Awesome Activities in NYC to Enjoy with Your Kids During Spring Break

Here's how you can enjoy a fun and action-packed spring break around New York City this year.

By Barbara Russo April 13, 2022

Spring break for New York City public schools is right around the corner. This year, the break runs April 15 to 22. Do you have plans yet? If not, let us help create a fun itinerary for the week that kids of all ages will enjoy. Browse our list of spring break activities and events in New York City to create an action-packed week that both you and your kids will love!

Spring Break Activities and Events in Manhattan

Go on a Boat Tour

WHEN: Dates and times vary. A schedule is available on the website.
WHERE: Pier 83 • W. 42 Street in Midtown
WHAT: Adventure along the Hudson River, cruise under some impressive NYC bridges and enjoy live music and food specials on the Circle Line's Spring Fling Day Cruise.
WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $49.

See Cherry Blossoms in Central Park

WHEN: In bloom early April-early May
WHERE: Fifth Avenue to Central Park West, 59 to 110 Streets
WHAT: Take a day trip to the park, maybe have a picnic, and enjoy seeing these beautiful trees in bloom. Check some other places to see cherry blossoms in NYC and nearby, too!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Visit the New Battery Playscape

WHEN: Open daily, 8am to dusk
WHERE: The Battery at State Street
WHAT: Head to Downtown Manhattan to visit the new Battery Playscape, an eco-inspired playground located near the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

WHEN: Any time; boats run daily, 24 hours a day.
WHERE: Whitehall Ferry Terminal (also known as South Ferry)
WHAT: Every New York City kid has to take a ride on the famous Staten Island Ferry! The ride is great for families and offers beautiful views of New York Harbor. Plus, it's free!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Head to an Earth Day Bazaar

WHEN: Sunday, April 17; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Grand Bazaar NYC • 100 W. 77 St.
WHAT: The NYC Earth Day Bazaar features an array of local artists, vintage and antique dealers, and makers who use recycled materials to make goods. You just might find a fun, sustainable and one-of-a-kind item!
WANT TO GO? Admission is free.

See a Civil Rights Exhibit Through Children's Books

WHEN: Through July 24, 2022; Wednesday-Thursday, 11am-5pm; Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm
WHERE: New York Historical Society Museum • 170 Central Park West
WHAT: Picture the Dream is the first exhibition to delve into the events, people and themes of the civil rights movement through children's picture books. It showcases picture books that connect the past to the present, emphasizing how historical moments and leaders continue to inspire the struggle for equal rights.
WANT TO GO? $22; $17 seniors, educators, active military; $13 students; $6 Kids (5–13 years old); free for children younger than 5; Admission is pay-as-you-wish from 6–8pm on Fridays.

See a Museum Exhibit about Dogs

WHEN: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm
WHERE: American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog • 101 Park Ave.
WHAT: A new exhibit at the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog highlights military dogs who were wounded in battle or sacrificed their lives. It features 10 life-sized, carved-wood allegorical memorials by sculptor, James Mellick.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10, seniors; $5 children 12 and younger; $10 active military and veterans and students ages 13-24.

See Sharks at the American Museum of Natural History

WHEN: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm through Aug. 14, 2022
WHERE: 200 Central Park West
WHAT: Kids love sharks, and everyone in the family will love the museum’s new Sharks exhibit, which features dozens of life-size shark models ranging from the enormous megalodon to the adorably tiny pocket shark that fits in the palm of your hand!
WANT TO GO? General Admission Plus One includes general admission plus one special exhibition, giant-screen 2D or 3D film, or Space Show: $28 (adults), $22.50 (students/seniors), $16.50 (children ages 3-12). Reservations required.

Spring Break Activities and Events in Brooklyn

See Cherry Blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

WHEN: Flowering cherries generally bloom at the garden from late March through mid-May. Garden hours are from April 15-May 15, Tuesday-Thursday, 8am-sunset; Friday-Sunday, 8am-6pm. From May 17-August 2022, Tuesday and Thursday 10am-8:30pm; Wednesday, 10am-6pm; Friday-Sunday, 10am-6pm.
WHERE: 990 Washington Ave.
WHAT: Visit the garden during cherry blossom season and witness an exuberant display that changes day by day.
WANT TO GO? Learn more about cherry blossoms and plan your visit on the website.

Visit the Animals at the New York Aquarium's Spineless Exhibit

WHEN: April 2-May 27, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm
WHERE: 602 Surf Ave.
WHAT: See invertebrate species such as octopus, moon jellies, zombie worms and more up close at this fun and fascinating exhibit.
WANT TO GO? $26.95 Monday-Friday and $29.95 Saturday-Sunday; $24.95 seniors Monday-Friday and $26.95 Saturday-Sunday; $22.95 ages 3-12 Monday-Friday and $24.95 Saturday-Sunday.

