Hop on Over to See the Bunny at a Simon Mall Near You

Spring has sprung! Yep, it's that time of year again! I know one of things that Emi enjoys doing is putting on her newest spring dress and visiting the Bunny at The Shops at Mission Viejo. The Bunny Photo Experience begins this year on March 22 and runs through April 19, at all 3 Simon Mall locations in the Southern California area.

The Bunny Photo Experience gives children the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion. The presenting sponsor for the 2014 Bunny Photo Experience is Gymboree. 

Hop on in to the following locations:

• Brea Mall: Begins March 22 and runs through April 19 on the mall’s lower level near the JCPenney wing. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1472396026309210/ for a complete list of dates and times.
• Westminster Mall: Begins Thursday, March 27 at 5 p.m. and runs through Saturday, April 19 at 7 p.m.in Macy’s Court at Westminster Mall. Visit www.facebook.com/events/637522406300826/ for a complete list of dates and times.
• The Shops at Mission Viejo: Begins Saturday, March 22 and runs through April 19 on the center’s lower level, near Nordstrom. Visit www.facebook.com/events/255388734631932/ for a complete list of dates and times.

In addition to regular mall hours for Bunny photos, this will be the first year they'll offer the Caring Bunny™ event The Shops at Mission Viejo. The Caring Bunny™ event will offer families that have children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. Caring Bunny has been developed by SPG and is guided by AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community. Over 80 Simon® properties will host the Caring Bunny this season.

On Sunday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary):

• Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.
• Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called.
• Special activities geared toward the needs of the child during the ‘wait’ period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit.

Simon Kidgits Club Easter Events  

The Simon Kidgits Club® will also host special Easter events in Orange County this April. Participants will receive a Kidgits® Easter bucket and Kidgits bunny ears as a keepsake to take home. The egg-citing celebrations will take place at the following centers:

• Brea Mall: Kidgits Easter Spring Time Fun event on April 12 at noon at the Bunny Photo set, located on the lower level near the JCPenney wing. Kids can participate in various spring and Easter-themed craft-making activities and games.
• Westminster Mall: Kidgits Eggcellent Easter Extravaganza event on April 12, 2014 from 10 a.m. to noon in Target Court. Kids can participate in various activities and games including a bounce house and crafts provided by Westminster Mall retailers.
• The Shops at Mission Viejo: Kidgits Easter Eggstravaganza event on Saturday, April 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the lower level, near Forever 21. Kids can participate in various activities and games including crafts courtesy of the retailers of The Shops at Mission Viejo, entertainment from The Best Bubble Parties and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. The Bubble show starts at approximately 8:45 a.m. and the Easter Bunny will visit with children around 9:30 a.m.

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8.  The Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused for over a decade with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visit www.simon.com/kidgits/.

photos courtesy of Simon Malls