ogres and onions, guests can peel back layers of fun in Shrek’s oasis to discover “ogre-the-top” adventures at every turn. Shrek’s Swamp Meet: Guests can visit Shrek’s Swamp Meet to interact with beloved characters Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey, the noble steed eager to joke around and converse with guests, just outside of Shrek’s cottage.Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres: This ogre-sized play area features four fun slides, wet play areas and a playground where guests can climb, bounce and splash around as well as venture into Shrek’s outhouse.Mama Luna Feline Fiesta: The blockbuster film, Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish, comes to life with this new interactive experience that takes place in Mama Luna’s retirement home for cats. Here, guests get to play with Mama Luna’s many cats on vivid interactive screens activated by buttons, bells, maracas and levers. They might even spot the one and only Puss in Boots himself.King Harold’s Swamp Symphony: Guests can create their own melodious masterpiece as they trigger a choir of ever-changing frog ribbits by continually stomping on an array of interactive lily pads.Swamp Snacks: Families can feast like an ogre at this new kiosk, which will serve scrumptious snacks inspired by Shrek, including Shrekzel, Far Far A Waffle, Frozen Ogre and more. For TROLLS fans: A magnificent fountain featuring favorite Trolls characters Poppy and Branch sits at the center of the Trolls Village where “fantastamazing” energy flows and guests can relax and “find their happy place.” Trolls Trollercoaster: After strolling through a dazzling marquee starring cherished Trolls characters Poppy, Viva, Tiny Diamond, Satin and Chenille, guests of all ages can take a ride on the iconic Caterbus escaping evil spiders as they speed along a bright orange and yellow track aboard this family-friendly rollercoaster.Poppy’s Playground: Nestled under a giant, 20-foot mushroom is Poppy’s Playground – a shaded play area featuring colorful flowers and bugs with a bountiful array of fun bouncing and climbing structures for the youngest of trolls.Trolls Treats: Poppy’s boombox from Trolls Band Together has been transformed into a playful kiosk that offers up brightly colored Trolls ice cream treats inspired by Poppy and Branch like the pink lemonade-flavored Poppy-licious Pink and huckleberry-flavored BroZone Berry.High Five Hideaway: Cloud Guy hosts this all-new retail location featuring the latest merchandise including apparel, plush and accessories from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Gabby’s Dollhouse and more. For Kung Fu Panda fans: Guests embark on thrilling and fun adventures alongside the lovable panda Po from the action-packed world of the Kung Fu Panda movies. Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp: Inspired by the hit Kung Fu Panda films, this all-new play area brings the Panda Village to life like never before. Within both wet and dry play areas, guests have the opportunity to help the pandas wash and dry their laundry with enormous water cannons, dump buckets, giant fans and more. Guests will also encounter fun elements throughout the experience, including an interactive gong, mischievous, giggling baby pandas, and oversized merry-go-round noodle bowls from Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.Po Live!: This digital, interactive meet and greet experience gives guests the opportunity to interact with the famous Dragon Warrior himself as he teaches them cool Kung Fu moves, cooks some delicious stir fry and babysits his little cousin, Ling Ling…all at the same time. DreamWorks Land will also feature additional opportunities for guests to meet and interact with beloved characters through extraordinary live entertainment, including: DreamWorks Imagination Celebration: Popular DreamWorks Animation stories leap off the screen and come to life in DreamWorks Imagination Celebration. The multisensory adventure combines hit pop songs, high-energy dancing, advanced technology, and more to create an imaginative party atmosphere that will transport guests to the worlds of their favorite characters within the all-new DreamWorks Theater.DreamWorks Character Zone: At DreamWorks Character Zone, guests can meet, greet and interact with their favorite DreamWorks characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and more. Dragon-lovers unite for this epic 2025 launch Artist rendering of Isle of Berk - courtesy of Universal Orlando Universal Orlando Resort invites guests of all ages to soar with dragons in a colorful, fully-alive world filled with Viking adventures in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk – one of the five worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park opening in 2025. Here, guests will see what it’s like to live amongst dragons as they explore a larger-than-life world that includes exciting attractions, beloved character meet-and-greets, dining, shopping – and even flying dragons – based on DreamWorks Animation’s multi-award winning and Academy Award-nominated trilogy, “How to Train Your Dragon.” Developed in partnership between Universal Creative and the powerhouse filmmakers from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk captures the heart, humor and scale of the films within an authentic re-creation of the rugged, rocky world where raucous Vikings and rambunctious dragons live together in hilarious harmony. Guests visiting Berk will encounter one of the most breathtaking environments Universal has ever created – complete with immense architecture featuring hand-carved details, lush landscaping, and extraordinary heights of rolling hills surrounding vibrant dragon houses and local