Come one, come all!

The Easter Egg Roll with Dole

Since 2016, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics has included the Easter Egg Roll with Dole in its annual programming. Modeled after the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll, the annual event has drawn over 4,500 guests from throughout eastern Kansas. Be sure to join the Dole Institute for the 9th Annual Easter Egg Roll with Dole on Saturday, April 19!

 

JOIN US

April 19, 2025

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics

The Easter Egg Roll with Dole is free for all to enjoy!

 

 

Special thanks to our partners for the 2025 Easter Egg Roll with Dole

KU Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES)

 

 

All Day Activities

In addition to these special activities and opportunities, guests will be able to participate in activities and opportunities throughout the Institute from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Dottie, the Lawrence Public Library Bookmobile
  • Crafts with the Lawrence Public Library
  • Eastern European Easter Egg Decorating (learn more below)
  • Museum Scavenger Hunts
  • Egg Roll
  • Egg Corral (toddlers only)
  • Outdoor Games
  • Bunny Corral
  • Spring-themed Photo Area

Special Activities

Throughout the day, there will be special activities for children and parents alike to partake in around the Institute.

 

Easter Egg Hunt

East Lawn—10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 12:30 p.m.
There would be no celebration of Easter without a hunt for the eggs! Line up along the starting line on the East Lawn every 30 minutes to find all of the hidden eggs on our grassy hill. Be sure to return the eggs you find for a special prize: a souvenir Golden Egg!

Candy from the egg hunt will be provided in a goody bag as you leave the event.

Storytime

Hansen Hall—10:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
Join Yari from the Lawrence Public Library for a reading of a special spring-themed children’s book!

Special thanks to the Lawrence Public Library for supporting this activity.

 

Live Music

Southeast Lawn—from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Kid-rocker and author Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove has been delighting audiences for over 26 years. His high-energy, interactive concerts have reached audiences throughout North America and Europe, including two performances at The White House Easter Egg Roll. Come prepared to sing and dance during this fun show that will get the whole family rockin’. Check out Jim’s music and books at www.jimcosgrove.com.

Special thanks to the Lied Center of Kansas for supporting their appearance.

Eastern European Easter Egg Decorating

Simons Media Room—all day

Join the KU Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES) at the Roll with the Dole event to learn about a number of different types of decorated eggs in Eastern Europe including their symbolism and techniques. Participants will be able to view a display of Ukrainian pysanky and participate in different activities related to East European eggs.

Special thanks to KU Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES) for supporting this activity.

A staple since 1878

In the 1870s, children celebrated Easter by rolling eggs – and themselves – down Capitol Hill on Easter Monday. As the hill sustained more wear as time went on, Congress passed a law prohibiting the use of the Capitol grounds to be used as a children’s playground. President Rutherford B. Hayes countered Congress’ law with an order to allow children to use the White House grounds to roll their Easter eggs. Since then, presidents have invited families to the grounds to celebrate the holiday with activities for all ages.

2024 Easter Egg Roll with Dole Recap   Feature | Video

2023 Easter Egg Roll with Dole Recap   Feature | Video

2022 Easter Egg Roll with Dole Recap   Feature | Video

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