Editors’ Note: All image sources go to the author, Ellie Usdin
Cherry blossoms pop up all over the city, the sun sets later and later each night and your throat gets itchy every time you step outside: You know what that means – it’s spring!
Spring is a great time of year because even if you’re stressed about school, it is better to be stressed and warm in an environment exploding with color and fragrance than it is to be stressed and cold in a bleak, wintry landscape. There are so many amazing things to do around NYC so step outside and try out some of these ideas!
- Go boating in Central Park
Nothing shouts spring more than grabbing friends and going on a relaxing boat ride in Central Park. The Loeb Boathouse on 72nd is open every day from 10 AM to 6:30 PM for boat rentals and is only $25 per hour per boat! This is a great opportunity to explore all that the park has to offer and probably witness at least three different proposals while you boat. No reservations are needed and it is generally accessible to get boats at any time!
- Have a picnic!
After your boat ride, use Central Park’s sprawling greenspace to have picnics during the spring and watch the sunset. Bring your Pinterest vision boards to life by grabbing some dinner or snacks and putting on a fun playlist. Popular places to go in the park include the Great Lawn and Sheep’s Meadow, but you can also find a quieter area if you walk around (I personally like the area on the Bridal Path near the West Side.)
You can also picnic in the many other parks that NYC has to offer such as Frederick Law Olmstead Park, Van Cortlandt Park, or Riverside Park!
- Catch a fly ball at a Yankees or Mets game
If sports games are more your style, check out at least one Yankees or Mets game this spring! Both stadiums are accessible by train (Yankees by the D or 4 and Mets by the 7 or LIRR) and are the perfect thing to do on a Friday or Saturday night. Remember to get the soft serve in the mini baseball helmets!!
- Look at the flowers at the New York Botanical Garden
During peak flower season, spend a day walking around the New York Botanical Garden in The Bronx. The Botanical Garden’s 250 acres of greenery provide ample space to explore and admire the many species of flowers. Also, make sure to check out their new exhibit opening May 18, “Wonderland: Curious Nature!” Fieldston News Faculty Advisor Bob Montera points out that the Botanical Garden is also a quick walk from the best cannolis on Arthur Avenue, Gino’s Pastry Shop.
- Go to brunch with friends
If you’re interested in trying out new restaurants, the spring is a great time to explore new places and dine outdoors! Head downtown to Soho, the West Village or to Williamsburg to grab brunch with friends. Some of my favorite spots are Little Ruby’s Cafe, Jack’s Wife Freda and the Grey Dog. For other spring food options, you can also check out the many weekend farmers markets around the city!
- Watch a concert at Summerstage
Finally, attend a concert at Summerstage in Central Park! It’s extremely accessible and relatively affordable (at least compared to Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour tickets). New singers take the stage all summer long, so check their website for updates on who is performing!
Stop sneezing from allergies and start springing into some activities! Spring is one of the best times of year to explore the incredible city that we live in, so take advantage of this season and try some out of these fresh experiences!
