Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In New York
Lisa Sammons
Author
Spring in New York is such an amazing time! Whether you’re heading out with the entire family, on a solo adventure, or seeking a romantic activity for two, there are so many different places to enjoy the wonder that is spring in the Empire State. From NYC to upstate, New Yorkers are blessed with a huge variety of attractions and festivals that celebrate the season’s greenery and beauty. Let’s take a peek at some of the best things to do in springtime in New York:
Flower Blooms In New York
Japanese cherry blossoms, the orchid shows, tulips, and roadside flowers in full bloom: you’ll find so many gorgeous displays and flower farms in New York. Sightseeing at this time of year is a colorful experience like nothing else, and there are so many must-see spots to check out!
1. Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden
Waterdrinker Family Farm offers up 15 acres of family-friendly fun at each of their two New York locations. The Manorville location hosts the Long Island Tulip Festival each April. The festival dates depend on when the tulips are in bloom, but there's so much fun to enjoy here! There are plenty of activities for kids and adults of all ages, plus u-pick tulips, barnyard animals, and tons of photo opportunities. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance and are only sold at the gate.
2. North Star Orchards
North Star Orchards opens in mid-April, and this is the type of old-fashioned farm that comes to mind when you think of a flower farm in New York. The farm's u-pick tulip event in spring is one of the most popular events on the calendar, but there's plenty to do here all year long. The farm market and greenhouse both have items for sale, and there's even a farm bakery where you can purchase delectable pastries.
Botanical Gardens In New York
With all the amazing outdoor green spaces like our many state parks and municipal parks, it’s easy to forget that the New York botanical gardens are some of the best in America. These are some of our favorite fun things to do in New York in spring with kids because it’s a great place for them to get their energy out. Here are a few of our favorite gardens in the Empire State:
3. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
The Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Site is a beautiful place to take in not only a bit of history, but also all the splendor of spring. The park lies along Long Island's Gold Coast and houses a historic mansion, plus many acres of landscaped gardens and an arboretum. Five miles of trails run through the forests here, and the entire property looks like something from a dream when the flowers are in bloom.
4. Cornell Botanic Gardens
The Cornell Botanic Gardens are one of the best botanical gardens in the northeast. You'll find 25 acres of botanical gardens here, plus an additional 150 acres at the adjoining F. R. Newman Arboretum. Botanical gardens have been an important part of the Cornell campus since the university was founded back in the mid-19th century, and there's a lot to see here. From brilliant blooms to herb gardens and even rock gardens, there's so much to see here. This is easily one of the best things to do with kids in spring in New York!
5. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are actually perfect for a visit at any time of year, but we particularly love a day trip here in the springtime. The gardens consist of a series of interconnected greenhouses, plus a few outdoor gardens that have been designated as an arboretum. There's a huge variety of species here: the greenhouses even have some carnivorous plants, in addition to beautiful spring blooms like you might expect.
Parks To Visit In New York This Spring
There are so many amazing parks in New York, from our wonderful state and national parks to the legendary city parks of New York City. After the dreary days of winter, many of the state’s municipal parks host fun events with live music, pop-up art fairs, and even screenings of films that are perfect for a spring day. Of course, the warmer weather is also perfect for enjoying more natural recreational activities, like hiking, boating, or camping.
6. Watkins Glen State Park
Honestly, places don't come much prettier than Watkins Glen State Park. This incredible park spans 778 acres in the Finger Lakes region. It's most famous for the 400-foot-deep gorge that shares its name, and it's easy to see why this natural wonder has earned the nickname "The Grand Canyon of the East." Come springtime, the waterfalls here are in full flow, and the trails erupt into color as the wildflowers bloom.
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7. Central Park
The Big Apple, of course, has numerous amazing spots to enjoy spring, but few are as amazing as a springtime trip to Central Park. It's perhaps the most famous park in America, and it's absolutely magical when the cherry blossom trees are all in bloom! From tulips to daffodils, there are plenty of colorful flowers here that bloom in the spring months.
8. Letchworth State Park
It's really no surprise that Letchworth State Park has been named the most beautiful park in New York: this place is magnificent! There's no better time to explore it than when the grounds erupt in brilliant greenery and the flowers are all in bloom. The park's miles of hiking trails are the perfect excuse to get out and explore while enjoying the Empire State in springtime.
Spring Hikes In New York
Hiking in New York is one of our favorite activities, and is there any better time to do it than spring? The waterfalls are often flowing at full force with the melting of the snow, the trees and grass are green as can be, and wildflowers are in full bloom. It sounds pretty perfect, if you ask us! If you’re an avid hiker in New York, you might want to consider a free trial of AllTrails+. You’ll get to enjoy great benefits like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions, so you never have to worry about losing your path in the woods!
9. Five Falls Loop at Fillmore Glen State Park
Fillmore Glen State Park's Five Falls Loop is one of our favorite spring hikes in New York. The loop spans about 3.5 miles, and you'll have the opportunity to see several waterfalls. Most cascades are at their most brilliant in spring, after the snow melts, so this is a perfect time of year to visit. Note that this is considered a moderately difficult hike and it is only open seasonally, so make sure to check the New York State Parks website before heading out.
10. Hessian Lake Loop at Bear Mountain State Park
The Hessian Lake Loop has stunning scenery, and best of all, it's a pretty easy hike! At 1.4 miles, it only takes about half an hour for most explorers to enjoy the loop, and there's very little elevation gain. Bear Mountain State Park is one of the Empire State's prettiest parks, and there's so much to explore here!
Spring Picnic Spots In New York
One of the best romantic things to do in spring in New York is to enjoy a spring picnic with your significant other. Laying down a blanket in a field, relaxing in the sunshine, and savoring an al fresco meal is a pretty special experience. Here are a few of our favorite picnic spots in New York:
11. Hudson Gorge Wilderness
The Hudson Gorge Wilderness Area is a sprawling 24,000-acre preserve that's an amazing spot for explorers looking to enjoy time outdoors. Whether you love hiking, want somewhere to picnic or camp, or just want to be outside and relax a little, this is an underrated spot that is magical for those seeking to escape the crowds of more popular areas.
12. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park is a stunning 811-acre oasis filled with waterfalls, trails, forests, and scenic pools. It's an amazing place to get outdoors, and we love a good picnic here! If you're interested in exploring some of the park's trails, make sure to check out the New York State Parks website before heading out. Some of the hikes here are only open seasonally and may still be closed for winter until late spring.
Wow! These spring getaways look amazing, don’t they? What are some of your favorite things to do in spring in New York? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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