Huzzah! Spring has arrived in New York City. Which means things are about to shift into high gear all around town. (Flowers, festivals, big art to-dos, baseball, etc.) Read on for the biggest and best things to do with kids in NYC this season, from traditional favorites to new in 2022. Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers—and consult our guide on where to find those spring blooms in NYC. (Want even more ideas for a specific day? Check out our New York Events Calendar!)
Hunt (or Eat) Some Eggs
Don't forget to gather some plastic or chocolate eggs at one of our favorite hunts around town—or indulge in a tasty brunch. Find our picks for both here!
Visit Coney Island
It's too cold for the beach but the rides are hot! Luna Park opened for the season on April 2 and Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park opens on April 10. While you're there, swing by the New York Aquarium (and its new "Spineless" exhibit), and then grab some legendary pizza at Totonno's.
Head Out for An Urban Hike
Hit The Highline, discover the Tribeca Boardwalk, seek out a waterfall in Prospect Park, and more. Find your city hike here!
Go for a Stroller Hike
Go some wheels in the mix? No problem. Check out our list of the best places in NYC (and beyond) for stroller hikes.
Be One of The First to See Dinosaur Safari at The Bronx Zoo
This popular attraction, featuring a ride through a forest filled with animatronic dinos is back, and opening April 11. It's here until October 30. Read more info about visiting the Bronx Zoo here.
Visit a Petting Zoo
If you want to get up close and personal with the animals, visit a petting zoo. Find our favorites (and lots of other places to talk to the animals big and small) here.
Check Out a Visiting Museum Exhibit
April showers? Time to head inside for some fun and cultural enrichment. The Whitney Biennial is in town. The Met's Part II of the Costume Institute's Anthology of Fashion opens. A toddler's dream, Wobbly World is at the Liberty Science Center, as are Minecraft and Paw Patrol exhibits. Those are just a few of the subjects of shows around town. Check out all the possibilities here.
Take a Day Trip
You don't even have to leave New York City proper if you don't want to. Check out all our ideas for spring day trips from NYC with kids here.
Celebrate Earth Day
Lots of events are happening around town to celebrate Mother Earth.
Head to the Brooklyn Children's Museum for Earth Day activities during spring break week from April 16-24. Event details here.
Head to Union Square for the return of the Earth Day Festival in Union Square on April 21. Event details here.
Or drop by Rockefeller Center's Spring Sunday on April 24 with Rock N Roll Playhouse, The Climate Museum, microgreen planting, bookmark making and more. Event details here.
Take a Ride on the Dream Wheel
This mega Ferris wheel opens April 13. Hop into one of the cars for a 30-minute, climate-controlled ride offering spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. (You can also stop by Deep Fried Love for concessions like deep-friend funnel cake, Twinkies and Oreos.
Check Out the TILT Festival at FIAF
The French Institute Alliance Française's TILT is back in person and dedicated to the natural world! Fun for all ages, Join them Saturday, April 30–Sunday, May 1, 2022 for an adventurous weekend of music, movement, and visual art with artists whose work connects us to plants, animals, and most of all, each other. Fun for all ages, highlights of the fest include live music (with People of Earth, shown here), interactive performances, a flower workshop, a Little Prince performance and the creation of an aquatic wonderland art project.
Go Play for Free at Street Games
The city's celebration of good old-fashioned fun returns on April 30. Get there early for maximum time with the hula hoops, pogo sticks, lemon twists, double dutch, box cars and more!
Taste the Rainbow at Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg, the taste-tastic convocation of incredible food vendors of all kinds and cultures is back in a big way with openings at WTC (April 1), Jersey City (April 2) and Prospect Park (April 3). (Williamsburg opens in June.) Get the full Smorgasburg scoop here!
Lace Up and Hit the Rinks
You have a lot of choice on where you want to roll this spring.
The iconic rink at Rockefeller Center is going all-season with the opening of roller skating rink Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace on April 15. The rink is inspired by Ian “Flipper” Ross' famed Los Angeles Rink of the same name, which opened in 1979. His daughter, Liberty Ross, is reviving the magic of the era by bringing it to The Rink at Rockefeller Center.
Out at JFK, find the groovy Roll-A-Rama Runway Rink at the TWA Hotel, which opens for the season on April 15. The 44-by-56 outdoor rink features vintage tunes and is open on weekends. Rentals of four-wheeled "quad skates" are included with every 50-minute skate session, which costs $20 per adult and $16 per child under 12. You can also bring your own skates.
And of course, the lovely LeFrak at Lakeside in Prospect Park is now open for the season.
Ride a Zipline
The zipping season has begun! Here's where to soar above it all.
See the Latest Show at the Marionette Theatre
It's a classic fairy tale adapted for true NYC kids. Wake Up, Daisy! A Modern Take On Sleeping Beauty tells the story of Daisy, a lively little girl living in the heart of New York City in an apartment overlooking Central Park. At Daisy’s much-anticipated birthday party, she encounters three special guests, known as her “Squad-parents”, from Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, who grant her the gifts of courage, knowledge, and a second chance. When an unwelcome guest shows up and casts a curse on her, Daisy’s life is forever changed. But through the support of her friends and an adventure throughout the city, Daisy’s strong self-determination and vivid imagination may be all she needs to break the curse. The production is recommended for families with children ages 3 - 8.
Tickets: $8-12
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Central Park
W. 79th St. and West Drive (Enter at w 81st St. and Central Park West)
Online: eventbrite.com
Check out NYC in full bloom.
Here's where to find NYC's most impressive spring flower displays.
—Mimi O’Connor
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