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Stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the summer foods at Coney Island. Photo by Jody Mercier

Spring Day Trips in NYC

1. Coney Island

Experience Coney Island's thrills at Luna Park and Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. You can also visit the New York Aquarium to see the sharks, sea lions, and other underwater creatures. Afterward, hit the beach, stroll the boardwalk, and feast on a hot dog at Nathan's.

2. Roosevelt Island

Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram over the East River to explore Roosevelt Island and get a fresh perspective on the city. Our favorite spot is Southpoint Park and the nearby lighthouse. Take your scooter or bike and ride around the promenade, which is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season.

3. Little Island

Little Island is perhaps the city's most magical green space. Opened in 2021, this whimsical park practically floats on the Hudson River and has winding paths, stairs, tons of interesting plants, and two large grassy hills that beg to be rolled down. When you're done, explore more fun nearby including Pier 57, with its food hall and rooftop park, or Manhattan's first public beach at the Gansevoort Peninsula.

4. Snug Harbor

Take the ferry to Staten Island and visit the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. Behold all the treasures this small nook in Staten Island holds.

5. Governors Island

Hop on a ferry to Governors Island. There are tons of activities, including creative playgrounds, biking riding, and splash pads to keep the whole family entertained. Extend your visit with a glamping adventure at Collective Retreats come late April.

6. Wave Hill

Bask in the beauty of nature at Wave Hill, a bucolic public garden and cultural center. Offering family programs and events, a spring day trip to Wave Hill is a great way to enjoy a warm, sunny day.

7. Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Reaching Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a day trip for many in NYC, but well worth it: You'll find the Queens Botanical Garden, the Queens Zoo, and the Queens Museum here. Head out in late spring to romp in the spectacular play fountain at the foot of the Unisphere.

8. Pelham Bay Park

Pelham Bay Park is the largest park in NYC. It's three times the size of Central Park, and to say it has something for everyone is an understatement. Take a stroll along the Orchard Beach Promenade and behold the beauty of spring.

9. Bronx Zoo

This beloved local institution celebrates its quasquicentennial in 2024 and is well worth a visit. We've got pro tips for visiting like local and a peek at last season's new addition: the budgie-feeding experience. 

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Roam the trails at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Photo by Sara Marentette

Spring Day Trips in Westchester County

10. Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Head to the Rockefeller State Park Preserve for a hike when the stunning peonies bloom in late April or early May, or try one of these other destination hikes in Westchester.

11. Empire State Trail

Explore the spectacular 750-mile-long Empire State Trail, which is the nation’s longest multi-use trail, running from Manhattan up to the Canadian border and from Buffalo to Albany, providing a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of New York and its rich history.

12. Untermeyer Gardens

Ride bikes along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail from Van Cortlandt Park to Untermeyer Gardens in Yonkers, where you can enjoy 43 acres of New York's most beautiful landscaping.

RELATED: Easy New York State Park Hikes for Families

Enjoy a run along the breathtaking grounds of Sands Point Preserve. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Spring Day Trips on Long Island

13. Sands Point Preserve

Hike the Dinosaur Trail, or explore the rest of the grounds at the Sands Point Preserve, which also houses a castle and is near the family-friendly village of Port Washington.

14. Old Westbury Gardens

Enjoy the fragrant blooms at Old Westbury Gardens when it reopens Monday, April 1, just as the cherry blossoms begin to bloom.

15. Caumsett State Park

Pack a picnic lunch and head to Caumsett State Park, which sits on a peninsula that juts out into the Long Island Sound. Your family can enjoy miles of beautiful nature paths; it's one of our favorite state parks on Long Island.

16. Montauk

Perched at the eastern end of Long Island, Montauk is filled with things to do and makes for a relaxing day getaway. You can enjoy the sand and waves, explore the Montauk lighthouse, or take a hike through Montauk State Park. Enjoy some delicious seafood before heading back.

RELATED: Top Attractions on Long Island for Families

Catch brick fever at Legoland New York. Photo by Diana Kim

Spring Day Trips in New York State

17. Legoland New York

Legoland New York opens its doors this season Wednesday, March 27. Families can enjoy more than 50 rides, attractions, and games, including the Water Playground that debuted in 2023 and a new Minifigure Flyer, which made our list of the best new tri-state amusement park attractions in 2024.

18. Visit the Path of Totality

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure by checking out one of these Upstate New York destinations in the path of totality during the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.

19. Rhinebeck

This artsy Dutchess County Town blooms with family-friendly things to do. Spend a day exploring its main street, shop at a local farm, or enjoy the peaceful Poet's Walk Park. 

20. Olana State Historic Site

Experience the natural beauty, history, amazing art, design, and architecture at the Olana State Historic Site. It's a great destination for the whole family, offering sights and activities for kids and parents alike.

21. Bear Mountain State Park

Hit the road for Bear Mountain State Park. A go-to destination for my family every spring, this treasure trove offers beautiful hiking, an enchanting Trailside Museum, and even a sweet zoo.

22. Beacon

Head to Beacon to explore its charming, fun-packed Main Street, and visit Dia Beacon, where you can view cutting-edge, large-scale art installations.

23. Storm King

At Storm King Art Center, a stunning outdoor sculpture garden, kids can walk the grounds and hills without fear of bumping into the art. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the tables during your excursion. It reopens for the season on Wednesday, April 3.

24. Walkway Over the Hudson

Walk, bike, scoot, or blade across the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, which connects Dutchess and Ulster counties.

RELATED: 100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up

Kids can admire sculptures, like this piece from Isaac Witkin, at the Grounds for Sculpture. Photo by David Howarth

Spring Day Trips in New Jersey

25. Grounds For Sculpture

Visit New Jersey's whimsical 42-acre Grounds For Sculpture. Inquire about the family-friendly activities, like its Tots for Sculpture and Family Open Studios.

26. Palisades Interstate Park

Just across the George Washington Bridge, Palisades Interstate Park is a perfect place to head for a gorgeous guided hike. You'll find ample parking, stunning Hudson River views, and a snack bar.

27. Six Flags Great Adventure

Thrill-seekers should start planning their trip now for Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. It's celebrating its 50th anniversary season with tons of special events and new attractions.

28. American Dream

This New Jersey mega mall is just a hop, skip, and jump across the river and brings with it tons of fun things to do for families, including an amusement park, water park, and tons of shopping, fun, and attractions.

29. Atlantic City

Head Down the Shore to explore the bustling boardwalk of Atlantic City and spend some time at the Steel Pier while you're there. Find more fun Shore destinations on our list of the 70 best things to do on the Jersey Shore with kids.

Spring Day Trips in Pennsylvania

30. Hersheypark

For sweets and thrills, head to Hersheypark. Ride the Candymonium, the longest, tallest, and fastest coaster in the park, satisfy your sweet tooth at Chocolatetown, and explore the rest of the fun things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with kids.

31. Sesame Place

The ultimate amusement park for the younger set, Sesame Place offers rides, water play, activities, shows, parades, and special moments for a memorable spring day trip.

32. Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains offer a wide array of family-fun activities in all seasons, especially in the spring. Enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities. Stay at one of the many mountainside resorts or rent your own cabin, and turn your day trip into a weekend getaway.

33. Philadelphia

Take a day trip to Philly to explore its history and kid-friendly attractions.

A version of this article was first published in 2016; it has been updated.