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Free Spring Activities for Families in NYC

1. Explore Central Park

There’s a reason why this is one of the most iconic parks in the world. Climb inside a castle, romp around a destination playground, or race a boat in Central Park.

2. Explore Nature with the Urban Park Rangers

From archery to nature walks and even family campouts, the Urban Park Rangers programs connect NYC kids with a range of outdoor adventures.

3. Romp at a Destination Playground

Your neighborhood playground may have carried you through winter, but spring is perfect for visiting one of these NYC playgrounds worthy of a subway schlep.

4. Go for a Paddle or a Sail

In a city surrounded by water, the kayaking and boating options are abundant. Whether you prefer kayaking, row boats, or even sailing, there are lots of FREE opportunities to hit the water.

5. Visit the Macy's Flower Show

Macy's annual ode to the spring season kicks off on Sunday, April 27, and fills the store with beautiful floral installations.

6. Walk the High Line

This winding park along Manhattan’s west side was once an elevated train track. Now, The High Line is one of the city’s coolest and most unique attractions.

7. Go Fish

You don’t need your own gear to drop a line with one of these FREE fishing programs.

8. Take a Hike

With almost 3,000 acres of land, the Staten Island Greenbelt is a massive park that proves you don’t have to leave the five boroughs to immerse yourself in nature.

9. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

You can’t beat the views, but you can try to beat the crowds by going early in the morning. Save some time to check out the many playgrounds and activities in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

10. Visit the Little Red Lighthouse

Immortalized in a 1942 children’s book, the Little Red Lighthouse is one of the last remaining lighthouses in NYC. Save time to visit the Fort Washington Playground nearby.

Outdoor Spring Adventures in NYC

11. Bask Beneath a Canopy of Cherry Blossoms

From NYC’s stunning botanical gardens to gorgeous parks across all five boroughs, you’re never far from thousands of pink and white petals.

12. Get Jurassic at the Bronx Zoo

Dinosaur Safari returns to NYC’s biggest zoo this spring. Get up close and personal with more than 60 lifelike animatronic dinosaurs. Then, check out the 11,000+ amazing real-life animals from giraffes to gorillas.

13. Visit Governor’s Island

Who knew a 10-minute ferry ride could transport you to a different world? This ever-evolving car-free island off the tip of lower Manhattan has bike rentals, unique playgrounds, food vendors, tons of events, and the longest slide in NYC.

14. Go Roller Skating

Skate in the sunshine or under the city lights at one of these cool roller rinks scattered across the city.

15. Gaze at the Stars

Yes, you can see stars in NYC—and not just celebrities—if you know where to look. Join the Urban Park Rangers for seasonal stargazing or visit one of the city’s planetariums.

16. Immerse Yourself in Botanical Garden Beauty

The annual Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden features indoor springtime blooms. Outdoors, the NYBG, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Queens Botanical Garden are bursting with the sights and scents of spring.

17. Spend the Day at Snug Harbor

This unique Staten Island destination is part cultural center and part botanical garden. Wander the grounds, pack a picnic, or check out one of Snug Harbor's many events.

18. Catch a Baseball Game

Whether you root for the Yankees or the Mets, rooting for the home team is a classic NYC experience. For a family-friendly outing that’s just as much fun but at a lower price point, you can’t beat a Coney Island Cyclones game. Even non-baseball fans will appreciate the oceanfront views and zany entertainment between innings.

19. Take Some Swings at a Batting Cage

If your little slugger wants a more hands-on experience, check out one of the many batting cages dotted across the five boroughs.

20. Visit the Today Show

Tourists may brave the cold to huddle around Rockefeller Plaza in the dead of winter, but locals have the luxury of visiting the Today Show in the spring. You may spot some celebrities or enjoy a few seconds of fame, but it’ll be a memorable experience regardless.

21. Ride a Bike

These bike paths in parks all over the city are great places to get some fresh air and exercise for the whole family.

22. Go Back in Time at Historic Richmond Town

This living history village in Staten Island has seasonal programs, workshops, and special events for young history buffs.

23. Get in the Garden

The city is full of opportunities to get your hands dirty. Check out one of these gardening programs as April showers bring May flowers.

24. Escape to City Island

City Island brings quaint New England vibes to the Bronx, with Victorian architecture, seafood restaurants, and peaceful marinas.

