The cherry blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden are in full bloom, Luna Park has reopened for the season and some interesting things to do with kids in Manhattan and on Governors Island.
Little Island | Hudson Yards | Ongoing
The new floating park called Little Island at the Hudson Yards piers is nestled among more than 350 species of flowers, trees and shrubs, includes a 687-seat amphitheater, a small stage and lawn space, along with nice views of other portions of Hudson River Park, New York City and the Hudson River. Free. Find out more here.
Cherry blossoms | Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Until mid May
Different kinds of cherries are already in bloom; the ‘Kanzan’ trees on Cherry Esplanade are in full bloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The cherry blossoms will be available to view until approximately mid May, you can track the cherry blossoms here. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open from Tuesdays to Friday from 10 am until sunset and from 8 am to 6 pm on weekends.
Amusement parks | Coney Islands | Weekends and during spring break
Luna Park with over 40 attractions is now open on weekends, on school holidays and during spring break. Find out more here. Deno’s wonder wheel amusement park is also open on weekends, details here.
The Open Orchard | Governors Island | May and onwards
An Orchard of 102 trees commissioned through Governors Island Arts will act as a living gene bank for hundreds of fruit varieties once native to New York but have gone extinct. The fruit varieties present in The Open Orchard all are indigenous to, originated in or have been historically grown in New York City. Permanent artwork opens to the public on Arbor Day, Friday, April 29. Once open, The Open Orchard will invite visitors to Governors Island to experience a range of public programs including a continued workshop series, talks and performances, fruit tastings, harvest events, culinary lessons, and more. Take the ferry from Brooklyn to the island.
Candytopia | Midtown | May to July
This limited-run engagement will be open from April 29th to July 31st with new exhibits including the signature Candytopia marshmallow pit, a New York-inspired candy art gallery, and a state-of-the-art candy confetti room, complete with confetti-farting pigs, infinity mirror room, Ring Swing Garden, Sugar High Theater, and an indoor zipline! Tickets: On Sale starting April 12 @ 12pm ET ($36 for adults; $29 for kids 4-12; free for kids under 4). The new Candytopia will be located at 111 West 32nd Street (on the corner of 32nd and 6th).
The Yard playground | Governors Island | Every weekend
The junkyard playground on Governors Island is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm for free play for ages 4 and up. Closed shoes required. Donation-based play like no other in NYC. Take the NYC Ferry straight from Brooklyn to the island.
Roller skating rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park | Fridays to Mondays
The Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink has reopened for the season. Check opening times and admissions here.
New York Aquarium | Coney Island | Ongoing
Transform into a shark, a sardine, and even a humpback whale while you explore the ocean in the new imaginative exhibit PlayQuarium. Learn how animals communicate underwater and explore a life-sized kelp forest! Then play the role of a scientist and search for bioluminescent fish in a submarine. You’ll feel connected to the ocean across the boardwalk and learn a bit more about the ecosystem thriving beneath the surface. The first fully bilingual exhibit in English and Spanish is the perfect place for children and families to connect with our oceans. Find out more here.
Free programming for babies to teens | DUMBO Library | Ongoing
The Adams Street Library has kicked off a robust free program for all ages from babies to teenagers this month! In person activities are happening during the week and on Saturdays. Details here.
