Hi everyone!
Guess what? Audrey totally thought she was off the hook for at least a few weeks after that fantastic post she wrote for us last week about the all those renovations to Imagine Nation. But then I asked her if she could possibly check out one of the many Easter activities going on in our area, and let’s just say she was ready to hop to it.
So today we’re lucky enough to have Audrey and Bug back on the blog giving us a personal tour of the greater Hartford area’s latest real estate development, Bunnyville, where kiddos can explore the colorful scene and, of course, have their picture taken with that special somebunny 🙂
Enjoy!
I received a complimentary photo package for the purpose of writing this blog post. All opinions are 100% my own.
It’s that time again, ladies and gentlemen! Time to get the kids decked out in their Sunday finest and snag a time-honored family keepsake that surely heralds the long-awaited arrival of spring. It is time, of course, for photos with the Easter Bunny!
Warmer weather, open-toed shoes, and all things pastel here we come! Now as every parent knows, these excursions can either spell “fun” or “disaster”…and often a little of both…but the folks at Westfarms in West Hartford have surely increased the odds of fun being had by all with the adorable, candy-colored Bunnyville.
Bunnyville and photos with the Easter Bunny are located in the center court of the mall, just like the winter wonderland and pictures with Santa around Christmastime. It was pouring the day Bug and I made our trip, so we parked in the Nordstrom/Lord & Taylor parking garage just like Mandy did in her 2011 post about holiday shopping with littles in tow, but instead of entering the mall through Nordstrom, we passed through Lord & Taylor. This turned out to be a great move because Bunnyville is a straight shot from Lord & Taylor’s lower level mall entrance. You can’t miss it.
Though Bunnyville doesn’t seem quite as involved as the Santa setup I’ve seen at Westfarms in the past, there are some fun and colorful sights to entertain kids as they wait to have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny.
Bunnyville features such punny businesses as the Hoppin’ Fresh Bakery, Hare Salon, and 24 Carrot Bank as well as a smattering of Easter eggs.
Bug was slightly confused about why the Easter eggs didn’t have any treats in them, but he quickly accepted my explanation that the eggs aren’t filled with treats until the Easter holiday actually arrives. Crisis averted. However, because we were there at a quiet time of day (around 1:30 on the Friday the Easter Bunny arrived at Westfarms), we hung out at Bunnyville for a bit while Bug warmed up to the idea of having his picture taken with the main Bun in charge himself…and he decided to collect all of the empty eggs anyway.
And speaking of the Easter Bunny…because we were the only act in town for at least a little while, Bug got some quality one-on-one time!
Bug accepting his free gift (while supplies last) from the Easter Bunny.
Which, funny enough, I think may have slightly intimidated my sensitive guy. Normally he really doesn’t mind being the center of attention, nor has he shown any real fear in similar situations in the past, but Bug was not all that into having his picture taken with the Easter Bunny on this particular day. Maybe he simply felt a little put on the spot. Regardless, the staff and Easter Bunny were patient and kind and, after watching a couple of other kids (and adults) have their pictures taken, Bug decided he was ready.
And the results are adorable, if I do say so myself!
I know I’m biased, but that’s one cute kid. Look at that dimple!
Bug wanted me to be nearby so, even though you can’t see it, I am actually crouched just outside of the frame. And let me just say, these people are not rookies. My child was hesitant and did not sit still long, but they still captured a great photo! On top of that, the Easter Bunny was so sweet. A little birdie told me he even has experience with children with special needs, which was wonderful to hear.
There are photo packages available for purchase (you choose and print the photos right there, so there’s no waiting) and each purchase comes with a free gift from Bunnyville sponsor and maker of fine 3D greeting cards, Lovepop. You can also buy a variety of “Bunny & Me” merchandise including keychains, magnetic frames, and photo globes.
After bidding farewell to the Easter Bunny and re-hiding all of the eggs we’d gathered during our visit, we made a quick stop at the Starbucks kiosk conveniently located right next to Bunnyville. This was an occasion that simply demanded a cakepop.
I may have had one too. There is also a family restroom very close by (down the hallway next to Gymboree), which we also visited. Bug and I then spent almost another hour hanging around the mall like a couple of teenagers (if that’s something kids even do anymore). Since it wasn’t all that busy, it was fun! There’s a Disney Store on the upper level near Macy’s and, visible from Bunnyville itself, there’s a Lego store near Center Court on the lower level. In the Lego store there are, of course, Legos for purchase but there are also a couple of Lego play areas and a Duplo play area as well.
Bug was even given a FREE Lego Batman mask to take home! Best. Mall. Trip. EVER.
I’ll admit that we may have lucked out with that one…I don’t know that getting free goodies is a common occurrence, but other kids visiting at the same time we were there got them too! Life is simply about being in the right place at the right time, am I right?
And even though Bug was a tad timid during his visit with the Easter Bunny, the overall experience was very positive. A couple of days later he was even talking about wanting to send a card to the Easter Bunny so that he’d get it before he came to our house to leave eggs. Ah, the magic of childhood. It’s enough to get a grouchy, “what do you mean there’s a chance for SNOW in the 10-day forecast?!” mamma in a fine, springtime mood.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our 2017 Easter Activities Guide for even more Easter fun!
More about Audrey: Audrey Beatty is a work-at-home mom and proud CT native. Before becoming a mother, Audrey made her career working in marketing and development capacities at various notable nonprofits including The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts and Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network. Audrey now works from home assisting with grant writing for CPBN. Additionally, she manages a direct sales business as a consultant for Norwex, helping create safe havens by sharing practical, cost-effective cleaning and personal care products that reduce household chemicals and waste. She also volunteers doing fundraising and volunteer recruitment for local arts-for-youth organization, Epoch Arts. In her (incredibly precious) spare time, she loves birding with her husband, painting, and playing outside with her son. Audrey is a regular contributor to Out and About Mom. Read all of Audrey’s posts here.
Bunnyville at Westfarms Mall
Center Court
1500 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, Connecticut
Phone: (860) 561-3024
You can also find them on Facebook.
Hours:
Mall hours (2017):
Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Bunnyville schedule (2017):
March 24-April 15, 2017
Monday-Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Pricing:
Photo package pricing for 2017 is available here.
Details:
Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: YES
Baby Changing Station: YES
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: YES
Outside Food Allowed: YES
Cash Required: NO
Dress Code: Dress for pictures!
Age Recommendation: Are you ever too old to take a photo with the Easter Bunny? We think not 🙂
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Birthday Party Venue: N/A
Discounts: N/A
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