Groups plan egg hunts for kids with special needs

We launched our Go Ask Mom Easter database last week, but I wanted to point out a few events designed for kids with special needs.

Raleigh's Specialized Recreation Egg Hunt is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., March 20, at Laurel Hills Community Center in north Raleigh. Student volunteers from N.C. State will offer seasonal activities and an egg hunt for participants with developmental and/or physical disabilities - up to age 16. Participants must be with an adult parent or guardian, who can complete registration and a waiver on arrival. It's free. Family members are welcome. Call 919-996-2110 for more information.

Cary's 5th annual Easter Eggstravaganza is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 24, at Fred G. Bond Metro Park. The hunt is designed for kids 12 and under with developmental and/or physical disabilities. The evening includes activities and entertainment after the hunt, along with an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny. Bring a basket and a buddy to help, if needed. Egg hunts are at 6:30 p.m. for kids ages 5 and under and 7 p.m. for kids ages 6 to 12. The event is free, but registration is encouraged. Call 919-462-3970 for more information.

The N.C. Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments and the Winston-Salem Police Department Bomb Squad are hosting a series of Beeping Egg Hunts across the state, including one at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, 301 Ashe Ave., Raleigh (across from Pullen Park). It's from 10 a.m. to noon, April 9. The hunt is designed for blind and visually impaired children, adults and their families. Participants (no age limit for this one) will search for beeping eggs and take part in other activities provided by community groups that help children with visual impairments. Registration is required by April 2. Donate $5 for a chance to win an iPad Mini and help support NC-APVI.

For the first time, Apex will offer an Egg-Citing Easter Egg Hunt for kids with special needs. The Easter Bunny will be there. Volunteers will be on hand to help out, but be sure to bring a basket and a buddy, if needed. It's 9 a.m., March 19, for kids 12 and under, at Town Campus, 53 Hunter St., Apex.

And C3 Church in Clayton will host a Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt on March 26. Registration begins at 11 a.m., the hunt starts at noon and a free lunch is provided at 12:30 p.m. The hunt features a variety of ways for kids with special needs to collect Easter eggs. There also will be games and other activities. During the event, each family and child will be paired with a host to assist them through the egg hunt. For parents, there will be a salon offering free haircuts and a lounge where they can relax and be pampered. Local groups who serve the special needs community also will be on hand to offer resources. Pre-register for this event online.