{"id":17944,"date":"2013-04-19T08:00:43","date_gmt":"2013-04-19T13:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mommybites.com\/newyork\/?p=17944"},"modified":"2013-04-18T15:00:13","modified_gmt":"2013-04-18T20:00:13","slug":"5-must-do-spring-family-activities-in-nyc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mommybites.com\/newyork\/5-must-do-spring-family-activities-in-nyc\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Must-Do Spring Family Activities in NYC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Celebrate Spring and Go Green!<\/span><\/p>\n

Spring has officially arrived! True, the vernal equinox was about a month ago, but with 20 degree weather jumps every other moment, today\u2019s warmer temperatures and blossoming trees could be our signal that we have full reason to skip in the streets and revel in the New York City sunshine. It\u2019s time to welcome the season by taking advantage of all that our city has to offer. Here are my top five family activities for spring 2013: added bonus, almost all of them are outdoors!<\/p>\n

1. Sakura Matsuri at Brooklyn Botanic Garden<\/a>: April 27\u2013 April 28, 2013, 10 a.m.\u20136 p.m. *Tickets should be purchased in advance via http:\/\/www.brownpapertickets.com\/event\/351365<\/a><\/p>\n

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Celebrate the cherry blossoms blooming and learn about all types of Japanese cultural activities. There will be dance and music performances, all types of art workshops (if your children like manga, they\u2019re in for a treat!) and instrument making, plus much more. If you just want to explore the gardens and take in nature\u2019s wonders, enjoy a guided tour.<\/p>\n

2. Wave Hill<\/a><\/p>\n

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Take a trip to Riverdale, Bronx and enjoy the breathtaking, sprawling gardens. The last time I visited Wave Hill there were a variety of activities happening for both children and adults. Engage in an art activity such as creating a kite, take a guided\u00a0 nature walk, or learn at one of their workshops, such as \u201cReptiles and Amphibians of the Lower Hudson Valley\u201d on 5\/25\/13.<\/p>\n

3. Earth Day 2013 at Grand Central Terminal<\/a>, April 20-22, 2013, 10am-6pm *FREE<\/p>\n

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\nHappy Birthday to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan! While there are many events scheduled to mark its 100th year, the bustling terminal turns into a huge Earth Day party this weekend. There will be activities for children and live performances. Have the family learn about sustainability together and implement the lessons at home!<\/p>\n

4. Spring Kids Fest at Madison Square Park<\/a> 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue
\nSaturday, May 18, 2013 10:30am-1:30pm *FREE<\/p>\n

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\nSunshine, live music, activity tables, and food! What more could you ask for? A collaboration between Time Out New York Kids and the Madison Square Park Conservancy, this event is always fun for children and adults alike!\u00a0 Madison Square Park is centrally located near several subway lines (F, N, R, 6) or a quick walk from the hub of Union Square.<\/p>\n

5. Go on the Carousel and Read Outside at Bryant Park <\/a><\/p>\n

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\nOnly a few blocks away from the frenzied Times Square and Grand Central Terminal you will find the oasis of Bryant Park – full of tables and seating, and most importantly a carousel! Your children can ride antique style toads, bunnies, and horses while taking in the park scenery. There is also a small kids\u2019 \u201cReading Room\u201d with colorful chairs and a variety of books. No need to pack snacks since there\u2019s a \u2018witchcraft’ outpost!<\/p>\n

Enjoy the season and don\u2019t forget my art teacher\u2019s tip: Have your child bring a sketchbook and pencil to draw outside and write about the favorite part of their day! It makes for great dinner conversation too!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Like what you read?<\/span> Sign up<\/a> for our free newsletter so you can be informed of the latest FREE <\/span>webinars & teleclasses,<\/a> parenting articles, & weekly raffles.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Christina Soriano is an artist and art teacher in New York City. For more infomation follow her on twitter @sorianodesigns \u00a0or visit www.christinasorianodesigns.com<\/wbr><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributor\u2019s. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Celebrate Spring and Go Green! Spring has officially arrived! True, the vernal equinox was about a month ago, but with 20 degree weather jumps every other moment, today\u2019s warmer temperatures and blossoming trees could be our signal that we have full reason to skip in the streets and revel in the New York City sunshine. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1095,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"schneps_byline":"","schneps_post_style":"","schneps_post_source":"","schneps_syndicated_read_more":"","schneps_post_source_sitename":"","schneps_post_source_shortname":"","schneps_post_source_url":"","schneps_post_source_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41,51,60,45,66,1],"tags":[46,69],"class_list":["post-17944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-big-kid","category-dads","category-grandparents","category-moms","category-nanny","category-uncategorized","tag-activities","tag-events"],"acf":[],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/mommybites.com\/newyork\/5-must-do-spring-family-activities-in-nyc\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"5 Must-Do Spring Family Activities in NYC","url":"http:\/\/mommybites.com\/newyork\/5-must-do-spring-family-activities-in-nyc\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/mommybites.com\/newyork\/5-must-do-spring-family-activities-in-nyc\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":""},"articleSection":"Big Kid","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Christina Soriano"}],"creator":["Christina Soriano"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Mommybites New York","logo":""},"keywords":["activities","events"],"dateCreated":"2013-04-19T13:00:43Z","datePublished":"2013-04-19T13:00:43Z","dateModified":"2013-04-19T13:00:43Z"},"rendered":"