I have so many cherished memories of Easter Sundays as a child—waking up to find a beautiful basket filled with goodies, slipping into my brand-new spring dress while Mom carefully fixed my hair, and heading off to Easter church service. I could hardly sit still, though, with my mind racing about what surprises awaited me in that basket and the excitement of hunting for Easter eggs and anything else the “Easter Bunny” had hidden outside.
Of course, as an adult, I now understand that Easter is about so much more than candy and colorful eggs. Easter Sunday carries deep cultural and emotional significance for many and is celebrated worldwide. Over time, the holiday has evolved beyond its Christian roots, embracing diverse traditions that symbolize hope and togetherness. Across the globe, Easter is marked by unique customs that blend religious beliefs with local traditions, making each celebration special in its own way.
Why do we celebrate with Easter eggs? They symbolize renewal and new life and are said to represent the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (the yolk, white, and shell). Decorating them is a very common tradition from very intricate techniques to simply dying and painting them, as we do in the U.S. Many celebrations, like at the White House, have children roll the eggs which is said to represent the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’s tomb. The White House Egg Roll dates back to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes agreed to open the White House the Monday following Easter to all children who wanted to roll Easter eggs.
Even if you don’t celebrate Easter for religious reasons, it can serve as a reminder of renewal, connection, and reflection. Whether through church services, sharing a meal with family and friends, or enjoying playful traditions like Easter baskets and egg hunts, this season offers a special opportunity to come together and celebrate in meaningful ways.
We wanted to share some of the fantastic activities happening in Panama City Beach this Easter weekend.
Camp Helen State Park
Where: Camp Helen State Park, 23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL
Date: 4/19/25
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Camp Helen State Park is hosting their annual Easter egg scavenger hunt on 4/19/25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park. Families can check their children in at any time throughout the posted event time to participate.
Then grab an age group egg hunt card and participate in a color-coded hike which will take you on an educational trip through the park. You then return your cards and eggs when you’re finished, and you’ll receive a special prize!
While the event is free, there is a fee to enter the park, which is $4 per vehicle and $1 for a bicyclist or pedestrian.
Panama City Beach Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach
Date: 4/19/25
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thousands of eggs will be hidden at Frank Brown Park for your children, 10 and under, to find! With that many eggs up for grabs, it’s a great opportunity for all of the kids to find some eggs!
There will also be photos with the Easter Bunny, to cherish those moments!
Dog Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Russell-Fields Pier, Panama City Beach, FL
When: 4/12/25
I bet your fur babies would love to hunt for some goodies on Easter! Bring your furry friend and hunt for eggs this Easter at Russell-Fields Pier, the Dog Beach of Panama City Beach! Located at the end of Pier Park Drive. For more information, please visit pcbfl.gov.
Easter Celebration at Schooners
Where: Schooners, 5121 Gulf Drive PCB, FL
Date: 04/19/25
Each year, Schooners hosts a fabulous Easter celebration featuring a giant sand sculpture, live music, and the Little Locals Beach Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. The pristine, sandy white beach in front of Schooners is the ideal site for an “old fashion” Easter Egg Hunt with prizes and trophies awarded in each division.
For more information about this fun event, be sure to visit their website at Schooner.com.
