New York’s spring essence has begun to sneak in through the cherry blossom trees and flowers blooming through the cracks in the streets. Thousands of college students and adults return or visit for spring break to experience the long-awaited burst of energy. As the weather becomes warmer it not only melts the ice but thaws the unwillingness to go out in the cold.
Spring is the time to be outside and take in all the life that winter was keeping in so here are some activities to do with other people to bring back the socializing aspect of New York.
Attend a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, or in Citi Field in Queens. Even if you don’t keep up with baseball, it is a fun opportunity to be around people with passion for the sport and hang out with friends or family. When in the stadium, you can grab food, take pictures, and participate in baseball traditions.
Rent a row boat at Central Park! For $25 an hour, you can rent a row boat which can hold up to 4 people! Life jackets are provided per request and through personal experience, it is very easy to get the hang of. It is an incredible activity with a unique view of Central Park with ducks swimming by and people enjoying each other’s company.
Visit the Brooklyn or Queens Botanical Garden which are both beautiful and free to New York residents! On a warm day, the best thing to kill time is to walk around a beautiful garden and admire the variety of healthy thriving plants. The Garden encourages and enables visitors to withdraw from the New York crowds, work, stress, and media. If you’re looking for a moment of calm in the city, this is where you’ll get it.
Taking a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge is famous for numerous reasons. The bridge presents a beautiful perspective of New York with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and the Empire State Building. Not only is it beautiful to be around, but it has a fascinating history behind it. Walking across the bridge allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the city, as its role was to connect Manhattan to Brooklyn. Enjoying the bridge provides an opportunity to get the body moving and get fresh air. It is a peaceful escape from the rowdy city below.
Visit New York Flea Markets! The Brooklyn Flea Market under the Manhattan Bridge and Chelsea Flea are famous for their wide array of high-quality antiques, jewelry, clothes, home decor, and more! This is perfect for those who love shopping but want to spend a beautiful day outside. You can bring a friend and socialize with venders, others at the flea, and overall have a great time and find really unique things.
Since Central Park is so famous, that also means it is filled with tourists. In the case that the park too full or too dull, head to Washington Square Park for a livelier version of Central Park. This small square is filled with college students coming out of NYU and teenagers roaming around for a good time. If the weather is still a little chilly and the fountain isn’t on, there is a good chance there’ll be skaters riding inside the fountain. Although this breaks the park rules, it gathers people together to sit around the fountain and watch them do tricks.
Not everyone enjoys being around crowds of people, which is where Greenacre Park comes in. A hidden park in East Midtown with a beautiful waterfall and small cafe inside! The water serves almost as white noise making it easy to get work done and a calming environment. If you get there an hour or two after the park opens you’re guaranteed to get a great seat underneath the sun and trees. It is very quaint and acts as an escape from the life right outside on the street.
Take An Outdoor Yoga Class! If you need a tranquil moment in the hustle and bustle you can sign up to take an outdoor yoga class. Classes vary in location but a great one is Bryant Park Yoga, which you can check the Bryant Park website for more information.
If you’re looking for a more intellectual and calm way to spend the day, head over to one of New York’s best bookstores The Strand, known for its slogan, “18 miles of books”. With the immense selection between the 3 floors and the stands right outside of the store, this book store is definitely one to check out. Additionally, books can be very expensive which is why the Strand is so special with its $3-$5 section. Although it takes some digging, you can find some engaging and unique books that will make you want to come back for more!
Rent an electric or normal city bike and take a ride around Central Park. Not only is it a great form of exercise but the view is beautiful. While riding, you can search for the cherry blossom trees and observe all the people enjoying the same environment.
Have a picnic in your favorite park! Having a picnic is a great opportunity to bond with a friend or reconnect with family. It can help relax and rejuvenate the mind by breathing in fresh air and taking a moment to focus on nature and ground yourself. The sudden shift in weather makes the picnic that much more enjoyable because of the life that springs into the air. When interviewing students about their favorite spring activities, a fellow junior Alisa Nudar agreed that spending time outside is a great way to take in the joy of spring; she states, “During the springtime, there is not much I can do because we still have school, but I do sit out in my yard with my laptop on a swing. I love being outside as much as possible it’s very wholesome.” Later in the interview, Alisa spoke of the joy in dressing up and going with her friends to the park, she states, “…it’s literally girlhood!”. With this in mind pack up snacks, grab a few friends, and breath in the refreshing breeze!
Sadly, these activities are definitely for the sunny spring weather. Although the groundhog is our teller of early Spring or late Winter, he seemed to lie about early spring, so here are some things to do during rainy and chilly spring weather.
Head to the museum! New York is filled with amazing educational museums that make us feel relaxed and productive on a rainy spring day. Since Elementary School, students have gone to the majority of the cities museums, but some never seem to be boring. The Butterfly Conservatory Exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, The Met, and the Whitney Museum are great examples of a rainy day activity.
See A Beautiful Candlelight Spring Concert! A unique experience to say the least and a beautiful way to end the night is with some music surrounded by hundreds of beautiful glowing candles. These concerts are dedicated to various artists and albums, from classics to modern music played by professional and talented violinists. Locations and prices for tickets may vary but if the night is cold and uninteresting, lighten it up with some candlelit music!
The city comes alive with possibilities in the spring! Embrace the season’s energy by exploring the city and discovering hidden gems in quaint neighborhoods! Savor the fresh smell of flowers everywhere you go and create unforgettable memories in the heart of blooming and buzzing New York.