establishments. And everywhere guests look within the bustling village, they’ll find endless activity – from active dragons in their natural habitats and sheep attempting to disguise themselves as Terrible Terror dragons to sporadic bouts of fire – making Isle of Berk an attraction unto itself. Guests’ first sight of Berk will be reminiscent of the iconic sweeping vista straight from the films – featuring a vast sparkling lagoon that boasts two 40-foot-tall Viking statues set against an energetic village perched above churning seas. Guests will discover four attractions, one live show, and several character and dragon meet-and-greet experiences that offer something for every member of the family, including: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – On this family thrill coaster, Hiccup invites brave new Vikings to take a ride in his latest glider contraption – a winged flying machine that launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the sky for a dragon’s eye view of Berk. Guests will fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless and reach speeds up to 45 mph as they soar around the perimeter of Berk – and even through the lagoon – while experiencing firsthand what it’s like to fly on a dragon.The Untrainable Dragon – Inspired by Universal Beijing Resort’s wildly successful “Untrainable” show, this dragon-filled live spectacular takes guests on an unforgettable journey with beloved characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid as they work together to solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon. This heartwarming story comes to life with captivating musical numbers, breathtaking sets and life-sized dragons soaring overhead.Fyre Drill – Mischievous Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut invite teams of Vikings to compete to outscore and out-soak each other on this wet-and-wild boat battle. Guests will board a colorful dragon-headed boat and blast water cannons at flame-like targets to practice putting out fires – a crucial skill to master when living with dragons.Dragon Racer’s Rally – Berk’s new Vikings racers can practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on two Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that reach heights of up to 67 feet in the air. Guests can control how “wild” or “mild” their experience will be as they perform high-flying, gravity-defying, swooping and soaring skills that are necessary to earn the accolades worthy of a true champion dragon racer.Viking Training Camp – Junior Vikings will learn everything they need to know about dragons as they climb, slide and explore their way through this sprawling interactive adventure play camp – featuring a Viking agility course, a Toothless-themed teeter-totter, baby Gronckle dragon climbers and so much more.Meet Hiccup and Toothless – Guests can visit the Haddock Paddock for an incredible meet-and-greet experience with heroic Dragon Rider, Hiccup, and pose for a photo with his friendly Night Fury, Toothless. Plus, throughout the day, guests may also encounter other familiar Vikings and dragons while exploring Berk. Guests can also dine and shop like Vikings in the world’s variety of themed eateries and retail locations, including: Mead Hall – The beating heart of Berk and the village’s main gathering hall, Mead Hall is where guests can feast like a Viking and enjoy a savory menu featuring a variety of meats, fish, sandwiches and more along with a collection of meads and ciders.Spit Fyre Grill – Overlooking the action of the Fyre Drill water attraction, Spit Fyre Grill is a quick-service dining location featuring delicious, hearty meals flame-seared by a helpful (unseen) dragon fry cook.Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel – Guests can grab quick bites at this festive racing-themed food stand located in the Viking Camp.And after a day of dragon training, guests can commemorate their lessons with an array of merchandise available at highly-themed shops like Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’ Treasures.

As the seasons change, campgrounds will begin to fill up with families and outdoor adventurists looking to take advantage of warm weather and sunny days. While camping itself offers plenty to do on its own — including nature activities and bonding with family and friends — booking a location near other fun events or entertainment can break up the monotony of a typical trip. This spring, add a little extra flair to your average family camping adventure and make a plan to visit these campsites below, which include access to unique music festivals, Easter celebrations, and more. Experience other-worldly cave tours and a unique festival A campfire by Matt Whitacre - Unsplash In Pelham, Tennessee, CaveJam, a new 3-day, multi-stage camping festival features headliner The String Cheese Incident and an incredible line-up of bands both above and below ground at The Caverns over Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2024. CaveJam will offer a variety of VIP glamping options in addition to everything else that makes The Caverns such a unique destination venue, from otherworldly cave tours and a spacious campground with a vibrant vendor alley to the stunning views surrounding the venue’s outdoor amphitheater where guests can spread out, dance, savor food truck fare, and enjoy the music. And of course, the crown jewel of The Caverns experience remains seeing live music inside a beautiful cave. General admission tickets begin around $149, but kids 12 and under are admitted free to the event. For those looking to book a glamping experience, CaveJam VIP packages include four nights of lodging in yurts, canvas bell tents, or large pitched tents, VIP tickets, and the