After a cold and snowy Long Island winter, spring has finally arrived in a glorious burst of colorful blossoms. These are perfect days to explore some of the area's family-friendly gardens and Long Island's excellent state parks, where displays of delicate pink cherry blossoms and a host of other springtime trees and flowers are in full bloom.

A visit to any one of the beautiful gardens listed below lets your kids experience the vibrancy of the season, learn about Long Island's distinct springtime fauna and flora, and explore the wonders of nature.

Searching for more seasonal splendor? It can be as simple as taking a walk around your hometown to see what’s happening in your neighbors’ front gardens. Or pile the kids in the car and set off on a family day trip to one of the many cherry blossom-filled parks in New York City.

In the meantime, check out these Long Island locations for cherry blossoms and other sure signs of spring.

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and maintaining appropriate social distancing. If you arrive at a venue that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do.

Planting Fields Arboretum – Oyster Bay

An original Gold Coast estate, Planting Fields sits on more than 400 acres and has formal gardens, hiking trails, and specimen plantings. In addition to the cherry blossoms and other spring blooms (like azaleas and lilacs), families can check out the venue’s latest art installation, The Great Bird Blind Debate.

Hofstra University Arboretum – Hempstead

The nearly 245-acre campus was officially recognized as an arboretum in 1985. Families are welcome to walk the campus to view what’s in bloom this spring.

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When visiting the lovely blooms at the Bailey Arboretum, don't miss the majesty of Munnysunk Hollow. Photo courtesy of the arboretum

Bailey Arboretum – Lattingtown

Located on the north shore of Nassau County, this 42-acre arboretum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9am-5pm. Ponds, fields, and a nature walk inspire children to explore the great outdoors. The Arboretum hosts family-friendly Spring Pop-Ups—self-guided, themed, scavenger hunt-style activities that include a take-home craft. The admission fee is $5 per car, $2 for walk-ins, and additional fees apply for activities.

Old Westbury Gardens – Old Westbury

An abundance of blooming spring plants and trees, including four brand new cherry blossoms, attracts adults and children to this 200-acre former estate in Nassau County. The Gardens and the Café in the Woods are both recently open to visitors, which is happy news. There are special dog-friendly days when dogs on leashes are permitted. General admission to the house and gardens is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and college students, $8 for children ages 7-17. Children 6 and younger are FREE.

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Walk the Village of Greenport with masks and stay socially distant to view the lovely blooms. Photo courtesy of the Greenporter Hotel

Village of Greenport – Greenport

Visit this charming village on Long Island’s North Fork for a peek at the dozens of gorgeous cherry trees that line the streets. Pick up a map at the Greenporter Hotel or from any local shop or restaurant and your family can take the FREE self-guided tour to find and identify the different species of trees located throughout the village.

For more spring adventures, check out our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide.