I never understood why families had their holiday meals catered—and then 2020 came along and I’m still recovering from all the dishes I’ve done over the last year with everyone eating at home more than we ever did before. With our family of six, you get it, I’m never caught up in the kitchen.
So this year, I decided to throw in the (dish)towel, and finally see why it’s worth splurging on a made-for-us holiday meal and experience. It’s more than just a meal—there are signature holiday events that could be a fun tradition to share with your family (and take one more thing off mom’s to-do list, let’s be real, Christmas wasn’t that long ago and I’m still recovering from all the magic I created for my family then!).
I’ve rounded up three unique experiences all off something out of the ordinary because everyone knows where the Honey Baked Ham store is if that’s what you’re looking for!
XO,
Kayla
If you’re feeling fancy and want to wear your Easter best
Easter at The Princess, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Adults: $124 | Children: $59 | Children 5 and under: Free
There’s only one resort with seasonal holiday experiences that’s one-hundred percent worth dealing with kids asking if we’re there yet: Easter at the Princess has you covered!
The Easter Brunch features selections from the resort’s four signature restaurants: Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar and Ironwood American Kitchen, as well as decadent desserts created by the pastry team.
Parent hack: Kids under five are free for brunch and, even better, complimentary access to the resort’s Alice in Wonderland Easter Egg Hunt Adventure is included with Easter Brunch. Yes, it’s splurge-worthy, but it’s the only resort locally we’ve found worth splurging for holiday experiences.
If Dad’s Easter basket is full of craft beers
SanTan Brewing Easter Buffet (Dine-in or Take-out) | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$25 per person
SanTan Brewing has put together an amazing menu and has taken extra safety precautions to keep you safe and happy. Their Easter buffet will be available from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and reservations are recommended you plan on dining in. They’ll have breakfast favorites, a carving station, lunch favorites with a Mexican twist and a dessert bar.
Parent hack: Duh, it’s a brewery. Dads will be glad to get out of the house and pay for Easter brunch if the promise of craft beer is there! 😉
If you’re not ready to cater the whole meal, but need a break
Big Nates Family BBQ smoked hams
Available for pre-order only, the smoked meats that this family-owned (by two in-laws, we’re impressed!!) Northeast Mesa BBQ joint makes are seriously our family’s favorite. They just catered an event for EVM and we were blown away and guests kept asking where the meats were from.
Their Easter hams are $75 and are 15-18 pounds and must be pre-ordered by March 31 for pick-up on April 3.
Parent hack: They’re also doing full classic BBQ Family Meals for pre-order if you’re ready to skip cooking entirely!
If you’re looking for an adventure: Easter Bunny Express Train Ride to Sedona
Saturday, April 3, 2021 | Train departs at 1:00 p.m.
The “hoppiest” celebration is at Verde Canyon Railroad! The 3.5-hour Easter Bunny Express takes you through the beautiful Verde Canyon wilderness. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and have your photo taken with the one-and-only Easter Bunny before the train departs the depot.
The Easter Bunny loves giving out handfuls of treats and armloads of hugs before bidding farewell to everyone on the train as it departs at 1 p.m.
The Easter fun keeps going onboard with a presentation of the winner-take-all jellybean counting contest winner by the Rare Rabbit himself.
Parent hack: Adults can enjoy a Bloody Mary bursting with so many vegetables a rabbit would love it!
Free Easter fun for families:
- City of Chandler annual family easter celebration, April 3
- Town of Queen Creek spring into QC, month-long activities
- Town of Apache Junction egg-cellent scavenger hunt, April 1-4