following:Thursday early access Yurt Village or VIP Village.Exclusive viewing areas at the Amphitheater Stage including viewing from the VIP tent close to the stage as well as exclusive access to an elevated tier at rear of the venue for a unique bird’s eye view of the stage.Guaranteed tickets to The String Cheese Incident’s special late night cave set on Sunday night (5/26).Exclusive access to VIP Restroom Trailers in the campground and amphitheater, and VIP Shower Units in the campground.Catered brunch each morning (Sat., Sun., & Mon). Roll out of your yurt/tent to a nice, locally sourced meal to start each day off right.Locally sourced catered meals each evening (Fri., Sat.,& Sun.) in the tent overlooking the stage. We’ll keep you full & energized.Private VIP cash bar & daily Happy Hour discounts, late night campground snacks & activities on Friday and Saturday, and free canned drinking water in the Campground.Free chair massages from our roaming massage therapist. Sit back & enjoy a relaxing massage while enjoying amazing tunes.Charging stations in The Caverns Amphitheater and campground.Two (2) CaveJam commemorative T-shirts; two (2) CaveJam commemorative posters; two (2) CaveJam VIP lanyards; two (2) CaveJam stickers.VIP Liaisons to assist you during your stay. Hunt for Easter eggs (even after Easter) Easter egg hunts are being held through late spring - courtesy of Jellystone Park-Camp Resorts With more than 75 locations across the United States and Canada, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts feature fun attractions such as pools and water slides, non-stop family activities, up-close fun with Yogi Bear characters, and glamping-style accommodations. Easter egg decorating contests, egg hunts with Yogi Bear, visits by the Easter Bunny and Easter-themed games are just a few of the activities that await families at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort locations across the country during Easter weekend. “Our Easter-themed activities are so popular that some of our northern locations with later opening dates offer them in May and June so families don’t miss out on the fun,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Camp Jellystone, the Southfield, Michigan-based company that franchises Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. While most Jellystone Park locations offer Easter egg hunts and craft activities, specific activities vary by location. Here’s a sampling of some of the Easter-themed events and activities taking place at Jellystone Park locations across the United States this year: Caledonia, Wisconsin: This location celebrates Easter the first weekend in May with a blending of springtime and Halloween festivities called “Spring-o-Ween.” Dress up in your favorite spring-themed or spooky costume and strut your stuff through a costume parade and then trick-or-treat throughout the park. There will also be an Easter egg hunt and candy bar bunny races.Bostic, North Carolina: This location celebrates Easter with an Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny.Burleson, Texas: Easter weekend events at this location include Easter-themed crafts, Easter egg relay races, a “Tip the Easter Basket” group game,” a scavenger hunt, a marshmallow eating contest, and a “Hop & Treat” event, the park’s spin on a traditional Easter egg hunt.Horn Lake, Mississippi: Easter weekend at this location includes an Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny.Lodi, California: This location will have an Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny.Mill Run, Pennsylvania: Activities at this location include egg coloring, cookie decorating, a jelly bean guessing contest, an Easter egg hunt, candy bar bingo, an Easter basket raffle, and a magical Easter basket ride.Sioux Falls, South Dakota: This location celebrates an Easter Eggstravaganza Week beginning May 28th. Activities include Easter crafts, bunny games, and a flashlight Easter egg hunt with Yogi Bear. Parents can also order Easter baskets to be delivered by the Easter Bunny.Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin: This location celebrates Easter the weekend of June 7-9 with an Easter egg hunt with Yogi Bear and a dance party on Saturday night.Tabor City, North Carolina: This location celebrates Easter with egg hunts for all ages — and even one for dogs. The Jellystone Park characters will be delivering Easter baskets and there will be games of “Chocolate Bunny Bingo.”Williamsport, Maryland: This location celebrates Easter with an Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny.Waller, Texas: An Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny top the list of activities planned at this location. Listen to bluegrass, jazz, and more A camping tent in the mountains by Christopher Jolly - Unsplash Several the Spacious Skies campgrounds along the eastern US are near excellent local music festivals. The Blooms, Bluegrass and BBQ Festival near Spacious Skies Belle Ridge in Monterey, Tennessee takes place in early May. To the north in Winchester, Virginia, and near the Shenandoah Views campground in Luray, there's also Fiddles & Fifths in early June which combines bluegrass and bourbon tastings. Further south, Savannah Oaks is conveniently located near The Savannah Music Festival, a multi-week event from late March to mid-April with top jazz, classical and acoustic artists. Bringing along pets? You can take in Adirondack Woof Stock in early June near Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks in North Hudson, New York where events include blessings of the animals, K9 police demonstrations, pet adoptions and grooming, costume contests and more. There will also be music that you would have heard from the original Woodstock.

