27 Spring Staycations and Day Trips from Long Island for Families

Get off Long Island and explore Governors Island.

We've found 27 ideas for a spring day trip from Long Island, a perfect time to escape now that the weather is warming up and we have more daylight hours to work with. 

Living on Long Island, we’re lucky to have amazing parks, attractions, and quaint seaside towns for springtime day trips. We’re also lucky to be within driving or ferry distance of New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey. 

Find more inspiration in our Long Island Spring Fun Guide and our Day Trips and Getaways Guide.

33 Spring Staycations and Spring Day Trips from NYC for Families

Hop the ferry to Governors Island to explore all the island has to offer. Photo by Diana Kim

These spring day trips from the NYC metro area are the perfect antidote to winter-induced stir-craziness. Whether you're looking for a fun way to fill the spring break holiday, or your family just needs a collective getaway, having this list of 28 spring day trips from NYC at your fingertips provides plenty of daycation inspiration.

From hiking to smelling the blooms and strolling amid sculpture gardens, there is something on this list of spring day trips from the NYC metro area for everyone. Since we have a low tolerance for driving, all of these spring day trips are an easy drive from New York City. Find more seasonal inspiration in our Guide to Spring Activities and travel ideas in our Guide to Weekend Getaways.

12 Kid-Friendly Spots to See the DC Cherry Blossoms

The famous DC cherry blossoms will make the whole family smile. Photo courtesy of Wonderlane Photography, Flickr Attribution 2.0 Generic

Springtime brings one of the most iconic symbols of the season—the blooming of the famous Washington, DC cherry blossoms. Each year, more than 1.5 million visitors flock to the nation's capital to take part in the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a citywide celebration of the pink and white blooms. The festival includes lots of fun events like the Blossom Kite Festival and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival is taking place now through April 14, 2024. Due to higher than average temperatures, the trees have already reached peak bloom and are dazzling visitors of all ages. And you don't have to attend one of the festival events to enjoy them.

Here are 12 great places to see the DC cherry blossoms with your family, from the famous (and busy) Tidal Basin to some lesser-known gems. Whichever spot you choose, the blooms will be breathtaking just the same.

For more ways to keep the kiddos busy all season long, check out our Spring Fun Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC.

10 Things To Do in Brewerytown, Philadelphia with Kids

The incredibly popular multi-use Schuylkill River Trail runs from the heart of the city northeast through urban, suburban and rural areas and is part of the East Coast Greenway. Photo by Ii2nmd, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Located just a few miles outside of downtown Philadelphia, Brewerytown is a great neighborhood to explore with kids. Whether you’re looking for something to do before or after a visit to the nearby Philadelphia Museum of Art or Eastern State Penitentiary, or you want to visit someplace new, we have a whole list of suggestions for the best things to do in Philadelphia’s Brewerytown with kids.

Looking for more fun neighborhoods to explore? Check out our Visitors Guide for all the most fun activities in and around Philly!

Stunning Spring Wildflower Hikes near Los Angeles

Even in a dry year, California is bursting with gorgeous colors in the spring!

'Tis the season for wildflower hikes near Los Angeles! The quantity of blooms in Los Angeles always depends on our always-unpredictable rainy season—the wetter the winter, the more likely we'll get a stunning superbloom. However, our hills are carpeted with flowers in March and April, even in a dry year.

Several Los Angeles locations and worthy day trips are known for gorgeous annual displays of spring wildflowers. Large displays typically last two to six weeks, so you'll need to make plans quickly when word comes of a good one for spring wildflower hikes near Los Angeles. 

Don't have time to drive outside the city limits? Trek the best hiking trails in Los Angeles for families, and cross streams to find the best LA waterfall hikes. Find more for outdoor spring adventures in our hiking and camping guide for Los Angeles families

Best Things To Do With Kids (Plus the Best Hotels) in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva is known for its crystal-clear waters and offers a range of water activities. Photo by Joseph Gage, via Flickr 2.0

Lake Geneva hotels are a must when looking to spend time in this stunning destination that's a short drive from Chicago. The perfect spring break destination or weekend getaway that offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and beautiful scenery, Lake Geneva has become a popular vacation spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without hours in the car or expensive plane tickets.

Adventureland Debuts New Rides and Announces Multi-Year Expansion

The thrilling Moon Chaser spins, twists, dips, and inverts riders at heights up to 45 feet in the air.

Long Island's favorite amusement park Adventureland delivered big news ahead of its 2024 season by announcing new rides and a multi-year, multi-million dollar expansion plan.

Boasting a variety of thrill, kiddie, and water rides—plus arcade and carnival-style games, this action-packed park is an all-ages pleaser. Get a sneak peek at the plans below, and bookmark our Long Island Amusement Park and Water Park Guide for more attractions nearby.

25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More

Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

With so much to explore in New York City, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where these NYC tours come in handy. There are so many innovative ways to see the city and explore and learn about New York from expert guides. From boat tours to walking tours to historical tours and food tours, we've rounded up 25 family-friendly tours of NYC guaranteed to help you find the perfect way to discover the city’s hidden secrets and fun facts.

We've got tons more picks for enjoying New York City with kids in our Visitors Guide for Families, which includes our picks for the top attractions in NYC and 100 things to do in NYC with kids before they grow up.

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