Free Things to Do During NYC Spring Break 2023

Free Things to Do During NYC Spring Break 2023
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Free Things to Do During NYC Spring Break 2023

Spring is upon us: the sidewalks are dotted with sights of green and the last school bell of the day has rung, officially cuing the start of April break. 

You and your kids have been working a little too hard for the past few months, and it’s finally time to take a break without breaking the bank. 

Here are 12 budget-friendly options to make the most out of this coming spring break in the Big Apple! 

Psst… Here’s your Ultimate Guide to Birdwatching in NYC and Beyond!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave., New York, NY

For some, it is still a little early for T-shirt and shorts weather. Slap on your fake mustaches and caps and spend a day indoors with your kids at the Met.

It is a great way to channel your little artists’ excitement and debunk the world’s greatest talents through the centuries — and a budget friendly option at that, too. New York residents pay any amount they wish for a regular ticket. 

Sunset Park

Brooklyn, NY

Get outside and get your steps in at Sunset Park in Brooklyn! Complete with a swing set, playground, sand pit and sports courts, there’s plenty to do for everyone in the family.

Lie down on the grass and soak in the Sun, fly a kite and see everything the park has to offer. Arrive early in the mornings, and you might even catch a sea of lovely grandmothers practicing tai chi!

Museum of the Moving Image

36-01 35th Ave., Queens, NY

This media museum is a must-visit for movie lovers young and old. Learn about how films and TV shows are created and presented. The museum offers free general admission every Thursday from 2 to 6 pm, making it a great choice for a spring break evening activity.

Little Island

Pier55 in Hudson River Park at W 13th St., New York, NY

Take the blue subway lines up to Little Island in Manhattan, where the water, sunset and nature scenery form the perfect blend of calm. The island is exactly as its name suggests — very minimalist, with straightforward paths that take you to various spots that afford excellent views of the Hudson. 

During warmer days, there are food trucks with refreshments and light snacks. Take a seat on the island’s wobbly seats that are sure to be fun for all ages. But be careful: you’ll get dizzy if you sit on them for too long! 

Bronx Zoo

2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY

Wednesdays are free at the Bronx Zoo! You and your family can take a visit to the Bronx Zoo this spring break– just make sure to reserve your tickets online ahead of time. See animals from all over the world by visiting exhibits like the sea lion pool, the world of birds and reptiles and the Carter Giraffe Building. 

Macy’s at 34th Street Herald Square

151 West 34th St., New York, NY

This one is for fans of window shopping– without the “windows” part. Who doesn’t love trying on outfits at a high-end department store even if you aren’t going to end up buying them?

The shiny lights all around the building are nothing short of eye-catching and a newly renovated Toys’ Floor on the top floor is perfect for the young and the young at heart. 

Public Libraries

Multiple Locations

School may be out, but it’s never a bad time to work out your reading muscles! New York Public libraries are some of the most historic landmarks in the city, and to be honest, some look too fancy to be libraries.

Check out your NYPL, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library branches for details on upcoming events, including readings, kids’ workshops and talks. 

The High Line

30th Street at Hudson Yards, New York, NY

Walking on the High Line is like walking through history. Admire the surrounding scenery, port and cityscape from high up in the air and explore the abstract murals and exhibitions that dot these ex-train rails.

Need a break? Lie on one of the stone reclining chairs. Got lost? There are maps stationed conveniently throughout the tracks. Keep an eye on the High Line’s website for upcoming events as the spring season continues to roll in. 

New York Botanical Gardens

2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY

Get a slice of oasis in the city at the New York Botanical Gardens. See the plants of spring in full bloom, catch this year’s iteration of the Orchid Show and learn about what goes into making plants grow. Admission for NYC residents is free every Wednesday. 

Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park

334 Furman St., Brooklyn, NY

Crossing this bridge is a bucket list must-do for all New Yorkers — and the distance is shorter than you think. Enjoy the refreshments and little vendors that span the bridge and take some pictures of the sailboats or the skyscrapers on the horizon.

Don’t miss the free, family-friendly offerings in Brooklyn Bridge Park, like public art, events, playgrounds and more. 

Governors’ Island

10 South St., New York, NY

Ride the ferry for free to this exciting getaway spot on Saturdays and Sundays before noon — and bring some picnic items.

You can rent a bike for relatively cheap there or even bring your own on the boat. If you have little ones, a peaceful family walk is a great option, too. Don’t underestimate the views — or the occasional tap dances — that happen on the ferry ride.

Socrates Sculpture Park

32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, NY

This sculpture park in Queens prides itself on always being free. There’s endless fun spread out across the park’s five-acre waterfront landscape. The sculptures there are always changing so you can see something new every time you visit. Get outside and see some sculptures this spring break! 

Relevant Directory Listings

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Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York’s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent & Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Can’t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available! </p>

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day’s robot in their own “workshop”.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">The Foundry’s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A proven teaching method, customized by age and ability for ages 3 and up. Special kid-sized racquets and playing area, plus slower-bouncing balls, make it fun from day one!</span></p>