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Spring Flowers in Bloom: Visit New York City's Gardens

4/20/10 - By Allison

Sometimes you don't need a better reason to get outside than to just enjoy the beautfiul nature that CAN be found even here in New York City. Once kids get out among the flowers, grass and trees they don't need an activity, somehow they find ways to entertain themselves. And for parents, it's a refreshing change of pace from all those kid activities to just enjoy the natural beauty of Spring's flowers in bloom.

But time is running out to catch some of the more dramatic Spring displays before they're gone for another year. Here are some of our favorite places to enjoy nature's bounty this Spring:

 

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The Brooklyn Botanic Garden's big Sakura Matsui Cherry Blossom Festival doesn't take place until the first weekend in May, but most of the trees are at their peak now.  If you want to catch them, check out the online bloom chart and map.  
 
Fans of the Highline will see a change in scenery along that elevated garden.  The free park is showing its spring colors with redbuds and miniature daffodils.  Bring your little ones and pick up a yummy lunch in the Chelsea Market before heading up to the Highline for a picnic on one of the cool benches.  The Highline is now open for its full seasonal hours from 7am to 10pm.   If you're going with a stroller, there are access elevators at 14th and 16th streets.  
 
Kids can test out their green thumbs by getting involved in your local community garden - or just visit, enjoy and say "thanks" to your neighborhood gardeners.  NYC is full of community gardens where volunteers create little green oases in any patch of dirt available. Some of them are quite impressive. Search for community gardens in your area. 
 
Here's a tip on a heavenly little garden my son and I discovered on the Upper West Side that's bursting with tulips.  The West Side Community Gardens at 89th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues in Manhattan is in full bloom.  It's such a splendid surprise that greets you as you pass by and calls you to stop, sit and enjoy for a while.   If you're in the area, this weekend is a good time to visit.  The volunteer-run garden is holding its annual Tulip Festival this Saturday and Sunday, April 24th and 25th, from 1 to 4pm.  Have your kids bring along their crayons to draw the brilliant scene or a camera to enter the garden's photo contest.  While you're there, check out the schedule for the children's theater production in the garden starting in July. This year's show is Midsummer's Nights Dream.  

The Department of Parks and Recreation makes it easy to find great spots for communiing with nature all season long. Check out their monthly online bloom chart to help you find where blossoms are blooming in city parks throughout the city. 

 
From the daffodils at the Alice Austen House on Staten Island to the wide array of blooms in Queens' Cunningham Park - let us know where YOUR family's favorite gardens and secret picnic spots are.  Comment below and share!