Spring Break is around the corner—from March 29-April 2 for New York schools—and with vaccines still on the way for most of us, it's understandable if your family doesn't feel ready to get on a plane yet. Luckily, we live in (arguably) the greatest area in the world for family fun and there are plenty of things to do this Spring Break that are just a quick car ride or train ride away for the perfect Spring Break staycation.
Whether you're looking to meet some of the cool animals living in our backyards, learn at a museum, or try a new challenge with the family, these venues in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Rockland, Westchester, and Long Island are the most fun (and COVID-conscious) places to visit this Spring Break if you want to stay local.
And if you are looking to travel outside of the area, check out these awesome Spring Break Road Trip ideas, complete with places to eat, drink, play, and stay along the way.
Things to do this Spring Break with Your Family
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Manhattan Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Brooklyn Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Queens Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Westchester Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Rockland Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Long Island Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Things to do this Spring Break in Manhattan
March 29:
Take your teens on a super-unique and cool tour. The 90-minute Hard Hat Tour on Ellis Island takes you through the unrestored Immigrant Hospital Complex, where you'll walk through the indefinte hallway where immigrants were sent if they had a contagious disease, past the psychiatric hospital, and visit old rooms in the TB ward. When the tour's over, make your way over to the National Immigration Museum and stop by the Statue of Liberty.
March 30:
Take in some spectacular (and iconic) views! With the city still quiet because of COVID-19 (and fewer crowds), it's the perfect time to visit venues that are usually abuzz with tourists—and visiting the Empire State Building is a rite of passage for every little New Yorker. Whether you trek up to the 86th floor or make it to the 102nd floor, the views will remind you why we love this city so much.
March 31:
Visit with live animals in the heart of Manhattan. Spend an afternoon seeing snow leopards, grizzly bears, sea lions, penguins, and more at Central Park Zoo. And if you want your little ones want to get out the wiggles, stop by the Tisch Children's Zoo, where kids can crawl, jump, climb, and pretend to be animals.
April 1:
Climb aboard a decommissioned aircraft carrier! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum reopens to the public March 25 after being closed for a year. Your kids can explore what life is like for Navy sailors, explore the submarine Growler, see Space Shuttle Enterprise, and so much more! What's more? The museum is opening two new experiences: a restored pilot escalator and the ship's bomb elevators.
April 2:
Test your family's spy skills. Spyscape is an immersive experience featuring secret intelligence, encryption, lie-detection, surveillance, and a laser tunnel! Plus, the museum explores rare spy devices, like those used during World War II, the FBI, the CIA, and even some gadgets “Q”—the agent who inspired James Bond—used.
Things to do this Spring Break in Brooklyn
March 29:
Conquer tricky challenges at Beat The Bomb before your family gets paint-blasted! Or, get paint blasted anyway because it's fun and it makes for a great pic. The hazmat suits and masks that are required for paint protection also protect us from COVID, so it's a win-win!
March 30:
Feed the alpacas and sheep at Prospect Park Zoo. Meander through the Discovery Trail to spot red pandas, river otters, prarie dogs, dinos, and deer, then visit withthe frogs and turtles in Hall of Animals. Oh, and don’t forget to stop in to see the elusive Pallas’s cat, or as the zoo calls them, the original grumpy cat.
March 31:
Take advantage of your last opportunity to go ice skating this season at LeFrak Center Lakeside Prospect Park! The tickets are currently all on sale, and the rink is designed for skaters of all skill-levels. If you have a very little one new to skating, Penguin Skate Aids are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
April 1:
Play and create at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Totally Tots, World Brooklyn, Neighborhood Nature, and The Nest are all exhibits that are open for exploration. You can also make, celebrate, and explore art at workshops inspired by an artist.
April 2:
Discover the wonders of the ocean! Visit New York Aquarium, where you’ll meet sea lions, seals, sea otters, and more! “Swim” through Ocean Wonders to come face to face with sharks, rays, and sea turtles, then get a snorkler's-eye view of a colorful reef.
Things to do this Spring Break in Queens
March 29:
Do a little bit of everything at Laser Bounce—from bowling and bouncing to laser tag and arcade games. Mission Impossible (AKA Laser Frenzy) is an arcade-style laser maze with mirrors, haze, effects, and fun themes! Compete against your friends to complete your mission, just like the movies.
March 30:
Discover the Nature of Color and so much more at the American Museum of Natural History. Make a day trip to the Upper West Side to see all of the incredible exhibits and artifacts in the museum and while you're there, take a stroll through Central Park to enjoy some much-needed fresh air and of course grab a water dog from the street cart that's usually parked on Columbus and 79th.
