FOR THE KIDS : Candy, Prizes, Goodies Galore for Hard-Boiled Egg Detectives : Those who join in the hunts also will be treated to pony rides, puppets and a petting zoo.

It’s almost Easter, and for kids that means painting eggs and, of course, searching for eggs hidden by that clever scamp, the Easter bunny.

These days, the traditional egg hunt has evolved into an extravaganza with puppet shows, pony rides and face painting. Here is a listing of some of the goings-on around the county:

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SIMI VALLEY: This year marks the 20th anniversary of the annual free egg hunts put on by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The celebration will include four egg hunts at four locations on April 15, beginning at 10 a.m.

For the first time, one of the hunts will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive. Children, with baskets in hand, will scour the courtyard outside the library for goodies. The Easter bunny will circulate, and kids can have their faces painted for free.

The other locations include: Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave.; Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi, and Mae Boyar Park, 130 Kanan Road, Oak Park. Kids 8 years and younger will be separated by age for the hunts. At Mae Boyar Park, kids 10 and under can participate.

Youngsters on the lookout for hidden goodies will find quite a stash. The district has received donations of candy eggs, jelly beans, M & Ms and plastic eggs with surprises inside, such as certificates for free kids’ meals and stuffed toy rabbits.

The district won’t be supplying baskets, so kids should bring something from home.

Information: 584-4400.

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THOUSAND OAKS: The egg hunts are the featured attraction at the Conejo Recreation and Park District’s Spring Eggstravaganza. This freebie is scheduled for Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Conejo Creek play fields, near Janss Road and Highway 23.

The egg hunts will run every five minutes, from noon to 2 p.m. They’ll be separated by age for kids 12 and under. Kids will collect plastic eggs and then turn them in for one special egg containing candy and prizes. Among the eggs will be some golden eggs, which will entitle the finder to a special prize, like a stuffed animal.

There will be other activities too. Four groups, including the Scott Land Marionettes, will perform. Other fun stuff includes crafts, face painting, games, strolling characters and pony rides.

Information: 495-6471.

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VENTURA: At Cottontail Canyon Day on Saturday, Ventura kids will find a lot more than the traditional egg hunt. The free event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Arroyo Verde Park, features camel rides, clowns, marionette shows, a petting zoo, nature walks, crafts, a strolling Easter bunny and other characters, including a purple dinosaur.

The egg hunts run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but kids must sign up for them. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Kids will get a voucher with a time for their hunt. That way they don’t have to stand in line and miss out on some of the other activities, organizers said.

The hunts are for kids 8 and under, with separate events by age group. They search for empty plastic eggs and then redeem them for a bag of candy and toys. They should bring their own baskets.

Parking is limited at the park, so free shuttle buses are running from Ventura College.

Information: 658-4726.

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VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE: There are free activities for the family on April 16. An egg hunt for kids of all ages starts at 11 a.m. on the lawn outside the carousel. Live entertainment will be going on outside.

Information: 644-0169.

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CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR: Bartholomew Q. Bunny will be on hand for festivities on April 15, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The egg hunt runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with one for children 12 and under and another for teens. Other activities include a magic show, face painting and entertainment by a Dixieland band.

Information: 385-8693.

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MOORPARK: Even the Easter bunny has to eat breakfast, and Moorpark kids can join him on April 15, at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center near Tierra Rejada Road and Countrywood Drive. Registration is required.

The bunny breakfast ($6 per person) runs from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. At 10, the hunt begins for kids 12 and under. An egg hunt for special needs children will be at 11:30 a.m.

A craft fair runs from 9 a.m. to noon.

Information: 531-9100.

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SANTA PAULA: In its 10th year, Santa Paula’s egg hunt takes place Saturday on the grass at Glen City School, Steckel and Main streets. The egg hunt for kids 3 to 12 years begins at 10 a.m., but festivities at the school will continue to 1 p.m. Kids should bring their own baskets, which they’ll fill with plastic eggs containing goodies.

The Easter bunny will be on hand for this free event, and other activities include entertainment, crafts, storytelling, a tumbling demonstration and games.

Information: 933-4217.

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OJAI: Libbey Park will be the scene of an egg hunt in downtown Ojai at 1 p.m. April 15. This free event is for kids 10 and under. It features face painting, crafts and goodies.

Information: 646-1872.

Ventura County Life contributor Jane Hulse is a parent and knee-deep in kids activities. If you have any family news, send it to her at Ventura County Life, 5200 Valentine Road, Suite 140, Ventura, 93003, or send faxes to 658-5576.