Enjoy Smorgasburg

WHEN: April 3-Oct. 30, Sundays, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Prospect Park Breeze Hill • Lincoln Road Park Entrance, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
WHAT: Have foodies in your family? Head to Smorgasburg, where local and regional food purveyors gather to offer a range of cuisines.
WANT TO GO? Admission is free, but prices for goods vary.

See a Matinee

WHEN: April 9-Aug. 28, 2022; Saturdays, 10am
WHERE: Time Out Market • 55 Water St.
WHAT: See a family movie, make art and have more fun at these family events.
WANT TO GO? $15

Kids Week: Beach Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Monday, April 18; 1-2pm
WHERE: Salt Marsh Nature Center • Avenue U and East 33 Street
WHAT: Go on a fun and educational scavenger hunt with the Urban Park Rangers at the beach!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Kids Week: Gather Around the Campfire

WHEN: Tuesday, April 19; 1-2pm
WHERE: McCarren Park • Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street
WHAT: Gather by the campfire to enjoy storytelling and activities.
WANT TO GO? Free

Spring Break Week at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

WHEN: Tuesday, April 19-Friday, April 22; 10:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: 1000 Washington Ave.
WHAT: Kids will enjoy outdoor fun at hands-on activity stations throughout the Discovery Garden.
WANT TO GO? $18; $12 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12

Kids Week: Signs of Spring Hike

WHEN: Wednesday, April 20, 1-2pm
WHERE: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center • Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park
WHAT: Look for signs of spring on this fun hike.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Kids Week: Build a Bird Feeder

WHEN: Thursday, April 21; 1-2pm
WHERE: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center • Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park
WHAT: Flock to this event to learn about cute spring birds in your neighborhood and build you very own bird feeder!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Spring Break Activities in Queens

Visit the New York Hall of Science

WHEN: Friday, 2-5pm; and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
WHERE: 47-01 111 St.
WHAT: After two years of being closed, the Flushing-based science museum reopened in February. If you haven't been here yet, it's worth a trip! The museum features lot of fun science exhibit that kids of all ages and families will enjoy.
WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors and children ages 2-17.

Visit the Queens County Farm

WHEN: Daily, 10am-5pm
WHERE: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway
WHAT: If you haven't been to this hidden gem in NYC, now is a perfect time! It's a 47-acre historic site that is home to farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, cute animals, farm vehicles and so much more that your family will enjoy.
WANT TO GO? Free, with exception during special admission days. Learn more on the website.

Celebrate Earth Week

WHEN: Sunday, April 17-Saturday, April 23; see the website for a schedule
WHERE: Flushing Meadows Corona Park • 117-02 Roosevelt Ave.
WHAT: Use your spring break time to participate in activities that celebrate the Earth!
WANT TO GO? Free.

Spring Break Fun in the Park

WHEN: Tuesday, April 19; 12-2:30pm
WHERE: Dutch Kills Playground • 36 Avenue and Crescent Street
WHAT: The Central Astoria LDC will host a free children's event featuring arts and crafts, a puppet show, music and more.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Spring Break at the Queens Botanical Garden

WHEN: Tuesday, April 19-Friday, April 22; 2-4pm
WHERE: 43-50 Main St.
WHAT: Enjoy fun, outdoor nature-themed activities throughout the week.
WANT TO GO? $6; $4 seniors, students with ID; $2 ages 4-12; free for children 3 and younger

Earth Day Celebration

WHEN: Friday, April 22; 10:30-11:45am
WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center • 224-65 76 Ave.
WHAT: Celebrate the Earth at this fun event that will help your child foster a love of nature. Enjoy meeting live animals, story time, an outdoor walk and more.
WANT TO GO? $24. Register in advance, as spots are limited.

Spring Break Activities and Events in the Bronx

Catch the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden

WHEN: Feb. 26-May 1; The show is open during regular garden hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: 2900 Southern Blvd.
WHAT: The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope features gorgeous florals that will amaze flower fans of all ages. See orchid towers of orange, yellow and green, fields of white and overhead plumes of purple. It's a beautiful exhibit bursting with color.
WANT TO GO? More information available on the website.

And While You're At the Botanical Garden...See the Cherry Blossoms

WHEN: March-May. Operating hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: 2900 Southern Blvd.
WHAT: More than 200 flowering cherry trees are planted across the garden's historic landscape!
WANT TO GO? $30; $28 seniors and students; $15 ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2.

Family Art Projects

WHEN: April 2-April 30; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-1pm
WHERE: Wave Hill • 4900 Independence Ave.
WHAT: Projects vary each weekend and can include decorating your own t-shirt to using clay to make a sculpture. Check the website for more information.
WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $6 seniors and students; $4 children 6 and older.

Main image: New York Hall of Science. Andrew Kelly, Bowery Image Group