You know the drill. It’s early spring, the weather is finally deciding whether it wants to be 40 or 70 degrees, and suddenly you realize Easter is three weeks away. If you’ve ever tried to get a decent photo of your kids with a giant rabbit at the local mall, you probably have some mild PTSD from the two-hour lines and the smell of stale Auntie Anne’s.
That’s why bass pro easter bunny pictures have become a sort of cult-favorite tradition for families who actually want to enjoy the process. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s basically took the "wait in a hot line with a screaming toddler" model and threw it out the window.
They use a digital reservation system. It’s free. It’s organized. Honestly, it’s one of the few things in 2026 that still feels like a genuine deal for parents.
The Logistics of Bass Pro Easter Bunny Pictures
Most people don't realize how small the window actually is for these sessions. In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on April 5. Based on how Bass Pro has handled things since the merger with Cabela’s, the events typically kick off about two weeks before the big day. You’re looking at a start date around March 21 or 22.
The most important thing to remember? The booking window.
Reservations usually open up seven days in advance. And they don't just "open" at a casual time during breakfast. They drop at 12:01 a.m. local time. If you want a Saturday morning slot—the prime time for everyone else in your zip code—you need to be on that website at midnight exactly one week before your target date.
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Is it a little intense? Yeah. But beats standing in a physical line for three hours? Every single time.
What You Actually Get for $0
Let’s talk about the "free" part. Everyone is skeptical of free stuff nowadays. Here is the deal: every family gets one free 4x6 studio-quality color photo. That’s it. No catch.
They don't force you to buy a $50 "Mega Carrot" package just to get out the door. However, they are smart. They know that once you see your kid looking halfway decent in front of a rustic, outdoor-themed backdrop, you might want more.
If you decide to upgrade, the packages are surprisingly reasonable:
- Digital Image Only: Usually around $15. This is the one most people get because you can just print it yourself or post it to Instagram immediately.
- Basket Packages: Often around $15-$20, including a few extra prints.
- Jelly Bean Packages: The "big" one, usually topping out at $25, which includes several sheets of various sizes.
Why the Atmosphere Hits Different
Malls are chaotic. Bass Pro is... well, it’s a giant cabin with a fish tank. The "Easter Wonderland" setup they build is usually nestled near the back of the store, often surrounded by taxidermy and fishing gear. It sounds weird if you haven't been, but it creates a much calmer vibe.
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The staff usually hands out a small activity or a "Bass Easter Egg" to the kids while they wait for their specific time slot. It keeps the "when is it my turn" whining to a minimum.
Bringing the Family Dog
Here is a pro tip that most people miss: Bass Pro is pet-friendly. I’ve seen everything from Golden Retrievers in bowties to the occasional brave cat (though I wouldn't recommend the cat). If you want a photo of your dog with the Easter Bunny, this is the place to do it. Just make sure your local store doesn't have a specific "no pets" rule for the photo area—90% of them allow it, but a quick phone call to the manager can save you a frustrating trip.
Avoiding the "Terrified Child" Syndrome
We’ve all seen the "Easter Bunny Fails" memes. A six-foot-tall rabbit is objectively terrifying to a three-year-old.
Because Bass Pro uses a reservation system, the photographers aren't usually as rushed as mall photographers. They have a few minutes to let the kid acclimate. If your child is losing it, the photographers are generally okay with you being in the shot to calm them down, or even just doing a "sideways" photo where the kid is near the bunny but not sitting on its lap.
How to Secure Your Spot in 2026
If you’re planning on getting bass pro easter bunny pictures this year, you need a strategy. This isn't just "show up and hope."
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- Mark March 14th on your calendar. This is roughly when the first reservations for the opening weekend will likely drop.
- Create a Bass Pro account beforehand. Don't waste time typing your address and email at 12:02 a.m. while the slots disappear.
- Check both Bass Pro and Cabela’s. They use the same system. If the Bass Pro near you is booked, the Cabela’s twenty miles away might have a 2:15 p.m. slot open.
- Confirm the location. Some smaller "Outpost" locations don't do the full Easter setup. Stick to the big "Outdoor World" flagship stores if you want the full experience.
Common Misconceptions
People often think you have to be a "Club Member" or have their credit card to get the free photo. You don't. It’s a loss leader for them. They want you in the store so you’ll walk past the kayaks and the $80 plaid shirts on your way out.
Another myth is that you can just "walk in" if someone misses their appointment. While technically possible, it's rare. The system is so popular now that most stores are strictly reservation-only. If you show up without a booking, you’re likely going to be disappointed.
Moving Forward With Your Plans
To make this work, go to the official Bass Pro or Cabela’s "Easter" landing page about 10 days before Easter. Refresh that page at midnight. Once you have your confirmation email, take a screenshot of the QR code. Cell service can be spotty inside those massive metal buildings, and you don't want to be fumbling with your email while the Bunny is waiting.
Dress the kids in something comfortable but "springy." Avoid neon colors, as they tend to clash with the rustic, wood-heavy backdrops Bass Pro uses. Stick to blues, greens, or soft yellows.
The event usually wraps up on Easter Sunday afternoon, so don't wait until the last minute. If you miss the window, you're stuck with the mall rabbit—and nobody wants that.