25. Play Chess Outdoors

After a long winter, NYC’s chess enthusiasts are once again populating city parks. There are lots of places for budding chess masters to test their skills and enjoy a fresh spring breeze at the same time.

26. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram

Take the tram to glide 250 feet above the city. Then, spend a few hours exploring this small but bustling island in the East River.

27. Visit Bryant Park

This green square in the center of Midtown Manhattan has something for everyone, from a French-themed carousel to a rotating activities list including art, board games, pingpong, juggling lessons, and more.

28. Go for a Boat Ride

From the FREE Staten Island Ferry to the thrill of a speed boat, there’s nothing quite like seeing the city by boat.

29. Relax at Wave Hill

Wave Hill, a beautiful public garden and cultural center in the Bronx, has spectacular views of the Hudson River and sprawling grassy lawns.

30. Take a Spin on a Carousel

Ride a horse, a bunny, or even a whimsical fish at one of these delightful carousels.

31. Say Hello to Lady Liberty

Beat the summertime crowds and hop on a boat to see the Statue of Liberty up close.

32. Take a Spring Day Trip

Whether you stay within the five boroughs or branch out to the Hudson Valley or Long Island, these day trips are perfect for spring break or a quick weekend getaway.

33. Visit Coney Island

Families flock to America’s Playground as soon as the weather warms up. Stroll the Coney Island boardwalk, check out the New York Aquarium, or try the rides at Luna Park or Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.

Spring Festivals and Events for Families in NYC

34. Big Umbrella Festival

This popular Lincoln Center festival welcomes all families to take part in a variety of fun sensory activities.

35. Free Spring Festivals

We’ve rounded up some of the top springtime festivals in the city, and most of them are totally FREE.

36. Hunt for Easter Eggs

Scramble to collect colorful eggs at one of these Easter egg hunts across all five boroughs. These are popular events, so reserve your spot ASAP.

37. Meet the Easter Bunny

Pose with the season’s furriest mascot at these Easter Bunny photo-ops, or spring for an Easter Bunny brunch.

38. Check Out the Met Opera's Spring Open House

Go behind the scenes for a kid-friendly pre-show event before watching an opera performance designed for the whole family to enjoy.

39. Celebrate Fleet Week

From the Parade of Ships to Memorial Day events, Fleet Week in NYC is an annual celebration that draws families to the water.

40. Attend a Sheep Shearing Festival

Head to Queens County Farm for this annual springtime spectacle where the sheep lose their winter coats and get ready for the warm weather.

Indoor Activities for Rainy Spring Days in NYC

41. Get Medieval at the Met Cloisters

This breathtaking outpost of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is located inside Fort Tryon Park in upper Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood. Indoors and out, the Met Cloisters is a medieval feast for the eyes.

42. Burn off Some Energy at an Indoor Playground

When April showers threaten to dampen your day, head to one of NYC’s many spectacular indoor play spaces.

43. Climb Some Rocks

Springtime weather is notoriously fickle, but kids can burn off energy at these indoor rock climbing spots, rain or shine.

44. Visit the Empire State Building

It doesn’t get any more New York than this. The Empire State Building is an amazing experience for kids, and springtime weather makes for the perfect time to check off this bucket list item.

45. Visit a Family-Friendly Museum

So many kid-friendly museums. So little time. This list is a good starting point.

46. Watch a Puppet Show

Local puppet theaters often debut new shows around the beginning of spring. The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater is especially fun this time of year since you can step out of the theater and into the heart of Central Park.

47. Book an NYC Tour

Take one of these kid-friendly tours when the weather is warm but the summer tourists haven't yet arrived.

Delicious Spring Food Experiences in NYC

48. Enjoy a High Tea

Put on your finest spring outfit and raise your pinky. Sitting down to tea is a fun way to celebrate special occasions like Mother’s Day or birthdays.

49. Attend a Mother’s Day Brunch

Book your reservation early and celebrate the family superhero in style at one of these Mother's Day brunch spots.

50. Eat Your Way Through a Seasonal Food Fest

Seasonal food festivals like the Queens Night Market and Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg are outdoor foodie havens with something delicious for each member of the family.

51. Dine Outdoors at a Kid-Friendly Restaurant

These outdoor dining spots are the perfect place to enjoy a family meal alfresco.