It’s finally starting to warm up, and with it the blossoming of new life in the city. Here at Le Studio, we have rounded up 10 activities for you and your children to engage in this Spring in the New York area.
1. Take a Ride at Luna Park
Head to Coney Island and experience the fun of Luna Park with your kids. Spinning around on the many roller-coasters is a great way to spend the afternoon with family and friends. If you are not a fan of the usual theme park food options, the Cyclone Café is a perfect spot to have lunch and recover from all those rides. You could even enjoy a picnic on the beach!
2. Visit One of the Botanic Gardens
In Manhattan, join Patrick Blanc, a passionate French botanist at the NY Botanic Garden, for a stroll around The Orchid Show: a great display of different types of blooming flowers, plants and trees. If you’re in Brooklyn this spring, you will be able to learn more about Japanese culture and botany at the Cherry Blossoms Festival by taking part in any of the several performances and workshops that they offer (older kids will love the Manga comic drawing workshop). For more flower fun, do not forget the Macy’s flower show in April!
3. Tribeca Film Festival Family Fair
Hosted by the festival of the same name, and taking place every year for two weeks in April, this fair celebrates families, children, and, of course, film. Tons of activities are organized throughout the West Village over one Saturday: makeup stands, dance floors, games, live shows, food trucks, storytellers, puppeteers. The more, the merrier, so bring the whole gang!
4. Annual Dance Parade
Go rock it at the annual dance parade in May! Taking part in 70 types of dance, the marchers will walk all the way through Lower Manhattan. Performances, lessons and a dance party for the children are also on the program.
5. Head to the Aquarium
Featuring marine life from the Coral Triangle of Fiji, the great lakes of East Africa and the flooded forests of the Amazon, the Aquarium is a good way to escape the city with an educational and fun activity. Kids will be amazed by the variety of colors and species present, ranging from the adorable penguins to the impressively hefty sea lions.
6. Go on a Day Trip
If your children like building things, the Lego Center is a great place to go for a one-day getaway. Located in Westchester, this center opened last year and boasts an impressive inventory of 3 million Lego blocks! Interactive displays, many attractions and 4D movies will make this an amazing trip for kids and adults alike.
7. Free Brooklyn Concerts
Yes, most festivals only start in summer. However, FAB Alliance hosts a series of free concerts in April for the public, with patrons from 18 months to 4 years-old in attendance. Afternoon shows and many craft activities are hosted every Friday and can be found on the official program. It’s a good way to enjoy the lovely spring weather and spend time with the family all at once.
8. Learn About the Planet
Every year on April 22nd the celebration of Earth day begins! What a great occasion for families to gather at the Brooklyn College campus and learn more about energy conservation through activities, performances, workshops and crafts centered on Earth, preservation and recycling. Help to reinforce the idea of sustainable living and encourage your kids to be responsible and conscientious in how they view the world’s natural resources.
9. Spend the Night at the Zoo
Always wanted to discover the world that exists behind the closed gates of the Zoo? Want to know what the animals, and their keepers, get up to after the crowds have gone? Starting May until mid-June, toddlers and their parents will be able to wander through the zoo after closing, and get up close to animals around the aviary.
10. Go Fishing
For an educational afternoon, head to the Harlem Meer in Central Park and learn about aquatic life by practicing fishing. Do not worry if you do not own any equipment, you can rent anything you might need from the Dana Discovery Center. However, be aware that all fish must be released after catching.
And while you’re out enjoying the wonders of New York in the spring time, take a moment to enjoy the new blooms, green trees, and warm weather. In the meantime, the Le Studio crew wishes you all a joyful spring season!
–Lea of Le Studio NYC
Le Studio NYC has some great suggestions for your family to truly enjoy this spring in New York City.
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