March 31:
Meet some furry friends or go for a hayride at Queens County Farm. The premises has a bike rack and is stroller, backpack, and water bottle friendly, so you can get around the property however is most convenient for your family.
April 1:
Jump around at Launch Trampoline Park! The combination of trampolines and sports your kids love will get the whole family releasing endorphins. Practicing your vertical and horizontal jumps on the trampoline court, dodge some balls, shoot some hoops, or compete in the battle pit.
April 2:
See part of the 1964 World’s Fair! It's atop the aviary at the Queens Zoo, where you can meet macaws, a bobwhite quail, a conure, and an egret. Mosey through the rest of the zoo, and you’ll also meet sheep, a Texas longhorn, a puma, sea lions, an andean bear, and other animals from North and South America—all without leaving the World’s Borough!
Things to do this Spring Break in Westchester
March 29:
Meander through nearly 300 acres of animal habitats. The Bronx Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals—and you can see them all in one day! Your family will come face-to-face with tigers, gorillas, rodents, reptiles, and more. And when you need to stop and sit for a bit, make your way over to the Wild Asia Monorail for a guided tour of animals found in the wilderness of Asia.
March 30:
Build, discover, and play at Legoland Discovery Center. The epic, two-story LEGO playground provides the “building blocks” to the true best day ever—including the LEGO 4D Theater, master builders, Kingdom Quest ride adventure, and Merlin's Apprentice.
March 31:
Walk among treetops! Get ready for an aerial adventure as your whole family climbs through the trees, ziplines through the forest, and conquers any fears or nerves. Boundless Adventures, located in Purchase, opens for the season March 27, and is open daily, 10am-6pm, during Spring Break week. Bonus: Later in the spring, it will host nighttime climbing events when the trees are aglow with lights.
April 1:
Touch sharks and rays at the Maritime Aquarium. Whether you're interested in jellyfish, the desert. the rainforest, or the creatures that call the Long Island Sound their home, this aquarium has something for you.
April 2:
Experience the thrill of a lifetime at Six Flags Great Adventure. The park opens on March 27 and reservations are now live. This season, the park will debut its tallest, fastest, and longest single rail coaster: The Jersey Devil Coaster.
Things to do this Spring Break in Rockland County
March 29:
Experience the thrill of a lifetime at Six Flags Great Adventure. The park opens on March 27 and reservations are now live. This season, the park will debut its tallest, fastest, and longest single rail coaster: The Jersey Devil Coaster.
March 30:
Do way more than shop at Palisades Center. In addition to the great shops, Palisades Center has 16 sit-down restaurants, a bowling alley, an ice rink, and the world's tallest indoor ropes course. You'll surely make a full day out of this visit.
March 31:
Explore all the Bear Mountain State Park has to offer. Whether you want to enjoy a family hike, bike ride, or picnic, you'll find perfect trails and spots in this sprawling state park. Plus, the Perkins Memorial Tower on top of Bear Mountain offers spectacular views of the park. When you've had your fill of the outdoors, stop by Trailside Museums & Zoo to explore local flora, fauna, geology, history, and more.
Things to do this Spring Break on Long Island
Walk among treetops! Get ready for an aerial adventure as your whole family climbs through the trees, ziplines through the forest, and conquers any fears or nerves. The Advenure Park at Long Island, located in Wheatley Heights, opens for the season March 26, and is open daily, 10am-6pm, during Spring Break week. Bonus: It's first Glow in the Park of the season is March 27, and Firepit Fridays are a great way to end the night.
March 30:
Take your kids to the Vanderbilt Mansion for an outdoor day of fun! Vandy Land @ Vanderbilt Museum will have something for everyone, including mini golf, a scavenger hunt, music, food, and craft vendors. You'll even meet Mr. Bunny and friends to get an early start on Easter celebrations! The fun begins on March 27.
March 31:
Laser Bounce has a little bit of everything—from bowling and bouncing to laser tag and arcade games—so you'll never get bored spending the whole day here. Mission Impossible (AKA Laser Friendly) is an arcade-style laser maze with mirrors, hae, effects, and fun themes! Compete against your friends to complete your mission, just like the movies!
April 1:
Where we're going, we don't need roads! Spring Break 2021 at Cradle of Aviation will be filled with family activities, planetarium shows, space exhibits, a retro arcade, and a spring model train show. If you're a movie buff, be sure to check out the Back to the Future 35th Anniversary exhibit before it leaves for good on April 4.
April 2:
Visit real live (and fake) animals at White Post Animal Farm. By fake, we mean the Easter Bunny, of course. The animal farm is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, so get your tickets ASAP to reserve your family's slot to see the aviary, the petting zoo, and the primate enrichment barn. You' definitely want to pick up some locally sourced produce and “the best pie in America” before you leave!
