New York City public school students will be off from Thursday, April 2 through Friday, April 10 for spring break — and there’s no shortage of free or low-cost ways to enjoy the week around the five boroughs.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, museum visits or just an easy afternoon out, here are some options for families during spring break.
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
Kid-friendly events at city parks
NYC Parks is hosting special Kids Week events that include scavenger hunts, nature shows and hands-on science fun. Here are a few:
Ranger Games — Naples Playground, Staten Island | April 6, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fire Making — Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn | April 6, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Beach Mural Making — Orchard Beach Nature Center, Bronx | April 6, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Animal Habitats — Forest Park, Queens | April 7, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Nature Exploration for Kids — Central Park, Manhattan | April 7, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Nature Puppet Show — Crotona Park, Bronx | April 7, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt — Irving Square Park, Brooklyn | April 8, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt — Brookfield Park, Staten Island | April 8, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing — Soundview Park, Bronx | April 8, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Freshwater Fishing — Prospect Park, Brooklyn | April 9, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Spring Wildlife Crafts — De Matti Park, Staten Island | April 9, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Birding for Kids — Riverside Park, Manhattan | April 9, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Earth Month Eco Crafts — Travers Park, Queens | April 9, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet the Critters — Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan | April 10, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Shelter Building — Homecrest Playground, Brooklyn | April 10, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit Coney Island’s Luna Park
Luna Park is offering special spring break hours before its full summer opening. Enjoy rides, games and classic boardwalk snacks.
Catch a baseball game
Spring break is the perfect time to catch a game in the Bronx or Queens.
New York Yankees vs. Miami Marlins
Yankee Stadium | Friday, April 3 through Sunday, April 5
New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics
Yankee Stadium | Tuesday, April 7 through Thursday, April 9
New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Citi Field | Tuesday, April 7 through Thursday, April 9
New York Mets vs. Oakland Athletics
Citi Field | Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12
Check each team’s website for ticket pricing, game times and more.
(AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Explore museums with free or pay-what-you-wish admission
Plenty of museums and other cultural centers in the city offer free admission on certain days or for children under a certain age. Others offer pay-what-you-wish admission for New Yorkers. Here are a few:
Pay-what-you-wish museums
Free museums and cultural centers
Free Wednesdays
Free Thursdays
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Kid-friendly sites to visit
Here are some free, mostly outdoor sites in New York City where children can explore:
Manhattan
Staten Island Ferry – Take a free ride on the ferry to enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.
The High Line – Walk along this elevated park with art installations, gardens and views of the city.
Central Park – Explore nature trails, playgrounds and outdoor spaces and sights like the Great Lawn, Bow Bridge and the “Alice in Wonderland” statue.
Battery Park – Enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty, Castle Clinton — a restored sandstone fort — and the harbor.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge Park – Visit a waterfront park with playgrounds, open green spaces and views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
DUMBO waterfront – Walk along the waterfront while taking in views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade – Take a stroll on a walkway with panoramic views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Queens
Astoria Park – Pay a visit to a park with a playground, track and views of the East River and the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park – Explore this expansive park with landmarks like the Unisphere and playgrounds for kids.
Bronx
Pelham Bay Park – Explore the city’s largest park, featuring nature trails, beaches and space for a winter stroll.
Van Cortlandt Park – Explore more than 1,000 acres in the northwest Bronx.
Staten Island
Staten Island Greenbelt – Visit a large natural area with trails for hiking and outdoor exploration.
South Beach and Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk – Explore a boardwalk where kids can watch the waves and enjoy a stroll.
New York City Libraries
Libraries across all five boroughs — Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island — are hosting a wide range of events for kids and families, from storytime sessions and STEAM activities to movie screenings and board game nights.