Spring Break 2024: 25 Fun Things To Do on Long Island

Go off-trail at one of Long Island’s many parks and preserves. Photo by Gina Massaro

Spring break 2024 is on the horizon, so we've scoured Long Island for ideas to keep your family entertained and engaged during the vacation. We've rounded up lots of outdoor activities and also prepared for April showers with indoor options.

Most Long Island schoolkids are on break a few times throughout March and April. Some of our picks take place on specific days, and others are anytime activities. You can find more seasonal fun in our Guide to Spring Activities on Long Island.

Spring Break 2024: 41 Fun Things To Do in New Jersey

This spring break, take a hike by the soaring hemlock trees in Hacklebarney State Park. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

This spring break, why not skip the long airport security lines in favor of a staycation right here in New Jersey?

Most New Jersey school districts are closed for spring break sometime between Monday, March 25, and Friday, April 26. Luckily, the Garden State is home to museums, playgrounds, zoos, and other fun zones just a short drive away. Plus, our Family Activity Calendar is full of great events taking place during spring break.

Read on for dozens of fun things to do during spring break in New Jersey with kids. 

Best Family Resorts in Florida

Kids can play safely in the zero-entry pool at the Omni Amelia Island Resort.

Looking for the best family resorts in Florida? We've got you covered with some great picks near the Orlando theme parks, up and down the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and all the way down to the Florida Keys.

Because many families head to Florida for fantastic beach vacations, we tried to include a resort in or near some of our favorite beach cities, like Amelia Island, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Destin. We considered factors such as the resorts' activities and amenities, kids' clubs, proximity to local attractions, room types, and more. We also included some great family resorts in Florida that were recommended by our writers and editors.

Here are 21 of the best family resorts in Florida to consider for your next visit to the Sunshine State. Be sure to check out our Florida Family Travel Guide to help you narrow down your location!

Hicks Nurseries Blooms as a Family-Friendly Destination in Every Season

Hicks Nursery offers visitors an early glimpse of spring, when its indoor gardens get decked out in brilliant ant colors each March.

A visit to Hicks Nurseries in Westbury is a fun-filled way to kick off the change of seasons with kids. The sixth-generation, family-owned garden mecca is Long Island’s largest nursery and garden center. It has also become a must-visit spot many families return to year after year. The team at Hicks Nurseries creates unique seasonal experiences kids will fall in love with.

Adventures for the kids include everything from its current spring Flower and Garden Show to its family-friendly Fall Festival and jolly Santa visits each winter. Read on for all the family-friendly event details you need to plan a visit to this local institution, which ranks at No. 53 on our list of 100 FREE things to do on Long Island with kids.

Creativity Runs Amok at Shot of Art NYC Where Kids Can Spin, Splash, and Drizzle Paint

No surface is off limits when you book an art experience at Shot of Art NYC.

When it comes to creativity, my girls are always testing the limits. They've rarely met a craft material they don't want to work with, but we often clash over the messes left behind. That's what made a trip to Shot of Art NYC a perfect all-ages outing.

Over a two-hour session, we spun, dripped, and splashed paint everywhere from our canvases to the walls, ceiling, floor, and even (accidentally) my camera. We left with huge smiles on our faces, some cool new artwork, and inspiration to keep creating. Even better: We left the mess all behind!

Want to have your own creative playdate at Shot of Art NYC? Read on for the inside scoop on this art-and-graffiti-inspired studio and find more creative places to play on our list of the best arts and craft classes in NYC for kids.

Should Kids Learn Cursive Writing? And Teaching How To Write in Cursive

Less than half of US states currently require that kids be taught cursive writing in school. But most parents still want their children to learn the skill.

Here's a question we would have never thought to ask 25 years ago: Should kids learn cursive writing?

In a world that increasingly relies on technology, there's no question that kids can—and should—learn to type on a keyboard. But after some internal debate among the Mommy Poppins team, we wanted to know: Do parents still want their kids to learn how to write in cursive?

The answer to our highly scientific social media poll is an overwhelming yes! About 90% of parents responding said they do think kids should learn cursive writing. About 8% didn't care, and only 2% didn't think it was necessary anymore.

Here's what our readers said about why they think cursive writing should still be taught in schools, as well as some tips on teaching kids how to write in cursive. Stay on top of other hot parenting topics with our Mommy Poppins Parenting Guide, which includes everything from types of parenting styles to parenting tips from dads.

The Academy Museum Offers Free Workshops, Accessible Screenings, More for Kids

With family-friendly exhibitions, workshops, and screenings, the Academy Museum welcomes visitors of all ages. Photo courtesy of the Academy Museum

From catching a free movie screening to creating an animation cel to experiencing winning an Oscar, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a great spot for kids to explore the wide world of cinema.

As an LA native who grew up in an “industry” family, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has long been on my bucket list. With kid-focused exhibitions, drop-in workshops, and weekly movie screenings, the Museum Row gem welcomes visitors of all ages–and with free tickets for those under 17, a family trip is that much more appealing. Sensory-friendly hours and screenings make it especially accessible.

While there’s certainly something for everyone at the Academy Museum, some exhibitions and attractions do skew towards more grown-up cinephiles. So, read on for my rundown of the most fun and engaging family attractions and a list of tips to review before booking your tickets.

30 Great Movies That Teach Kids About Climate Change & the Environment

Arctic Tale is the story of a polar bear cub and a baby walrus surviving in the face of climate change. Photo courtesy of National Geographic Films

Climate anxiety is real! Climate change and environmental disasters have become part of the world our kids are growing up in, and a pretty scary part. One way to help kids understand both the issues and how they can actually affect change is to start a conversation in an entertaining way.

From flicks with nature themes to climate change documentaries, these environmental films will get kids thinking, talking, and interested. Grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and dive into a world of eco-friendly entertainment.

If you’re looking for even more movies to watch with your budding cinephile, why not check out our list of the 75 best movies for kids? Or, if these movies and shows inspire them to take action, check out our Earth Kids Guide, packed with ways kids can help save the planet.

Pages