Pre-Easter Family Fun at Anchorage YMCA Lake Otis Pool

The YMCA of Alaska hosted its first-ever underwater Easter egg hunt on April 4, 2026, at the Lake Otis pool in Anchorage. The event, described as an Eggstravaganza in the Pool, provided local families with a submerged pre-Easter activity involving the collection of prizes from the water.

YMCA staff members dressed in various Easter-themed costumes organized the event. After gathering children at the edge of the pool, workers released approximately 1,500 Easter eggs into the water. These eggs contained various prizes that participants could later exchange for treats.

Event Logistics and Participation

The activity took place between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on April 4, 2026. Participation was free for YMCA members, while non-members were charged a fee of $5. Participants were advised to bring a bag or bucket to collect their findings.

Beyond standard prizes, the event featured special incentives. Participants who located a golden egg had the opportunity to win free swimming lessons.

Organizational Response

Amanda Hanley, the Aquatics Director for the YMCA of Alaska, characterized the community reception to the inaugural event as overwhelmingly positive. She noted that the number of attendees was unexpectedly high.

Chaos, but controlled chaos. And so, good chaos is good.

Amanda Hanley, YMCA of Alaska Aquatics Director

Due to the success of the first-time event, Hanley stated that the YMCA intends to hold the underwater egg hunt again next year.

The event was part of a broader Easter weekend schedule at the YMCA of Alaska. On April 4, 2026, the facility operated from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the pools closing one hour prior to the facility’s closing time.