Planning to spend spring break in NYC? Or, are you a desperate local looking for ways to entertain your children while they are off from school in April?
Either way, you NEED this local guide in your life. See, I have lived in NYC for over 30 years. In that time I have had to entertain many a child who was off from school and had nothing to do.
In fact, in my previous life (pre-blogging) I was a nanny. So, I am used to coming up with cool and unusual things to do during spring break in NYC.
But, before we swan dive into this epic guide, the first thing that you’ll need to know is that spring break (for schools in New York City) is set to start on Monday April 14th and end on Friday, April 18th.
TBH, it’s not a super long break. However, it is long enough for your kids to get bored and for them to drive you insane.
So, to help you make the most of your school vacation, have a look at this epic guide and figure out exactly what to do during spring break in New York City.
Table of Contents
1. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Spring Break is the PERFECT time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Not only is the weather awesome, but if you manage to get up early enough, you’ll be able to enjoy epic views of Manhattan without the crowds.
Generally, I like to start this 1.1-mile walk in Brooklyn and then make my way into Manhattan.
Personally, I just think walking in this direction offers the best views of Manhattan – that and you can avoid the crowds since most people walk in the opposite direction.
Other than that, be sure to wear comfy shoes and plan to spend at least 30 or 40 minutes doing this walk. It’s not a SUPER long walk, but does take some time since you’ll be stopping for lots of photos.
Local Tip: Before you do this walk, stop at Time Out Market for breakfast. You can grab some pancakes from Clinton Street Baking Company or grab a nice bagel from Ess-A-Bagel.
2. Visit the MET
I love the MET (aka the Metropolitan Museum of Art) for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, admission is pay-what-you-wish for residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
So, when you purchase your tickets online, just use your appropriate zip code and you can pay what you want. I find it to be a great way to save money as a resident of the area.
The second is that there are a ton of AWESOME things for kids to do at the MET. Highlights include the Temple of Dendur, the Japanese Garden, Ancient Arms and Armor, etc.
If you want, pick up a free guide at the museum entrance and take a kid-focused tour of the museum. It is the perfect way to see all of the exhibits that kids will love.
3. Visit the Whitney Museum
This is an amazing American art museum in NYC that you and your kids will love!
See, this museum sits right next door to the High Line in Chelsea and features a beautiful, 63,000-square-foot space filled with amazing works from the 20th and 21st-century.
To engage younger visitors, stop by some of the interactive, kid-friendly exhibits on-site and learn more about famous pieces from Edward Hopper, Alexander Calder, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Whatever you do, do not leave before exploring the museum’s beautiful rooftop area. it’s an amazing outdoor space filled with exciting art, sweeping views, and rotating exhibits.
Local Tip: If you want to save a bit of extra money then stop by on Fridays from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This is when you can enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission.
4. Visit the Museum of Natural History
If you only bring your kids to one museum for spring break in NYC, let the Museum of Natural History be it.
TBH, I feel like the Museum of Natural History has been specially designed with kids in mind.
Not only can you see a giant humpback whale dangling from the ceiling, but you can also visit the Hayden Planetarium.
It sits inside the Rose Center for Earth and features a wide array of dazzling shows all about our solar system.
Afterward, get ready to explore 45 exhibition halls that are home to upwards of 33 million specimens that kids will love. Highlights include gems, dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, etc.
For an extra special experience, attend a performance with a live DJ during a One Step Beyond event. They are hold in the Rose Center for Earth and advance tickets are a must.
5. Explore Little Island
Spring in New York (typically) means GLORIOUS weather. Therefore, spring break is the perfect time to explore epic outdoor spaces like Little Island.
This charming little oasis sits right on the Hudson River (near the Whitney Museum) and is totally free to visit.
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, this space is home to unique undulating structures, gorgeous gardens, eclectic performance areas, and riverside views that kids will love.
Just do a bit of research before you visit and see what cultural events are currently on offer. This way you don’t miss out on a super cool performance.
6. Explore the New York Public Library
What I love about the New York Public Library is that it’s free and there are tons of cool things to do here.
For starters, say “hi” to the two marble lions that quietly guard the entrance to the building. Their names are “Patience” and “Fortitude,” and I absolutely love taking photos here.
Once inside, visit the free museum on the ground floor.
While artifacts on display regularly change, I always love coming here to see the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals, the Declaration of Independence, Charles Dickens desk, a Guttenberg Bible, etc.
Afterward, take a free tour of the building or visit the beautiful Rose Main Reading Room.
Just remember that this popular spot is only open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
7. Catch an Off-Broadway Show or a Broadway Matinee
There is nothing quite like taking your kids to see their first-ever Broadway show. Obviously, not every kid will be able to sit still for upwards of two hours.
However, many kids will love the live music, the beautiful costumes, the elaborate sets, and the epic singing.
