7 Fun Things To Do Outdoors In NYC This Spring

By Colin O'Leary
March 29th, 2022

It was a long and cold winter, but the springtime is finally here. Thankfully warmer days are ahead of us. There's no place like NYC in the springtime. It's a time for renewal. A time for growth. It's when this city starts to come alive again. It's a time to explore the city and all that it has to offer. There are a lot of fun places to explore in NYC in the springtime. We've put together a list of a few fun things to do during the springtime in NYC. The ranking is in no particular offer. Enjoy! 

​1. Visit Central Park

Central Park: Photo by Harry Gillen

​Lets start the list with the most obvious choice. Central Park is a massive 843-acre oasis in the heart of Manhattan. It's full of nature trails, trees, rocks, lawns, animals, and birds. It's a natures lovers paradise. Head to Central Park this spring to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. The landscaped architecture and views will leave you feeling inspired. Springtime is when the park really comes to life. ​It's a great place to relax, soak up some sun, exercise, play sports, or just meetup with your friends. No list would be complete without Central Park. Do yourself a favor this springtime and head to Central Park!

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2. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge: Photo by Matthew Schwartz

​Have you ever walked across the entire Brooklyn Bridge? If not then this is a must do this springtime. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of NYC's most iconic and recognizable structures. It was built in the late 1800's to connect the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Prior to its construction the only way to get across was by ferry. Designed by John Roebling, the bridge is 1.1 miles of pure NYC architectural history. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a great way to spend a morning, afternoon, or evening. It's a great way to get some epic pictures for your Instagram account too, while also getting some exercise and fresh air. You can walk from the Manhattan side to Brooklyn, or you could walk from Brooklyn side to Manhattan. It's totally up to you. If you haven't walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, then make sure to add this to your springtime to-do list. You won't be disappointed! 

​3. Escape to Prospect Park in Brooklyn 

Prospect Park:

​If your looking for a park that's similar to Central Park but without the massive crowds, then head on over to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. If you haven't been there, Prospect Park is basically the Central Park of Brooklyn. It's a 526-oasis of trees, grass, nature trails, hills, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and historic landscape architecture. The park was designed by the same man who designed Central Park in Manhattan, Frederick Law Olmstead. You will find a lot of similarities bewtween the two parks. Both have great lawns for relaxing, sports fields, bandshells, nature trails, lakes, and zoo's. Both have beautiful landscaped architecture. It will take you multiple visits to explore this massive park in Brooklyn. There is so much to see in Prospect Park. Make sure to add it to your springtime to-do list! 

4. Be a Foodie at Smorgasborg

Smorgasburg in Brooklyn

​If walking around parks or bridges is not exactly your thing, but food is, then Smorgsburg might be more for you. Smorgasburg is a massive food bazaar hosted in different locations in NYC each year. It's a culinary extravaganza spotlighting local food vendors from across the city. Smorgsburg is planning to setup its food bazaar in four spots this year, including the two usual sites in Brooklyn, in Williamsburg and Prospect Park. They are also planning to host events at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, and also on the other side of the Hudson in Jersey City. If food is your thing, then make sure to add this to your to-do list this spring! 

5. Head to the Cherry Blossom Festival 

Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez

Springtime in NYC is a season of rebirth. There's no better place to experience the springtime in NYC than at the 52-acres Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It's a great place to visit any time of the year. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is located next to Prospect Park. The park is open year round. It's filled with exotic species of plants and trees from around the world. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival each year at the end of April. If you have never been to the annual event then this is a must do. The Instagram-worthy festival will leave you in awe!
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6. Head to a Baseball Game 

Yankee Stadium in the Bronx: Photo by @jgregoryd

​One of the most New York things you can do this spring is head to a baseball game at Citi Field or Yankee Stadium. If you have never been to a baseball game in NYC then this is definitely a must do. Going to baseball games is a rite of passage for New Yorkers. Even if you don't like baseball, you will still enjoy going to a game at Citi Field or Yankee Stadium with your friends. You can hop on the 7-train and head to Citi Field in Queens, or you could take the 4-train to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. It only takes about 20-30 minutes from Manhattan. It's a great way to spend a beautiful spring day! 

7. Explore Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 

Flushing Meadows Corana-Park: Photo by Emma Angel

Just south of Citi Field in Queens, at the same subway station on the 7-line, is the entrance to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. The massive 897-acre park is best known for hosting the 1964 World's Fair. It's the biggest and best park in Queens. The park is home to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which hosts the annual US Open tennis tournament each summer. It's also home to the iconic Unisphere as well (see above). The park has so much more to offer though. There's also a museum, theatre, botanic garden, indoor ice rink, walking trails, and a zoo. If you have never been to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, make sure to add this to your to-do list this spring! 


We hope you enjoyed the list! Let us know what your favorite thing to do in the springtime in NYC in the comment section below. Now get outside and explore the city! 
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