21 Things to Do In NYC this Spring

You guys, it’s FINALLY time to come out of hibernation. I’m not gonna lie- I loathe the cold, and I am pretty much a hermit all winter long. BUT the snow is finally melting, the temperatures are rising, and SPRING is in the air! Spring is probably my favorite season in New York. It’s like that girl says in Miss Congeniality: “It’s not too cold, and it’s not too hot…all you need is a light jacket!”. And amen to that! In celebration of my favorite season, I’ve rounded up 21 of the best things to do in New York this spring!

21 Things to Do In NYC this Spring

 

1. Rooftop Bars

 For what New York lacks in beaches, it makes up for in skylines. Take in the view with a cocktail in hand & soak up the sun on one of New York’s many rooftop bars. My favorites are The Public, Jimmy at the James, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Mr. Purple, & Le Bain.

 

2. Central Park Boat Ride

I mean, is there anything more romantic than a boat ride in Central Park?! Plus, it’s only $15/hour to rent a boat, so it’s a super affordable date idea and an AMAZING photo op 😉

 

3. Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival

In my opinion, cherry blossom season is the REAL most wonderful time of the year 😉 Is there anything more magical than being surrounded by an abundance of beautiful pink flowers?! I don’t think so. This year’s Cherry Blossom Festival takes place April 29th-30th in The Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Bask in the beauty of the flowers & enjoy 60 events and performances that celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture!

 

4. Macy’s Flower Show

Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking! You may notice a theme here, but c’mon, spring is all about the flowers!! Macy’s does an amazing job celebrating this with their annual flower show, which features brilliant presentations of lavish gardens that showcase millions of live flowers, plants, and trees from around the globe! This year’s show takes place from 3/24 to 4/7.

 

5. Smorgasburg

If you are a foodie, this one’s for you! Smorgasburg is essentially a giant food festival that features 100 local vendors. The best part? It happens every weekend starting April 6th all the way through October! You’ll find Smorgasburg in Williamsburg on Saturdays, and in Prospect Park on Sundays. Check out their website for more info!

 

6. Pillow Fight Day

Ready to blow off some steam? I can’t think of a more fun way than International Pillow Fight Day! This international event gathers thousands of people in Washington Square Park for the most epic pillow fight you’ll ever be a part of. Some people even dress up in costumes or as their favorite movie characters. This year’s Pillow Fight Day takes place on April 6th. Stay posted by joining the events Facebook group.

 

7. Beach Day

You don’t have to escape to the West Coast to hit the beach! Brooklyn offers a few local beaches like Coney Island and Jones Beach that are just a train ride away. If you’re feelin’ a little fancier head to Montauk or the Hamptons for a real beach town experience!

 

8. Beer Garden at the Standard

Enjoy a large selection of beer and German food, all in this gorgeous open-air space! Beware, it does get super crowded on the weekends, so get there early or make a reservation!

 

9. Visit the New Hudson Yards Mall

Residents of Hudson Yards can rejoice because the construction of this massive mall is FINALLY over! No joke you guys, this place is HUGE and basically has everything you would ever want inside. Whether you want to hit up Fendi or one of the 25 restaurants available, Hudson Yards has it all!

10. Dine Al Fresco

One of the greatest joys of spring is having the freedom to eat outside! Luckily lots of restaurants in New York have outdoor seating, so you can soak up the sun as you dine. Plus, if you’re a dog owner, it’s actually legal to have your dog in the outdoor seating area!

11. Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens

This year’s orchid show is inspired by Singapore! Prepare to be amazed by this incredible exhibition of orchids that takes place February 23rd – April 28th. Tickets are $23 on weekdays and $28 on weekends – just head to their website to purchase tickets!

12. Dinner at the Met

Up until recently dining at The Met was reserved exclusively for members. However, it’s now open to the public! The Grand Tier Restaurant features seasonal menu selections by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser. Just remember that The Grand Tier is reservation only – you can make one on their website.

13. Staten Island Ferry Ride

Need a little ocean breeze in your life? Just take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry! You’ll enjoy stunning views of the New York skyline as well as a close-up look at the Statue of Liberty.

14. Madison Square Eats

Madison Square Eats features over 20 different vendors to choose from! It’s the perfect spot to meet a friend for lunch, plus you can legally drink! Madison Square Eats is open May 5th – June 1st. 

15. Domino Park

Originally the old Domino Sugar Factory, Domino Park is Williamsburg’s most exciting new park! This 5-acre park is located along the East River and features everything from beach volleyball to a unique Fog Bridge! For more info just check out their website.

16. Free Bike Rentals on Governor’s Island

You’ve seen it in the movies – a guy is just whizzing on his bike through NYC and BOOM! Gets hit a by cab. I think every New Yorker knows at least one person this has happened to! If you enjoy leisurely biking, and not getting hit by cars, then Governor’s Island is for you! This secluded island is just a quick ferry ride away, and offers miles and miles of car-free cycling. And guess what? You can rent a bike, for FREE! That’s right, Monday-Friday 10am-12pm you can rent a bike for free for one hour. Just head to this website to learn more.

17.Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival takes place April 24th-May 5th and features a diverse selection of independent films. Passes vary from $55-$6,000 depending on what you’re looking for!

18. Philharmonic Festival in Central Park

19. Northern River Lobster Company Boat Ride

Enjoy a selection of seafood as you cruise around the Hudson River in this massive boat! Entry is only $10, and you can stay on all day long if you so please. I am personally a fan of their oysters and Watermelon Mule 😉 For more information just head to their website.

20. Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival

Put on your best bonnet and celebrate Easter with an extravagant parade! Easter falls on Sunday, April 21st this year, and the parade takes place from 10am to 4pm.

21. Picnic in Central Park

& Last but not least, a picnic in Central Park! When I asked my friends for their favorite spring activity, this was everyone’s #1 answer. Whether you want to have a cute date or just get together with some friends, a picnic in the park is never a bad idea!

Pin It!

Did you like my 21 Things to Do In NYC this Spring post? So here’s 22 Free Things to Do in NYC, The 15 Most Instagrammable Spots in NYC, and What to Pack for a Tropical Vacation + Packing Tips!.