Easter is a big consumer holiday that rakes in billions and gives Americans toothaches on an annual basis. In fact, 81% of Americans celebrated the holiday last year, and consumers are expected to spend $22 billion on it this year. Outside of this consumerism, though, Easter is an especially important day for Christians everywhere. In order to determine the best cities for celebrating Easter, WalletHub compared the 100 most populated cities across four key dimensions: 1) Easter Observers, 2) Easter Traditions, 3) Kids’ Easter and 4) Easter Weather. They then evaluated those dimensions using 11 relevant metrics, such as the number of churches, the size of the Christian population, the number of chocolate shops and gift shops, and Easter weather forecasts. “The best cities for Easter cater to the religious nature of the holiday by offering plenty of opportunities for Christians to attend services, and they also provide the resources for people to have a great time with their family regardless of religious affiliation. That means lots of places to get some sweet treats or dine out, as well as good weather conditions and nice open spaces for Easter egg hunts," says Cassandra Happe, WalletHub analyst. Don't want to travel far? Don't worry—there are cities all over the country with great activities and ways to celebrate. Take some notes from Dr. Kerri Camp, professor at the University of Texas at Tyler: "Travel costs during the Easter Holiday are impacted by supply and demand. Costs this year are expected to be slightly higher than last year due to rising fuel costs and increases in baggage fees for flights. If Easter travel plans include driving, consumers should consider carpooling with others to share the costs of travel or consider closer destinations. For those consumers wanting to travel by air, comparison shopping of airlines and the days of the week for travel could result in some savings. Additionally, because of recent increases in baggage fees for several airlines, consumers should try to travel lighter than normal and carry their luggage rather than checking bags at an extra cost." Some of the top spots to celebrate this holiday are below—but for the full report on how each city fared, head to WalletHub. #7. Honolulu, Hawaii Scoring 5th place in the "Easter traditions" category and 4th for kid-friendly activities, this Hawaiian city makes a festive destination for an Easter celebration. This tropical destination also tied in first place for most flower and gift shops per capita, making it easy to put together fun Easter baskets and gifts, or simply decorating for an enjoyable holiday weekend. Honolulu also tied for first place when it came to the most candy and chocolate stores per capita—but don't worry, parents; you can always counter all the sweet treats with healthier island cuisine featuring fresh fruit and seafood catches! #6. Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia by Joey Kyber - Unsplash Atlanta took first place in the Easter traditions category; the city has a plethora of options for Easter meals and brunches at restaurants, as well as options for purchasing sweets and decor. Being located in the South, Atlanta also ranked 22nd in the "Easter observers" category, thanks to its churches and Christian population. Many places are throwing special holiday brunches, Easter egg hunts are plentiful, and other themed activities can be found all over the city this holiday weekend. #5. El Paso, Texas This border city ranked well in almost all categories, scoring a 7th place rank in "Easter observers," 11th in "Kid's Easter," and 17th in "Easter traditions." El Paso has the 3rd largest Christian population by percentage, and especially has a strong Catholic population in part due to its larger Latin American immigrant community. #4. Orlando, Florida Easter decor by Sebastian Staines - Unsplash Okay, Orlando is always a good place to celebrate, holiday or not. It ranked 2nd in the Easter traditions category, and tied for first place for the most flower and gift shops per capita. With its typically warm weather and a local population that celebrates the holiday, it can be a uniquely fun time of year to visit this family-friendly destination. #3. Buffalo, New York Buffalo is the third-best city for celebrating Easter, boasting the second-highest number of churches per capita and the fifth-highest share of the population identifying as Christian, at over 55%. Buffalo residents also search Google for “Easter dinner” more than residents of many other cities, which shows that a lot of people are planning celebrations. The city has a lot of candy and chocolate shops per capita, too. #2. Birmingham, Alabama A church decorated for Easter by Tucker Good - Unsplash Birmingham is the second-best city for Easter, largely due to the fact that it’s a very Christian city. It has the most churches per capita, and over 52% of the population is Christian, the sixth-highest rate in the country. There are lots of choices when it comes to Good Friday and Easter Sunday services as a result. On top of that, Birmingham has a lot of flower and gift shops per capita, allowing people to spruce up their celebrations. See where all the Easter bunny sightings, egg hunts, and more are happening here. #1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh is the best city for celebrating Easter, in part because it has some of the most churches per capita and a very high share of the population identifying as Christian, so there’s a lot of people celebrating and plenty of places for them to worship. The Steel City also has some of the most candy shops per capita and a high number of chocolate shops per capita, so it’s easy to sweeten the celebration. Pittsburgh also has some of the most flower and gift shops per capita, so decorating is easy, and Easter is projected to have pretty good weather as well. Here's a list of family-friendly events happening in Pittsburgh this year. —For the full rankings, visit WalletHub.