If it’s variety you seek for your family spring break vacation, look no further than New York City. New York is notorious for its countless museums, sightseeing opportunities and parks that are sure to keep the whole family entertained for however long you plan on staying. And although these are offered year-round in the city that never sleeps, there is something extra special about visiting New York in the Spring, when the city is just starting to shake off winter.
1. What is spring without baseball?
New York is home of the Yankees, one of baseball’s most decorated teams in Major League Baseball. The stadium, located in Bronx, will be hosting games for the Yankees and other major teams in March and April. If you plan of time, you can book a family tour of the stadium before the game and get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the 27-time World Champion team and their home turf. New York is also home base for the Mets and the team will have a handful of home games at their stadium through March and April. Both the Mets and the Yankees are some of the most successful franchises in baseball history and are teams who famed players like Babe Ruth.
2. Hit up Manhattan
A trip to the Big Apple isn’t complete unless you bring your family to Manhattan. It’s the mecca for famous sights like Times Square and the Empire State Building that are all worth checking out over a couple of days period. The art and museums located in or right around Manhattan are one-of-a-kinds. Your kids may enjoy the Sea, Air and Space Museum or the city’s National Geographic Encounter, or score tickets to the Marvel Universe festival happening mid-March. Manhattan is large and the opportunities for family activities and entertainment are unlimited, if you are planning a jam-packed itinerary, rent some bikes and soak in the springtime sun while getting to your next planned stop a little quicker.
3. Play in the park
You and your family could easily spend an entire day exploring Central Park. The area spans more than 800 acres and has countless activities at every corner. Grab a famous New York City hot dog from a cart and head to the Central Park Children’s Zoo and ride the nearby restored 1908 carousel. If your spring break falls in April, rowboats will be available for rent at the Loeb Boathouse. In between other major attractions in the park such as Museum of Metropolitan Art and Museum Mile, stroll through the Victorian Gardens or the notorious Strawberry Fields.
4. See it by sea
There are plenty of off-shore attractions in New York including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. There are many companies that offer a variety of tours within a reasonable budget. If it’s that time in the trip where you need a little relaxing time, take a harbor lights night cruise with cocktails, while your kids check out the buffet line and take in the views.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, your family can rent a set of jet skis and zip around the harbor. Spring time is also the optimal time to witness humpback whales near the harbor or dolphin clans. You and your family can book many tours that will take you on a trip to find these amazing mammals.
5. Take to the stages
New York City is a family’s one-stop city for theatrics. The city is home to some of the most iconic Broadway productions ever choreographed. Head to Lincoln Center to catch whatever opera, dance or music performance the center is currently offering. Head to the Minskoff Center to see classics such as Lion King or Wicked. If no current shows at big-name theatres sound appealing, Radio City Hall will impress every member of your family with a stellar performance by the Rockettes – the high-kicking dancing crew that has been dominating Broadway for almost a century.
6. Special Spring Events
Depending on exactly when your family’s spring break is, major parades and other events will be strolling through the city. Throw on your favorite over-the-top hat and head to the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival April 1st. St. Patrick’s Day conveniently falls in the middle of March, and if you’re lucky enough to be in New York on the 17th, the St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the most decorated Spring events in the city. For a true spectacle, head to the Macy’s Flower Show where thousands of floral decorations will be on display for two weeks. For another flower-filled springtime themed day, go to the Orchid Festival, otherwise known as New York’s nod to the changing season. New York’s Botanical Gardens will be in full bloom with thousands of orchids through all of April.