Solid shows that are more catered to children include The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, etc.
If you want to save money on tickets, try using the Today Tix app to quickly buy tickets at discount prices.
You can also try attending a matinee performance or an off-Broadway show if you want to save even more money.
FYI, off-Broadway shows are just as good as Broadway shows. They are just in smaller theaters which is why they are classifies as off-Broadway.
8. Explore Central Park
Easily one of the best things to do in NYC in Spring, Central Park is amazing place that the whole family will love exploring.
While there is a lot to do in Central Park once the weather warms up, some kid-friendly landmarks include the Balto statue, the Alice in Wonderland statue, the Central Park Zoo, Sheep’s Meadow (for a picnic), Bethesda Fountain, various playgrounds, and more.
If you like to ride bikes, you can also do that here since all of the streets through the park are closed to cars.
Finally, don’t forget to check out Belvedere Castle before you leave. It sits behind the MET and the views from the top are stunning. Plus, this local landmark is 100% free to visit.
9. Walk the Highline
I love taking kids to the Highline in the Spring. Not only is the weather better, but all of the plant life along this old railway track is in full bloom.
It is also a perfect spot for kids since this 1.45-mile-long, elevated walkway is filled with incredible rotating outdoor art exhibits that are sure to astound and engage younger visitors.
If you want, make a day of it and start near the Javits Center before walking all the way down to the Whitney Museum.
Also, have your camera ready so that you can take awesome photos of the Hudson River and the Empire State Building.
Oh, and if your kids get a little hungry along the way, stop by Artichoke Basille’s for their signature artichoke slice.
10. Visit the Bronx Zoo
I love Spring at the Bronx Zoo. The entire facility is alive with beautiful plant life. Plus, many of the 700+ species on display here are giving birth to super cute babies.
Additionally, there are a ton of kid-friendly facilities at the Bronx Zoo like the Bug Carousel, playgrounds, a petting zoo, and more.
So, stop by and enjoy cool animals like elephants, rhinos, sea lions, tigers, gorillas, and penguins.
It’s also worth nothing that this place is HUGE. So, bring a stroller and be prepared to do a lot of walking.
I would also try and visit on a Wednesday when admission is free. You’ll just need to visit their website and book tickets online in advance first.
11. Check Out Coney Island
Spring is a great time to visit Coney Island since the weather is warm, but the area isn’t PACKED with people…yet.
Yes, it will take a while to get here. However, it’s worth it to hang out by the beach, go for a walk on the Boardwalk, and ride the Cyclone/Wonder Wheel.
Just check the Luna Park schedule before you visit since April is still off-season for them and everything may not be open.
Afterward, visit the very first Nathan’s hot dog stand and grab a classic New York hot dog. You could also grab a pizza from Totonno’s and then visit the New York Aquarium afterward.
All around, this is just a beautiful place for anyone who loves the ocean.
12. Climb the Vessel
Okay, the Vessel is definitely not new. However, in case you are unsure what it is, it is this giant, beehive-like structure that sits in Hudson Yards and that offers visitors sweeping views of the Hudson River.
Sadly, the Vessel was closed to visitors shortly after it opened because several people committed suicide from the top.
However, it was recently opened again, and you are now able to climb to the top of this epic, 16-storey structure.
Not gonna lie, the views from the summit are absolutely awesome and tickets cost just $10.00 per person.
This experience is also a lot more enjoyable in the spring when the wind isn’t quite as frigid.
Local Tip: If you are a resident of New York City then you can get tickets to the Vessel for free. Just plan your visit a month in advance since tickets sell out very fast.
13. Visit the Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is perfect for two kinds of people – people who like to take Instagram photos and people who have children.
If you are part of the latter group then I think your family will love the Museum of Ice Cream.
After all, you’ll get to sample five different varieties of ice cream as you explore a wealth of interactive exhibits filled with giant ice cones, sprinkles, and anything else related to ice cream.
Sure, it’s not the biggest museum on the planet. However, it is a cool place to taste some ice cream before taking a ride on their giant, three-storey tube slide.
Other highlights include the hall of giant scoops, a pool filled with rainbow sprinkle, a floating table of desserts, a “Queen Beehive”, and an MTA-like “Celestial Subway”.
Basically, your kids will love you for bringing them. meanwhile, you’ll leave thinking it was mediocre at best.
Map of Spring Break in NYC Activities
Conclusion
That wraps up this epic guide to the best things to do during spring break in NYC. I hope you now have plenty of ideas on how to keep your kids entertained during this week long school holiday.
Personally, I would opt for activities that the whole family can enjoy. You know, things like Central Park, the Bronx Zoo, Coney Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, etc.
Ultimately, though, the choice is up to you. Think about your child and the type of activities that would most entertain them. Do this and you can’t go wrong over spring break in New York City.
