While access to the traditional White House Easter Egg Roll this year will be restricted to 18,000 ticketed military personnel, there are still plenty of free children’s activities planned around town for the holiday that are open to all. Here are just a few of the major ones:

• The District’s other – less publicized but no less traditional – Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of Frederick Douglass’ Cedar Hill mansion in Historic Anacostia will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 21. As usual, the event will take place on the hill behind the mansion at 1411 W St. SE and is open to the public. There is no rain date. Additional information or directions are available by calling the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site at (202) 426-5961.
• On Capitol Hill, an "Easter Eggstravaganza" is planned at Lincoln Park from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 19, rain or shine. Toddlers through fifth graders are welcome to participate in the free events, which will include an Easter egg hunt, face painting, games and prizes. A life-size Easter bunny also will attend. The activities, sponsored by National Community Church, will be in the park located between 11th and 13th streets NE at East Capitol Street.
• In Historic Takoma, an"Egg-stravaganza" will feature family activities for children ages 3-14 starting at 10 a.m. on April 19 at the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library, 416 Cedar St. NW. The annual egg hunt will begin promptly at 10, with egg dying and other egg-related crafts to follow. Children 9-14 may register to participate in a "library scavenger hunt" by calling Children’s Librarian Rhona Campbell at (202) 576-7486.

Copyright 2003, The Common Denominator