Hawthorn to host Easter Bunny for photo opportunities

VERNON HILLS – Hawthorn Mall, a shopping center in Vernon Hills, invites families to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny in his spring garden on the Lower Level in Macy’s Court between March 18 and April 16.

For nearly a month, the Easter Bunny will be available between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon and 6 p.m. Sunday. Professional digital photo packages begin at $35.

To reduce wait times, families are strongly encouraged to make a reservation in advance of their visit at http://ow.ly/4IM330sa4ph. Walk-up visits will be accommodated on a space-available basis.

Hawthorn Mall also will host a special Sensory Bunny event to give children with special needs and their families the opportunity to enjoy a visit and private photo session with the Easter Bunny. The Sensory Bunny event will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (before the mall opens) April 3. Reservations are required for the event and can be made at http://ow.ly/NEBs30saPrA. No walk-up appointments will be available.

From 4 to 7 p.m. April 4, the community is invited to bring leashed or crated pets for a visit and photo session with the Easter Bunny. Reservations can be made at http://ow.ly/4IM330sa4ph.

Children ages 2 to 7 can participate in the Hawthorn Mall Easter Egg Hunt from 9 to 11 a.m. April 9. Families should check in on the Lower Level in Center Park. The event will be in three locations at Hawthorn Mall – in the Lower Level Kids Play Area near JCPenney for ages 2 to 3, in Center Park for ages 4 to 5 and on the Lower Level in the H&M Court for ages 6 to 7.

There will be one Golden Egg hidden in each age category with a special prize inside. There also will be face painting, balloon twisting, a petting zoo, prizes and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny at about 10 a.m. Registration and a $3 per child fee are required to attend the Easter Egg Hunt. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Lamb’s Farm, a nonprofit providing vocational and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities.

Children participating in the Easter Egg Hunt will receive a Hawthorn Mall bunny bag and a ticket to visit Lamb’s Farm (while supplies last).

To register for the Easter Egg Hunt, visit http://ow.ly/xOyK30sb7rE.

For more information, visit shophawthornmall.com/events/.