10 Top Spring Break Ideas for Families Visiting NYC
10 Top Spring Break Ideas for Families Visiting NYC
New York City is one of the most underrated spring break destinations in the U.S. It’s fast-paced, vibrant, and always changing. And, surprisingly, it’s one of the best places to do spring break on a budget.
As the weather warms up, there are tons of things to do in NYC on spring break. While some may focus on visiting NYC solo, others might consider visiting with a group and doing activities like an NYC food tour. Personally, I think the city makes the perfect family getaway after a long winter.
Top Spring Break Ideas for Families Visiting NYC
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Ride Bikes Through Central Park
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Visit the Bronx Zoo
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Play at Luna Park on Coney Island
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Explore the Museum of Modern Art
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Visit the New York Botanical Garden
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Discover The Edge NYC
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Walk the High Line
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Eat Your Way Through Little Italy
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Explore the American Museum of Natural History
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Take a Classic Harbor Line Cruise
In this roundup, I’ll be spilling all the secrets on my top 10 favorite things to do in NYC for spring break for families with kids, so you can get the most out of the Big Apple during your stay!
Top 10 NYC Spring Break Destinations
It’s not just about Times Square! NYC is a sprawling city that spans 462 square miles across five distinct boroughs. Whether you’re dreaming of shopping on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan or want to discover the best pizzerias in historic Brooklyn, you’re in for a treat.
New Yorkers know that the city is a hidden gem this time of year. From fresh flowers blooming on the High Line to languid strolls through the Bronx Zoo, families can delight at all the amazing things to do. Let’s get started!
1 | Ride Bikes Through Central Park | One of my favorite things to do in Central Park is rent a Citibike and ride it along the scenic paths.
If you’re looking for cheap and fun spring break ideas for families in NYC, it’s hard to beat spending a day in the city’s most famous park!
You can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in Sheep’s Meadow, let the kids play on one of the playgrounds, and enjoy watching wildlife along the trails.
A day at Central Park is good for the soul, and during the gorgeous spring weather, it’s the perfect destination for city slickers and visitors.
WHERE: Central Park, New York, NY 10019 | WHO: (212) 310-6600
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2 | Spend a Day at the Bronx Zoo | One of my favorite outdoor spring break activities for families in NYC is visiting the Bronx Zoo!
You can see over 11,000 animals in beautiful habitats, all divided into their own “neighborhoods,” like the Congo Gorilla Forest and Madagascar!
Kids and grown-ups both love riding the Wild Asia monorail, and there are extra animal encounters you can book that let you meet a critter up-close.
Be sure to check out the Butterfly Garden to relax among the flowers as hundreds of beautiful butterflies surround you.
WHERE: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460 | WHO: (718) 220-5100
3 | Play at Luna Park on Coney Island | This iconic amusement park is a family-favorite among locals.
Generations of New Yorkers have flocked to Luna Park for decades. It’s hard to resist with its amazing beach views and lively atmosphere.
You can easily get to Coney Island from NYC by car or subway.
I’ve made a habit of visiting at least once a year, and the view of the Wonder Wheel at night never gets old.
WHERE: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224 | WHO: (718) 373-5862
4 | Explore MoMa Together | The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMa, as we New Yorkers call it, is one of the best places to visit in the city.
For fun kid-friendly attractions in NYC during spring break, touring this beautiful art gallery is a must.
Between interactive art labs and audio tours made just for them, kids can have a blast discovering the world of art at this historic NYC museum.
WHERE: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 | WHO: (212) 708-9400
5 | Stroll Through the New York Botanical Garden | Whenever I have friends coming to the city for the first time, I always suggest they visit these incredible gardens in the Bronx.
During the spring, the entire garden is in full bloom, and it’s truly a sight to behold. You probably never expected such a nature paradise in a bustling city!
Touring the lush landscapes and admiring the thousands of flowers is the perfect way to enjoy spring break in NYC as a family.
WHERE: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458 | WHO: (718) 817-8700
6 | Discover The Edge NYC | The Edge is a wildly popular observation deck in West Chelsea, Manhattan, that makes for incredible family photos.
You’ll have the whole city as your backdrop when you stand 100 stories above the ground!
There’s a see-through glass floor that can be truly mind-blowing. It’s on level 4 of Hudson Yards, a famous shopping mall filled with restaurants and designer stores.
WHERE: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001 | WHO: (646) 954-3181
7 | Walk the High Line | The High Line is a fantastic, family-friendly NYC attraction perfect for enjoying fresh air during the spring.
You can enjoy a 1.45-mile stroll through Chelsea to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District.
This former railroad track is now a major transportation street and hotspot for visitors. Over eight million people walk it each year!
The High Line is stroller-friendly and totally free! You can enjoy views of the city and art installments that make for a memorable family outing.
WHERE: New York, NY 10011 | WHO: (212) 500-6035
8 | Eat Your Way Through Little Italy | Save the trip to Europe and visit Little Italy instead!
This charming and historic neighborhood in Lower Manhattan is packed full of incredible restaurants, from tiny, family-owned bakeries to world-famous pizzerias.
You’ll love admiring the art and architecture while savoring classic Italian bites made from secret family recipes.
Pro Tip: Be sure to grab a cannoli from Ferrara Bakery, open since 1892!
WHERE: Little Italy, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: N/A
9 | Explore the American Museum of Natural History | The American Museum of Natural History is one of the best museums in NYC for families with kids during spring break.
Kids can see a lifesize T-rex, roam through a kid-friendly discovery room, and marvel at the wonders of the world through interactive exhibits.
A trip to this museum is always a good idea, and if you’re visiting the city for spring break, I can’t recommend it enough!
WHERE: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024, USA | WHO: (212) 769-5100
10 | Take a Classic Harbor Line Cruise | Harbor Line cruises from Chelsea Pier are a great way to take in views of the city.
You can book a sunset ride or sightseeing boat tour that gives you an amazing look at the NYC skyline.
The staff members on Harbor Line cruises are always generous and accommodating, going out of their way to make sure your visit is wonderful.
I’m a big fan of the NYC family boat rides. There are a variety of packages you can book that are great for kids of all ages, while still being relaxing for adults.
WHERE: 62 Chelsea Piers Pier 62, New York, NY 10011 | WHO: (212) 627-1825
Use Our Handy Map to Find Your Way Around!
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Make the Most Out of Your NYC Spring Break Experience
Ask anyone from NYC and they’ll tell you: there’s no place like NYC. Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in NYC, and it’s the perfect occasion to take time off from work to enjoy making new memories as a family.
While exploring the city, consider visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the One World Trade Center and Grand Central Station. In fact, if you’re visiting the historic train station, pop on over to Westgate New York Grand Central for a luxurious and comfortable stay for the whole family.
It doesn’t matter whether you want to appreciate nature, soak up the city’s vibes, learn a little history, or go on an epic family adventure, NYC awaits!
For more travel guides to exploring New York City, visit the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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